Resultados maternos y fetales en pacientes con preeclampsia severa e hipotiroidismo primario. Estudio de casos y controles / Maternal and perinatal outcomes in patients with severe preeclampsia and primary hypothyroidism. Case and control study

Introducción: El hipotiroidismo primario tiene efectos adversos maternos y fetales que en el escenario de la preeclampsia severa (PS) su impacto sobre el binomio puede ser mayor. Objetivo: Comparar los resultados maternos y fetales en pacientes con PS e hipotiroidismo primario. Material y métodos: Se trató de un estudio de casos y controles en 58 pacientes embarazadas con PS admitidas en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de una Unidad de Alta Especialidad de la Ciudad de México atendidas de enero del año 2018 a diciembre del 2021. El grupo de casos se formó con 29 pacientes con hipotiroidismo primario pregestacional y el grupo de controles con 29 enfermas pareadas por la edad con función tiroidea pregestacional normal. Se compararon sus datos generales y los resultados maternos y fetales. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva, prueba chi cuadrada y la prueba «t» de Student con el programa SPSS versión 20. Fue significativo el valor p<0,05. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias en la edad (p=0,8292), paridad (p=1), presión arterial sistólica (p=0,7229) y diastólica (p=0,5498), operación cesárea (p=0,812), hemorragia intraparto (p=0,3558), técnica anestésica (p=0,5786), complicaciones obstétricas, estancia en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (p=0,6181) y mortalidad. No hubo diferencias en los productos: embarazo único (p=0,912), edad gestacional (p=0,8901), peso (p=0,3338), calificación de Apgar minuto uno y cinco, prematuridad (p=0,8701), cuidados intensivos (p=0.0623), mortalidad in útero (n=4 vs n=4) y mortalidad al nacimiento (n=2 vs n=0). Conclusiones: Los resultados maternos y fetales fueron similares. Los casos con descontrol tiroideo no mostraron efectos clínicos adversos.(AU)

Introduction: Primary hypothyroidism has adverse effects on maternal and fetal outcomes. In the scenario of severe preeclampsia (SP), the impact on the binomial may be greater. Objective: To compare maternal and fetal outcomes in patients with SP and primary hypothyroidism. Material and methods: This was a case-control study in 58 pregnant patients with SP admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of a High Specialty Unit in Mexico City attended from January 2018 to December 2021. The case group was formed with 29 patients with pre-pregnancy primary hypothyroidism and the control group with 29 age-matched patients with normal pre-pregnancy thyroid function. Their overall data and maternal and fetal outcomes were compared. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and Student's t-test with the SPSS version 20 programme were used. A p-value<0.05 was significant. Results: No differences were found in age (p=.8292), parity (p=1), systolic (p=.7229) and diastolic (p=.5498) blood pressure, caesarean section (p=.812), intrapartum haemorrhage (p=.812), p=.3558), anaesthetic technique (p=.5786), obstetric complications, Intensive Care Unit stay (p=.6181), and mortality. There were no differences in the products: singleton pregnancy (p=.912), gestational age (p=.8901), weight (p=.3338), Apgar score minute one and five, prematurity (p=.8701), intensive care (p=.0623), in utero mortality (n=4 vs n=4), and mortality at birth (n=2 vs n=0). Conclusions: Maternal and fetal outcomes were similar. The cases with uncontrolled thyroid did not show adverse clinical effects.(AU)

KI effects on corrosion inhibition for 1018 steel in acid media using Medicago sativa.

Medicago sativa (M. sativa) extract is a safe and eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor of 1018 steel in acid media. The inhibitor reached a maximum efficiency of 85% by using 500 ppm. In this work, we study the use of KI as an add-on to increase the inhibition efficiency of M. sativa, as well as making the natural inhibitor competitive with the commercial ones. We evaluated the effect of halide ions through the variation of different concentrations of KI and its synergy with the extract of M. sativa as a corrosion inhibitor of carbon steel in 0.5 M sulfuric acid and at different temperatures. The results were obtained through electrochemical techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) curves, and weight loss gravimetric technique. It was found that halide ions increase the inhibition efficiency of M. sativa from 85 to 95% when 5 mM concentration of KI was used. The efficiency of the inhibition increases proportionally with the immersion time but reduces when the temperature increases. The addition of iodide ions (I-) revealed that it exerts a synergistic effect on the inhibition of corrosion with the extract of M. sativa. However, when studying the metal surface using a scanning electron microscope, pitting corrosion was found.

Experimental and Theoretical Studies of α-Linolenic Acid as Green Corrosion Inhibitor for Carbon Steel in 0.5 M Sulfuric Acid.

A component of Salvia hispanica, α-linolenic acid, has been evaluated as a green corrosion inhibitor for 1018 carbon steel in 0.5 M sulfuric acid using weight loss tests, potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. Theoretical calculations using Density Functional Theory (DFT) were used also. The results have shown that this compound is a good corrosion inhibitor, with an efficiency which increased with an increase in its concentration up to 600 ppm, but it decreased with a further increase in the concentration. α-linolenic acid formed protective corrosion products layer because it was chemically adsorbed onto the steel surface according to a Langmuir type of adsorption isotherms. Polarization curves have shown that α-linolenic acid is a good, mixed type of inhibitor with a predominant effect on the cathodic hydrogen evolution reactions. EIS measurements indicated a charge transfer-controlled corrosion process. DFT calculations indicated that α-linolenic acid was more efficient in an acidic environment than in a neutral one because has a high tendency to donate electrons and can be easily protonated. In addition to this, it had the highest EHUMO value, the best chemical reactivity, the greatest tendency to transfer electrons and a greater facility of modifying its electronic configuration in the presence of carbon steel specimens according to its chemical hardness value.

Enfermedades tiroideas y embarazo en una unidad de cuidados intensivos. Experiencia 2014-2019 / Thyroid disease and pregnancy in an intensive care unit. Experience 2014-2019

Introducción: Las mujeres con enfermedad tiroidea y embarazo tienen alto riesgo de complicaciones graves. Los cuidados intensivos pueden mejorar los resultados. Objetivo: Conocer los resultados maternos y perinatales en pacientes con enfermedades tiroideas manejadas en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). Material y métodos: Estudio transversal en 50 mujeres con enfermedades tiroideas y embarazo admitidas en la UCI entre los años 2014 y 2019. Se consultaron los expedientes clínicos para conocer sus características generales y los resultados maternos y perinatales. Análisis estadístico: estadística descriptiva, prueba t de Student. Resultados: Se identificaron dos grupos, pacientes con hipotiroidismo 66% (n=33) y con hipertiroidismo 34% (n=17). Cuando fueron admitidas a la UCI, el 33,33% (11 casos) tenían hipotiroidismo descontrolado y el 76,47% (13 casos) hipertiroidismo descontrolado, incluyendo un caso de tirotoxicosis. Las causas de admisión en el grupo con hipotiroidismo fueron preeclampsia (32%), tiroideopatía descontrolada (10%) e hipertensión crónica (8%), y en el grupo con hipertiroidismo fueron preeclampsia (10%), tiroideopatía descontrolada (10%) e hipertensión crónica (2%). Se encontraron diferencias en la edad gestacional (hipotiroidismo 31,07±7,47 vs. hipertiroidismo 24,52±9,42 semanas, p=0,015) y en el tiempo de la admisión al hospital hasta la interrupción gestacional (hipotiroidismo 2,30±1,45 vs. hipertiroidismo 12,97±3,39 días, p=0,033). Los recién nacidos hijos de pacientes con hipertiroidismo tuvieron edad gestacional más corta (p=0,015), bajo peso al nacer (p=0,011), elevada frecuencia de prematurez (30,76%), necesidad de cuidados intensivos (11,54%) y mayor mortalidad al nacimiento (11,54%). Conclusiones: Los resultados maternos y perinatales de las pacientes hipotiroideas fueron satisfactorios, no así en las enfermas con hipertiroidismo.(AU)

Introduction: Pregnant women with thyroid diseases have a high risk of severe complications. Intensive care may improve results. Objective: To determine maternal and perinatal outcomes in patients with thyroid diseases managed in the intensive care unit (ICU). Material and methods: Cross-sectional study in 50 pregnant women with thyroid diseases admitted into the ICU between the years 2014 and 2019. Clinical files were consulted for general characteristics, as well as maternal and perinatal outcomes. Statistical analysis: descriptive analysis, Student t test. Results: Two groups were identified: patients with hypothyroidism 66% (n=33) and with hyperthyroidism 34% (n=17). When admitted to ICU, 33.33% (11 cases) had uncontrolled hypothyroidism and 76.47% (13 cases) uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, including one case of thyrotoxicosis. The reasons for admission in the group with hypothyroidism were preeclampsia (32%), uncontrolled thyroid disease (10%), and chronic hypertension (8%). In the group with hyperthyroidism, it was preeclampsia (10%), uncontrolled thyroid disease (10%), and chronic hypertension (2%). Differences were found in gestational age (hypothyroidism 31.07±7.47 vs hyperthyroidism 24.52±9.42 weeks, P=.015), and in the time of hospital admission until termination of pregnancy (hypothyroidism 2.30±1.45 vs hyperthyroidism 12.97±3.39 days, P=.033). The children of patients with hyperthyroidism had lower gestational age (P=.015), lower birth weight (P=.011), higher frequency of prematurity (30.76%), need for intensive care (11.54%), and higher birth mortality (11.54%). Conclusions: Maternal and perinatal outcomes of patients with hypothyroidism were satisfactory, but not so in those with hyperthyroidism.(AU)

Use of a Gemini-Surfactant Synthesized from the Mango Seed Oil as a CO2-Corrosion Inhibitor for X-120 Steel.

A gemini surfactant imidazoline type, namely N-(3-(2-fatty-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl) propyl) fatty amide, has been obtained from the fatty acids contained in the mango seed and used as a CO2 corrosion inhibitor for API X-120 pipeline steel. Employed techniques involved potentiodynamic polarization curves, linear polarization resistance, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. These tests were supported by detailed scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy studies. It was found that obtained gemini surfactant greatly decreases the steel corrosion rate by retarding both anodic and cathodic electrochemical reactions, with an efficiency that increases with an increase in its concentration. Gemini surfactant inhibits the corrosion of steel by the adsorption mechanism, and it is adsorbed on to the steel surface according to a Langmuir model in a chemical type of adsorption. SEM and Raman results shown the presence of the inhibitor on the steel surface.

Rare Earth-Based Compounds as Inhibitors of Hot-Corrosion Induced by Vanadium Salts.

In this study, the performance evaluation of lanthanum compounds as corrosion inhibitors of vanadium salts was performed. The inhibitors tested were lanthanum acetate and La2O3. The performance of the inhibitors was tested using sodium metavanadate (NaVO3) as a corrosive medium at 700, 800, and 900 °C. The corrosion inhibitory effect was evaluated on the corrosion process of 304H stainless steel. The corrosion rate of the steel was determined by the mass loss technique after 100 h of immersion in the corrosive salt with and without the addition of the corrosion inhibitor. The results show that lanthanum compounds act as corrosion inhibitors of vanadium salts. The inhibitory effect increases by increasing the concentration and tends to decrease when increasing the test temperature. Lanthanum compounds act as excellent corrosion inhibitors due to their ability to stabilize vanadium cations. Vanadium is stabilized by forming a new compound, lanthanum vanadate (LaVO4), with a melting point much higher than the compounds formed when Mg or Ni compounds are used as corrosion inhibitors.

[Maternal complications in preeclamptic patients with hyperuricemia managed in Intensive Care Unit]. / Complicaciones maternas en pacientes con preeclampsia e hiperuricemia tratadas en la unidad de cuidados intensivos.

BACKGROUND: Hyperuricemia is a factor related to a higher frequency of complications in patients with preeclampsia. OBJECTIVES: To determine maternal complications in preeclamptic patients with hyperuricemia managed in the intensive care unit of a high-specialty hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Clinical files of 127 preeclamptic patients with criteria of severe disease were reviewed. Maternal complications were studied only in patients with hyperuricemia defined as a serum uric acid (UA) level > 4 mg/dL upon admission. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: Frequency of patients with hyperuricemia was 88.1% (112 cases). Median value of UA was 6.6 ± 1.5 mg/dL (range 4.6-12.4), maternal age 28.1 ± 5.98 years, parity 2 and gestational age 32.9 ± 3.7 weeks. Cesarean section was performed in 98.21%. Frequency of maternal complications was 50% (56 cases): HELLP syndrome 40.1% (45 cases), acute renal injury 6.2% (7 cases), abruptio placentae 1 .7% (2 cases), hemorrhage due to uterine atony 0.8% (1 case) and acute pulmonary edema 0.8% (1 case). There were no cases of multiorgan failure syndrome and maternal mortality was 0%. None of the patients experienced worsening of their condition. CONCLUSIONS: There was an elevated frequency of patients with hyperuricemia and maternal complications. Reported complications were different from those reported in previous studies. All patients were successfully intervened with the administered medical treatment and may be a reflection of the beneficial effect of intensive care treatment.

[Frequency and maternal complications of the criteria of hemolysis in preeclamptic patients with HELLP syndrome treated in an intensive care unit]. / Frecuencia y complicaciones maternas de los criterios de hemólisis en pacientes con preeclampsia y síndrome de HELLP tratadas en una unidad de cuidados intensivos.

BACKGROUND: HELLP syndrome is an aggressive form of preeclampsia related with hemolysis and its complications. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of the appearance of criteria of hemolysis and maternal complications in preeclamptic patients with HELLP syndrome treated in an intensive care unit. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study in 50 preeclamptic women with HELLP syndrome admitted to intensive care unit to determine the presence of the following criteria of hemolysis: peripheral blood schistocytes, anemia (hemoglobin ≤ 10 g/dL), lactate dehydrogenase ≥ 600 U/L, indirect bilirubin ≥ 0.6 mg/dL and hemoglobinuria. We also studied maternal complications in patients with lactate dehydrogenase ≥ 600 U/L and positive for schistocytes. Descriptive (mean, median, range, standard deviation) and inferential (Student t test) statistics were used. RESULTS: Lactate dehydrogenase ≥ 600 U/L was found in 36%, indirect bilirubin 0.6 mg/dL in 20%, positive schistocytes in 16%, hemoglobinuria in 4% and anemia in 0%. Patients with lactate dehydrogenase ≥ 600 U/L had more clinical and laboratory deterioration as well as prolonged intensive care unit stay (p = 0.0025). Patients positive for schistocytes did not demonstrate adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Biochemical criteria of hemolysis were more frequent than schistocytes, hemoglobinuria and anemia. Patients with lactate dehydrogenase ≥ 600 U/L was alterations more serious than patients with positive schistocytes so its usefulness as a biomarker may be higher.

Relationships between polychlorinated biphenyls in molluscs, hydrological characteristics and human pressures, within Basque estuaries (northern Spain).

Interannual variability of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), measured in the soft tissues of Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels and Crassostrea gigas oysters, collected from estuarine waters within the Basque Country (Bay of Biscay), are investigated. Samples were collected in the autumn, between 2002 and 2011. Sites located within the ports of Bilbao and Pasaia showed the highest PCBs concentrations in molluscs; the lowest were observed in the mouth of the Oka estuary, an area of low population and industrial activity. Congener profiles of PCBs in the tissues of molluscs reveal the predominance of hexachlorobiphenyls (CB153 and CB138). In addition, redundancy analysis has shown that residence time, river flow and a 'pressure index' explain 57% of the variability in the PCB congener concentrations (the higher the values of these variables, the higher the concentration). Finally, Σ7PCB median concentrations in molluscs and sediments, collected from nearby sampling sites, were found to be moderately correlated (r(2)=0.513, p<0.01).

Vertical splitting of the mandibular body as an alternative to inferior alveolar nerve lateralization.

The aim of this study was to present and evaluate a modified technique to inferior alveolar nerve lateralization (IANL) that allows the placement of longer implants in the posterior mandibular region. One hundred and forty-three consecutive patients were enrolled in this study; these patients had between 1.8 and 8mm residual crestal height above the mandibular canal. Vertical splitting of the mandibular body was performed using piezoelectric surgery followed by bone expansion and insertion of special conical implants of 10 and/or 12mm in length. Two hundred and sixty-nine osteotomies were performed and 636 implants were inserted, with a survival rate of 99% at the end of 12 months. Immediately postoperative there was an alteration of sensation in the lip/chin area in 8.5% of cases; 4.1% regained full sensation within 10-14 days, 2.6% after 8 weeks, and 0.7% had persistent paresthesia that did not affect their daily activities. Progressively increasing pain and numbness was present in 1.1%; the implants were removed 6 months postoperatively. This is a relatively simple procedure that has no limitations in clinical situations with minimal bone height. It allows for greater implant stability, and the risk of neurological disturbance is minimal.

Biomonitoring of metals under the water framework directive: detecting temporal trends and abrupt changes, in relation to the removal of pollution sources.

Temporal trends in metal concentrations, i.e. Ag, Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn, measured in soft tissues of Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels and Crassostrea gigas oysters collected from estuarine waters within the Basque Country (Bay of Biscay), have been investigated to determine if actions undertaken have improved the environmental quality of rivers and estuaries. Data compiled between 1990 and 2010 have been analysed statistically, applying the Mann-Kendall and the Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon tests. Moreover, in those cases with significant trends, the Kolmogorov-Zurbenko Adaptive (KZA) filter was applied to detect abrupt changes. Results showed significant decreasing trends for some metals, i.e. Ni, Cu, Pb and Zn, and differences between medians. Trend lines showed abrupt changes occurring between 1998 and 2002. Therefore, observed downward trends were related to increased wastewater treatment and diversions of discharges to ocean, implemented mainly during 2000-2002.

Dissolved metal background levels in marine waters, for the assessment of the physico-chemical status, within the European Water Framework Directive.

The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) has, as its ultimate aim, a reduction in the concentrations of hazardous substances in the marine environment, i.e. 'background' values. Hence, the determination of natural background levels of heavy metals, to distinguish between natural element concentrations and anthropogenically-influenced concentrations, is highly relevant. Some studies have shown the convenience in the derivation of local background levels, especially if they are necessary for environmental assessment. Nevertheless, although such studies exist for sediments, there are only a few previous investigations on metal background values in sea water. Likewise, there is not any standard procedure to determine such levels in waters, nor general agreement on the statistical methodologies to be applied. In this contribution, background levels of heavy metals (As, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn), in estuarine and coastal waters within the Basque Country (northern Spain), according to ranges in salinity, are estimated using statistical tools. Ni and Pb have been considered elsewhere (2455/2001/EC) as priority substances under the WFD. Hence, this approach can assist further in the determination of water reference conditions, to assess chemical and physico-chemical status in other European countries; this, affects, ultimately, the ecological status, as defined within the WFD.

[Maxillary sinus metastasis of renal cell carcinoma]. / Adenocarcinoma renal metastásico en seno maxilar.

Paranasal sinuses and nose metastasis are very uncommon tumors, about 50 have been reported. Renal cell carcinoma is the primary neoplasm which most frequently metastasizes in the nasosinusal region, followed by breast and lung. Symptoms are unspecific, but the epistaxis constitutes the most common sign due to the significant vascularizations of the tumor. Prognosis is poor. The survival rate fluctuates between 15-30% at 5 years. Surgery is the elective treatment.

Maximum likelihood mixture estimation to determine metal background values in estuarine and coastal sediments within the European Water Framework Directive.

Some of the recently derived European Directives, such as the Water Framework and Marine Strategy, have, as ultimate aims, to achieve concentrations of hazardous substances in the marine environment near background values. Hence, the determination of natural background levels, in marine sediments, is highly relevant. The present study proposes the use of the maximum likelihood mixture estimation (MLME) to determine regional background levels and upper threshold of metal concentration, with the Basque Country as a case study (with a data set of 575 samples, from estuarine and littoral areas, including both intertidal and subtidal sediments). The heuristic procedure is applied with unimodal data distributions (Cd, Cr, Fe and Ni) and the mixture density estimations, based upon maximum likelihood, are carried out with polypopulational data distributions (As, Cu, Mn, Hg, Pb and Zn). The upper limits of the distribution are proposed, as the limits between 'High Status' and 'Good Status' (according to the Water Framework Directive terminology). The regional upper limits were 0.45 microg g(-1) for Cd, 71 microg g(-1) for Cr, 53,542 microg g(-1) for Fe, 57 microg g(-1) for Ni, 24 microg g(-1) for As, 64 microg g(-1) for Cu, 447 microg g(-1) for Mn, 0.27 microg g(-1) for Hg, 66 microg g(-1) for Pb, and 248 microg g(-1) for Zn. The results from this study can assist further in the determination of sediment reference conditions, to assess chemical status, within the above-mentioned directives; likewise, it will be studied as a useful methodology in determining regional metal backgrounds in other European countries.

Chemoprevention of colon cancer by a glutathione conjugate of 1,4-phenylenebis(methylene)selenocyanate, a novel organoselenium compound with low toxicity.

We have consistently shown that several synthetic Organoselenium compounds are superior cancer chemopreventive agents and less toxic than selenite or certain naturally occurring selenoamino acids. 1,4-Phenylenebis(methylene)selenocyanate (p-XSC) is the lead Organoselenium compound in that it has been shown to be the most effective and the least toxic agent in several experimental cancer models. It is not known whether p-XSC or one of its metabolites is responsible for its chemopreventive efficacy. As an initial step, we synthesized one of its putative metabolites, i.e., the glutathione conjugate of p-XSC (p-XSe-SG), and determined its stability in the pH range from 2 to 8 and in the diet under normal feeding conditions. We also assessed its maximum tolerated dose and examined its chemopreventive efficacy against azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon carcinogenesis in male F344 rats. p-XSe-SG proved to be very stable over the pH range tested. The maximum tolerated dose of p-XSe-SG determined in a 6-week subchronic toxicity study was found to be >210 ppm (>40 ppm selenium) when the compound was added to AIN-76A high-fat diet. To assess the efficacy of this agent in the postinitiation period of colon carcinogenesis, male F344 rats 6 weeks of age were fed the high-fat diet, and at beginning of weeks 7 and 8, all of the rats intended for carcinogen treatment were given AOM at a dose of 15 mg/kg body weight by s.c. injection. Two days after the carcinogen treatment, the groups of rats consuming the high-fat control diet began their respective high-fat experimental diet regimens with 0, 56, or 84 ppm p-XSe-SG (0.1, 10, and 15 ppm of selenium) supplementation. All animals continued on their respective diets for 38 weeks after the AOM-treatment and were then killed. Colon tumors were evaluated histologically using routine procedures and were also analyzed for cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 expression and enzymatic activities. The results indicate that p-XSeSG administered during the post-initiation stage significantly inhibited both the incidence (P < 0.05-0.01) and the multiplicity (P < 0.05-0.005) of AOM-induced colon adenocarcinomas. This agent also greatly suppressed the multiplicity (P < 0.01-0.001) of AOM-induced exophytic adenocarcinomas in a dose-dependent manner. Feeding of 56 or 84 ppm p-XSe-SG in the diet significantly suppressed total COX activity (P < 0.02 to -0.01) and COX-2 specific activity (P < 0.005-0.0005) but had minimal effect on the protein expression levels of COX-1 and COX-2. These results suggest that the newly developed synthetic Organoselenium compound, p-XSe-SG, is stable in the diet and at wide pH ranges, inhibits colon carcinogenesis when administered during the postinitiation stage, and inhibits COX activity. Compared with previous efficacy studies and considering the toxicity associated with selenium, p-XSe-SG seems to be the least toxic Organoselenium chemopreventive agent thus far tested in the experimental colon carcinogenesis. Studies are in progress to delineate whether p-XSe-SG is also effective when administered during the progression stage of colon carcinogenesis.

[Hypersensitivity pneumonitis in Mexico City]. / Neumonitis por hipersensibilidad en la ciudad de México.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between the urban area of origin of patients and the prevalence of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), induced by avian antigens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted in 1999 at the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (NIRD). Cases were 109 consecutive HP patients and controls were 184 patients: 39 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), 63 with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), and 82 with asthma. Mexico City and surrounding counties (SC) were divided into 5 geographical areas: 1) Downtown; 2) North-East (NE); 3) South-East (SE); 4) North-West (NW) and 5) South-West (SW). Statistical analysis consisted of calculation of disease prevalence by urban area; associations were assessed with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Multivariate analysis with multiple logistic regression was performed to adjust for age, gender and socioeconomic level. RESULTS: Eighty HP cases were located in the NE southernmost and SE northernmost areas of Mexico City (48 and 32, respectively) (OR = 3.86; 95% CI 2.17-6.96). Thirty-six controls with asthma came from the SW area, (where NIRD is located) (p < 0.05), and four from SC. Controls with PTB and IPF were scattered throughout the study area. CONCLUSIONS: The NE southernmost and SE northernmost areas were associated with HP. The cause of HP may not be geographical; a garbage dump used to be located in this area, suggesting that exposure to organic particles might contribute to the development of HP in susceptible individuals.

Chemoprevention of familial adenomatous polyposis development in the APC(min) mouse model by 1,4-phenylene bis(methylene)selenocyanate.

Epidemiological and experimental studies have suggested that dietary supplementation with selenium can inhibit the development of cancers at several organ sites. We have consistently shown that 1, 4-phenylene bis(methylene) selenocyanate (p-XSC) is a highly effective cancer chemopreventive agent against the development of chemically induced cancers in several laboratory animal species. This is the first report describing the preventive effects of p-XSC in an animal model of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) containing a germline mutation of the APC gene. Six-week old male (heterozygous) C57BL/6J-APC(min) or wild-type mice were fed high fat diets containing 0, 10 or 20 p.p.m. p-XSC. After 80 days, the mice were killed and their intestines were excised and evaluated for polyps. Multiple samples were also harvested from normal appearing small intestine and colon for molecular analysis. Both the mucosa and polyps from the intestine and colon were assayed for beta-catenin, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression and COX isoform activities. Administration of p-XSC in the diet significantly decreased the rate of formation of small intestinal tumors (P < 0. 0001) and colon tumors (P < 0.002) in APC(min) mice. p-XSC produced a dose-dependent inhibition of tumors in both small intestine (P < 0. 0001) and colon (P < 0.035). Mice fed 20 p.p.m. p-XSC had significantly lower levels of beta-catenin expression and COX-2 activity in polyps. These observations demonstrate for the first time that the synthetic organoselenium compound p-XSC possesses antitumor activity against genetically predisposed neoplastic lesions, such as FAP. While the exact mechanism(s) for this antitumor activity of p-XSC remains to be elucidated, it appears that modulation of beta-catenin expression and COX-2 activity is associated with inhibition of intestinal polyps.

Human skin fibroblasts express m2, m4, and m5 subtypes of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.

Previous studies have demonstrated that muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are expressed by human skin fibroblasts (HSF). We have identified the molecular subtypes of these receptors by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), using m1-m5 subtype-specific primers. These experiments showed that only mRNAs for m2, m4, and m5 mAChR subtypes are present in HSF. The RT-PCR products were characterized by restriction analysis and Southern blotting. Northern blot analysis showed the presence of m2 and m4 mAChR RNA. Rabbit antibodies were raised using a synthetic peptide as immunogen corresponding to the C-terminus of the m2 protein and were used to visualize fibroblast mAChRs. Cell membranes of HSF in cell culture and specimens of normal human skin had a unique staining pattern specific for anti-m2 antibody, as well as for antibodies against m4 and m5. In Western blots of fibroblast proteins, the antibodies visualized the m2 receptor at 65 kDa, m4 at 70 kDa, and m5 at 95 kDa. The function of fibroblast mAChRs was examined by measuring muscarinic effects on intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). Muscarine increased transiently [Ca2+]i in cultured HSF. This effect could be abolished by the muscarinic antagonist atropine. Thus, the results of this study showed that HSF express m2, m4, and m5 mAChR subtypes, and that fibroblast mAChRs are coupled to the regulation of [Ca2+]i.