Assessment of developmental delay in the zebrafish embryo teratogenicity assay.

In this study we analyzed some aspects of the assessment of developmental delay in the zebrafish embryotoxicity/teratogenicity test and explored the suitability of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity as a biochemical marker and as a higher throughput alternative to morphological endpoints such as head-trunk angle, tail length and morphological score. Embryos were exposed from 4 to 52 h post-fertilization (hpf) to a selection of known embryotoxic/teratogen compounds (valproic acid, retinoic acid, caffeine, sodium salicylate, glucose, hydroxyurea, methoxyacetic acid, boric acid and paraoxon-methyl) over a concentration range. They were evaluated for AChE activity, head-trunk angle, tail length and several qualitative parameters integrated in a morphological score. In general, the different patterns of the concentration-response curves allowed distinguishing between chemicals that produced growth retardation (valproic and methoxyacetic acid) and chemicals that produced non-growth-delay related malformations. An acceptable correlation between the morphological score, AChE activity and head-trunk angle as markers of developmental delay was observed, being AChE activity particularly sensitive to detect delay in the absence of malformations.

Effects of MDMA (ecstasy) and two of its metabolites on rat embryos in vitro.

MDMA consumers are young people of childbearing age. Consequently, developmental exposure to this drug is a potential public health concern. Several studies have addressed MDMA neurotoxicity in adults; however, knowledge of the effects of MDMA on developing embryos is limited. After administration, MDMA is metabolized species specifically via two main pathways. One leads to the formation of MDA and the other to the formation of HHMA. Here we evaluated the embryotoxic effects of MDMA, and also those of MDA, a main metabolite of MDMA in rats, and HHMA, a main metabolite in humans. For this purpose, we used the whole embryo culture (WEC). Our results show a concentration-dependent embryotoxic effect of MDMA, MDA and HHMA at a concentration range of 25-50µg/ml. The embryotoxic potential of the parent compound and the two metabolites was comparable in vitro.

MDMA (ecstasy) delays pubertal development and alters sperm quality after developmental exposure in the rat.

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA or "ecstasy" is consumed mainly by young population at childbearing age. Therefore, there may be a risk of exposure of some pregnant women. The effects of the developmental exposure to MDMA on the sexual development and long-term sexual behaviour/fertility were assessed in Sprague-Dawley rats. MDMA was administered subcutaneously at 0 (control), 0.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg to female rats once a day, three consecutive days a week during 10 weeks, including gestation and lactation. The male offspring was evaluated for sexual maturation and mated with untreated sexually receptive females to evaluate the mating and pregnancy rates. Hormonal, haematological, biochemical, histological, genotoxicological and testicular and sperm parameters were also evaluated. A significant higher incidence of DNA damage in sperm and interstitial oedema in testes was found. There was also a significant and dose-related decrease in sperm count and a significant decrease in sperm motility at all doses. A significant delay in preputial separation onset in all treated groups was observed. This study reports by the first time an alteration of spermatogenesis after in utero and lactation MDMA exposure in the rat.

Disfunción tiroidea en mujeres con sospecha de fibromialgia / Thyroid dysfunction in women with suspected fibromyalgia

Fundamento y objetivo: La fibromialgia (FM), por su prevalencia, morbilidad y tasa de frecuentación, representa un problema de salud y genera un elevado consumo de recursos sanitarios. La medida de tirotropina (TSH) en el suero se recomienda como prueba complementaria de primera línea para descartar hipotiroidismo como anomalía simuladora de la enfermedad. El objetivo fue analizar, en mujeres con sospecha de FM, la prevalencia de disfunción tiroidea (DT), la frecuencia de solicitud analítica de tirotropina, el efecto del tratamiento con levotiroxina y si se justifica o no el escrutinio de DT. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal. Desde enero de 2001 a octubre de 2004 se estudió a 400 mujeres consecutivas con sospecha de FM y a 384 controles. La medida de tirotropina se usó como primera prueba para detectar DT. Resultados: La prevalencia de DT en la sospecha de FM (40/400; 10%, intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 7-13%) no difirió de la de controles (46/384; 12%, IC del 95%, 9-15%); tampoco al comparar distintos tipos y grados de DT. En la sospecha de FM, la DT fue más prevalente (p = 0,001) en portadoras (12%) que en no portadoras (5%) de enfermedad del tejido conectivo. La DT más frecuente fue el hipotiroidismo subclínico (5,5% en FM y 6,7% en controles), y en el 93% de casos nuevos la concentración de TSH fue < 10 mUI/l. La FM persistió en todas las pacientes hipotiroideas al lograrse el eutiroidismo. En 360 pacientes eutiroideas con sospecha de FM se realizaron 870 determinaciones de TSH. Conclusiones: En mujeres con sospecha de FM, la prevalencia de DT no difiere de la descrita en la población general, no parece justificarse el escrutinio de DT en no portadoras de enfermedad de riesgo y la demanda analítica es en muchos casos excesiva; el tratamiento del hipotiroidismo no influye en la FM(AU)

Background and objective: Due to its prevalence, morbidity, and frequency rate, fibromyalgia (FM) represents a health problem and produces high healthcare resource utilization. Serum thyrotropin (TSH) measurement is recommended as a first-line laboratory test to exclude hypothyroidism as a cause of FM syndrome. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction (TD), the frequency of TSH measurement, the effect of levothyroxine treatment, and whether screening for TD is justified in women with suspected FM. Patients and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed in 400 consecutive female outpatients with suspected FM and in 384 controls from January 2001 to October 2004. TSH measurement was used as the first line test to detect TD. Results: The prevalence of TD in patients with suspected FM (40/400; 10%; 95% CI: 7-13%) and controls was similar (46/384; 12%; 95% CI: 9-15%). No differences were found in the types and grades of TD. The prevalence of TD was higher in patients with suspected FM and connective tissue diseases (12%) than in those without these diseases (5%). The most frequent TD was subclinical hypothyroidism (5.5% in suspected FM and 6.7% in controls), and in 93% of these cases TSH concentrations were <10 mIU/L. FM persisted in all women with hypothyroidism even after euthyroidism was achieved with levothyroxine. A total of 870 TSH determinations were performed in 360 euthyroid patients with suspected FM. Conclusions: The prevalence of TD in women with suspected FM does not differ from that in the general population. Screening for TD does not appear to be justified in women without diseases that increase their risk. In many cases the request for thyroid function tests is excessive. Treatment for hypothyroidism does notaffect FM(AU)

[Thyroid dysfunction in women with suspected fibromyalgia]. / Disfunción tiroidea en mujeres con sospecha de fibromialgia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Due to its prevalence, morbidity, and frequency rate, fibromyalgia (FM) represents a health problem and produces high healthcare resource utilization. Serum thyrotropin (TSH) measurement is recommended as a first-line laboratory test to exclude hypothyroidism as a cause of FM syndrome. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction (TD), the frequency of TSH measurement, the effect of levothyroxine treatment, and whether screening for TD is justified in women with suspected FM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed in 400 consecutive female outpatients with suspected FM and in 384 controls from January 2001 to October 2004. TSH measurement was used as the first line test to detect TD. RESULTS: The prevalence of TD in patients with suspected FM (40/400; 10%; 95% CI: 7-13%) and controls was similar (46/384; 12%; 95% CI: 9-15%). No differences were found in the types and grades of TD. The prevalence of TD was higher in patients with suspected FM and connective tissue diseases (12%) than in those without these diseases (5%). The most frequent TD was subclinical hypothyroidism (5.5% in suspected FM and 6.7% in controls), and in 93% of these cases TSH concentrations were <10 mIU/L. FM persisted in all women with hypothyroidism even after euthyroidism was achieved with levothyroxine. A total of 870 TSH determinations were performed in 360 euthyroid patients with suspected FM. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of TD in women with suspected FM does not differ from that in the general population. Screening for TD does not appear to be justified in women without diseases that increase their risk. In many cases the request for thyroid function tests is excessive. Treatment for hypothyroidism does not affect FM.

[Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the subclavian artery in Takayasu disease: results of long-term follow-up]. / Angioplastia transluminal percutánea de arteria subclavia en la enfermedad de Takayasu: resultados a largo plazo.

Takayasu arteritis is a chronic inflammatory arteriopathy of unknown etiology affecting the aorta and proximal portion of its main branches. Although it was initially reported in young women of Oriental descent, its current worldwide distribution is known to affect both sexes. In the last decade, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) has emerged as a viable alternative in its treatment. However, the percentage of restenosis is more common in Takayasu disease than atherosclerotic lesions (21% vs 10%), probably due to diffuse inflammatory vascular involvement. Since the introduction of stent, this technique has emerged as a viable alternative to treatment of atherosclerotic stenotic lesions, although its efficacy and safety in Takayasu disease is still unclear. Herein, we report our experience in a woman with subclavian steal syndrome in whom Takayasu disease was diagnosed and treated with subclavian artery angioplasty and stent, with a good outcome during four years of follow-up.

Angioplastia transluminal percutánea de arteria subclavia en la enfermedad de Takayasu: resultados a largo plazo / Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the subclavian artery in Takayasu disease: results of long-term follow-up

La arteritis de Takayasu es una arteriopatía inflamatoria crónica idiopática que afecta preferentemente a la arteria aorta y la porción proximal de sus grandes ramas. Aunque fue descrita inicialmente en mujeres jóvenes de origen oriental, en la actualidad se conoce su distribución mundial con afectación en ambos sexos. Durante la última década la angioplastia percutánea transluminal (APT) se ha demostrado eficaz en el tratamiento de esta enfermedad. Sin embargo, la proporción de reestenosis es mayor que la observada en la patología ateroesclerótica (21 frente a 100/0) posiblemente debido a la afectación difusa arterial y al proceso inflamatorio de base 1. Desde la introducción del stent esta técnica emerge como alternativa válida en el tratamiento de las estenosis arteriales ateromatosas, aunque su eficacia y seguridad en la patología inflamatoria permanece sin aclarar. Presentamos el caso de una mujer afecta de arteritis de Takayasu con síndrome de robo de la subclavia, tratada con angioplastia y colocación de stent, con un tiempo de seguimiento de 4 años, sin recurrencias durante este período

Takayasu arteritis is a chronic inflammatory arteriopathy of unknown etiology affecting the aorta and proximal portion of its main branches. Although it was initially reported in young women of Oriental descent, its current worldwide distribution is known to affect both sexes. In the last decade, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) has emerged as a viable altemative in its treatment. However, the percentage of restenosis is more common in Takayasu disease than atherosclerotic lesions (21 % vs 10 %), probably due to diffuse inflammatory vascular involvement. Since the introduction of stent, this technique has emerged as a viable altemative to treatment of atherosclerotic stenotic lesions, although its efficacy and safety in Takayasu disease is still unclear. Herein, we report our experience in a woman with subclavian steal syndrome in whom Takayasu disease was diagnosed and treated with subclavian artery angioplasty and stent, with a good outcome during four years of follow-up

Health risks of dietary intake of environmental pollutants by elite sportsmen and sportswomen.

The dietary intake of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (PCDEs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) by elite sportsmen and sportswomen of Catalonia, Spain, was assessed. In 2000, food samples were randomly acquired in various cities of Catalonia. Analysis of the above pollutants were determined according to the appropriate analytical techniques (ICP-MS, HRGC/HRMS, HPLC). In general terms, elite sportsmen and sportswomen showed a higher intake of Cd, Hg, Pb, HCB, PCNs, PCDD/Fs and PAHs than the general population, while it was lower for PCDEs (both sexes), and PCBs and PBDEs (women). According to the FAO/WHO provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) for metals, the WHO tolerable daily intake (TDI) for HCB, and the US EPA's reference dose (RfD) for PAHs, the dietary intakes of environmental pollutants should not mean a potential toxic hazard. However, the WHO-TDI for PCDD/Fs and "dioxin-like" PCBs is exceeded in sportsmen. The current results indicate that the consumption of those food groups showing the highest contribution to the intake of these pollutants should be diminished. In relation to this, the reduction of the consumption of dairy products and cereals would be important.

Enfermedad de Behçet y síndrome mielodisplásico con trisomía 8 adquirida / Behçet's disease and myelodysplastic syndrome with acquired trisomy 8

La asociación de enfermedad de Behçet (EB) con procesos mielodisplásicos es infrecuente. Por otra parte, la presencia de la trisomía del cromosoma 8 se ha relacionado con la presencia de alteraciones gastrointestinales en la EB. Esta trisomía 8 puede también estar presente como alteración cromosómica adquirida en los procesos mielodisplásicos; sin embargo, la coexistencia de EB y de leucemia mieloide crónica con trisomía 8 descrita en este caso se trata de un hecho excepcional. (AU)

Dietary intake of hexachlorobenzene in Catalonia, Spain.

To assess the dietary intake of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) by the population of Catalonia, Spain, a total-diet study was carried out. Concentrations of HCB were determined in food samples randomly acquired in seven cities of Catalonia between June and August 2000. A total of 11 food groups were included in the study. HCB levels were determined by HRGC/HRMS. Estimates of average daily food consumption were obtained from recent studies. HCB intake was estimated for five population groups: children (aged 4 to 9 years), adolescents (aged 10 to 19 years), male and female adults (aged 20 to 65 years), and seniors (aged >65 years). In general, HCB residues in foods were rather low excepting dairy products with a mean concentration of 0.869 ng/g wet weight. Total dietary intakes of HCB (microgram per kilogram body weight/day) were the following: children (0.0064), adolescents (0.0031), female adults (0.0025), male adults (0.0024) and seniors (0.0019). All these values are considerably lower than the WHO tolerable daily intake (TDI), which is 0.17 microg kg(-1) day(-1) for non-cancer effects and 0.16 microg kg(-1) day(-1) for neoplastic effects in humans.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in foodstuffs: human exposure through the diet.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants in a variety of materials, including synthetic polymers and textiles. Although these chemicals have been detected in environmental samples and human tissues, there is little information about human exposure to PBDEs through the diet. In the present study, we determined the concentrations of PBDEs in a number of food samples acquired in Catalonia (Spain) during 2000. The dietary intake of PBDEs was estimated for the general population living in this Spanish region. The highest PBDE concentrations were found in oils and fats, fish and shellfish, meat and meat products, and eggs, while the lowest levels corresponded to fruits, vegetables, and tubers. The dietary intake of PBDEs for an adult male was 97.3 ng/day (assuming not detected (ND) = (1)/(2) limit of detection (LOD)) or 81.9 ng/day (assuming ND = 0) The greatest contribution to these values corresponded to fish and shellfish, with approximately one-third of the total intake. TetraBDEs and pentaBDEs were the homologues showing the highest percentages of contribution to the sum of total PBDEs. The comparison of the current dietary intake with the suggested lowest observed adverse effect level value of 1 mg/kg/day for the most sensitive endpoints for toxic effects of PBDEs results in a safety factor over 5 orders of magnitude in relation to PBDE exposure from food.

Concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead in common foods and estimated daily intake by children, adolescents, adults, and seniors of Catalonia, Spain.

This study was designed to estimate the dietary intake of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) by the general population of Catalonia, Spain. The concentrations of these elements were determined in food samples randomly acquired in seven cities of Catalonia between June and August 2000. A total of 11 food groups were included in the study. As, Cd, Hg, and Pb levels were measured by ICP-MS and AAS. The dietary intake of these elements was determined by a total diet study. Calculations were carried out on the basis of recent data on the consumption of the selected food items. Trace element intake was estimated for five population groups: children, adolescents, male and female adults, and seniors. The highest dietary intakes of As (223.6 microg/day), Cd (15.7 microg/day), Hg (21.2 microg/day), and Pb (28.4 microg/day) corresponded to male adults. For all analyzed elements, fish and shellfish was the group showing the highest contribution to the respective intakes. In comparison with previous results, a general decrease in As, Cd, Hg, and Pb intake has occurred. The dietary intake of these elements was also compared with the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI). Dietary intakes of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb by the population of Catalonia are currently well below the respective PTWIs.

PCDD/F levels in the neighbourhood of a municipal solid waste incinerator after introduction of technical improvements in the facility.

In 1998 and 1999, the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were determined in soil and herbage samples collected in the vicinity of an old municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) (S. Adrià del Besòs, Barcelona, Spain). Just after the 1999 collection, an adaptation to the EU legislation on pollutant emissions from the stack was carried out in this facility. The purpose of the present study was to determine the current concentrations of PCDD/Fs in soil and herbage samples collected in the neighbourhood of the MSWI and to compare these concentrations with those obtained in the 1998 and 1999 surveys. During the period 1998-1999, an increase of 31% (P>.05) was found in the median PCDD/F levels in soils, while a reduction of 40% (P>.05) was observed in the period 1999-2000. Similarly, in the period 1998-1999 an increase of 41% (P>.05) was found in the levels of PCDD/Fs in vegetation, while a 30% decrease (P<.05) was seen in the period 1999-2000. Although after introduction of the technical improvements in the MSWI a notable reduction in the levels of PCDD/Fs in soil and vegetation has been noted, the median decreases have not been as great as it could be expected according to the very pronounced reductions in PCDD/F emissions from the stack. It indicates that other emission sources of PCDD/Fs also have a notable impact on the area under direct influence of the MSWI.

Spatial distribution and temporal variation of metals in the vicinity of a municipal solid waste incinerator after a modernization of the flue gas cleaning systems of the facility.

In June 1994 and 1997, the concentrations of a number of elements were determined in soil and herbage samples collected in the vicinity of a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) (Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain). In August 1997, an adaptation to the EU legislation on pollutant emissions from the stack was carried out to the incinerator. In June 1999, soil and herbage samples were collected again at the same sampling points and the levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni) and vanadium (V) were measured by ICP-MS or AAS with graphite furnace. The results are compared with those obtained in the 1994 and 1997 surveys. In the period 1997-1999, the only significant changes in soil levels corresponded to Cd and Pb, with decreases of 21.0% and 53.5%, respectively. In vegetation, only Mn levels showed a significant reduction, which contrasts with the notable increases found in the concentrations of As, Hg and Ni. According to the results of this survey, it seems evident that other metal emission sources in the same area of study are masking the environmental improvements carried out in the MSWI.

Group B Streptococcal sacroiliitis: case report and review.

Streptococcus agalactiae, or group B Streptococcus (GBS), is the major cause of neonatal meningitis and sepsis but is an uncommon infection in adults. GBS arthritis is rare, and axial involvement with sacroiliitis is even more uncommon. Microbiological diagnosis frequently relies upon positive blood cultures as synovial fluid cultures are usually negative. Severe joint damage may result due to delay in the initiation of antibiotic treatment.

PCDD/F concentrations in soil and vegetation in the vicinity of a municipal waste incinerator after a pronounced decrease in the emissions of PCDD/Fs from the facility.

Emission of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) by municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWI) is an issue of great concern. In 1997, an adaptation to the EU legislation on pollutant emissions from the stack was carried out in an MSWI from Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain). As a result, PCDD/F emissions were significantly reduced. The aim of this study was to determine the current levels of PCDD/Fs in soil and vegetation samples collected near the facility and to compare these levels with those obtained in previous surveys (1996 and 1997). In the period 1997-1999, PCDD/F concentrations in vegetation samples were significantly decreased (60%). By contrast, the levels of PCDD/Fs in soil samples increased slightly (14%, P > 0.05) during the same period. An exhaustive analysis of the present data indicates that other emission sources of PCDD/Fs have also a notable environmental impact on the area under direct influence of the MSWI.

Evaluating the environmental impact of an old municipal waste incinerator: PCDD/F levels in soil and vegetation samples.

In order to determine the temporal variation in the levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in the vicinity of an old municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) (S. Adrià del Besòs, Barcelona, Spain), 24 soil and vegetation samples were collected at the same sampling points in which samples had been taken 1 year before. Each sample was analyzed for PCDDs and PCDFs by high-resolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry. While in the previous study PCDD/F concentrations in soil ranged from 1.22 to 34. 28 ng I-TEQ/kg (median and mean values: 9.06 and 12.24 ng I-TEQ/kg), in the present study, PCDD/F levels ranged from 1.33 to 54.23 ng I-TEQ/kg (median and mean values: 11.85 and 14.41 ng I-TEQ/kg). On the other hand, in the previous study, PCDD/F levels in vegetation ranged from 0.33 to 1.98 ng I-TEQ/kg (median and mean values: 0.58 and 0.70 ng I-TEQ/kg), whereas in the present study, PCDD/F levels ranged from 0.32 to 2.52 ng I-TEQ/kg (median and mean values: 0.82 and 0.97 ng I-TEQ/kg). During the last 12 months, PCDD/F levels increased in 16 of the 24 soil samples and in 17 of the 24 vegetation samples analyzed. However, no significant differences in the median I-TEQ concentrations of both studies were found either in soil or vegetation samples.

Atmospheric deposition of PCDD/Fs near an old municipal solid waste incinerator: levels in soil and vegetation.

The levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) were determined in soil and vegetation samples taken from 24 sites in the vicinity of an old municipal solid waste incinerator (San Adrià del Besòs, Barcelona, Spain). Duplicate samples were collected within a radius of 3 km from the stack. PCDD/F concentrations in soils ranged from 1.22 to 34.28 ng I-TEQ/kg (d.m.) with median and mean values of 9.06 and 12.24 ng I-TEQ/kg, respectively. In turn, the levels of PCDD/Fs in vegetation samples ranged from 0.33 to 1.98 ng I-TEQ/kg (d.m.), with median and mean values of 0.58 and 0.70 ng I-TEQ/kg, respectively. Although the present PCDD/F concentrations in soil samples were higher than those recently found in soils taken near other incinerators from Catalonia, they are of the same order of magnitude than the levels of these pollutants found in incinerators from other countries. By contrast, the concentrations of PCDD/Fs in herbage samples were comparable to those found in recent surveys carried out in Catalonia.

Simultaneous presence of C-ANCA and P-ANCA in a patient with concurrent Churg-Strauss syndrome and giant cell temporal arteritis.

We herein describe the case of a 77-year-old woman, who presented clinical and histopathological evidence of giant cell arteritis (GCA) involving the temporal artery, together with a Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS). Our patient presented positive anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), with cytoplasmic staining pattern (C-ANCA) that was specific against proteinase 3 (PR3), and also a perinuclear pattern (P-ANCA) with specificity against myeloperoxidase (MPO). To our knowledge, the simultaneous presence in the same patient of both types of antibodies has not been previously reported.