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1.
Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis ; 43(6): 1149-1160, 2024 Jun.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38634975

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: We assessed the clinical effectiveness of cefiderocol (CFDC) in comparison with colistin (COL) for the treatment of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) bloodstream infections (BSI). MATERIALS/METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including adults with CRAB-BSI. Outcomes were mortality, clinical cure and adverse events during therapy. The average treatment effect of CFDC compared to COL was weighted with the inverse-probability treatment weight (IPTW). RESULTS: Overall, 104 patients were included (50 CFDC, 54 COL), median age 66.5 years, median Charlson Comorbidity Index 5, septic shock in 33.6% of patients. Primary BSI accounted for 43.3% of cases, followed by ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) (26%), catheter-related BSI (20.2%) and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) (9.6%). Although not significantly, mortality at all time points was lower for CFDC than COL, while clinical cure was higher in CFDC than COL (66% vs. 44.4%, p = 0.027). Adverse events were more frequent in COL than CFDC-group (38.8% vs. 10%, p < 0.0001), primarily attributed to acute kidney injury (AKI) in the COL group. Patients with bacteremic HAP/VAP treated with CFDC had a significant lower 30-d mortality and higher clinical cure than COL (p = 0.008 and p = 0.0008, respectively). Increment of CCI (p = 0.005), ICU (p = 0.025), SARS-CoV2 (p = 0.006) and ECMO (p < 0.0001) were independently associated with 30-d mortality, while receiving CFDC was not associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS: CFDC could represent an effective and safe treatment option for CRAB BSI, especially in patients with bacteremic HAP/VAP and frail patients where the risk of acute renal failure during therapy should be avoided.


Assuntos
Infecções por Acinetobacter , Acinetobacter baumannii , Antibacterianos , Bacteriemia , COVID-19 , Carbapenêmicos , Cefiderocol , Humanos , Idoso , Acinetobacter baumannii/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Feminino , Estudos Retrospectivos , Infecções por Acinetobacter/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções por Acinetobacter/mortalidade , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Antibacterianos/uso terapêutico , Carbapenêmicos/uso terapêutico , Carbapenêmicos/farmacologia , Resultado do Tratamento , Bacteriemia/tratamento farmacológico , Bacteriemia/mortalidade , Bacteriemia/microbiologia , COVID-19/mortalidade , COVID-19/complicações , Colistina/uso terapêutico , Colistina/efeitos adversos , Cefalosporinas/uso terapêutico , SARS-CoV-2/efeitos dos fármacos , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Pneumonia Associada à Ventilação Mecânica/tratamento farmacológico , Pneumonia Associada à Ventilação Mecânica/microbiologia , Pneumonia Associada à Ventilação Mecânica/mortalidade
2.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol ; 33(10): 1928-1934, 2019 Oct.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31055872

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Nickel (Ni) dermatitis remains a highly prevalent allergic condition in Italy. There is a continuous need for clinical and epidemiological surveillance to evaluate whether or not European Ni Directive has been effective in contact allergy prevention. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of Ni dermatitis among patch-tested patients and self-interviewed school students and to analyse Ni release from earlobe jewellery. METHODS: Results of patch tests performed in 2006-2007, 2015-2016 and 2017-2018 were retrieved. A questionnaire was compiled by 315 secondary school students. Ni release from earring parts was analysed with the EN1811:2015 method. RESULTS: A significant time trend of decreasing Ni positivity from 2006-2007 to 2017-2018 was observed both in the overall population (44.1% in 2006-2007, 33.0% in 2015-2016, 31.6% in 2017-2018, P < 0.0001) and in female patients (P < 0.0001). Conversely, change was not significant in males (P = 0.16). Decrease was significant for all age groups, except for those aged >60 years (P = 0.51). Among 242 students who reported earring use, 130 (54%) reported symptoms at earlobes, mostly associated with jewellery of materials other than gold and silver (59% of those with earlobe symptoms). Ni release exceeded the migration limit in 4/21 (20%) earring parts. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of Ni dermatitis and earlobe symptoms were found in Rome. A decreasing time trend was noted, with a significant decline in Ni sensitivity compared to the situation observed right after Ni Directive implementation. This most likely represents the consequence of reduced Ni content in earring parts, although a major care in the use of Ni-containing objects could contribute to explain these findings.


Assuntos
Dermatite Alérgica de Contato/epidemiologia , Dermatite Alérgica de Contato/etiologia , Joias/efeitos adversos , Níquel/efeitos adversos , Adolescente , Adulto , Dermatite Alérgica de Contato/prevenção & controle , Pavilhão Auricular , União Europeia , Feminino , Humanos , Joias/análise , Legislação como Assunto , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Níquel/análise , Testes do Emplastro , Prevalência , Cidade de Roma/epidemiologia , Fatores Sexuais , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adulto Jovem
3.
Dermatology ; 226(3): 200-6, 2013.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23751225

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Skin-lightening products are increasingly common in European cities. These products may contain substances that are banned under EU regulations as they can induce adverse effects, including cutaneous and systemic reactions (e.g., mercury, hydroquinone and topical corticosteroids). OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of women regarding skin-lightening products and to quantify the potentially harmful substances in the products used. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study among 82 non-Italian women visiting an outpatient facility in Rome, Italy. The women completed a questionnaire on product use, side effects and risk awareness. We performed patch tests among a subgroup of 48 women who presented with contact dermatitis. We also quantified the allergenic and toxic substances in the 14 products reported, using dynamic reaction cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for metals and high-performance liquid chromatography for hydroquinone and topical corticosteroids. RESULTS: Out of the 82 women, 33 used skin-lightening products; about one fourth of these women were aware of potential risks. Three cosmetic creams and two soaps contained high concentrations of metals (Cr, Ni and Pb); hydroquinone was found in three creams and one oil. The only topical corticosteroid detected was dexamethasone, in one product. More than half of the women in the clinical evaluation had irritant contact dermatitis (i.e., negative response to patch test). CONCLUSIONS: Among immigrant women in Rome, the use of skin-lightening products seems to be fairly common, and some of these products contain potentially hazardous substances. Consumers must be informed of the potential risks, and EU regulations must be more strictly enforced.


Assuntos
Emigrantes e Imigrantes , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Preparações Clareadoras de Pele/química , Preparações Clareadoras de Pele/uso terapêutico , Adolescente , Adulto , África/etnologia , Ásia/etnologia , Estudos Transversais , Dermatite Irritante/diagnóstico , Dexametasona/análise , Feminino , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde/etnologia , Humanos , Hidroquinonas/análise , Metais/análise , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Testes do Emplastro , Projetos Piloto , Cidade de Roma , Preparações Clareadoras de Pele/efeitos adversos , América do Sul/etnologia , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adulto Jovem
4.
J Prev Med Hyg ; 53(1): 24-9, 2012 Mar.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22803316

RESUMO

The most frequent risk factors related to the infection/persistence of HPV in the population are an early start of sexual activity, the number of sexual partners, smoking, and the utilization of some contraceptive methods. In Italy, HPV vaccine is offered free of charge to all 12-year-old female adolescents, with a possible extension to other age groups according to Regional policies. In order to value the suitability of the current HPV vaccination strategies in Italy, an epidemiological study on sexual habits in adolescents and young adults was organized. An anonymous questionnaire on sexual behavior and risk factors for HPV infection was administered to 2300 students aged 13-24 years attending secondary schools and universities in Tuscany during 2008-09. About 12% of the sample declared to be foreign citizen. The results highlight the early start of sexual activity among young students. Particularly, more than half of the interviewed students declared to be already sexually active. The mean and the median age of the first sexual intercourse was 15.4 +/- 1.4 years and 15 years (25th and 75th percentiles = 14-16), respectively. More than 77% of students at age 16 years declared they already had the first sexual intercourse, compared with 0.3% of those <12 years. Generally, females aged 13-16-years, if sexually active, had sexual contacts with a single partner. Most students declared to know common contraceptive methods (male condom and contraceptive pill). However, only half of them declared a regular use of male condom. These data confirm the importance of vaccination against HPV for young females before their sexual debut. In addition, the current multi-cohort strategy of HPV vaccination in Tuscany (free of charge in the age range 12-16 years) allows also to catch up those girls that have not yet had their first sexual experiences before 16 years (21.5% according to our study) but also to those girls already sexually active, who very rarely are already infected by all vaccine types at 16 years. Our results also show the importance of sexual health education and of promotion of correct behaviours in schools.


Assuntos
Preservativos/estatística & dados numéricos , Infecções por Papillomavirus/prevenção & controle , Vacinas contra Papillomavirus/administração & dosagem , Educação Sexual/organização & administração , Comportamento Sexual/estatística & dados numéricos , Estudantes/estatística & dados numéricos , Adolescente , Comportamento do Adolescente/psicologia , Distribuição por Idade , Feminino , Humanos , Programas de Imunização , Itália/epidemiologia , Masculino , Distribuição por Sexo , Parceiros Sexuais , Estudantes/psicologia , Inquéritos e Questionários , Sexo sem Proteção/estatística & dados numéricos , Neoplasias do Colo do Útero/prevenção & controle , Adulto Jovem
5.
J Exp Biol ; 213(Pt 12): 2048-54, 2010 Jun 15.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20511518

RESUMO

The present study first examined whether ruin lizards Podarcis sicula are able to orientate using the e-vector direction of polarized light. Ruin lizards were trained and tested indoors, inside a hexagonal Morris water maze, positioned under an artificial light source producing plane polarized light with a single e-vector, which provided an axial cue. Lizards were subjected to axial training by positioning two identical goals in contact with the centre of two opposite side walls of the Morris water maze. Goals were invisible because they were placed just beneath the water surface, and water was rendered opaque. The results showed that the directional choices of lizards meeting learning criteria were bimodally distributed along the training axis, and that after 90 deg rotation of the e-vector direction of polarized light the lizards directional choices rotated correspondingly, producing a bimodal distribution which was perpendicular to the training axis. The present results confirm in ruin lizards results previously obtained in other lizard species showing that these reptiles can use the e-vector direction of polarized light in the form of a sky polarization compass. The second step of the study aimed at answering the still open question of whether functioning of a sky polarization compass would be mediated by the lizard parietal eye. To test this, ruin lizards meeting learning criteria were tested inside the Morris water maze under polarized light after their parietal eyes were painted black. Lizards with black-painted parietal eyes were completely disoriented. Thus, the present data show for the first time that the parietal eye plays a central role in mediating the functioning of a putative sky polarization compass of lizards.


Assuntos
Luz , Lagartos/anatomia & histologia , Fenômenos Fisiológicos Oculares , Animais , Aprendizagem em Labirinto , Orientação/fisiologia , Rotação
6.
Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol ; 23(1): 317-26, 2010.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20378018

RESUMO

HPV-DNA testing has entered in clinical practice. Three important questions remain controversial: 1) which is the best HPV-DNA technology? 2) Which age group should be targeted? 3) Is HPV-DNA testing predictive of disease outcome? The answers to these queries represent the endpoints of this study. The population of this retrospective study consisted of 272 women, each one having: baseline cytological diagnosis of Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (LSIL); baseline HPV-DNA reports by Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) and MY09/11 consensus primers PCR; follow-up duration over 3-years; cytological report of disease status at follow-up time. Firstly, we assessed the concordance and the performances of both HPV-DNA testing, then we correlated, respectively HPV-DNA results and age of patients to disease outcome. DNA testing methods agreed in 83.4 percent of cases (K=0.66). Baseline HPV-DNA result was not significantly associated to disease outcome (p=0.06). Within HPV-DNA positive group, we found no evidence of correlation between age and LSIL prognosis (p=0.89). Confining the analysis to age-stratified HPV-DNA negative women, the differences were statistically significant (p=0.01). In conclusion, HPVDNA testing gives no information about the real behaviour of cervical abnormalities. These findings suggest the demand for additive markers, reflecting the risk of progression, in prevention strategy and clinical approach.


Assuntos
Colo do Útero/patologia , DNA Viral/análise , Papillomaviridae/isolamento & purificação , Esfregaço Vaginal , Adolescente , Adulto , Fatores Etários , Colo do Útero/virologia , Células Epiteliais/patologia , Células Epiteliais/virologia , Feminino , Humanos , Estudos Longitudinais , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Hibridização de Ácido Nucleico , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase , Estudos Retrospectivos
7.
Food Chem Toxicol ; 146: 111816, 2020 Dec.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33080330

RESUMO

The recent application of manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) in plant protection products (PPPs) enhances stability of the active substance (a.s.), minimizes application losses, reduces the quantities of a.s., increases coverage on leaf surface, improves precise application, etc. Besides offering benefits, there is high concern about the potential risk for human and environment associated with the use of nanopesticides. In this study, a panel of complementary methodologies were used to determine size distribution and chemical identification of four different formulations of nanopesticides. Measurements were performed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), asymmetric field flow fractionation-multi angle light scattering (AF4-FFF-MALS), gas/liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS) or diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results indicated average size values in the ranges: 27.4-148.7 nm by DLS; 39.1-82.0 nm by AF4-FFF-MALS; and 42-90 nm by TEM. Linked to these nanosized particles both organic active ingredients and inorganic ones were identified. In addition, the obtained data revealed that all the four PPPs contained more than 50% of particles with number size distribution between 1 and 100 nm and, according to the European Commission definition, they can be defined as nanopesticides.


Assuntos
Nanotecnologia , Praguicidas/química , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão/métodos , Fracionamento por Campo e Fluxo , Hidrodinâmica , Espectrometria de Massas/métodos , Microscopia Eletrônica de Transmissão , Praguicidas/análise
8.
Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol ; 22(3): 605-14, 2009.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19822077

RESUMO

The increased use of Palladium (Pd) for biomedical applications, which has more than doubled in the last ten years, appears to be associated with an increased frequency of adverse reactions to Pd. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the implant of a biomechanical apparatus containing Pd and the setting of a hypersensitivity to Pd by determining the levels of the metal released in biological fluids, assessing the effects of Pd on peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cytokine production and exploring the clinical setting of skin sensitization. Of a total of 3,093 subjects examined in 2006, sensitization to Pd alone or in association with nickel (Ni) was observed in 1.6% and 13.03% of the individuals, respectively. Of these, a group of six subjects positive to Pd and negative to Ni at patch testing were selected on the basis of the oral clinical symptoms in order to measure both the levels of Pd in biological fluids and the degradation of the dental prostheses. Specific Pd measurements were carried out on salivary fluid, urine and serum samples by High Resolution Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. In addition, the degradation of the dental prostheses was assessed by both a leaching test and an analysis of the micro morphology of orthodontic prostheses. The induction of IFN-gamma production by Pd was assessed in PBMC by the ELISpot assay. Skin sensitization to Pd was evaluated by patch testing and clinical examination. Ten healthy subjects were comparatively tested as controls. We found a specific induction of an IFN-gamma response by Pd in PBMC collected from all the subjects positive to Pd at patch testing. On the contrary, control subjects did not show any response to Pd as assessed by IFN-gamma ELISpot assay or by skin testing. Remarkably, the levels of Pd in all biological samples (saliva, sera, urine) were significantly higher in Pd-sensitized patients than in those collected from controls, reaching the highest concentrations in the urine. The leaching studies gave additional evidence that the dental appliances can release measurable levels of Pd in saliva. Oral clinical symptoms in patients with Pd dental prostheses were associated with measurable levels of Pd in the biological fluids, the induction of Pd-specific IFN-gamma responses in PBMC and the clinical evidence of skin sensitization to Pd. These data suggest that dental appliances may represent an active source of Pd in the body, and this, in turn, can favour the clinical setting of a hypersensitivity to this metal.


Assuntos
Coroas/efeitos adversos , Ligas Dentárias/efeitos adversos , Prótese Parcial/efeitos adversos , Dermatite Alérgica de Contato/imunologia , Interferon gama/metabolismo , Ligas Metalo-Cerâmicas/efeitos adversos , Paládio/efeitos adversos , Linfócitos T/efeitos dos fármacos , Idoso , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Células Cultivadas , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Espectrometria de Massas/métodos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Níquel/efeitos adversos , Paládio/sangue , Paládio/urina , Desenho de Prótese , Falha de Prótese , Saliva/metabolismo , Testes Cutâneos , Linfócitos T/imunologia , Regulação para Cima , Microtomografia por Raio-X
9.
J Toxicol Environ Health A ; 72(2): 88-93, 2009.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19034798

RESUMO

The Pd tissue distribution and elimination in rats following oral exposure in drinking water of dipotassium hexachloropalladate at doses of 100 or 250 ng/ml for 14 d were determined. The sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry used for Pd quantification showed the adequate sensitivity (10 ng/l) and accuracy (96-105%), and all the more in consideration of the very low levels of Pd accumulated. Tissues were taken and analyzed after 14 d. The tissue containing the highest Pd concentration was the kidney (4 ng/g dry weight in controls and 75 ng/g dry weight at the maximum dose), with left and right kidneys showing a comparable accumulation. The Pd kidney levels rose, but not significantly, with the administered dose. None of the other organs (liver, lung, spleen, adrenal glands, and bones) appeared to accumulate Pd, even at the highest dose. At the 250-ng/ml dose, small amounts of Pd were found in serum (0.27 ng/ml vs. 0.19 ng/ml in controls), while they were higher in urine (1.2 ng/ml vs. 0.16 ng/ml in controls) and in feces (3,231 ng/g dry weight vs. 69 ng/g dry weight in controls). Feces were the main excretion route for Pd, with a significant linear correlation with exposed dose, which is likely due to low intestinal absorption of Pd.


Assuntos
Paládio/farmacocinética , Abastecimento de Água , Administração Oral , Animais , Masculino , Espectrometria de Massas , Distribuição Aleatória , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Estatísticas não Paramétricas , Distribuição Tecidual
10.
Toxicol Lett ; 298: 25-32, 2018 Dec 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29953930

RESUMO

Although high or repeated exposure to different forms of Hg can have serious health consequences, the most important toxicity risk for humans is as methylmercury (MeHg) which exposure is mainly through consumption of fish. Generally, more than the 80% of Hg in hair is as MeHg, which is taken up by hair follicles as MeHg-cysteine complexes. In this context, hair samples were collected from 200 children (7 years) living in a coastal site in the North-East (A) of Italy and from 299 children (6-11 years) living in a urban area of South of Italy (B) to determine the levels of MeHg. Considering the neurotoxicity of MeHg, children were subjected to cognitive and neuropsychological tests. The hair values of Hg in the children population groups were comparable with data reported in other international surveys. On the other hand, combining results of the neurological tests with Hg levels, a possible relationship between Hg and an increase of the errors average reported in some neurological tests has been noted. Although the Hg levels were not elevated, a possible neurological influence in children, a population more susceptible than adults, might not be excluded, but the influence on neurological performances of the children could be also due to the family environment (socio economic status, educational level, etc.).


Assuntos
Poluentes Ambientais/análise , Cabelo/química , Compostos de Metilmercúrio/análise , Fatores Etários , Criança , Comportamento Infantil , Desenvolvimento Infantil , Cognição , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Poluentes Ambientais/efeitos adversos , Feminino , Contaminação de Alimentos , Humanos , Masculino , Intoxicação do Sistema Nervoso por Mercúrio/diagnóstico , Intoxicação do Sistema Nervoso por Mercúrio/etiologia , Intoxicação do Sistema Nervoso por Mercúrio/fisiopatologia , Intoxicação do Sistema Nervoso por Mercúrio/psicologia , Compostos de Metilmercúrio/efeitos adversos , Testes Neuropsicológicos , Características de Residência , Medição de Risco , Alimentos Marinhos/efeitos adversos
11.
J Pharm Biomed Anal ; 44(5): 1197-202, 2007 Sep 03.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17566689

RESUMO

It is extensively well-known that Ni and other metals occurring as impurities in cosmetic products might give rise to contact dermatitis in subjects with pre-existing allergy. The present study on the content of 13 metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ir, Mn, Ni, Pb, Pd, Pt, Rh, and V) in moisturizing creams, labelled as "Ni-tested" (i.e., Ni content <100 ng g(-1)) and available on the Italian market, provides a basis for assessing their safety for consumers. Quantification of metals was performed by sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after microwave-assisted acid digestion of products. The developed method had limits of quantification less than 0.8 ng g(-1) for all the elements; recovery was in the interval 88% (Cd, Co) to 110% (Hg), and precision was always under 7%. Nickel was present in all the products with levels between 17.5 and 153 ng g(-1); three skin creams were slightly above the concentration reported on the label. The other elements were at levels below 1 microg g(-1). The highest concentrations, in ng g(-1), of Co, Cr, Cu, and Mn were 222, 303, 51.2, and 59.9, respectively. Mean Cd, Pb, and V were below 5 ng g(-1), while Hg was absent in all the samples. Among the new emergent allergens, Ir and Rh were in traces or even undetectable, while Pt had levels of 2.65 and 6.28 ng g(-1) in two creams and Pd was equal to 1.07 ng g(-1) in one product. The overall results are below the sensitizing limit proposed for consumer products and, thus, probably have no significant toxicological effects. Nevertheless, some creams presented amounts of Co and Cr comparable to those of Ni and therefore they have to be monitored in consideration of their cross-reactivity as well.


Assuntos
Alérgenos/análise , Fármacos Dermatológicos/análise , Metais Pesados/análise , Níquel/análise , Higiene da Pele/métodos , Ácidos , Aconitato Hidratase , Alérgenos/efeitos adversos , Dermatite Alérgica de Contato/etiologia , Emolientes/efeitos adversos , Emolientes/análise , Humanos , Espectrometria de Massas/métodos , Metais Pesados/efeitos adversos , Micro-Ondas , Níquel/efeitos adversos , Pomadas/efeitos adversos , Pomadas/análise
12.
Sci Total Environ ; 388(1-3): 24-34, 2007 Dec 15.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17884145

RESUMO

The capability of alloys used in cheap jewellery to release metal ions on contact with the skin causing allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is generally acknowledged. To reduce the diffusion of the Ni-induced ACD the Council Directive 94/27/EC [Council Directive 94/27/EC of 30 June 1994. Official Journal L 188, 22/07/1994, 1.] limited the total Ni content in alloys and its release rate in artificial sweat. In this work, three different aspects were explored: i) the frequency of skin sensitization to Ni-containing earrings in patients before and after the introduction of the Directive's limit; ii) metal composition of alloys by X-ray analysis; iii) metal leaching in artificial sweat followed by Sector Field Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS) quantification. Well-known allergenic metals, as Ni, Cr and Co, and possible emergent allergens, as Al, Ag, Au, Cd, Cu, Fe, Ir, Mn, Pb, Pd, Pt, Rh, Sn, V and Zn, were studied. Results showed that the frequency of allergy due to earrings did not decrease after the introduction of the Ni limit: in 1994 and in 2005 patients positive to Ni patch tests were 54.3% and 53.5%, respectively. The earring components analyzed were Fe-based or alloys of Cu/Zn or Fe/Cr/Ni, plated with a thin film of precious metal (Ag, Au) which, in several cases, was combined with a Ni layer beneath. Five out of 10 items were not in compliance with the Ni Directive 94/27/EC having a total Ni content >0.05%. In three cases the release of Ni concentrations was higher than the safe sensitizing limit given by the above mentioned Regulation (i.e., <0.5 microg/cm(2)/week). The release of Cu and Zn was very variable among the different pieces (Cu: 0.134-30.9 microg/cm(2)/week; Zn: 0.141-160 microg/cm(2)/week); two objects released high amounts of Fe (358 and 586 microg/cm(2)/week) and one released considerable Mn (21 microg/cm(2)/week). Lead was released from 70% of the objects, while Ag, Al, Cd, Co, Cr and Sn from ca. 30% of the items and concentrations of these elements were well below 0.5 microg/cm(2)/week. Vanadium was released by only one item whereas Au, Ir, Pd, Pt and Rh were never leached.


Assuntos
Qualidade de Produtos para o Consumidor , Dermatite Alérgica de Contato/etiologia , Metais/efeitos adversos , Metais/análise , Dermatite Alérgica de Contato/epidemiologia , Monitoramento Ambiental , Monitoramento Epidemiológico , Humanos , Itália/epidemiologia , Projetos Piloto , Testes Cutâneos
13.
J Neurol Sci ; 248(1-2): 23-30, 2006 Oct 25.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16765382

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Involvement of metals in the risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD) has been suggested. In the present study, concentration of metals in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood, serum, urine and hair of 91 PD patients and 18 controls were compared. METHODS: Blood and hair were microwave digested, while CSF, serum and urine were water-diluted. Elements quantification was achieved by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry and Sector Field Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. RESULTS: Some metal imbalances in PD were observed: i), in CSF, lower Fe and Si; ii), in blood, higher Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg and Zn; iii), in serum, lower Al and Cu; iv), in urine, lower Al and Mn, higher Ca and Fe; and v), in hair, lower Fe. The ROC analysis suggested that blood Ca, Fe, Mg and Zn were the best discriminators between PD and controls. In addition, hair Ca and Mg were at least 1.5 times higher in females than in males of patients and controls. A decrement with age of patients in hair and urine Ca and, with less extent, in urine Si was observed. Magnesium concentration in CSF decreased with the duration and severity of the disease. Elements were not influenced by the type of antiparkinsonian therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Variation in elements with the disease do not exclude their involvement in the neurodegeneration of PD.


Assuntos
Metais/sangue , Metais/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Transtornos Parkinsonianos/sangue , Transtornos Parkinsonianos/induzido quimicamente , Fatores Etários , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Feminino , Cabelo/metabolismo , Humanos , Masculino , Metais/urina , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Transtornos Parkinsonianos/urina , Curva ROC , Espectrofotometria Atômica/métodos , Estatísticas não Paramétricas
14.
J Clin Oncol ; 7(1): 100-7, 1989 Jan.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-2909663

RESUMO

The pharmacokinetics of cisplatin were investigated in 14 patients, aged 10 months through 13 years who were affected by solid malignant tumors. High-dose cisplatin (40 mg/m2/d) was administered with repeated courses for five days as a continuous intravenous (IV) infusion. Total platinum (Pt) levels in plasma and urine and free (protein-unbound) Pt levels in plasma ultrafiltrate were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Areas under the concentration v time curve (AUCs) for mean total and free Pt levels were calculated for the 120-hour period of infusion and for the 384 and 120 hours following its completion, respectively. Half-lives of total and free Pt in plasma were calculated for the 216 hours following completion of infusion in five patients at their first course. The fraction of the administered Pt dose excreted in urine as Pt was determined for the five-day period of infusion and seven-day period after its completion. A total of 36 courses were studied. Maximum average Pt levels were reached after 120 hours of infusion: at the first course, 3.22 and 0.17 micrograms/mL for total and free Pt, respectively. Platinum levels declined according to a biexponential model, with initial half-lives of 18.3 and 16.9 minutes, and terminal half-lives of 81.9 and 59.0 hours as determined for total and free Pt, respectively. In the second and third courses studied there was a progressive increase in mean Pt plasma levels. Consequently, the free drug exposure as measured by AUC increased in all patients with repeated courses: 47.7% for the second and 124.4% for the third course, when compared with the first. At the same time, the mean fraction of the dose excreted in the urine for the 12-day period considered, was 44.1% for the first course, 36.2% for the second, and 28.4% for the third. The progressive enhancement of tissue exposure to the free cytotoxic drug, resulting from a reduced renal clearance of Pt with sequential courses of cisplatin, produced mainly increased toxicity while therapeutic effect progressively diminished.


Assuntos
Cisplatino/farmacocinética , Neoplasias/tratamento farmacológico , Adolescente , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Cisplatino/administração & dosagem , Cisplatino/sangue , Cisplatino/urina , Humanos , Infusões Intravenosas , Neoplasias/metabolismo
15.
Occup Environ Med ; 62(1): 27-33, 2005 Jan.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15613605

RESUMO

AIMS: To evaluate the occupational exposure to platinum in an industrial plant engaged in the production, recovery, and recycling of catalytic converters for the automotive traction and chemical industries. METHODS: Pt was determined in airborne particulate matter, and blood, urine, and hair of 106 exposed workers, 21 controls from the plant's administrative offices, and 25 unexposed subjects. RESULTS: The highest air Pt level was found in the department of the plant in which supports are coated with acid metal solutions, where values of 2.39 and 4.83 microg/m3 respectively were found in environmental airborne particulate matter and in air collected using personal sampler devices. The percentage of soluble Pt was also highest in this area, varying from 24% to 44% of the total. The biological data confirmed this trend, with mean concentrations in this site being higher than in other working areas: 1.86 microg/l (urine), 0.38 microg/l (blood), and 2.26 microg/kg (hair). The workers employed in the administrative sector, who were not directly exposed to Pt, had levels of contaminant lower than those of other workers, albeit 2-20 times higher than those of external controls. High correlations were obtained between Pt levels detected in airborne samples using personal devices and those found in urine and hair, but not in blood. CONCLUSIONS: The background level of Pt in all areas of the factory implies widespread exposure for the workers. The most reliable biomarker was urine. Hair cannot be considered a good index of time related exposure, at least until more reliable methods of washing can be found that are able to remove exogenous Pt completely.


Assuntos
Poluentes Ocupacionais do Ar/análise , Poeira/análise , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Exposição Ocupacional/análise , Platina/análise , Adulto , Catálise , Indústria Química , Feminino , Cabelo/química , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Platina/administração & dosagem , Manejo de Espécimes/métodos
16.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab ; 51(4): 939-41, 1980 Oct.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-7419675

RESUMO

Relaxin (RLX) has been purified from the ovary of the pregnant pig and rat but not from human tissues. Our study shows that tissue extracts and incubation media of in vitro culture of human decidua contain a substance with relaxin bioactivities: the inhibition of spontaneous uterine contractions and the elongation of the interpubic ligament. After chromatography on Sephadex G-50 the bioactivity was retained in a protein fraction of approximately 6000 daltons mol wt. The yield of RLX from decidua was 15--33.5 GPU/g fresh tissue. This opens the possibility of the isolation and purification of RLX in the human species.


Assuntos
Decídua/análise , Relaxina/análise , Animais , Bioensaio , Técnicas de Cultura , Feminino , Cobaias , Humanos , Camundongos , Gravidez , Sínfise Pubiana/efeitos dos fármacos , Ratos , Relaxina/farmacologia , Suínos , Contração Uterina/efeitos dos fármacos
17.
Cancer Lett ; 108(1): 7-14, 1996 Nov 12.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-8950203

RESUMO

We investigated the chemosensitizing activity of tamoxifen (TAM) on estrogen receptor negative ovarian cancer cell lines sensitive (A2780 WT) and resistant to cisplatin (CP) (A2780 CP3). Our results showed that the treatment of both cell lines with the association TAM + CP (concentration range 0.01-1 microN and 0.1-1 microgram/ml, respectively) results in a synergistic antiproliferative activity and a complete reversal of the acquired CP-resistant phenotype. We demonstrated that in A2780 cells the addition of TAM to CP treatment is able to significantly enhance at every tested CP dose (P < 0.001) the amount of platinum (Pt) bound to the DNA. Since Pt-DNA levels in the genome are clearly related to the growth inhibitory effect of CP (correlation value = 0.97, P < 0.001) in our experimental model, we hypothesized that TAM could act synergistically with CP and overcome the acquired CP-resistance by enhancing Pt binding to the DNA. We suggest that, from a clinical point of view, TAM may be usefully included in CP-based chemotherapy regimens for ovarian cancer patients since plasma concentrations of the drug capable of in vitro CP resistance modulation are achievable in vivo. A prospective clinical trial to verify the clinical usefulness of combined TAM + CP treatment in ovarian cancer patients refractory to prior Pt-based chemotherapy is now underway in our department.


Assuntos
Antineoplásicos/farmacologia , Cisplatino/farmacologia , Adutos de DNA , DNA de Neoplasias/efeitos dos fármacos , Neoplasias Ovarianas/patologia , Tamoxifeno/farmacologia , Antineoplásicos Hormonais/farmacologia , Divisão Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , DNA de Neoplasias/química , Resistencia a Medicamentos Antineoplásicos , Feminino , Humanos , Neoplasias Ovarianas/química , Células Tumorais Cultivadas/efeitos dos fármacos
18.
J Cancer Res Clin Oncol ; 124(1): 37-43, 1998 Jan.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9498833

RESUMO

The pharmacokinetics of cis-diamminedichloro platinum(II) (cisplatin), given as a continuous infusion with concurrent radiotherapy to patients with locally advanced inoperable non-small-cell lung carcinoma, was investigated in 16 cases. The regimen, repeated for 6 consecutive weeks, consisted of weekly 10-Gy radiotherapy given in five fractions from Monday to Friday, and concurrent 100-h infusion of cisplatin delivered at a daily dose of 4 mg/m2 by a central venous catheter and a portable pump. Throughout the weeks of therapy the platinum levels were determined in plasma and in ultrafiltered plasma by respectively inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Mean levels of platinum in plasma ([Pt]tot ) increased from the 1st to the 6th week of infusion, while mean levels of platinum in ultrafiltered plasma ([Pt]uf), 110 microg/l, showed no marked variation throughout the therapy. [Pt]uf ranged from 16% to 22% of the total Pt. Mean levels of Pt in ultrafiltered plasma were of the same order of magnitude as those found to be active in vitro as radiopotentiators. Pt decay levels were measured for 24 h at the end of the 1st and 5th weeks of infusion, allowing the calculation of the Pt half-life and the area under the decay curves. The mean value of the area under the decay curve, plotting [Pt]tot against time (AUC), in the range 0-24 h from the end of the 5th week of infusion, was about twice that from the end of the 1st week; by contrast, the mean AUC values did not vary for the [Pt]uf against time curves. The mean values of the alpha half-life of Pt in the ultrafiltered plasma were in accordance with those published in the literature; however, an unexpected very long beta half-life was found (more than 100 h). Thus it was suggested that Pt species other than free cisplatin were present in the ultrafiltered plasma; such species probably involve metal bound to low-molecular-mass proteins. Throughout the therapy, the toxic effects in all patients were negligible, and 75% of them had an objective locoregional reduction of disease. In only 2 cases was progression of disease observed within the irradiated area. On the basis of these data, it can be concluded that cisplatin at a level of 110 microg/l in the ultrafiltered plasma, in the reported scheme of continuous intravenous infusion, has an enhancing effect on radiation and avoids concentration peaks of platinum not bound to protein.


Assuntos
Antineoplásicos/administração & dosagem , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/terapia , Cisplatino/farmacocinética , Neoplasias Pulmonares/terapia , Adulto , Idoso , Cisplatino/administração & dosagem , Terapia Combinada , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade
19.
Cancer Chemother Pharmacol ; 35(6): 529-32, 1995.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-7882463

RESUMO

Platinum microquantities were determined in plasma of patients affected by lung carcinoma during treatment with radiotherapy (RT) and concurrent low-dose continuous infusion of cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II) (CDDP). RT was given at 50 Gy in continuous course; CDDP was continuously infused at 4 mg/m2 daily for 100 h/week for 5 weeks, and the infusions were separated by 68 h of rest. The percentage of free drug versus total drug in plasma was about 3%. It did not vary with therapy duration and was not significantly different from that found in 5-day continuous infusions at much higher daily doses. Nevertheless, maximal values of free Pt in plasma were very low and agreed with the low level of CDDP toxicity encountered on the present administration schedule.


Assuntos
Carcinoma/radioterapia , Cisplatino/uso terapêutico , Neoplasias Pulmonares/radioterapia , Platina/sangue , Carcinoma/tratamento farmacológico , Quimioterapia Adjuvante , Cisplatino/administração & dosagem , Simulação por Computador , Humanos , Infusões Intravenosas , Neoplasias Pulmonares/tratamento farmacológico , Espectrometria de Massas
20.
Clin Chim Acta ; 158(3): 207-15, 1986 Aug 15.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-3769198

RESUMO

The antitumoral agent cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) was administered at doses of 40 mg m-2 body surface area daily for 5 days via continuous i.v. infusion in association with etoposide (VP-16-213). The Pt concentration in serum up to 30 days from the beginning of the therapy was monitored by inductively-coupled plasma emission spectrometry. Results lead to two main conclusions: the analytical technique employed is suitable for measurements of Pt in biological fluids with the necessary precision (0.95-2.5%), accuracy (recovery 98.5-101.7%) and detection power (0.002-0.004 mg/l); there were effective Pt plasma concentrations for a greater length of time (with peak value 2.0 mg/l towards the end of treatment) than those achieved by other therapies so far adopted. On the other hand, toxic side effects, in particular gastrointestinal toxicity, myelosuppression and nephrotoxicity, were found to be not worse than those generally caused by the administration of the chemotherapeutic compound at lower doses. Both aspects were deeded to be essential prerequisites for better exploiting the drug's effectiveness.


Assuntos
Cisplatino/análise , Líquidos Corporais/análise , Cisplatino/sangue , Cisplatino/urina , Humanos , Espectrofotometria
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