Air Pollution's Impact on Cardiac Remodeling in an Experimental Model of Chagas Cardiomyopathy.

Background: Chagas disease is characterized by intense myocardial fibrosis stimulated by the exacerbated production of inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Air pollution is a serious public health problem and also follows this same path. Therefore, air pollution might amplify the inflammatory response of Chagas disease and increase myocardial fibrosis. Methods: We studied groups of Trypanosoma cruzi infected Sirius hamsters (Chagas=CH and Chagas exposed to pollution=CH+P) and 2 control groups (control healthy animals=CT and control exposed to pollution=CT+P). We evaluated acute phase (60 days post infection) and chronic phase (10 months). Echocardiograms were performed to assess left ventricular systolic and diastolic diameter, in addition to ejection fraction. Interstitial collagen was measured by morphometry in picrosirius red staining tissue. The evaluation of inflammation was performed by gene and protein expression of cytokines IL10, IFN-γ, and TNF; oxidative stress was quantified by gene expression of NOX1, MnSOD, and iNOS and by analysis of reactive oxygen species; and apoptosis was performed by gene expression of BCL2 and Capsase3, in addition to TUNEL analysis. Results: Chagas groups had increased collagen deposition mainly in the acute phase, but air pollution did not increase this deposition. Also, Chagas groups had lower ejection fraction in the acute phase (p = 0.002) and again air pollution did not worsen ventricular function or dilation. The analysis of the inflammation and oxidative stress pathways were also not amplified by air pollution. Apoptosis analysis showed increased expression of BCL2 and Caspase3 genes in chagasic groups in the acute phase, with a marginal p of 0.054 in BCL2 expression among infected groups, and TUNEL technique showed amplified of apoptotic cells by pollution among infected groups. Conclusions: A possible modulation of the apoptotic pathway was observed, inferring interference from air pollution in this pathway. However, it was not enough to promote a greater collagen deposition, or worsening ventricular function or dilation caused by air pollution in this model of Chagas cardiomyopathy.

Chronic exposure to diesel particles worsened emphysema and increased M2-like phenotype macrophages in a PPE-induced model.

Chronic exposure to ambient levels of air pollution induces respiratory illness exacerbation by increasing inflammatory responses and apoptotic cells in pulmonary tissues. The ineffective phagocytosis of these apoptotic cells (efferocytosis) by macrophages has been considered an important factor in these pathological mechanisms. Depending on microenvironmental stimuli, macrophages can assume different phenotypes with different functional actions. M1 macrophages are recognized by their proinflammatory activity, whereas M2 macrophages play pivotal roles in responding to microorganisms and in efferocytosis to avoid the progression of inflammatory conditions. To verify how exposure to air pollutants interferes with macrophage polarization in emphysema development, we evaluated the different macrophage phenotypes in a PPE- induced model with the exposure to diesel exhaust particles. C57BL/6 mice received intranasal instillation of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) to induce emphysema, and the control groups received saline. Both groups were exposed to diesel exhaust particles or filtered air for 60 days according to the groups. We observed that both the diesel and PPE groups had an increase in alveolar enlargement, collagen and elastic fibers in the parenchyma and the number of macrophages, lymphocytes and epithelial cells in BAL, and these responses were exacerbated in animals that received PPE instillation prior to exposure to diesel exhaust particles. The same response pattern was found inCaspase-3 positive cell analysis, attesting to an increase in cell apoptosis, which is in agreement with the increase in M2 phenotype markers, measured by RT-PCR and flow cytometry analysis. We did not verify differences among the groups for the M1 phenotype. In conclusion, our results showed that both chronic exposure to diesel exhaust particles and PPE instillation induced inflammatory conditions, cell apoptosis and emphysema development, as well as an increase in M2 phenotype macrophages, and the combination of these two factors exacerbated these responses. The predominance of the M2-like phenotype likely occurred due to the increased demand for efferocytosis. However, M2 macrophage activity was ineffective, resulting in emphysema development and worsening of symptoms.

Inflammatory and functional responses after (bio)diesel exhaust exposure in allergic sensitized mice. A comparison between diesel and biodiesel.

Many cities fail to meet air quality standards, which results in increased risk for pulmonary disorders, including asthma. Human and experimental studies have shown that diesel exhaust (DE) particles are associated with worsening of allergic asthma. Biodiesel (BD), a cleaner fuel from renewable sources, was introduced in the eighties. Because of the reduction in particulate matter (PM) emissions, BD was expected to cause fewer adverse pulmonary effects. However, only limited data on the effect of BD emissions in asthma are available. OBJECTIVE: Determine whether BD exhaust exposure in allergic sensitized mice leads to different effects on inflammatory and functional responses compared to DE exposure. METHODS: Balb/C mice were orotracheally sensitized with House Dust Mite (HDM) or a saline solution with 3 weekly instillations. From day 9 until day 17 after sensitization, they were exposed daily to filtered air (FA), DE and BD exhaust (concentration: 600 µg/m3 PM2.5). Lung function, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell counts, cytokine levels (IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-17, TNF-α, TSLP) in the BALF, peribronchiolar eosinophils and parenchymal macrophages were measured. RESULTS: HDM-sensitized animals presented increased lung elastance (p = 0.046), IgG1 serum levels (p = 0.029), peribronchiolar eosinophils (p = 0.028), BALF levels of total cells (p = 0.020), eosinophils (p = 0.028), IL-5 levels (p = 0.002) and TSLP levels (p = 0.046) in BALF. DE exposure alone increased lung elastance (p = 0.000) and BALF IL-4 levels (p = 0.045), whereas BD exposure alone increased BALF TSLP levels (p = 0.004). BD exposure did not influence any parameters after HDM challenge, while DE exposed animals presented increased BALF levels of total cells (p = 0.019), lymphocytes (p = 0.000), neutrophils (p = 0.040), macrophages (p = 0.034), BALF IL-4 levels (p = 0.028), and macrophagic inflammation in the lung tissue (p = 0.037), as well as decreased IgG1 (p = 0.046) and IgG2 (p = 0.043) levels when compared to the HDM group. CONCLUSION: The results indicate more adverse pulmonary effects of DE compared to BD exposure in allergic sensitized animals.

Acute exposure to diesel and sewage biodiesel exhaust causes pulmonary and systemic inflammation in mice.

Biodiesel is a renewable energy source that reduces particle emission, but few studies have assessed its effects. To assess the effects of acute inhalation of two doses (600 and 1200 µg/m3) of diesel (DE) and biodiesel (BD) fuels on the inflammatory pulmonary and systemic profile of mice. Animals were exposed for 2 h in an inhalation chamber inside the Container Laboratory for Fuels. Heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure were determined 30 min after exposure. After 24 h, we analyzed the lung inflammation using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF); neutrophil and macrophage quantification in the lung parenchyma was performed, and blood and bone marrow biomarkers as well as receptor of endothelin-A (ET-Ar), receptor of endothelin-B (ET-Br), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOs) and isoprostane (ISO) levels in the pulmonary vessels and bronchial epithelium were evaluated. HRV increased for BD600, D600 and D1200 compared to filtered air (FA). Both fuels (DE and BD) produced alterations in red blood cells independent of the dose. BALF from the BD600 and BD1200 groups showed an increase in neutrophils compared to those of the FA group. Numeric density of the polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cells was elevated with BD600 compared to FA. In the peribronchiolar vessels, there was an increase in ET-Ar and ET-Br expression following BD600 compared to FA; and there was a reduction in the iNOs expression for BD1200 and the VCAM-1 for D1200 compared to FA. In the bronchial epithelium, there was an increase in ETAr at BD600, ET-Br at two doses (600 and 1200 µg/m3) of DE and BD, iNOs at D600 and VCAM-1 at BD1200 and D600; all groups were compared to the FA group. Acute exposure to DE and BD derived from sewage methyl esters triggered pulmonary and cardiovascular inflammatory alterations in mice.

Mucociliary transport, differential white blood cells, and cyto-genotoxicity in peripheral erythrocytes in fish from a polluted urban pond.

The present study evaluated the water quality of a polluted pond through the analysis of in vitro mucociliary transport, hematological parameters, and biomarkers of cyto-genotoxicity in the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Blood and mucus samples were collected from ten specimens from the polluted pond and from ten specimens from a control area. The fish were anesthetized with 3% benzocaine, mucus was collected directly from the gills, and blood was drawn from the caudal artery. Blood smears were stained using the May-Grünwald Giemsa process for the differential leukocyte counts and to determine the frequency of leukocytes, thrombocytes, erythroblasts, micronuclei, and nuclear abnormalities. The results revealed low transportability in vitro, a high percentage of monocytes and eosinophils, and increased frequency of leukocytes and nuclear abnormalities in fish from the polluted pond. However, the frequency of thrombocytes and erythroblasts and the percentage of lymphocytes and neutrophils were significantly lower. It is possible to conclude that changes in fish are due to poor water quality and that these non-destructive biomarkers can be used for the biomonitoring of aquatic environments vulnerable to contamination.

Acoustic radiation force impulse imaging for detection of liver fibrosis in overweight and obese children.

Background Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) is a non-invasive alternative to a liver biopsy for the evaluation of liver fibrosis (LF). Purpose To investigate the potential usefulness of acoustic radiation force impulse ARFI for detecting LF in overweight and obese children Material and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 148 schoolchildren. A diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and LF was based on ultrasound (US) and ARFI shear wave velocity (SWV). Results The laboratory parameters were normal in all the children. NAFLD was observed in 50 children (33.8%). The median SWV was 1.18 ± 0.28 m/s. Differences between ARFI categories and hepatic steatosis grades were observed (χ2 = 43.38, P = 0.0005). No fibrosis or insignificant fibrosis (SWV ≤ 1.60 m/s) was detected in 137 children (92.5%), and significant fibrosis (SWV > 1.60 m/s) in 11 children (7.5%), nine of whom had normal US or mild steatosis. Conclusion The present study is the first to evaluate the utility of the ARFI technique for detecting LF in overweight and obese children. The results of the study suggest that children with normal laboratory parameters such as normal liver ultrasound or mild steatosis may present with significant LF.

La "gripe española" en perspectiva médica: los brotes de 1918-1919 en la escena científica argentina / The Spanish Flu in Medical Perspective: 1918- 1919 Outbreaks in the Scientific Scene in argentina / A "gripe espanhola" em perspetiva médica: os brotes de 1918-1919 na cena científica argentina

Objetivo: en el presente estudio nos proponemos examinar las ideas y conceptos que circulaban en la ciencia médica argentina acerca de ciertos rasgos propios de la "gripe española" que azotó a la población mundial entre 1918 y 1919 (origen geográfico, etiología, clínica, transmisibilidad, etc.). La pandemia ingresó a la Argentina suscitando temor en la sociedad, confusión en las elites médicas y el impulso de medidas públicas originadas con fines de luchar contra la enfermedad. Desarrollo: anclados en un abordaje de carácter cualitativo, pondremos en perspectiva analítica un conjunto de conferencias científicas llevadas a cabo en el país durante el desarrollo de la crisis epidémica, como así también artículos médicos colocados en editoriales específicas vinculados a la temática en cuestión, luego de culminada la pandemia. Conclusiones: la "gripe española" se trató de una enfermedad generadora de múltiples respuestas negativas, de descontento, por parte de una población que se hallaba atemorizada ante un flagelo que no cesaba y que irrumpía en sus prácticas cotidianas. Consideramos que estas manifestaciones fueron la consecuencia de una serie de medidas públicas infructuosas, escasamente articuladas entre sí, que no lograron mitigar la dolencia, puesto que se anclaban en los saberes médicos locales. A partir del estudio de artículos y conferencias halladas en publicaciones científico-médicas de reconocida y destacada trayectoria, constatamos que los galenos argentinos poco conocían acerca de la etiología de la enfermedad al momento de su aparición, lo cual propició el surgimiento de numerosos y poco efectivos tratamientos para combatirla.

Objective: In this study we propose to examine the ideas and concepts that circulated in the medical science in Argentina about certain traits of the Spanish flu that struck the world population between 1918 and 1919 (geographical origin, etiology, communicability etc). The pandemic entered Argentina arousing fear in society, confusion in the medical elites and the promotion of public measures in order to fight the disease. Development: Anchored in a qualitative approach, we put into perspective a set of scientific conferences on the evolution of the epidemic crisis held in the country, as well as medical articles, published in specific editorials and related to this issue after the pandemic was culminated. Conclusions: The Spanish flu was an illness that generated many negative responses of discontent by a population that was frightened by a scourge that would never stop and had burst into their daily lives. We consider that these statements were the result of a series of unsuccessful public measures, barely hinged together, that failed to mitigate the disease, since they were anchored in the local medical knowledge. Based on the study of articles and lectures of recognized and distinguished scientific and medical publications, we find that Argentine physicians knew little about the etiology of the disease at the time of its appearance, a fact that led to the emergence of numerous and ineffective treatments to combat it.

Objetivo: no presente estudo propomo-nos examinar as ideias e conceitos que circulavam na ciência médica argentina acerca de certos rasgos próprios da "gripe espanhola" que afetou à população mundial entre 1918 e 1919 (origem geográfico, etiologia, clínica, transmissibilidade, etc.). A pandemia ingressou à Argentina suscitando temor na sociedade, confusão nas elites médicas e o impulso de medidas públicas originadas aos fins de lutar contra a doença. Desenvolvimento: ancorados em uma abordagem de caráter qualitativa, poremos em perspectiva analítica um conjunto de conferências científicas levadas a cabo no país durante o desenvolvimento da crise epidémica como também artigos médicos, colocados em editoriais específicas vinculados à temática em questão após culminada a pandemia. Conclusões: a "gripe espanhola" tratou-se de uma doença geradora de múltiplas respostas negativas, de descontento, por parte de uma população que se encontrava atemorizada ante um flagelo que não cessava e que irrompia nas suas práticas cotidianas. Consideramos que estas manifestações foram a consequência de uma série de medidas públicas infrutuosas, escassamente articuladas entre si, que não conseguiram mitigar a dolência, dado que se ancoravam nos saberes médicos locais. A partir do estudo de artigos e conferências achadas em publicações científico-médicas de reconhecida e destacada trajetória, constatamos que pouco conheciam os galenos argentinos acerca da etiologia da doença ao momento de sua aparição, o qual propiciou o surgimento de numerosos e pouco efetivos tratamentos para combatê-la.

In vitro mucus transportability, cytogenotoxicity, and hematological changes as non-destructive physiological biomarkers in fish chronically exposed to metals.

The biomonitoring of fish using biomarkers represents a useful tool for the assessment of aquatic pollution. This study evaluated the sublethal toxic effects of aquatic pollution on fish collected from a site contaminated by metals. Water and fish (Oreochromis niloticus) samples were collected from a pond in the Parque Ecológico do Tietê (PET) that lies along the Tietê River (São Paulo, Brazil), and from a control site (an experimental fish farm). The metal content of the water was evaluated, and fish were used to examine the properties of gill mucus and blood. The PET fish were evaluated for alterations in the in vitro transportability of mucus and changes in blood properties (e.g., cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, red blood cells, and white blood cell count). The results of the water analyzes indicated metal levels above the legal standards for Fe (0.71 mg/L), Ni (0.06 mg/L), Mn (0.11 mg/L), and Pb (0.48 mg/L). Compared to the controls, the hematologic parameter analyzes of PET fish revealed significantly higher numbers of erythrocytes (RBC), leukocytes (WBC), lymphocytes, erythroblasts, and Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV); however, the hemoglobin content and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) values were significantly lower. The frequencies of nuclear abnormalities and micronuclei were significantly higher and the mucociliary transport was significantly lower in PET fish than in the controls. These results suggest that fish from the contaminated site exhibit a series of physiological responses, which probably indicate health disturbances. Furthermore, the results suggest that blood and mucus are promising, non-destructive targets for use in the monitoring of pollution.

El mercado de las publicidades de medicamentos e insumos médicos especializados en el interior de Argentina: el caso de la Revisat del Círculo médico de Córdoba y la Revista Médica de Córdoba, Argentina, 1912-1938 / The advertising market of medication and specialized medical supply in the countryside of Argentina. The case study of the Revista del Círculo Médico de Córdoba and the Revista Médica de Córdoba, Argentina, 1912-1938

Se propone un análisis hermenéutico y un abordaje socio-semiótico alrededor de una amplia selección de anuncios de medicamentos e insumos médicos especializados colocados en la «Revista del Círculo Médico de Córdoba» y luego en su sucesora, la «Revista Médica de Córdoba». Las publicidades - como dispositivos estratégicos - y el mercado de ofertas que se configura entraman en una trayectoria histórica cambiante y específica donde lo local, lo nacional e inclusive lo internacional se articulan de manera particular. Por una parte, dichas características se consideran de la creación de la publicación en 1912 hasta 1938, asociándolas a las dinámicas relativas a ciertas variables clave de la transformación de la única revista médica especializada que existió en la provincia de Córdoba y que a lo largo de esos años fue el espacio exclusivo de colocación de publicidades gráficas orientadas a la elite médica. Por otra parte, se considera la influencia que tienen sobre la configuración del mercado publicitario - tradicionalmente monopolizado por «lo extranjero» - los procesos de industrialización argentina - vistos especialmente desde el sector farmacéutico - y la competencia en el contexto del reacomodamiento internacional que trajo el final de la Primera Guerra Mundial (AU)

The article proposes an hermeneutic analysis as well as a socio-semiotic approach around a broad selection of advertisements published of medication and specialized medical supplyin the "Revista del Círculo Médico de Córdoba" and then its successor the "Revista Médica de Córdoba". The advertisement - as an strategic mechanism - and the sailing market are organized around a changing as well as an specific historical trajectory where the local, the national and also the international are articulated in a particular way. On the one hand, that particularity is considered from the beginning of the publication in 1912 until 1938. In this historical period, the publication is associated to the dynamics of the transformation of the only specialised medical magazine published in the province of Córdoba, that in those years, it became an exclusive space of graphic advertisement that targeted medical elites. On the other hand, the article considers the argentine industrialized process' influence on the advertising market configuration, traditionally monopolized by the foreign market - from the point of view of the pharmaceutical sector - and the competence of the pharmaceutical market, within the context of the international reconfiguration that brought the end of the First War World (AU)

In vivo assessment of antiretroviral therapy-associated side effects.

Antiretroviral therapy has been associated with side effects, either from the drug itself or in conjunction with the effects of human immunodeficiency virus infection. Here, we evaluated the side effects of the protease inhibitor (PI) indinavir in hamsters consuming a normal or high-fat diet. Indinavir treatment increased the hamster death rate and resulted in an increase in triglyceride, cholesterol and glucose serum levels and a reduction in anti-oxLDL auto-antibodies. The treatment led to histopathological alterations of the kidney and the heart. These results suggest that hamsters are an interesting model for the study of the side effects of antiretroviral drugs, such as PIs.

Acute cardiopulmonary effects induced by the inhalation of concentrated ambient particles during seasonal variation in the city of São Paulo.

Ambient particles may undergo modifications to their chemical composition as a consequence of climatic variability. The determination of whether these changes modify the toxicity of the particles is important for the understanding of the health effects associated with particle exposure. The objectives were to determine whether low levels of particles promote cardiopulmonary effects, and to assess if the observed alterations are influenced by season. Mice were exposed to 200 µg/m(3) concentrated ambient particles (CAPs) and filtered air (FA) in cold/dry and warm/humid periods. Lung hyperresponsiveness, heart rate, heart rate variability, and blood pressure were evaluated 30 min after each exposure. After 24 h, blood and tissue samples were collected. During both periods (warm/humid and cold/dry), CAPs induced alterations in red blood cells and lung inflammation. During the cold/dry period, CAPs reduced the mean corpuscular volume levels and increased erythrocytes, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and red cell distribution width coefficient variation levels compared with the FA group. Similarly, CAPs during the warm/humid period decreased mean corpuscular volume levels and increased erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red cell distribution width coefficient variation levels compared with the FA group. CAPs during the cold/dry period increased the influx of neutrophils in the alveolar parenchyma. Short-term exposure to low concentrations of CAPs elicited modest but significant pulmonary inflammation and, to a lesser extent, changes in blood parameters. In addition, our data support the concept that changes in climate conditions slightly modify particle toxicity because equivalent doses of CAPs in the cold/dry period produced a more exacerbated response.

In vivo assessment of antiretroviral therapy-associated side effects

Antiretroviral therapy has been associated with side effects, either from the drug itself or in conjunction with the effects of human immunodeficiency virus infection. Here, we evaluated the side effects of the protease inhibitor (PI) indinavir in hamsters consuming a normal or high-fat diet. Indinavir treatment increased the hamster death rate and resulted in an increase in triglyceride, cholesterol and glucose serum levels and a reduction in anti-oxLDL auto-antibodies. The treatment led to histopathological alterations of the kidney and the heart. These results suggest that hamsters are an interesting model for the study of the side effects of antiretroviral drugs, such as PIs.

Anti-inflammatory effects of aerobic exercise in mice exposed to air pollution.

PURPOSE: Exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEP) results in lung inflammation. Regular aerobic exercise improves the inflammatory status in different pulmonary diseases. However, the effects of long-term aerobic exercise on the pulmonary response to DEP have not been investigated. The present study evaluated the effect of aerobic conditioning on the pulmonary inflammatory and oxidative responses of mice exposed to DEP. METHODS: BALB/c mice were subjected to aerobic exercise five times per week for 5 wk, concomitantly with exposure to DEP (3 mg·mL(-1); 10 µL per mouse). The levels of exhaled nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, cellularity, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were analyzed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and the density of neutrophils and the volume proportion of collagen fibers were measured in the lung parenchyma. The cellular density of leukocytes expressing IL-1ß, keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC), and TNF-α in lung parenchyma was evaluated with immunohistochemistry. The levels of IL-1ß, KC, and TNF-α were also evaluated in the serum. RESULTS: Aerobic exercise inhibited the DEP-induced increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species (P < 0.05); exhaled nitric oxide (P < 0.01); total (P < 0.01) and differential cells (P < 0.01); IL-6 and TNF-α levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (P < 0.05); the level of neutrophils (P < 0.001); collagen density in the lung parenchyma (P < 0.05); the levels of IL-6, KC, and TNF-α in plasma (P < 0.05); and the expression of IL-1ß, KC, and TNF-α by leukocytes in the lung parenchyma (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that long-term aerobic exercise presents protective effects in a mouse model of DEP-induced lung inflammation. Our results indicate a need for human studies that evaluate the pulmonary responses to aerobic exercise chronically performed in polluted areas.

Acute cardiovascular and inflammatory toxicity induced by inhalation of diesel and biodiesel exhaust particles.

Analysis of fuel emissions is crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of mortality because of air pollution. The objective of this study is to assess cardiovascular and inflammatory toxicity of diesel and biodiesel particles. Mice were exposed to fuels for 1 h. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability, and blood pressure were obtained before exposure, as well as 30 and 60 min after exposure. After 24 h, bronchoalveolar lavage, blood, and bone marrow were collected to evaluate inflammation. B100 decreased the following emission parameters: mass, black carbon, metals, CO, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds compared with B50 and diesel; root mean square of successive differences in the heart beat interval increased with diesel (p < 0.05) compared with control; low frequency increased with diesel (p < 0.01) and B100 (p < 0.05) compared with control; HR increased with B100 (p < 0.05) compared with control; mean corpuscular volume increased with B100 compared with diesel (p < 0.01), B50, and control (p < 0.001); mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration decreased with B100 compared with B50 (p < 0.001) and control (p < 0.05); leucocytes increased with B50 compared with diesel (p < 0.05); platelets increased with B100 compared with diesel and control (p < 0.05); reticulocytes increased with B50 compared with diesel, control (p < 0.01), and B100 (p < 0.05); metamyelocytes increased with B50 and B100 compared with diesel (p < 0.05); neutrophils increased with diesel and B50 compared with control (p < 0.05); and macrophages increased with diesel (p < 0.01), B50, and B100 (p < 0.05) compared with control. Biodiesel was more toxic than diesel because it promoted cardiovascular alterations as well as pulmonary and systemic inflammation.

Ensayo clínico sobre la compresión radial guiada por la presión arterial media / Clinical trial of radial artery compression guided by mean arterial pressure

Objetivo. Determinar si un método de compresión guiada por la cifra de la presión arterial media del paciente (experimental), es eficaz, seguro y superior a un método de compresión utilizando 15 ml de aire en el dispositivo (estándar) medido en resultados de oclusión de la arteria radial. Método. El estudio fue aleatorizado, unicéntrico e incluía a pacientes a los que se les realizó cateterismo de la arteria radial para diagnóstico o intervencionismo coronario percutáneo, se les retiró el introductor a la finalización del procedimiento y se les comprimió la arteria radial durante 3h, con dispositivo neumático (TR Band™ de Terumo®). Las arterias se valoraron entre las 24 y 72h tras el procedimiento, por curva de pletismografía con test de flujo inverso, y posteriormente con Doppler bidireccional. Resultados. En 351 pacientes estudiados se midió el porcentaje de oclusión arterial, y en el grupo de estudio experimental ocurrió en 2 (1,1%) frente a 21 pacientes (12%) en el grupo estándar (p=0,0001), sin obtener diferencias en el número de complicaciones. Conclusiones. El método de compresión guiado por las cifras de la presión arterial media del paciente, a la finalización del cateterismo de la arteria radial, es eficaz y seguro, y disminuye la oclusión de la arteria frente al método estándar de compresión con el dispositivo neumático(AU)

Objective. To determine whether a compression procedure guided by the patient's mean arterial pressure value (experimental) is safe and effective and superior to a compression procedure using 15 cubic centimeters of air in the device (standard) in patients undergoing radial artery catheterization. Methods. We performed a randomized, single-center study, which included patients undergoing catheterization of the radial artery for diagnosis or percutaneous coronary intervention, in whom the sheath was removed at the end of procedure and the radial artery was compressed for 3h with a pneumatic device (TR Band™ Terumo®). The arteries were evaluated between 24 and 72h after the procedure, using a plethysmography curve with a reverse flow test followed by bidirectional Doppler. Results. The percentage of arterial occlusion was measured in 351 patients. Arterial occlusion was found in two patients (1.1%) in the experimental group compared with 21 patients (12%) in the standard group (p=0.0001). No differences were found in the number of complications. Conclusions. The compression method, guided by the patient's mean arterial pressure value at the end of catheterization of the radial artery, is safe and effective and reduces arterial occlusion compared with the standard compression method using a pneumatic device(AU)

[Clinical trial of radial artery compression guided by mean arterial pressure]. / Ensayo clínico sobre la compresión radial guiada por la presión arterial media.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a compression procedure guided by the patient's mean arterial pressure value (experimental) is safe and effective and superior to a compression procedure using 15 cubic centimeters of air in the device (standard) in patients undergoing radial artery catheterization. METHODS: We performed a randomized, single-center study, which included patients undergoing catheterization of the radial artery for diagnosis or percutaneous coronary intervention, in whom the sheath was removed at the end of procedure and the radial artery was compressed for 3 h with a pneumatic device (TR Band Terumo). The arteries were evaluated between 24 and 72 h after the procedure, using a plethysmography curve with a reverse flow test followed by bidirectional Doppler. RESULTS: The percentage of arterial occlusion was measured in 351 patients. Arterial occlusion was found in two patients (1.1%) in the experimental group compared with 21 patients (12%) in the standard group (p = 0.0001). No differences were found in the number of complications. CONCLUSIONS: The compression method, guided by the patient's mean arterial pressure value at the end of catheterization of the radial artery, is safe and effective and reduces arterial occlusion compared with the standard compression method using a pneumatic device.

Chronic exposure to ambient levels of urban particles affects mouse lung development.

RATIONALE: Chronic exposure to air pollution has been associated with adverse effects on children's lung growth. OBJECTIVES: We analyzed the effects of chronic exposure to urban levels of particulate matter (PM) on selected phases of mouse lung development. METHODS: The exposure occurred in two open-top chambers (filtered and nonfiltered) placed 20 m from a street with heavy traffic in São Paulo, 24 hours/day for 8 months. There was a significant reduction of the levels of PM(2.5) inside the filtered chamber (filtered = 2.9 +/- 3.0 microg/m(3), nonfiltered = 16.8 +/- 8.3 microg/m(3); P = 0.001). At this exposure site, vehicular sources are the major components of PM(2.5) (PM

Nasal tolerance with collagen v protein reverts bronchovascular axis remodeling in experimental bronchiolitis obliterans.

INTRODUCTION: The precise role of the remodeling process and possible therapies for bronchiolitis obliterans remain to be established. OBJECTIVE: [corrected] In the present study, we sought to validate the importance of nasal collagen V tolerance to verify whether bronchovascular axis remodeling could be reverted by this therapeutic approach when compared to steroid treatment. METHODS: Mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: control, bronchiolitis obliterans, collagen V tolerance, and prednisone groups. Morphometry was employed to evaluate bronchovascular axis dimensions, collagen density, and immune cell response. Collagen V nasal tolerance and steroid-treated mice showed significantly lower values of terminal bronchiole wall thickness and reduction in peribronchovascular cells; bronchioalveolar lymphoid tissue; and CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD20+ lymphocytes. A significant decrease in CD68+ macrophage density was found in prednisone-treated mice. In addition, a strong quantitative relationship was found between collagen V tolerance, and reduction in density of immune cells and collagen. RESULTS: Our results indicate that bronchovascular axis remodeling in bronchiolitis obliterans can be reverted by collagen V nasal tolerance, possibly as the result of T-cell suppression. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the tolerance effects in this model were strongly related to the improvement in bronchovascular remodeling, and these may be an appropriate targets for further prospective studies on nasal collagen V tolerance.

Effects of positive end-expiratory pressure in an experimental model of acute myocardial infarct in wistar rats.

UNLABELLED: Our purpose in this study was to access the pulmonary effects of mechanical ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP; 10 cmH2O) or without PEEP (zero PEEP-ZEEP) in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction that resulted in hypotension but not in pulmonary congestion. METHODS: Wistar rats were anesthetized (1.5% isoflurane) and myocardial infarct was induced by ligature of the anterior interventricular coronary artery. Rats with myocardial infarct were compared with sham-operated (Sham) and closed thorax groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There was a significant decrease in MAP in the acute myocardial infarct group (92.5 +/- 4.2 mmHg) when compared with closed chest group (113.0 +/- 4.4 mmHg). There was no significant difference between acute myocardial infarct and Sham groups in PEEP or ZEEP. Mechanical ventilation for 120 min resulted in a significant increase in respiratory system elastance in the groups ventilated with ZEEP (2.59 +/- 0.17 and 2.32 +/- 0.17 cmH2O.mL, Sham and acute myocardial infarct groups, respectively). This effect of mechanical ventilation was not observed in the presence of PEEP in both groups. There was no significant increase in the amount of perivascular pulmonary edema measured in all groups studied. Mean airspace linear intercept and lung tissue distortion index also did not show statistically significant difference between Sham and acute myocardial infarct groups. We conclude that in this experimental model of acute myocardial infarct (12.4 +/- 4.1% area of necrotic tissue and 26.4 +/- 4.0% area of ischemic tissue), there was a protective pulmonary effect of PEEP.

Nasal tolerance with collagen v protein reverts bronchovascular axis remodeling in experimental bronchiolitis obliterans

INTRODUCTION: The precise role of the remodeling process and possible therapies for bronchiolitis obliterans remain to be established. OBJETIVE: In the present study, we sought to validate the importance of nasal collagen V tolerance to verify whether bronchovascular axis remodeling could be reverted by this therapeutic approach when compared to steroid treatment. METHODS: Mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: control, bronchiolitis obliterans, collagen V tolerance, and prednisone groups. Morphometry was employed to evaluate bronchovascular axis dimensions, collagen density, and immune cell response. Collagen V nasal tolerance and steroid-treated mice showed significantly lower values of terminal bronchiole wall thickness and reduction in peribronchovascular cells; bronchioalveolar lymphoid tissue; and CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD20+ lymphocytes. A significant decrease in CD68+ macrophage density was found in prednisone-treated mice. In addition, a strong quantitative relationship was found between collagen V tolerance, and reduction in density of immune cells and collagen. RESULTS: Our results indicate that bronchovascular axis remodeling in bronchiolitis obliterans can be reverted by collagen V nasal tolerance, possibly as the result of T-cell suppression. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the tolerance effects in this model were strongly related to the improvement in bronchovascular remodeling, and these may be an appropriate targets for further prospective studies on nasal collagen V tolerance.

INTRODUÇÃO: A participação precisa do processo de remodelamento e possíveis implicações no tratamento da bronquiolite obliterante ainda não está estabelecida. OBJETIVOS: Estabelecer a importância da tolerância nasal induzida pelo colágeno do tipo V e verificar se o processo de remodelamento do eixo broncovascular pode ser revertido com esta estratégia terapêutica comparada ao efeito do tratamento com esteróides. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Camundongos foram divididos em quatro grupos: controle, bronquiolite obliterante, tolerância nasal com colágeno do tipo V e prednisona. Morfometria foi realizada para avaliar as dimensões do eixo broncovascular, densidade de colágeno e resposta imunocelular. Camundongos submetidos à tolerância nasal com colágeno do tipo V e tratados com prednisona exibiram significativas reduções da espessura da parede de bronquíolos terminais, da densidade de células inflamatórias ao redor do eixo peribroncovascular e da resposta imunocelular às custas de linfócitos CD3, CD4, CD8 e CD20. Houve também significativa redução da densidade de macrófagos CD68 nos camundongos tratados com prednisona. Adicionalmente, houve uma forte associação entre tolerância nasal induzida pelo colágeno do tipo V, resposta imunocelular e redução do conteúdo de colágeno peribroncovascular. RESULTADOS: O remodelamento do eixo broncovascular na bronquiolite obliterante pode ser revertido pela indução de tolerância nasal com o colágeno do tipo V, possivelmente como resultado de supressão de linfócitos T. CONCLUSÃO: Os efeitos da tolerância nasal no presente modelo estiveram fortemente relacionados à melhora no remodelamento do eixo broncovascular, despontando como um alvo promissor para estudos prospectivos.