Placental concentrations of xenoestrogenic organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls and assessment of their xenoestrogenicity in the PA-MAMI mother-child cohort.

BACKGROUND: Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), they have contributed to the exposure of women to persistent organic pollutants (POPs). These compounds can cross the placental barrier and interfere with the hormonal system of newborns. AIM: To determine concentrations of OCPs and PCBs and their xenoestrogenic activity in placentas of women from the PA-MAMI cohort of Panama. METHODS: Thirty-nine placenta samples from women in the Azuero peninsula (Panama) were analyzed. Five OCPs [p-p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p-p'-DDE), beta-hexachlorohexane (ß-HCH), γ-hexachlorohexane (lindane), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and mirex] and three PCB congeners (PCB-138, PCB-153 and PCB-180) were quantified in placenta extracts. The xenoestrogenic activity of extracts was assessed with the E-Screen bioassay to estimate the total effective xenoestrogen burden (TEXB). RESULTS: All placental samples were positive for at least three POP residues and >70% for at least six. The frequencies of quantified OCPs ranged from 100% for p,p'-DDE and HCB to 30.8% for ß-HCH. The highest median concentration was for lindane (380.0 pg/g placenta), followed by p,p'-DDE (280.0 pg/g placenta), and HCB (90.0 pg/g placenta). Exposure to p,p'-DDE was associated with greater meat consumption, suggesting that animal fat is a major source of exposure to DDT metabolites. The frequency of detected PCBs ranged between 70 and 90%; the highest median concentration was for PCB 138 (17.0 pg/g placenta), followed by PCB 153 (16.0 pg/g placenta). All placentas were positive in the estrogenicity bioassay with a median TEXB-α of 0.91 pM Eeq/g of placenta. Exposure to lindane was positively associated with the xenoestrogenicity of TEXB- α, whereas this association was negative in the case of exposure to PCB 153. CONCLUSIONS: To our best knowledge, this study contributes the first evidence on the presence of POPs and xenoestrogenic burden in placentas from Latin-American women. Given concerns about the consequences of prenatal exposure to these compounds on children's health, preventive measures are highly recommended to eliminate or minimize the risk of OCP exposure during pregnancy.

Histopathological survey of parasites harboured by the clam Tawera elliptica (Lamarck, 1818) from Chiloé Archipelago, southeastern Pacific.

Tawera elliptica (commonly known as "Almeja Juliana", is a venerid clam that inhabits sandy bottoms and is distributed from Valparaíso on the Pacific coast up to the Mar del Plata area along the Atlantic coast. Harvests of this clam have declined substantially over the last decade. Therefore, an analysis of common parasites and pathological conditions of this clam was undertaken along with histopathology. Monthly samples were prepared for routine histology for examination under light and electron microscopy. T. elliptica has a sex ratio of 1:1 and the relationship between the shell length and the wet tissue weight is not significantly different between females and males. The maximum values for de condition index and meat yield were found during the austral winter. The following parasites (and their overall prevalence) were detected: intracellular microcolonies of bacteria in digestive gland (22.9%), intestinal epithelium (9.3%) and gills (3.17%), an unidentified cyst in gills (59,3%), a Steinhausia-like intraoocytic microsporidian (5.2%), Gregarine spores (41.3%), ciliated protozoa (16.7%), two metazoa, a Paravortex like flatworm (4.3%), and a digenean trematode (8%). The monthly mean intensity of the most relevant parasites was between 2.3 and 35.6 for digestive gland intracellular microcolonies of bacteria (IMC), 0-5.1 for intestinal epithelium IMC, 0-2 for branchial IMC and 0 - 48 for intraoocytic microsporidium. The prevalence and the infection intensity were low-to very low, and no World Organisation for Animal Health OIE listed parasite was detected. It is concluded that this is a healthy clam, and no disease risks for the cultivation are visualized at present. However, IMC at high prevalence and intensities of infection could be potentially impactful, and the intraoocytic microsporidian could jeopardize reproduction if present in high intensities of infection.

Cosmetic and personal care product use, urinary levels of parabens and benzophenones, and risk of endometriosis: results from the EndEA study.

AIM: To explore the relationship of urinary concentrations of different congeners of benzophenones and parabens with the utilization of cosmetics and personal care products (PCPs) and their impact on the risk of endometriosis, and to evaluate the influence of oxidative stress on associations found. METHODS: This case-control study comprised a subsample of 124 women (35 cases; 89 controls). Endometriosis was confirmed (cases) or ruled out (controls) by laparoscopy, with visual inspection of the pelvis and biopsy of suspected lesions (histological diagnosis). Urinary concentrations of benzophenone-1 (BP-1), benzophenone-3 (BP-3), 4-hydroxibenzophenone (4-OH-BP), methyl- (MeP), ethyl- (EtP), propyl- (PrP), and butyl-paraben (BuP), and biomarkers of oxidative stress [lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and total antioxidant power (TAP)] were quantified. Information was gathered on the frequency of use of cosmetics and PCPs. Associations between the frequency of cosmetics/PCP use, urinary concentrations of benzophenones and parabens, oxidative stress, and endometriosis risk were explored in logistic and linear multivariable regression analyses. RESULTS: The frequency of utilization of certain cosmetics and PCPs was significantly associated with urinary concentrations of benzophenones and parabens. After adjustment for potential confounders, the risk of endometriosis was increased in women in the second versus first terciles of MeP (OR = 5.63; p-value<0.001), BP-1 (OR = 5.12; p-value = 0.011), BP-3 (OR = 4.98; p-value = 0.008), and Æ©BPs (OR = 3.34; p-value = 0.032). A close-to-significant relationship was observed between TBARS concentrations and increased endometriosis risk (OR = 1.60, p-value = 0.070) and an inverse association between TAP concentrations and this risk (OR = 0.15; p-value = 0.048). Oxidative stress results did not modify associations observed between benzophenone/paraben exposure and endometriosis risk. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the frequency of cosmetics and PCP utilization is a strong predictor of exposure to certain benzophenone and paraben congeners. These compounds may increase the risk of endometriosis in an oxidative stress-independent manner. Further studies are warranted to corroborate these findings.

Serum levels of non-persistent environmental pollutants and risk of incident hypertension in a sub-cohort from the EPIC study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of arterial hypertension (AHT), a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, has considerably increased over last decades. Non-persistent environmental pollutants (npEPs) are a group of ubiquitous chemicals, widely used in consumer products such as food packaging and cosmetics, which have been identified as endocrine disrupting chemicals and obesogens. The aim of this study was to assess the potential associations of serum levels of three groups of npEPs with the risk of incident AHT. METHODS: Cohort study within a sub-cohort of Granada EPIC-Spain center (n = 670). We quantified serum concentrations of three groups of npEPs, i.e., bisphenol A (BPA), four parabens: methylparaben (MP), ethylparaben (EP), propylparaben (PP) and butylparaben (BP), and two benzophenones: benzophenone 1 (BP1), benzophenone 3 (BP3), in samples collected at recruitment. Statistical analyses were performed by means of Cox Proportional Hazard Models. RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 23 years. BPA and MP were found in >80% of the study population. Individuals within the 4th PP quartile (0.53-9.24 ng/ml) showed a statistically significant increased risk of AHT (HR = 1.40, p = 0.015). No associations were found for the rest of pollutants. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, we evidenced no associations of most npEPs with AHT risk, with the exception of an increased risk in the highest PP percentiles. Considering the limitations of using one spot serum sample for exposure characterization, further research on the potential contribution of npEPs on the development of AHT risk is warranted.

An evaluation of semidistributed-pipe-network and distributed-finite-difference models to simulate karst systems.

Several different approaches have been developed to model the specific characteristics of karst aquifers, taking account of their inherent complex spatial and temporal heterogeneities. This paper sets out the development of a semidistributed modelling approach for applications in an Irish karst context using urban drainage software. The models have proven to be very useful for different studies, with examples given for the ecohydrology of ephemeral karst lakes, extreme groundwater-flood alleviation, karst network investigation, submarine groundwater discharge, and quantification of different recharge and flow components. The limitations of the approach are also highlighted, in particular not being able to simulate diffuse infiltration and flow paths explicitly across the groundwater catchment. Hence, a more distributed, finite-difference modelling approach using MODFLOW Unstructured Grid (USG) with the newly developed Connected Linear Network (CLN) process is then compared against the semidistributed approach on the same karst catchment. Whilst it has proven difficult to achieve the same levels of model performance in simulating the spring flows in the distributed model compared to the semidistributed model, the ability to interrogate the flow paths at any point on the three-dimensional aquifer is demonstrated, which can give new insights into flows (and potential contaminant transport) through such complex systems. The influence of the proximity of highly transmissive conduits on the flow dynamics through the much-lower transmissive matrix cells in which the network is embedded has been particularly investigated.

Plusieurs approches différentes ont été développées pour modéliser les caractéristiques spécifiques des aquifères karstiques, prenant en compte leurs hétérogénéités spatiales et temporelles associées à leur complexité intrinsèque. Cet article présente le développement d'une approche de modélisation semi-distribuée appliquée à un contexte karstique irlandais en utilisant un logiciel de drainage urbain. Ces modèles se sont avérés très utiles pour différentes études, avec des exemples appliqués à l'écohydrologie de lacs karstiques éphémères, l'atténuation de crues extrêmes liées aux eaux souterraines, à l'étude du réseau karstique, à la décharge des sources sous-marines et à la quantification des différentes composantes aussi bien de la recharge que du débit. Les limites de cette approche sont aussi mises en évidence, avec en particulier l'incapacité de simuler l'infiltration diffuse et les voies d'écoulement de manière explicite au sein du bassin d'alimentation d'eaux souterraines. Par conséquent, une approche de modélisation plus distribuée aux différences finies utilisant le logiciel MODFLOW avec une grille non structurée (USG) intégrant le processus récemment développé de réseau linéaire connecté (CLN) est ensuite comparée à l'approche semi-distribuée appliquée au même bassin karstique. Alors qu'il s'est avéré difficile d'atteindre les mêmes niveaux de performance du modèle concernant la simulation du débit à la source à l'aide du modèle distribué en comparaison au modèle semi-distribué, la possibilité d'examiner les voies d'écoulement en tout point de l'aquifère en 3D est démontrée, ce qui peut donner de nouvelles connaissances sur les écoulements (et le transport potentiel de contaminants) au sein de tels systèmes complexes. L'influence de la proximité de conduits hautement transmissifs sur les écoulements dynamiques au travers des cellules de transmissivité plus faible de la matrice au sein de laquelle le réseau est intégré, a été particulièrement étudiée.

Se han elaborado varios enfoques diferentes para modelar las características específicas de los acuíferos kársticos, teniendo en cuenta sus complejas y propias heterogeneidades espaciales y temporales. En el presente documento se expone la elaboración de un enfoque de modelización semidistribuido para aplicaciones en un contexto kárstico de Irlanda utilizando programas informáticos de drenaje urbano. Los modelos han demostrado ser muy útiles para diferentes estudios, y se dan ejemplos para la ecohidrología de los lagos kársticos efímeros, la mitigación de las inundaciones extremas de aguas subterráneas, la investigación de redes kársticas, la descarga submarina de aguas subterráneas y la cuantificación de diferentes componentes de la recarga y el flujo. También se ponen de relieve las limitaciones del enfoque, en particular el hecho de no poder simular explícitamente la infiltración difusa y las trayectorias de flujo a través de la cuenca de captación de aguas subterráneas. Por lo tanto, un enfoque de modelización de diferencias finitas distribuidas utilizando la red no estructurada (USG) de MODFLOW con el proceso de la Red Lineal Conectada (CLN) recientemente desarrollado se compara entonces con el enfoque semidistribuido en la misma cuenca kárstica. Si bien se ha demostrado que es difícil lograr los mismos niveles de rendimiento del modelo en la simulación de los flujos de manantiales en el modelo distribuido en comparación con el modelo semidistribuido, se demuestra la capacidad de interrogar las trayectorias de los flujos en cualquier punto del acuífero tridimensional, lo que puede dar nuevos conocimientos sobre los flujos (y el transporte de contaminantes potenciales) a través de sistemas tan complejos. Se ha investigado en particular la influencia de la proximidad de conductos altamente transmisivos en la dinámica de los flujos a través de las células de la matriz transmisiva, mucho más bajas, en las que está incorporada la red.

Diversas abordagens diferentes foram desenvolvidas para modelar as características específicas dos aquíferos cársticos, levando em consideração suas complexas heterogeneidades espaciais e temporais inerentes. Este artigo apresenta o desenvolvimento de uma abordagem de modelagem semidistribuída para aplicações em um contexto cárstico irlandês usando software de drenagem urbana. Os modelos provaram ser muito úteis para diferentes estudos, com exemplos dados para a ecohidrologia de lagos cársticos efêmeros, alívio de inundações subterrâneas extremas, investigação de rede cárstica, descarga de água subterrânea submarina e quantificação de diferentes componentes de recarga e fluxo. As limitações da abordagem também são destacadas, em particular não ser capaz de simular infiltração difusa e caminhos de fluxo explicitamente através da captação de água subterrânea. Portanto, uma abordagem de modelagem de diferenças finitas, mais distribuída, usando MODFLOW Unstructured Grid (USG) com o processo de Rede Linear Conectada (RLC) recém-desenvolvido é então comparada com a abordagem semidistribuída na mesma bacia cárstica. Embora tenha se mostrado difícil alcançar os mesmos níveis de desempenho do modelo na simulação dos fluxos de nascente no modelo distribuído em comparação com o modelo semidistribuído, a capacidade de interrogar os caminhos de fluxo em qualquer ponto do aquífero tridimensional é demonstrada, o que pode dar novas percepções sobre os fluxos (e o transporte potencial de contaminantes) por meio de tais sistemas complexos. A influência da proximidade de condutos altamente transmissivos na dinâmica do fluxo através das células da matriz transmissiva muito inferior nas quais a rede está inserida foi investigada particularmente.

Historical exposure to non-persistent environmental pollutants and risk of type 2 diabetes in a Spanish sub-cohort from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study.

BACKGROUND: Environmental factors are believed to account for a substantial burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Non-persistent environmental pollutants (npEPs) are a group of widely-used chemicals identified as endocrine/metabolic disrupting chemicals and obesogens. The aim of this study was to analyse the potential associations of serum levels of three groups of npEPs with the risk of incident T2DM. METHODS: This is a longitudinal study within a sub-sample of Granada EPIC-Spain cohort (n = 670). We quantified serum concentrations of 7 npEPs: four parabens (Methylparaben (MP) ethylparaben (EP), propylparaben (PP) and butilparaben (BP); two benzophenones: Benzophenone 1 (BP1), Benzophenone 3 (BP3); and Bisphenol A (BPA). Exposure was assessed by means of chemical analyses of serum samples collected at recruitment, and information on potential confounders was gathered by using validated questionnaires at baseline. Follow-up was performed by review of patients' clinical records. Cox Proportional Hazards Models were used for the statistical analyses. RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 23 years. There were 182 (27%) incident T2DM diagnoses in our sub-cohort. MP was the most frequently detected npEP, 88.42% samples above the limit of detection, and BP showed the lowest percentage of detection (19.21%). Those individuals within the fourth PP quartile (0.53-9.24 ng/ml) showed a statistically significant increased risk of T2DM (HR = 1.668 p = 0.012), while BP1 concentrations showed an inverse non-significant trend with the risk. CONCLUSIONS: We evidenced a potential contribution of npEP exposure on T2DM, but no clear trend was observed. However, limitations in relation to exposure estimation might influence our findings and further research is warranted to confirm our results.

Menstrual blood concentrations of parabens and benzophenones and related factors in a sample of Spanish women: An exploratory study.

AIM: To evaluate concentrations of parabens (PBs) and benzophenones (BzPs) in menstrual blood and explore related sociodemographic/lifestyle factors, and to compare between menstrual and peripheral blood concentrations in a subset of samples. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Concentrations of 4 PBs [methyl- (MeP), ethyl- (EtP), propyl- (PrP) and butyl-paraben (BuP)] and 6 BzPs [BzP-1, BzP-2, BzP-3, BzP-6, BzP-8 and 4-OH-BzP] were determined in menstrual blood from 57 women and in both menstrual and peripheral blood samples from 12 women, all healthy Spanish women of reproductive age. Socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle habits [diet and use of cosmetics and personal care products (PCPs)] were gathered using an online questionnaire. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between menstrual and peripheral blood concentrations, while multivariable linear regression was used to identify potential explanatory variables for menstrual PB and BzP concentrations. RESULTS: Globally, all menstrual blood samples had detectable levels of ≥3 compounds, and 52.6% of the samples contained ≥6 compounds. MeP, PrP, and BzP-3 were the most frequently detected compounds (detection frequencies >90.0%), with median concentrations of 1.41, 0.63, and 1.70 ng/mL of menstrual blood, respectively. Age, the use of PCPs, and consumption of some food items (meat, pasta, cheese, or dairy products) were related to the menstrual blood concentrations of some PBs/BzPs. Serum:menstrual blood ratios of PBs/BzPs ranged from 1.7 to 3.6, with no inter-matrix correlations. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals, to our knowledge for the first time, the widespread presence of several PBs and BzPs in intimate contact with gynecological tissues, although their concentrations in menstrual blood were not correlated with those in peripheral blood from the same women. These results shed light on the information provided by the menstrual blood as a potential matrix for characterizing exposure to PBs and BzPs, whose consequences for women's reproductive health need to be addressed.

Quantifying and Numerically Representing Recharge and Flow Components in a Karstified Carbonate Aquifer.

Karstified carbonate aquifers are highly heterogeneous systems characterized by multiple recharge, flow, and discharge components. The quantification of the relative contribution of these components, as well as their numerical representation, remains a challenge. This paper identifies three recharge components in the time and frequency domain. While the analysis in the time domain follows traditional approaches, the analysis of the power spectrum allows frequencies associated with specific spectral coefficients and noise types to be distinguished more objectively. The analysis follows the presented hypothesis that the different frequency-noise components are the result of aquifer heterogeneity transforming the random rainfall input into a sequence of non-Gaussian signals. The distinct signals are then numerically represented in the context of a semidistributed pipe network model in order to simulate recharge, flow, and discharge of an Irish karst catchment more realistically. By linking the power spectra of the modeled recharge components with the spectra of the spring discharge, the information usually gained by classical performance indicators is significantly widened. The modeled spring discharge is well matched in the time and frequency domain, yet the different recharge dynamics explain the signal of the aquifer outlet in different noise domains across the spectrum. This study demonstrates the conjunctive use of frequency analysis in conceptualization of a hydrological system together with modeling and evaluation.

Is measurement of the gingival biotype reliable? Agreement among different assessment methods.

BACKGROUND: To determine agreement among the most commonly used methods for assessing the gingival biotype. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic survey was sent to a sample of dentists practicing in Spain. The questionnaire was based on the evaluation of 5 cases involving different gingival biotype assessment methods. Dentists were required to classify the cases as having a "thin", "thick" or "not able to classify" biotype. Each case was assessed using a frontal intraoral photo of the anterior teeth; an enlarged photo of the buccal aspect of the tooth with a periodontal probe inserted inside the sulcus; and the real thickness measured in mm with a calibrated needle. Agreement among the classifications was assessed using Cohen's kappa coefficient. RESULTS: A total of 104 surveys were analyzed. The most commonly used assessment method was visual evaluation of the morphology of the gingiva and the teeth (62.5%). Concordance among the three different methods was weak (kappa = 0.278). Agreement among the classification methods was greater in extreme cases (thinner and thicker gingival thickness). CONCLUSIONS: The most commonly used methods for assessing gingival biotype are not reliable. The three tested methods show poor to weak agreement, which leads to non-reliable estimation of the gingival biotype.

Correction to: X-linked hypophosphatemia and growth.

The authors of the article would like to note an error in the acknowledgements section of this paper.

Prenatal Therapy with Magnesium Sulfate and Its Correlation with Neonatal Serum Magnesium Concentration.

INTRODUCTION: Antenatal magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) administration has shown to be effective in minimizing cerebral palsy and severe motor dysfunction at the age of 2 years. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between the magnesium dose delivered to the mother and the magnesium concentration in the neonates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted on neonates of less than 32 weeks' gestation admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of University Hospital Complex of Vigo from December 2012 to July 2015. Comparative analysis of magnesium levels between the groups of neonates exposed to MgSO4 and the control group. RESULTS: A total of 118 neonates were included in the study. The mothers of 62 of them had received MgSO4 as a neuroprotective agent. There was a significant correlation between the full dose of MgSO4 received by the mother and the levels of magnesium in the neonate in the first 24 hours of life (r2 = 0.397; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The MgSO4 dose received by the mother has a linear relationship with the magnesium levels obtained in neonates.

X-linked hypophosphatemia and growth.

X-Linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is the most common form of hereditary rickets caused by loss-of function mutations in the PHEX gene. XLH is characterized by hypophosphatemia secondary to renal phosphate wasting, inappropriately low concentrations of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D and high circulating levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Short stature and rachitic osseous lesions are characteristic phenotypic findings of XLH although the severity of these manifestations is highly variable among patients. The degree of growth impairment is not dependent on the magnitude of hypophosphatemia or the extent of legs´ bowing and height is not normalized by chronic administration of phosphate supplements and 1α hydroxyvitamin D derivatives. Treatment with growth hormone accelerates longitudinal growth rate but there is still controversy regarding the potential risk of increasing bone deformities and body disproportion. Treatments aimed at blocking FGF23 action are promising, but information is lacking on the consequences of counteracting FGF23 during the growing period. This review summarizes current knowledge on phosphorus metabolism in XLH, presents updated information on XLH and growth, including the effects of FGF23 on epiphyseal growth plate of the Hyp mouse, an animal model of the disease, and discusses growth hormone and novel FGF23 related therapies.

Serum and adipose tissue as matrices for assessment of exposure to persistent organic pollutants in breast cancer patients.

The aim of this study was to assess differences between two biological matrices (serum and breast adipose tissue) in the evaluation of persistent organic pollutant (POP) exposure in breast cancer patients. The study population consisted of 103 women undergoing surgery for newly diagnosed breast carcinoma in a public hospital in Granada, Southern Spain. Independent variables were gathered from questionnaires and clinical records. POP concentrations were quantified in breast adipose tissue and serum samples. Spearman correlation tests were performed between pairs of POP concentrations and stepwise multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to assess predictors of concentrations in the two matrices. p,p'- Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) showed the the highest median concentration in both matrices (194.34 and 173.84 ng/g lipid in adipose tissue and serum, respectively). Median wet-basis adipose tissue:serum ratios ranged from 109.34 to 651.62, while lipid-basis ratios ranged from 0.88 to 4.34. In general, we found significant positive correlation coefficients between pairs of POPs in adipose tissue and in serum, which were always higher in adipose tissue. We found positive and statistically significant correlations between serum and adipose tissue concentrations of p,p'-DDE and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) but not of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Age was positively associated with most POPs in adipose tissue and serum, while the body mass index was positively associated with adipose tissue HCB concentrations and negatively associated with serum PCB-153 and PCB-138 concentrations. Recent weight loss was inversely associated with POP residues in adipose tissue and positively associated with POP residues in serum. Serum HCB and PCB-180 concentrations were lower in patients who had received preoperative chemotherapy. According to our results, serum and adipose tissue POP concentrations in breast cancer patients may be differentially affected by external predictors. Taken together, these findings indicate the need to take account of the individual POP(s) under study and the biological matrix used when relating internal POP exposure to breast cancer disease and to make a careful selection of covariates for adjusting the model.

Attenuation of bleomycin induced lung fibrosis by erdosteine and inhibition of the inducible nitric oxide synthase.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Despite advances in treatment modalities, the discovery of optimal medical therapies still remains a necessity in the management of pulmonary fibrosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The experiments were performed in 35 adult Sprague Dawley rats, randomly allotted into one of five groups (n=7). The control group was treated with 1 ml/kg, 0.9 % saline; the BLM group was given a single dose of BLM (2.5 U/kg); the BLM+ER group was treated with ER (10 mg/kg/day po) for 14 days after BLM administration; the BLM+SMT group was treated with i.p injections of SMT (20 mg/kg/ day) for 14 days after BLM administration; the BLM+ER+SMT group was treated with ER and SMT for 14 days after BLM administration. At the end of day 14, the results of histopathological, biochemical, and immunohistochemical investigations were analyzed. RESULTS: Serum TNF-α, nitrate/nitrite, and TBARS levels significantly increased in BLM group compared to control group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.05 respectively). Lung tissue content of IL-6 was found to be lower in BLM+ER, BLM+SMT and BLM+ER+SMT groups compared to BLM group by immunhistochemical examinations (p < 0.01, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). Similarly, the TNF-α reactions (p < 0.01 for each group) and NF-kB expressions were shown to be significantly different among the study groups (p < 0.05, p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Based on our study, ER and SMT attenuate BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis; the combination of two agents has a greater protective efficacy against fibrosis than one alone, reducing the inflammatory markers (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 31).

Cardioprotective effect of aminoguanidine in combination with steroid therapy after blunt chest trauma.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac contusion is an important cause of mortality after blunt chest trauma (BCT). The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of the usage of aminoguanidine (AG), in myocardial damage occurring after BCT, alone and in combination with methylprednisolone (MP). METHODS: Thirty-five female Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 7) including: sham controls (S); only cardiac contusion (CONT); cardiac contusion treated with methylprednisolone (CONT+MP); cardiac contusion treated with aminoguanidine (CONT+AG); and cardiac contusion treated with methylprednisolone and aminoguanidine (CONT+MP+AG). Seven days following the treatments, heart and serum specimens were evaluated histopathologically, immunohistochemically, and biochemically in all groups. RESULTS: Serum AOPP and Tn-I levels increased significantly after cardiac contusions. Haemorrhage, tissue degeneration, and necrosis development was evident following contusions. Increased iNOS expression in myocardial tissue was significantly decreased in the CONT+AG+MP group compared to CONT+AG and CONT+MP groups (p = 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively). The combined treatment of AG and MP increased Bcl-2 expression significantly after contusions compared to the other treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Combined usage of AG, a selective iNOS inhibitor, with MP, in cardiac contusions, showed a more powerful cardioprotective effect by increasing Bcl-2 expression and reducing iNOS expression (Tab. 3, Fig. 4, Ref. 33).

Testing Bergmann's rule and the Rosenzweig hypothesis with craniometric studies of the South American sea lion.

We tested the validity of Bergmann's rule and Rosenzweig's hypothesis through an analysis of the geographical variation of the skull size of Otaria flavescens along the entire distribution range of the species (except Brazil). We quantified the sizes of 606 adult South American sea lion skulls measured in seven localities of Peru, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, and the Falkland/Malvinas Islands. Geographical and environmental variables included latitude, longitude, and monthly minimum, maximum, and mean air and ocean temperatures. We also included information on fish landings as a proxy for productivity. Males showed a positive relationship between condylobasal length (CBL) and latitude, and between CBL and the six temperature variables. By contrast, females showed a negative relationship between CBL and the same variables. Finally, female skull size showed a significant and positive correlation with fish landings, while males did not show any relationship with this variable. The body size of males conformed to Bergmann's rule, with larger individuals found in southern localities of South America. Females followed the converse of Bergmann's rule at the intraspecific level, but showed a positive relationship with the proxy for productivity, thus supporting Rosenzweig's hypothesis. Differences in the factors that drive body size in females and males may be explained by their different life-history strategies. Our analyses demonstrate that latitude and temperature are not the only factors that explain spatial variation in body size: others such as food availability are also important for explaining the ecogeographical patterns found in O. flavescens.

Therapeutic effect of magnesium sulphate on carbon monoxide toxicity-mediated brain lipid peroxidation.

BACKGROUND: Carbon monoxide (CO) toxicity primarily results from cellular hypoxia caused by impedance of oxygen delivery. Studies show that CO may cause brain lipid peroxidation and leukocyte-mediated inflammatory changes in the brain. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate whether magnesium sulphate could prevent or diminish brain lipid peroxidation caused by carbon monoxide toxicity in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourty rats were divided into five groups of 8 rats each. Group l was not received any agent during the experiment. Group 2 was inhaled CO gas followed by intraperitoneally normal saline 30 minutes (min) later. Group 3 was inhaled CO gas followed by 100 mg/kg magnesium sulphate intraperitoneally 30 min later. Group 2 and Group 3 rats was undergone laparotomy and craniotomy while still under anesthesia at 6 hour, and tissue sample was obtained from the cerebrum. Group 4 was inhaled CO gas followed by intraperitoneally normal saline 30 min later. Group 5 was inhaled CO gas followed by 100 mg/kg magnesium sulphate intraperitoneally 30 min later. Group 4 and Group 5 rats was undergone laparotomy and craniotomy while still under anesthesia at 24 hour, and tissue sample was obtained from the cerebrum. RESULTS: Nitric oxide levels were no significantly different between all groups. Malonyldialdehyde levels increased in intoxication group (group 2) and decreased in treatment group (group 3). Activities of superoxide dismutase decreased in intoxication group (group 2) and increased in treatment group (group 3). Activities of catalase increased in intoxication group (group 2) and decreased in treatment group (group 3). Activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) decreased in intoxication group (group 4) and increased in treatment group (group 5). CONCLUSIONS: CO poisoning caused significant damage, detected within the first 6 hours. Due to antioxidant enzymes, especially GSH-Px activity reaching the top level within 24th hours, significant oxidative damage was not observed. The protective effect against oxidative damage of magnesium sulfate has been identified within the first 6 hours.

Cell cycle, apoptosis, cell differentiation, and lipid metabolism gene expression in endometriotic tissue and exposure to parabens and benzophenones.

AIM: To describe the expression profile in endometriotic tissue of genes involved in four signaling pathways related to the development and progression of endometriosis (cell cycle, apoptosis, cell differentiation and lipid metabolism) and to explore its relationship with the women exposure to chemicals with hormonal activity released from cosmetics and personal care products (PCPs). METHODS: This cross-sectional study, encompassed within the EndEA study, comprised a subsample of 33 women with endometriosis. Expression levels of 13 genes (BMI1, CCNB1, CDK1, BAX, BCL2L1, FOXO3, SPP1, HOXA10, PDGFRA, SOX2, APOE, PLCG1 and PLCG2) in endometriotic tissue and urinary concentrations of 4 paraben (PB) and 3 benzophenone (BP) congeners were quantified. Bivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the associations between exposure and gene expression levels. RESULTS: A total of 8 out 13 genes (61.5 %) were expressed in >75 % of the samples. Exposure to congeners of PBs and/or BPs was associated with the overexpression of CDK1 gene (whose protein drives cells through G2 phase and mitosis), HOXA10 and PDGFRA genes (whose proteins favor pluripotent cell differentiation to endometrial cells), and APOE (whose protein regulates the transport and metabolism of cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids in multiple tissues) and PLCG2 genes (whose protein creates 1D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol, two important second messengers). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that women exposure to cosmetic and PCP-released chemicals might be associated with the promotion of cell cycle and cell differentiation as well as with lipid metabolism disruption in endometriotic tissue, three crucial signaling pathways in the development and progression of endometriosis. However, further studies should be accomplished to confirm these preliminary data.

Effect of Sperm Ratio and Temperature on Fertilization and Early Larval Development of the Surf Clam Mesodesma donacium (Bivalvia:Mesodesmatidae).

The effect of sperm ratio on fertilization was evaluated in five sperm:oocytes treatments (10:1, 50:1, 100:1, 500:1 and 1000:1), the effect of temperature on embryonic and larval development in three temperature treatments (13 °C, 16 °C and 19 °C) was recorded and the duration of each stage, the growth rate and survival rate were registered. The oocytes were spherical (67.5 ± 4.2 µm) with a defined nucleus. Spermatozoa had a circular head (2 µm) and a fusiform flagellum (12 µm). The 500:1 sperm:oocytes treatment presented the lowest % of unfertilized oocytes, and lysis was observed in the 1000:1 treatment. An inverse relationship was observed between temperature and the duration of the stages of embryonic development. At 16 °C, veliger D larvae were observed at 41 h 45' pf (88 ± 13.0 µm). Umbonate larvae were obtained at day 16 in the 13 °C culture and at day 10 in the 16 °C and 19 °C treatment (140 µm). On day 16 of culture, advanced umbonate larvae with a well-defined stomach (235 µm) were observed. The larval growth rate was higher in the 19 °C treatment (3.6 µm day-1) than the 13 °C and 16 °C treatment (2, 2.2 µm day-1). The mortality was higher in the 19 °C treatment (91%). These results are an initial contribution towards the culture of M. donacium as part of small-scale aquaculture in South America.

Concentrations of bisphenols, parabens, and benzophenones in human breast milk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Breast milk is the main source of nutrition for infants but may be responsible for their exposure to environmental chemicals, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals. AIM: To review available evidence on the presence and concentrations of bisphenols, parabens (PBs), and benzophenones (BPs) in human milk and to explore factors related to exposure levels. METHODS: A systematic review was carried out using Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, conducting a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed original articles published during the period 2000-2020, including epidemiological and methodological studies. Inclusion criteria were met by 50 studies, which were compiled by calculating weighted detection frequencies and arithmetic mean concentrations of the chemicals. Their risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I checklist. RESULTS: Among the 50 reviewed studies, concentrations of bisphenols were assessed by 37 (74.0%), PBs by 21 (42.0%), and BPs by 10 (20.0%). Weighted detection frequencies were 63.6% for bisphenol-A (BPA), 27.9-63.4% for PBs, and 39.5% for benzophenone-3 (BP-3). Weighted mean concentrations were 1.4 ng/mL for BPA, 0.2-14.2 ng/mL for PBs, and 24.4 ng/mL for BP-3. Mean concentrations ranged among studies from 0.1 to 3.9 ng/mL for BPA, 0.1 to 1063.6 ng/mL for PBs, and 0.5 to 72.4 ng/mL for BP-3. The highest concentrations of BPA and PBs were reported in samples from Asia (versus America and Europe). Higher BPA and lower methyl-paraben concentrations were observed in samples collected after 2010. Elevated concentrations of these chemicals were associated with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors in eight studies (16.0%). Two epidemiological studies showed moderate/serious risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review contributes the first overview of the widespread presence and concentrations of bisphenols, PBs, and BPs in human breast milk, revealing geographical and temporal variations. The methodological heterogeneity of published studies underscores the need for well-conducted studies to assess the magnitude of exposure to these chemicals from human milk.