Concentrations and sources of an emerging pollutant, decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE), in sewage sludge for land application

The presence of an emerging brominated flame retardant, decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE), has been confirmed in Spanish sewage sludge. Thirty one samples from different urban wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were analyzed for this brominated flame retardant. DBDPE was positively identified and quantified in all samples at lower concentrations (47.0 +/- 29.7 ng/g dry weight (dw); mean +/- SD) than those obtained for decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) (290 +/- 236 ng/g dw; mean +/- SD) in a previous study. Influence of the WWTP characteristics in the pollutant levels was evaluated. No significant correlations were obtained between DBDPE concentrations and the population or sewage sludge production rate associated with the plants, neither wastewater treatment method. Sources of DBDPE in the sludge were also evaluated. Data indicate a common origin for DBDPE and BDE-209, which may be related to leaching processes during the use and disposal of consumer products containing these chemicals. Nevertheless, DBDPE contents are not influenced by industrial activities, which suggests that the infusion of DBDPE commercial mixture is not a source of this chemical into the environment, and indicates that the use of DBDPE in the Spanish industry is still low compared to deca-BDE.

Natural prevalence of HCV minority variants that are highly resistant to NS3/4A protease inhibitors

Minority drug-resistant hepatitis C virus (HCV) variants may go undetected yet be clinically important. NS3/4A protease resistance substitutions V36A and A156S/T/V were selected in patients treated with protease inhibitors. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these substitutions pre-existed in HCV infected patients. An allele-specific PCR protocol that detected the NS3/4A protease resistance substitutions V36A and A156S/T/V was used to determine the prevalence of naturally occurring variants in 45 patients. All patient samples were infected with HCV of genotype 1b and were naïve for pegIFNα/ribavirin treatment. Thirty samples (67%) had at least one HCV PI-resistant variant. A156T (23, 51%) was detected more frequently than A156V (13, 29%) or A156S (1, 2%). V36A was detected in 12 samples (27%). These results demonstrate the high prevalence of minority drug-resistant NS3/4 protease resistance substitutions. Our results also demonstrate that allele-specific PCR can be used to detect minor HCV NS3 protease resistant variants in pretreatment samples and to study in detail the evolution of mutant viruses during targeted antiviral therapy.

Effects of prenatal and postnatal exposure to amitraz on norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine levels in brain regions of male and female rats

The effects of maternal exposure to amitraz on brain region monoamine levels of male and female offspring rats at 60 days of age were observed. Maternal and offspring body weight, physical and general activity development were unaffected by the exposure of dams to amitraz (20mg/kgbw, orally on days 6-21 of pregnancy and 1-10 of lactation). Male and female offspring were sacrificed at 60 days of age and possible alterations in the content and metabolism of NE, DA and 5-HT were determined in brain regions by HPLC. The results showed that all these neurotransmitter systems were altered in a brain regional-related manner. In male and female offspring, amitraz induced a significant decrease in the prefrontal cortex 5-HT and its metabolite 5-HIAA and DA and its metabolites DOPAC and HVA levels with interaction of sex. Nevertheless, we verified that striatum DA and 5-HT and corresponding metabolite contents decreased in male and female offspring without statistical distinction of sex. In contrast, amitraz did not modify 5-HT content, but caused an increase in 5-HIAA content in the medulla oblongata and hippocampus in male and female offspring. Alterations in the hippocampus DA, DOPAC and HVA levels after amitraz exposure were also observed displaying a sex interaction. NE levels also showed a decrease after amitraz treatment in the prefrontal cortex and striatum without statistical sex interaction, but MHPG levels decreased in both regions with a sex interaction. Amitraz evoked increases in 5-HT turnover in the prefrontal cortex as well as in DA turnover in the striatum and hippocampus but decreases in NE turnover in the hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex and striatum. The present findings indicated that maternal exposure to amitraz altered noradrenergic, serotonergic and dopaminergic neurochemistry in their offspring in the prefrontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus, and those variations could be related to several alterations in the functions in which these brain regions are involved.

Sources and behaviour of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in Spanish sewage sludge

Presence, sources and behaviour of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were evaluated in Spanish sewage sludge. A total of 120 samples were seasonally collected from October 2005 to September 2006 at 31 urban wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Concentrations of PBDEs (ranging between 57.5 and 2606 ng/g dry weight) were two to three orders of magnitude higher than those obtained for PCDDs (0.17-5.03 ng/g d.w.) and PCDFs (0.05-3.07 ng/g d.w.). All the samples presented International Toxicity Equivalents (I-TEQ) levels (ranging between 2.06 and 44.4 ng/kg d.w.) below the limit values proposed by European Union for land application. Congener patterns evaluation revealed that the use of Deca-BDE commercial mixture seems to be the major source of PBDEs in the sludge. Nevertheless, origin of PCDD/Fs should be related to atmospheric deposition, faeces and presence of PCDD/Fs precursors such as pentachlorophenol in the sludge. No correlations (p>0.05) were found between pollutant concentrations (PBDEs and PCDD/Fs) and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) characteristics (capacity nor sludge rate). Lower levels of PBDEs and PCDFs were found in WWTPs using biological nitrogen and phosphorous elimination, suggesting that these compounds are susceptible of microbial elimination. According to our knowledge, this is the first work comparing together both PBDEs and PCDD/Fs sludge patterns.

Donation and transplantation among personnel in the hospital emergency department: a multicenter study conducted in Spain and Mexico

INTRODUCTION

The promotion of different means of procuring both deceased and living organs (kidney and liver) is a necessity given the current organ shortage. Emergency department personnel are involved in the donation and transplantation process. Our objective was to analyze the attitude to the different kinds of organ donation of emergency services personnel in hospital centers in Spain and Mexico.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized sample was obtained from the "International Collaborative Donor Project" and was stratified according to emergency services and job category in nine hospitals, in Spain and in Mexico (n = 22). Attitude was evaluated using a validated survey.

RESULTS

Of the respondents, 76% were in favor of deceased organ donation and 24% were not in favor. This attitude toward deceased donation was associated with the respondent's country of origin, age, and job category; Mexicans (P = .036), younger respondents (P = .023), and physicians were most in favor (P < .001). With regard to attitude toward living kidney donation, 89% were in favor of related donation. Regarding living liver donation, 85% were in favor of related donation. In attitude toward living kidney and liver donation, relevant factors were related to donation and transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Professionals in emergency departments in hospital centers in Spain and Mexico had a favorable attitude toward the different kinds of donation, although it was less favorable than the attitude reported in other professional hospital groups.

Experimental study and constitutive modelling of the passive mechanical properties of the porcine carotid artery and its relation to histological analysis: Implications in animal cardiovascular device trials

The present study focusses on the determination, comparison and constitutive modelling of the passive mechanical properties of the swine carotid artery over very long stretches in both proximal and distal regions. Special attention is paid to the histological and mechanical variations of these properties depending on the proximity to the heart. The results can have clinical relevance, especially in the research field of intravascular device design. Before the final clinical trials on humans, research in the vascular area is conducted on animal models, swine being the most common due to the similarities between the human and swine cardiovascular systems as well as the fact that the swine size is suitable for testing devices, in this case endovascular carotid systems. The design of devices usually involves numerical techniques, and an important feature is the appropriate modelling of the mechanical properties of the vessel. Fourteen carotid swine arteries were harvested just after sacrifice and cyclic uniaxial tension tests in longitudinal and circumferential directions were performed for distal and proximal samples. The stress-stretch curves obtained were fitted with a hyperelastic anisotropic model. Stress-free configuration states were also analyzed. Finally, human and swine samples were processed in a histological laboratory and images were used to quantify their microconstituents. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the mechanical behavior of proximal and distal locations in the circumferential but not in the longitudinal direction. Circumferential direction samples show clear differences both in residual stretches and tensile curves between the two locations, while the features of longitudinal specimens are independent of the axial position. The statistical analysis provides significant evidence of changes depending on the position of the sample, mainly in elastin and SMC quantification.

Mitochondria with tubulovesicular cristae in renal oncocytomas

Renal oncocytoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (CRCC) are closely related tumors. They are considered the extremes of a spectrum with several variants. Ultrastructural examination of the mitochondria is a helpful procedure in the diagnosis of these neoplasms. Renal oncocytomas show mitochondria with piled lamellar cristae, and CRCC exhibited mitochondria with tubulovesicular cristae. In a series of 23 histologically diagnosed renal oncocytomas examined by electron microscopy, the authors found 5 tumors exhibiting more cells with mitochondria showing tubulovesicular cristae. The authors believe these 5 cases present a submicroscopic appearance intermediate between renal oncocytoma and CRCC, although with benign clinical behavior.

Development and validation of a liquid chromatography-fluorescence-mass spectrometry method to measure glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid in rat plasma

A simple and fast method has been developed and validated to measure glyphosate (GLYP) and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in rat plasma based on reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) coupled to fluorescence (FLD) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) detection. After protein precipitation with acetonitrile, GLYP and AMPA were derivatized with 9-fluorenylmethylchloroformate (FMOC-Cl) and then separated on a C(12) column (250mm×4.60mm i.d.) using a gradient of an ammonium formate (20mM, pH 8.5) and acetonitrile mobile phase. Selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode of the MS was used to obtain maximum sensitivity when quantifying GLYP and AMPA. The validation shows the method to be consistent and reliable, with an intra- and inter-day precision for GLYP and AMPA>9% for both detectors. For both compounds the accuracy ranged from 2.1% to 7.8% for the intra-day readings, and from 4.1% to 8.6% for the inter-day values. The efficacy of GLYP extraction ranged from 87% to 93% and it was between 76% and 88% for AMPA. Moreover, the limits of quantification (LOQ) for GLYP and AMPA were 5 and 10ng/mL, respectively with FLD, and 0.4 and 2ng/mL with ESI-MS. The method was successfully applied to simultaneously measure both compounds in rat plasma samples several days after oral administration of glyphosate.

Plasma disposition and tissue depletion of difloxacin and its metabolite sarafloxacin in the food producing animals, chickens for fattening

Chickens were used to investigate plasma disposition of difloxacin after single intravenous (IV) and oral dose (10 mg/kg body weight (BW)) and to study residue depletion of difloxacin and its major metabolite sarafloxacin after multiple oral doses (10 mg difloxacin/kg BW, daily for 5 days). Plasma and tissue samples were analyzed using a HPLC method. After IV and oral administration, plasma drug concentration-time curves were best described by a two-compartment open model. Mean (± SD) elimination half-lives (t(½)β) of difloxacin were 9.53±1.00 and 12.23±1.81 h after IV and oral administration. Maximum plasma concentration was 2.34±0.50 μg/ml and interval from oral administration until maximal concentration was 1.34±0.03 h. Oral bioavailability was found to be 68.89±15.21%. Difloxacin was converted to sarafloxacin. After multiple oral dose (10mg difloxacin/kg BW, daily for 5 days), mean kidney, liver, muscle and skin + fat tissue concentrations of difloxacin and sarafloxacin ranging between 604.8±132.5 and 368.1±52.5 μg/kg and 136.4±18.3 and 10.4±1.2 μg/kg, respectively, were measured 1 day after administration of the final dose of difloxacin. A withdrawal time of 5 days was necessary to ensure that the residues of difloxacin were less than the maximal residue limits (MRL) or tolerance established by the European Union.

Molecular characterization of Histoplasma capsulatum isolated from an outbreak in treasure hunters Histoplasma capsulatum in treasure hunters

Background

In Mexico, primary pulmonary histoplasmosis is the most relevant clinical form of the disease. The geographical distribution of specific strains of Histoplasma capsulatum circulating in Mexico has not been fully established. Outbreaks must be reported in order to have current, updated information on this disease, identifying new endemic areas, manner of exposure to the fungi, and molecular characterization of the causative agents. We report a recent outbreak of histoplasmosis in treasure hunters and the molecular characterization of two isolates obtained from these patients.

Methods

Six patients admitted to the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER) in Mexico City presented severe respiratory symptoms suggestive of histoplasmosis. They acquired the infection in the Veracruz (VZ) endemic zone. Diagnosis was made by X-ray and Computed tomography (CT), liver function, immunological techniques, and culture. Identification of H. capsulatum isolates was confirmed by using Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted with a probe from the M antigen, and the isolates were characterized by means of Random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR employed the 1253 oligonucleotide and a mixture of oligonucleotides 1281 and 1283. These were compared to eight reference strain isolates from neighboring areas.

Results

X-ray and CT revealed disseminated micronodular images throughout lung parenchyma, as well as bilateral retrocaval, prevascular, subcarinal, and hilar adenopathies, hepatosplenomegaly, and altered liver function tests. Five of the six patients developed disseminated histoplasmosis. Two H. capsulatum strains were isolated. The same band profile was detected in both strains, indicating that both isolates corresponded to the sole H. capsulatum strain. Molecular characterization of the isolates was similar in 100% with the EH-53 Hidalgo human (HG) strain (reference strain integrated into the LAm A clade described for Latin America).

Conclusions

The two isolates appeared to possess the same polymorphic pattern; they are indistinguishable from each other and from EH-53. It is important to remain updated on recent outbreaks of histoplasmosis, the manner of exposure to the fungi, as well as the molecular characterization of the isolates. The severity of cases indicates that this strain is highly virulent and that it is probably prevalent in Hidalgo and Veracruz states.

Identification of P1 types and variants of Mycoplasma pneumoniae during an epidemic in Chile

This study was conducted to determine the types of M. pneumoniae prevalent in adults presenting with community-acquired pneumonia during an epidemic period, and to scrutinize a variable region of the RepMP4 element for the detection of P1 variants. All 23 clinical specimens PCR-positive for M. pneumoniae obtained in two hospitals in Santiago, Chile, from 2005 to 2006 were typed by a multiplex PCR directly and then the RepMP4 fragment of 18 specimens was sequenced. A predominance of M. pneumoniae type 2 was found, 18 (78.3 %) specimens being grouped as type 2 and 5 (21.7 %) as type 1. Co-infection of M. pneumoniae with other respiratory pathogens was found in 10/23 (43.4 %) patients, but their frequency was not related to the M. pneumoniae type. Sequence analysis revealed a single nucleotide polymorphism, a transition mutation, in 50 % of amplicons belonging to type 1 and in 71.4 % of amplicons of type 2. The nucleotide changes were synonymous in each P1 variant. In conclusion, during the 2005–2006 epidemic in Santiago, both types of M. pneumoniae circulated. Although the analysed area in the RepMP4 was small, we detected the existence of P1 variants in the two types of this organism.

Attitudes toward living kidney donation in transplant hospitals: a Spanish, Mexican, and Cuban multicenter study

INTRODUCTION

Living donor kidney (LKD) transplantation provides better results than deceased donor donation, involving minimum risk for the donor. However, LKD donation rates are low in most countries. We analyzed attitudes toward LKD in transplant hospitals in Spain, Mexico, and Cuba.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were obtained from five transplant hospitals through the International Collaborative Program "Proyecto Donante Vivo, Murcia" in three countries: Spain (n = 1168), Mexico (n = 903), and Cuba (n = 202). The random sample (2273 employees) was stratified according to job category. The instrument used to evaluate attitude was a validated questionnaire. Statistical analysis included Student t test, the chi(2) test, and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Eighty eight percent (n = 2002) of Spanish, Mexican, and Cuban transplant hospital personnel were in favor of related LKD and 24% nonrelated LKD (n = 555). Attitudes were more favorable among centers in Cuba 97% (n = 195), followed by Mexico 88% (n = 793) and by Spain 87% (n = 1014; P < .001). According to job category, 91% (n = 617) of physicians were in favor, 88% (n = 543) of nurses, 85% (n = 198) of health care assistants, and 85% (n = 198) of auxiliary personnel. Attitudes were related to variables of: attitude toward deceased donation (P < .001), discussion about organ donation and transplantation (P < .001), concern about body mutilation after donation (P = .001), a possible need for a transplant in the future (P < .001), and attitude toward living liver donation (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Attitudes toward LKD in Hispanic/Latin Transplant Hospitals were favorable and could encourage an increase in LKD in the coming years assuming suitable sociopolitical and economic condition, as well as support from nephrologists.

Mantle cell lymphoma: transcriptional regulation by microRNAs

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) pathogenesis is still partially unexplained. We investigate the importance of microRNA (miRNA) expression as an additional feature that influences MCL pathway deregulation and may be useful for predicting patient outcome. Twenty-three MCL samples, eight cell lines and appropriate controls were screened for their miRNAs and gene expression profiles and DNA copy-number changes. MCL patients exhibit a characteristic signature that includes 117 miRNA (false discovery rate <0.05). Combined analysis of miRNAs and the gene expression profile, paired with bioinformatics target prediction (miRBase and TargetScan), revealed a series of genes and pathways potentially targeted by a small number of miRNAs, including essential pathways for lymphoma survival such as CD40, mitogen-activated protein kinase and NF-kappaB. Functional validation in MCL cell lines demonstrated NF-kappaB subunit nuclear translocation to be regulated by the expression of miR-26a. The expression of 12 selected miRNAs was studied by quantitative PCR in an additional series of 54 MCL cases. Univariate analysis identified a single miRNA, miR-20b, whose lack of expression distinguished cases with a survival probability of 56% at 60 months. In summary, using a novel bioinformatics approach, this study identified miRNA changes that contribute to MCL pathogenesis and markers of potential utility in MCL diagnosis and clinical prognostication.

Acute and repeated dose (4 weeks) oral toxicity studies of two antihypertensive peptides, RYLGY and AYFYPEL, that correspond to fragments (90-94) and (143-149) from alpha(s1)-casein

The Lowpept is a powdered casein hydrolysate containing the antihypertensive peptides RYLGY and AYFYPEL, two sequences that correspond to alpha(s1)-casein f (90-94) (RYLGY) and alpha(s1)-casein f (143-149) (AYFYPEL). To support the safety, Lowpept has been examined in an acute and in a 4-week repeated dose oral toxicity studies in rats. Powdered casein hydrolysate administered in a single oral gavage dose of 2000 mg/kg resulted in no adverse events or mortality. Also, casein hydrolysate administered as a daily dose of 1000 mg/kg for 4 weeks by gavage resulted in no adverse events or mortality. No evidence or treatment-related toxicity was detected during both studies. Data analysis of body weight gain, food consumption, clinical observations, blood biochemical, haematology, organ weight ratios and histopathological findings did not show significant differences between control and treated groups. It is concluded that the casein hydrolysate containing the peptides RYLGY and AYFYPEL orally administered to rats was safe and that not treatment-related toxicity was detected even at the highest doses investigated in both acute (2000 mg/kg of body weight) and repeated dose (4 weeks) oral (1000 mg/kg of body weight) toxicity studies.

Toxicokinetics of glyphosate and its metabolite aminomethyl phosphonic acid in rats

The toxicokinetics of glyphosate after single 100 mgkg(-1) intravenous (i.v.) and 400 mgkg(-1) oral doses were studied in rats. Serial blood samples were obtained after i.v. and oral administration. Plasma concentrations of glyphosate and its metabolite amiomethyl phosphonic acid (AMPA) were determined by HPLC method. After i.v. and oral administration, plasma concentration-time curves were best described by a two-compartment open model. For glyphosate, the elimination half-lives (T(1/2beta)) from plasma were 9.99 h after i.v. and 14.38 h after oral administration. The total plasma clearance was not influenced by dose concentration or route and reached a value of 0.995 l h(-1)kg(-1). After i.v. administration, the apparent volume of distribution in the second compartment (V(2)) and volume of distribution at steady state (V(ss)) were 2.39 and 2.99 l kg(-1), respectively, suggesting a considerable diffusion of the herbicide into tissues. After oral administration, glyphosate was partially and slowly absorbed with a T(max) of 5.16 h. The oral bioavailability of glyphosate was found to be 23.21%. Glyphosate was converted to AMPA. The metabolite AMPA represented 6.49% of the parent drug plasma concentrations. The maximum plasma concentrations of glyphosate and AMPA were 4.62 and 0.416 microg ml(-1), respectively. The maximum plasma concentration of AMPA was achieved at 2.42 h. For AMPA, the elimination half-life (T(1/2beta)) was 15.08 h after oral administration of glyphosate parent compound.

[Recommendations for assessing the hyponutrition risk in hospitalised patients]

Given the frequency and clinical, social, and economic implications of hospital hyponutrition and the usual lack of sensibility before this problem from health care professionals, it seemed appropriate to create a working group within the Spanish Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (SENPE), which will lead to consensus recommendations on hyponutrition assessment among hospitalised patients. At a first stage, it seemed interesting to elaborate some recommendations on early and regular detection of hyponutrition among patients admitted to our hospitals. After carefully reviewing the screening methods published, the group considers that using screening methods should be recommended according to the possibilities at each centre in order to detect those patients that will further need a more complete evaluation of their nutritional status and, in case of necessary, to establish a nutritional action plan.

Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in adult community-acquired pneumonia by PCR and serology

Diagnosis of pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae in adults is hampered by a lack of rapid and standardized tests for detection. This prospective study was conducted to compare the diagnostic values of an indirect immunofluorescence assay and a 16S rRNA gene PCR for the diagnosis of M. pneumoniae pneumonia in adults. From February 2005 to January 2008, 357 patients (53.8 % males, median age 63 years, range 18-94) admitted for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) to two hospitals in Santiago, Chile, were enrolled in the study. Thirty-two patients (9.0 %) met the criteria of current or recent M. pneumoniae infection, and laboratory diagnosis was definitive in 26 cases (81.2 %) and presumptive in six cases (18.8 %). Among the 32 M. pneumoniae infections, the PCR assay was positive in 23 (71.9 %) and the serology in 27 (84.4 %) of the cases. IgM was positive in acute-phase serum specimens in 13 cases (40.6 %) of M. pneumoniae infections. Using serology as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the PCR were 66.7, 98.5, 78.3 and 97.3 %, respectively, whereas the global agreement of the methods was 343/357 (96.1 %). The frequency of M. pneumoniae CAP cases declined significantly during the second year of study, suggesting the end of an epidemic period. In conclusion, although good global agreement was found between PCR and serology, the lower sensitivity of the PCR leads us to recommend the use of both procedures in parallel to confirm M. pneumoniae in CAP in adults.

Serum urate, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular risk factors. A population-based study

We studied the associations between serum urate levels (determined in 503 subjects from a population of 1,344 subjects living in northern Madrid) and both the metabolic syndrome (MS) (defined by the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria) and C-reactive protein (CRP, determined in 382 subjects). MS was diagnosed in 25% (95%CI, 21-28%) and was associated with hyperuricemia (p<0.001). There was a graded increase in serum urate levels with increasing number of MS components. Urate concentrations significantly correlated with waist circumference (r=0,455, p<0.01). Serum urate was not independently associated with CRP levels. This study shows that serum urate levels are associated with the presence of MS and each of its features.