Degradation of atrazine, glyphosate, and 2,4-D in soils collected from two contrasting crop rotations in Southwest Chaco, Argentina

Argentina stands as one of the leading consumers of herbicides. In a laboratory incubation experiment, the persistence and production of degradation metabolites of Atrazine, 2,4-D, and Glyphosate were investigated in a loamy clay soil under two contrasting agricultural practices: continuous soybean cultivation (T1) and intensified rotations with grasses and legumes (T2). The soils were collected from a long-term no-till trial replicating the influence of the meteorological conditions in the productive region. The soil was enriched with diluted concentrations of 6.71, 9.95, and 24 mg a.i./kg-1 of soil for the respective herbicides, equivalent to annual doses commonly used in the productive region. Samples were taken at intervals of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 32, and 64 days, and analysis was conducted using high-resolution liquid chromatography UPLC MS/MS. An optimal fit to the first-order kinetic model was observed for each herbicide in both rotations, resulting in relatively short half-lives. Intensified crop sequences favored the production of biotic degradation metabolites. The impact of the high frequency of soybean cultivation revealed a trend of soil acidification and a reduced biological contribution to attenuation processes in soil contamination.

Testing differences of marine non-indigenous species diversity across Macaronesia using a standardised approach

The introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) induces severe impacts on marine biodiversity and ecosystems. Macaronesia is an ecologically relevant region where several NIS were detected recently. For the first time, a standard experimental approach was designed to examine biofouling assemblages and investigate NIS across the region. In this context, sessile biofouling assemblages were examined in four recreational marinas in all the Macaronesian archipelagos from 2018 to 2020: the Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, and Cabo Verde. We hypothesised that NIS numbers, abundance, and recruitment differed in each location due to abiotic and biotic features. From the Azores (higher latitudes) to Cabo Verde (lower latitudes), NIS recruitment and percentage cover decreased following a partial latitude gradient. The present study unveiled 25 NIS, with new records for the Azores (two cryptogenic species), Canary Islands (one NIS and two cryptogenic species), and Cabo Verde (three NIS and three cryptogenic species). The present research represents a pioneer and relevant step in advancing our current understanding of marine biological invasions in Macaronesia, employing a standard and low-cost approach.

Anthropogenic pressure leads to more introductions: Marine traffic and artificial structures in offshore islands increases non-indigenous species

Anthropogenic pressures such as the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) have impacted global biodiversity and ecosystems. Most marine species spreading outside their natural biogeographical limits are promoted and facilitated by maritime traffic through ballast water and hull biofouling. Propagule pressure plays a primary role in invasion success mixed with environmental conditions of the arrival port. Moreover, with the current ocean sprawl, new substrates are offered for potential NIS recruits. Here, differences in the fouling assemblages thriving inside three different ports/marinas facilities in Madeira Island were assessed for comparison. The locations showed significant differences concerning assemblage structure. Most NIS were detected in plastic floating pontoons. Funchal harbour receives most of the marine traffic in Madeira, acting as the main hub for primary NIS introductions, being recreational boating involved in NIS secondary transfers. Our results highlight the need for future management actions in island ecosystems, particularly monitoring and sampling of recreational boating.

Glyphosate, AMPA, and metsulfuron-methyl retention in the main horizons of a Typic Argiudoll

Retention is one of the processes controlling the behavior and fate of pesticides in soil. The objective of this work was to evaluate the adsorption and desorption of glyphosate, AMPA, and metsulfuron-methyl in the main horizons of a Typic Argiudoll destined for agricultural use. For this purpose, the batch equilibrium method was used at a range of concentrations for each compound. Desorption was performed in three consecutive steps after the adsorption experiment. The results obtained showed strong adsorption of glyphosate and AMPA in the three horizons, following the trend B > A > C, with weak desorption. Metsulfuron-methyl, on the other hand, showed weak adsorption in the three horizons, following the trend A > B > C, with relevant desorption. Our results allow us to identify metsulfuron-methyl as the compound that poses the greatest environmental risk in terms of the potential contamination of other areas and groundwater. However, despite their strong adsorption and weak desorption, glyphosate and AMPA also represent potential contaminants of other environmental matrices.

Multicenter Evaluation of the Idylla NRAS-BRAF Mutation Test in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) with monoclonal antibodies against epidermal growth factor receptor requires the assessment of the mutational status of exons 2, 3, and 4 of the NRAS and KRAS oncogenes. Moreover, the mutational status of exon 15 of the BRAF oncogene is a marker of poor prognosis in CRC. The Idylla NRAS-BRAF Mutation Test is a reliable, simple (<2 minutes hands-on time), and quick (<2 hours turnaround time) sample-to-result solution, enabling the detection of clinically relevant mutations in NRAS (18 mutations) and BRAF (5 mutations). A multicenter study was conducted in 14 centers using the Idylla NRAS-BRAF Mutation Test to assess the NRAS and BRAF mutational status of 418 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples from CRC patients. Results were compared with those obtained earlier by routine reference methods, including next-generation sequencing, pyrosequencing, mass spectrometry-based assays, PCR-based assays, and Sanger sequencing. In case of discordance, additional tests were performed by digital droplet PCR. Overall, after testing confirmation and excluding invalids/errors by design, concordances between the Idylla NRAS-BRAF Mutation Test and the reference test results were found in almost perfect agreement. In conclusion, the Idylla NRAS-BRAF Mutation Test enables the routine detection of all NRAS and BRAF mutations deemed clinically relevant according to the latest clinical guidelines, without necessitating molecular expertise or infrastructure.

Ayahuasca and Its DMT- and β-carbolines - Containing Ingredients Block the Expression of Ethanol-Induced Conditioned Place Preference in Mice: Role of the Treatment Environment

Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic beverage produced from the decoction of Banisteriopsis caapi (Bc) and Psychotria viridis (Pv), β-carboline- and N,N-dimethyltryptamine(DMT)-containing plants, respectively. Accumulating evidence suggests that ayahuasca may have therapeutic effects on ethanol abuse. It is not known, however, whether its effects are dependent on the presence of DMT or if non-DMT-containing components would have therapeutic effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the rewarding properties of ayahuasca (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, orally), Bc (132, 440, and 1320 mg/kg, orally) and Pv (3.75, 12.5 and 37.5 mg/kg, i.p.) extracts and their effects on ethanol (1.8 g/kg, i.p.) reward using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm in male mice. Animals were conditioned with ayahuasca, Bc or Pv extracts during 8 sessions. An intermediate, but not a high, dose of ayahuasca induced CPP in mice. Bc and Pv did not induce CPP. Subsequently, the effects of those extracts were tested on the development of ethanol-induced CPP. Ayahuasca, Bc or Pv were administered before ethanol injections during conditioning sessions. While Bc and Pv exerted no effects on ethanol-induced CPP, pretreatment with ayahuasca blocked the development of CPP to ethanol. Finally, the effects of a post-ethanol-conditioning treatment with ayahuasca, Bc or Pv on the expression of ethanol-induced CPP were tested. Animals were conditioned with ethanol, and subsequently treated with either ayahuasca, Bc or Pv in the CPP environment previously associated with saline or ethanol for 6 days. Animals were then reexposed to ethanol and ethanol-induced CPP was quantified on the following day. Treatment with all compounds in the ethanol-paired environment blocked the expression of ethanol-induced CPP. Administration of an intermediate, but not a high, dose of ayahuasca and Bc, as well as Pv administration, in the saline-paired compartment blocked the expression of ethanol-induced CPP. The present study sheds light into the components underlying the therapeutic effects of ayahuasca on ethanol abuse, indicating that ayahuasca and its plant components can decrease ethanol reward at doses that do not exert abuse liability. Importantly, the treatment environment seems to influence the therapeutic effects of ayahuasca and Bc, providing important insights into clinical practice.

Spatial and temporal trends and flow dynamics of glyphosate and other pesticides within an agricultural watershed in Argentina

In the present study, we evaluated the spatial and temporal trends of current-use pesticides in surface water and sediments as well as their relationship with hydrological stream dynamics within the agricultural watershed of El Crespo stream (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina). We sampled 2 contrasting sites: site 1 (upstream), surrounded by agricultural lands, and site 2 (downstream), surrounded by natural grasslands. Most of the applied pesticides (glyphosate, 2,4-D, atrazine, tebuconazole, and imidacloprid) were detected at high frequencies in surface water samples at both sites. However, only glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) were present at high concentrations and had a significant spatial-temporal trend. The highest concentrations were found during spring 2014 at site 1, in association with the intense rains that occurred in that season. The fact that glyphosate and AMPA concentrations were higher than the rest of the studied compounds is closely related to the land use within the watershed, as glyphosate was the most applied herbicide during the fallow period of glyphosate-resistant crops (soybean, maize). The pesticide mixture had a significant spatial-temporal trend, reaching the highest levels during storm flow events in spring 2014. The intensive rains in spring 2014 could be the main factor influencing stream hydrology and pesticide behavior at El Crespo watershed. The estimated annual pesticide losses were 3.11 g/ha at site 1 and 0.72 g/ha at site 2. This result indicates that an attenuation process could be decreasing pesticide loads during downstream transport from site 1 to site 2. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3206-3216. © 2017 SETAC.

[Ivermectin as an adjunct in the treatment of refractory epilepsy]

INTRODUCTION

Ivermectin, a 22'23 dihydro derivative of avermectins beta-1a, is a highly effective veterinary and human anti parasitic, used to treat endoparasites of difficult control such as filariasis and onchocerciasis, with a median plasma life of at least of 16 hours. The recommended therapeutic doses range from 0.05 to 0.40 mg/kg, without undesirable effects or risk to human life. It went from being a great success in animal health to its application in humans, where it has had great impact. Studies in basic sciences have shown that ivermectin has anticonvulsive effects in different epileptic animal models, where five different mechanisms of action have been described.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Descriptive, prospective observational study, performed between 2013 and 2015, with 32 refractory epileptic patients, who received ivermectin as an a dose of adjunctive treatment of 10 mg/day three or seven times a week, controlled every three months, followed by 12-24 months, without withdrawal of anticonvulsant medications that they received previously.

RESULTS

Progressively, patients entered into crisis control, at the end of the programmed follow-up period, the total percentage of crisis reduction was 97%, of which 57% did not return to crisis from the beginning of treatment, all patients being free of crisis according to International League Against Epilepsy criteria.

CONCLUSION

Ivermectin has been useful as an adjuvant, achieving a significant decrease in seizures in this group of drug resistant patients.

Determination of herbicides paraquat, glyphosate, and aminomethylphosphonic acid in marijuana samples by capillary electrophoresis

In this work, two methods were developed to determine herbicides paraquat, glyphosate, and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in marijuana samples by capillary electrophoresis. For paraquat analysis, sample was extracted with aqueous acetic acid solution and analyzed by capillary zone electrophoresis with direct UV detection. The running electrolyte was 50 mmol/L phosphate buffer (pH 2.50). For glyphosate and AMPA, indirect UV/VIS detection was used, as these substances do not present chromophoric groups. Samples were extracted with 5 mmol/L hydrochloric acid. The running electrolyte was 10 mmol/L gallic acid, 6 mmol/L TRIS, and 0.1 mmol/L CTAB (pH = 4.7). The methods presented good linearity, precision, accuracy, and recovery. Paraquat was detected in 12 samples (n = 130), ranging from 0.01 to 25.1 mg/g. Three samples were positive for glyphosate (0.15-0.75 mg/g), and one sample presented AMPA as well. Experimental studies are suggested to evaluate the risks of these concentrations to marijuana user.

Presence of pesticides in surface water from four sub-basins in Argentina

Argentina has 31 million hectares given over to agriculture comprising 2.2% of the world's total area under cultivation (Stock Exchange of Rosario, Argentina). Despite the intensity of this agricultural activity, data on pesticide pollution in surface water are rather scarce. In this sense, the aim of this work is to determine the presence of pesticides in surface water of four agricultural sub-basins of Argentine. An environmental monitoring was carried out to determine the impact of twenty-nine pesticides used in agricultural activities on the surface water quality of agricultural areas within the San Vicente, Azul, Buenos Aires southeast and Mista stream sub-basins. The samples were analyzed by solid-phase extraction (SPE) using OASIS HLB 60 mg cartridges and ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC/MSMS) that provided good analytical quality parameters. The southeast of Buenos Aires was the site with the highest frequency of pesticides detection, followed by Azul and San Vicente microbasins. The most detected pesticides, considering all surface water samples, were atrazine, tebuconazole and diethyltoluamide with maximum concentration levels of 1.4, 0.035, and 0.701 μg L(-1), respectively. The results obtained for all basins studied show the presence of residual pesticides in surface waters according the different agricultural activities developed.

Heterozygous germline mutations in A2ML1 are associated with a disorder clinically related to Noonan syndrome

Noonan syndrome (NS) is a developmental disorder characterized by short stature, facial dysmorphisms and congenital heart defects. To date, all mutations known to cause NS are dominant, activating mutations in signal transducers of the RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. In 25% of cases, however, the genetic cause of NS remains elusive, suggesting that factors other than those involved in the canonical RAS/MAPK pathway may also have a role. Here, we used family-based whole exome sequencing of a case-parent trio and identified a de novo mutation, p.(Arg802His), in A2ML1, which encodes the secreted protease inhibitor α-2-macroglobulin (A2M)-like-1. Subsequent resequencing of A2ML1 in 155 cases with a clinical diagnosis of NS led to the identification of additional mutations in two families, p.(Arg802Leu) and p.(Arg592Leu). Functional characterization of these human A2ML1 mutations in zebrafish showed NS-like developmental defects, including a broad head, blunted face and cardiac malformations. Using the crystal structure of A2M, which is highly homologous to A2ML1, we identified the intramolecular interaction partner of p.Arg802. Mutation of this residue, p.Glu906, induced similar developmental defects in zebrafish, strengthening our conclusion that mutations in A2ML1 cause a disorder clinically related to NS. This is the first report of the involvement of an extracellular factor in a disorder clinically related to RASopathies, providing potential new leads for better understanding of the molecular basis of this family of developmental diseases.

Environmental fate of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid in surface waters and soil of agricultural basins

Argentinian agricultural production is fundamentally based on a technological package that combines no-till and glyphosate in the cultivation of transgenic crops. Transgenic crops (soybean, maize and cotton) occupy 23 million hectares. This means that glyphosate is the most employed herbicide in the country, where 180-200 million liters are applied every year. The aim of this work is to study the environmental fate of glyphosate and its major degradation product, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), in surface water and soil of agricultural basins. Sixteen agricultural sites and forty-four streams in the agricultural basins were sampled three times during 2012. The samples were analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS ESI(+/-). In cultivated soils, glyphosate was detected in concentrations between 35 and 1502 μg kg(-1), while AMPA concentration ranged from 299 to 2256 μg kg(-1). In the surface water studied, the presence of glyphosate and AMPA was detected in about 15% and 12% of the samples analyzed, respectively. In suspended particulate matter, glyphosate was found in 67% while AMPA was present in 20% of the samples. In streams sediment glyphosate and AMPA were also detected in 66% and 88.5% of the samples respectively. This study is, to our knowledge, the first dealing with glyphosate fate in agricultural soils in Argentina. In the present study, it was demonstrated that glyphosate and AMPA are present in soils under agricultural activity. It was also found that in stream samples the presence of glyphosate and AMPA is relatively more frequent in suspended particulate matter and sediment than in water.

Low cost, patterning of human hNT brain cells on parylene-C with UV & IR laser machining

This paper describes the use of 800nm femtosecond infrared (IR) and 248nm nanosecond ultraviolet (UV) laser radiation in performing ablative micromachining of parylene-C on SiO2 substrates for the patterning of human hNT astrocytes. Results are presented that support the validity of using IR laser ablative micromachining for patterning human hNT astrocytes cells while UV laser radiation produces photo-oxidation of the parylene-C and destroys cell patterning. The findings demonstrate how IR laser ablative micromachining of parylene-C on SiO2 substrates can offer a low cost, accessible alternative for rapid prototyping, high yield cell patterning.

Infra-red laser ablative micromachining of parylene-C on SiO2 substrates for rapid prototyping, high yield, human neuronal cell patterning

Cell patterning commonly employs photolithographic methods for the micro fabrication of structures on silicon chips. These require expensive photo-mask development and complex photolithographic processing. Laser based patterning of cells has been studied in vitro and laser ablation of polymers is an active area of research promising high aspect ratios. This paper disseminates how 800 nm femtosecond infrared (IR) laser radiation can be successfully used to perform laser ablative micromachining of parylene-C on SiO2 substrates for the patterning of human hNT astrocytes (derived from the human teratocarcinoma cell line (hNT)) whilst 248 nm nanosecond ultra-violet laser radiation produces photo-oxidization of the parylene-C and destroys cell patterning. In this work, we report the laser ablation methods used and the ablation characteristics of parylene-C for IR pulse fluences. Results follow that support the validity of using IR laser ablative micromachining for patterning human hNT astrocytes cells. We disseminate the variation in yield of patterned hNT astrocytes on parylene-C with laser pulse spacing, pulse number, pulse fluence and parylene-C strip width. The findings demonstrate how laser ablative micromachining of parylene-C on SiO2 substrates can offer an accessible alternative for rapid prototyping, high yield cell patterning with broad application to multi-electrode arrays, cellular micro-arrays and microfluidics.

Sorption of acetochlor, S-metolachlor, and atrazine in surface and subsurface soil horizons of Argentina

Understanding herbicide sorption within soil profiles is the first step to predicting their behavior and leaching potential. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the influence of surface and subsurface soil properties on acetochlor, atrazine, and S-metolachlor sorption. Soil samples were taken from horizons A, B, and C of two loamy soils of the humid pampas of Argentina under no-till management; horizon A was divided into two layers, A(0) (0-5 cm) and A(1) (5 cm to the full thickness of an A horizon). Sorption isotherms were determined from each sampled horizon using the batch equilibrium method and seven concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.5, 2.0, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 mg L(-1)). Sorption affinity of herbicides was approximated by the Freundlich equation. The sorption strength K(f) (mg(1 - 1/n) kg(-1) L(1/n) ) over the soils and horizons studied followed the order S-metolachlor (16.51-29.19) > atrazine (4.85-12.34) ≥ acetochlor (5.17-11.97), which was closely related to the hydrophobicity of herbicides expressed as octanol-water partition coefficient (K(OW) ). The K(f) values of the three herbicides were positively correlated with soil organic carbon, with a significance of p < 0.01. Values of K(f) for the three herbicides decreased with depth in the two soils, indicating greater sorption onto surficial soil horizons and possibly a delayed transport toward subsurface soils and subsequent pollution of groundwater.

Sleep loss and acute drug abuse can induce DNA damage in multiple organs of mice

The purpose of the present study was to characterize the genetic damage induced by paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD) in combination with cocaine or ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine; MDMA) in multiple organs of male mice using the single cell gel (comet) assay. C57BL/6J mice were submitted to PSD by the platform technique for 72 hours, followed by drug administration and evaluation of DNA damage in peripheral blood, liver and brain tissues. Cocaine was able to induce genetic damage in the blood, brain and liver cells of sleep-deprived mice at the majority of the doses evaluated. Ecstasy also induced increased DNA migration in peripheral blood cells for all concentrations tested. Analysis of damaged cells by the tail moment data suggests that ecstasy is a genotoxic chemical at the highest concentrations tested, inducing damage in liver or brain cells after sleep deprivation in mice. Taken together, our results suggest that cocaine and ecstasy/MDMA act as potent genotoxins in multiple organs of mice when associated with sleep loss.

Alterations in Vitamin D signalling and metabolic pathways in breast cancer progression: a study of VDR, CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 expression in benign and malignant breast lesions

Background

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease associated with different patient prognosis and responses to therapy. Vitamin D has been emerging as a potential treatment for cancer, as it has been demonstrated that it modulates proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis, among others. It acts mostly through the Vitamin D receptor (VDR) and the synthesis and degradation of this hormone are regulated by the enzymes CYP27B1 and CYP24A1, respectively. We aimed to study the expression of these three proteins by immunohistochemistry in a series of breast lesions.

Methods

We have used a cohort comprising normal breast, benign mammary lesions, carcinomas in situ and invasive carcinomas and assessed the expression of the VDR, CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The results that we have obtained show that all proteins are expressed in the various breast tissues, although at different amounts. The VDR was frequently expressed in benign lesions (93.5%) and its levels of expression were diminished in invasive tumours (56.2%). Additionally, the VDR was strongly associated with the oestrogen receptor positivity in breast carcinomas. CYP27B1 expression is slightly lower in invasive carcinomas (44.6%) than in benign lesions (55.8%). In contrast, CYP24A1 expression was augmented in carcinomas (56.0% in in situ and 53.7% in invasive carcinomas) when compared with that in benign lesions (19.0%).

Conclusions

From this study, we conclude that there is a deregulation of the Vitamin D signalling and metabolic pathways in breast cancer, favouring tumour progression. Thus, during mammary malignant transformation, tumour cells lose their ability to synthesize the active form of Vitamin D and respond to VDR-mediated Vitamin D effects, while increasing their ability to degrade this hormone.

Single exposure to cocaine or ecstasy induces DNA damage in brain and other organs of mice

We evaluated the overall genetic damage induced by different doses of cocaine and MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) in several organs. One hour after intraperitoneal drug administration, mice were euthanized; peripheral blood, liver and brain were collected, and the cellular suspensions were used for the single cell gel (comet) assay. We determined that all doses of cocaine and MDMA tested were able to induce DNA damage in blood cells. Extensive genotoxic damage was induced by cocaine or MDMA at the highest doses used in liver cells. Brain cells were affected by all doses administrated. These findings demonstrate that cocaine and MDMA are potent genotoxins.

Anti-proliferative action of vitamin D in MCF7 is still active after siRNA-VDR knock-down

Background

The active form of Vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25D), has strong anti-proliferative effects, yet the molecular mechanisms underneath this effect remain unclear. In contrast, the molecular mechanism of 1,25D for the regulation of calcium homeostasis has principally been resolved, demonstrating a pivotal role for the vitamin D receptor (VDR).

Results

We first addressed the question whether the anti-proliferative effects of 1,25D are influenced by VDR. Knockdown of VDR by siRNA did not affect the anti-proliferative effects of 1,25D in MCF7 breast cancer cells. This unanticipated finding led us to take an alternative approach using genome wide screens to study the molecular mechanisms of 1,25D in proliferation. For that purpose, four independently developed and stable 1,25D resistant MCF7 cell lines were analyzed. Array CGH identified a copy number alteration in a region of 13.5 Mb at chromosome 11q13.4-14.1 common to all four 1,25D resistant cell lines. Expression arrays revealed that no single gene was differentially expressed between the sensitive and resistant cells, but multiple membrane receptor signaling pathways were altered in the 1,25D resistant cell lines. Importantly, in the genome wide experiments neither VDR, CYP24A1 nor other known vitamin D signaling pathway genes were associated with 1,25D resistance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, siRNA and genome wide studies both suggest that the anti-proliferative effects of 1,25D in MCF7 breast tumor cell lines do not rely on classical Vitamin D pathway per se.

Use of multimetric indices to classify estuaries with different hydromorphological characteristics and different levels of human pressure

The assessment of estuaries based on benthic communities is widely used to determine impacts caused by human pressure and is one of the required tools for the implementation of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD). Our study compared multimetric approaches (B-IBI and TICOR) to assess the benthic condition of three Portuguese estuaries (Mondego, Tejo, and Mira rivers) with different levels of natural and human induced stress. Benthic community condition was classified into quality status categories of the WFD and compared for consistency with a priori status categories based upon physical-chemical criteria. Both multimetric indices discriminated equally well between locations classified above or below the good status category but were unable to provide good separation between other quality classes (high/good, moderate, poor/bad). Metrics included in these indices are greatly affected by natural stress and we recommend the development of habitat-specific thresholds to increase the discriminatory ability of any benthic condition index.

[Ivermectin as a therapeutic alternative in neurocysticercosis that is resistant to conventional pharmacological treatment]

INTRODUCTION

Neurocysticercosis is a public health problem that can be found in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries, and today's high rates of immigration are making it increasingly more common in developed countries. Cysticidal treatment of neurocysticercosis is a controversial issue because it is only partially effective against vesicular and colloidal-shaped cysts when the parasite persists after a course of albendazole or praziquantel, the only two therapeutic options that are currently available. Ivermectin is a very effective, safe veterinary and human antiparasitic drug, with occasional very mild side effects. It has been used for over 25 years in cases of endoparasitosis that do not respond well to treatment, such as filariasis, oncocerciasis, strongyloidiasis, etc. and also in ectoparasitoses, such as pediculolsis capitis and myasis. It acts in the myoneural junction on the receptors in the chloride channel by increasing their permeability and causing paralysis in adult worms or by a mediated immune mechanism when it acts on immature forms.

CASE REPORTS

We report the cases of four patients who were previously treated with albendazole reiteratively with radiological evidence, which shows the persistence of viable vesicular or colloidal-shaped cysts. These patients were given 10 mg/day of ivermectin for 15 consecutive days or 10 mg/day as an average for 30 days, with excellent clinical and radiological progress.

CONCLUSIONS

Ivermectin was effective and did not give rise to any side effects when used to treat these four patients, who were resistant to conventional treatment with albendazole and/or praziquantel.

Influence of seasonal variability in benthic invertebrate community structure on the use of biotic indices to assess the ecological status of a Portuguese estuary

The present study focused on the use of benthic invertebrate communities to assess the ecological quality of a Portuguese estuary characterized by strong seasonal changes and with eutrophication problems. Seasonal benthic samples were collected during a flood year and the methodology proposed by the WFD Portuguese group was used to classify benthic assemblages into five different quality classes. Factor analysis was applied to classify stations based on their physical-chemical status. Different classifications were obtained with different indices and among seasons and there was low agreement between indices and index-season interactions. Diversity indices were better correlated to eutrophication related variables than AMBI and ABC method. Predictable responses of benthic indices to anthropogenic stress symptoms were stronger during the dry period.

Association of paradoxical sleep deprivation and ecstasy (MDMA) enhances genital reflexes in male rats

Ecstasy ((+/-)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA) is a psychostimulant and a synthetic derivative of amphetamine that, according to its consumers, promotes the enhancement of sexual pleasure. This study sought to investigate the effects of ecstasy in the genital reflexes of paradoxical sleep deprived (PSD) male rats. Distinct groups of PSD rats were administered with saline or different doses of ecstasy. The incidence of genital reflexes was verified for 100 min. The four doses that were used induced genital reflexes in PSD animals and these significantly differed from their respective treated control groups. Under the influence of two intermediary doses (2.5 and 5mg/kg), all animals displayed erection and ejaculation. The frequency of genital reflexes was also significantly greater than in relation to the PSD-saline group. The comparison between cocaine and ecstasy in PSD rats revealed that ecstasy induced more erections and ejaculations than cocaine. Thus, the present results showed a great enhancement of the genital reflexes of PSD rats that might have occurred due to serotoninergic alterations induced by this illicit substance when associated to sleep deprivation.

Atrazine and metribuzin sorption in soils of the Argentinean humid pampas

Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the influence of surface and subsurface properties of three representative soils of the humid pampas of Argentina on atrazine and metribuzin sorption. Atrazine and metribuzin sorption isotherms were constructed for each soil at four depths. Sorption affinity of herbicides was approximated by the Freundlich constant (K(f)), distribution coefficient (Kd), and the normalized Kd based on organic carbon content (K(oc)). Multiple regression of the sorption constants against selected soil properties indicated that organic carbon content (OC) and silt were related positively and negatively, respectively, to atrazine K(f) coefficient (r2 = 0.93), while Kd coefficient of atrazine was related positively to organic carbon content and negatively to both silt and cation exchange capacity (CEC) (r2 = 0.96). For metribuzin, only organic matter content was related positively to Kr coefficient (r2 = 0.51). Lower K(f) values for atrazine were obtained for all soils with increasing depth, indicating lesser sorption at greater depths. Metribuzin sorption was quite similar across all depths. Sorption constant K(f) of atrazine ranged from 2.06 to 7.82, while metribuzin K(f) values ranged from 1.8 to 3.52 and were lower than atrazine for all soils and depths, indicating a greater leaching potential across the soil profile.

Influence of enrichment media and application of a PCR based method to detect Salmonella in poultry industry products and clinical samples

To attempt the rapid detection of Salmonella enterica, we have coupled a culture procedure with PCR amplification of the genus-specific invE/invA genes. The method was applied to different kinds of samples from the poultry industry and evaluated by using hydrolyzed feather meal, meat meal, litter and viscera, all experimentally inoculated with a known number of Salmonella followed by cultivation in selenite--cystine broth prior to the PCR reaction. The expected 457bp specific DNA fragment could be amplified from dilutions containing as few as 5.7CFU, indicating that the PCR technique can be successfully coupled with culture in an enrichment broth to distinguish Salmonella species from other enteric bacteria present in samples from the poultry industry. Tetrathionate broth proved to be a much better enrichment media compared to selenite-cystine when the presence of Salmonella was evaluated by PCR in 1-day-old chicks experimentally infected with known numbers of Salmonella. Samples included cecal tonsils and viscera, collected at 48h and 7 days postinfection. The PCR technique was more sensitive in detecting infected animals than the standard microbiological procedure, which detected only 47% of all PCR positive samples.

Genetic diversity of Nostoc symbionts endophytically associated with two bryophyte species

The diversity of the endophytic Nostoc symbionts of two thalloid bryophytes, the hornwort Anthoceros fusiformis and the liverwort Blasia pusilla, was examined using the tRNA(Leu) (UAA) intron sequence as a marker. The results confirmed that many different Nostoc strains are involved in both associations under natural conditions in the field. The level of Nostoc diversity within individual bryophyte thalli varied, but single DNA fragments were consistently amplified from individual symbiotic colonies. Some Nostoc strains were widespread and were detected from thalli collected from different field sites and different years. These findings indicate a moderate level of spatial and temporal continuity in bryophyte-Nostoc symbioses.

Diversity of cyanobacterial hydrogenases, a molecular approach

In an effort to elucidate the diversity of cyanobacterial hydrogenases, we used a molecular approach. Filamentous strains from a broad range of sources were screened for the presence of hup (uptake hydrogenase), xisC (rearrangement within hupL), and hox (bidirectional hydrogenase) genes. As expected, an uptake hydrogenase seems to be present in all N(2)-fixing cyanobacteria. On the other hand, no evidence was found for the presence of a conventional bidirectional enzyme in several strains. Similarly, the presence of xisC is not a characteristic shared by all the heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria. Although tempting, it is not possible to establish a correlation between the presence/absence of the bidirectional hydrogenase and the occurrence of xisC. The natural molecular variation of hydrogenases in cyanobacteria is certainly a field to explore, both to understand the physiological functions of the respective enzymes and to identify a genetic background to be used when constructing a strain for photobiological H(2) production in a bioreactor.

Characterization of gait parameters in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

The gait of five patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth(CMT) disease was analyzed using light-emitting diodes and a force plate. The flexion-extension motions of the hips, knees, and ankles, as well as their moments (vector sums of forces acting at the joints) in the flexion-extension and abduction-adduction planes, were quantified. The gait of the CMT patients showed abnormalities consistent with both distal weakness (ankle dorsi- and plantar-flexors) and weakness of the hip abductor muscles. The latter weakness appeared to produce asymmetric hip moments and truncal instability in the mediolateral plane during ambulation. However, the extent to which the gait was abnormal appeared not to be exclusively related to the severity of the sensorimotor conduction deficits in the peripheral nerves. In the four patients for whom nerve conduction velocity studies were available, decrease in the lower-extremity distal conduction velocities and evoked motor amplitude potentials did not correlate with the severity and extent of the gait abnormalities.

Spectrocolorimetric control of ancient documents postablation with excimer lasers

The application of excimer lasers in ablation, cleaning, and restoration for the recovery of paper and parchment manuscripts is a recently implemented technique. A report of the use of excimer lasers in a cleaning process by which mud was removed from Islamic papers and parchments is presented. It was found that, because of the close proximity of the binding energies of paper to paper and of paper to mud, it was difficult to maintain control of the ablation process. However, the substrate was not affected. Spectrocolorimetry was used as a technique to detect the effects of ablation on cleaned areas of the manuscripts in terms of change in color appearance and severity of aging postablation. The analysis was performed by comparison of treated and untreated areas. Mathematical modeling was developed to define a representative original color and a color-distribution parameter. Improvements in the measuring method were made to yield the required precision for evaluating differences in color produced by laser ablation and to follow the color evolution after ablation. Results show that the effects of restoration, aging, and the environmental conditions can be individually identified under certain conditions. The method has applications in other domains.

Comparative analysis of a novel gene from the Wolf-Hirschhorn/Pitt-Rogers-Danks syndrome critical region

Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is a multiple malformation syndrome characterized by mental and developmental defects resulting from the absence of a segment of one chromosome 4 short arm (4p16.3). Recently, Pitt-Rogers-Danks syndrome (PRDS), which is also due to a deletion of chromosome 4p16.3, has been shown to be allelic to WHS. Due to the complex and variable expression of these disorders, it is thought that WHS/PRDS results from a segmental aneusomy of 4p resulting in haploinsufficieny of an undefined number of genes that contribute to the phenotype. In an effort to identify genes that contribute to human development and whose absence may contribute to the phenotype associated with these syndromes, we have generated a transcript map of the 165-kb critical region and have identified a number of potential genes. One of these genes, WHSC2, which was identified with the IMAGE cDNA clone 53283, has been characterized. Sequence analysis defined an open reading frame of 1584 bp (528 amino acids), and transcript analysis detected a 2.4-kb transcript in all fetal and adult tissues tested. In parallel, the mouse homologue was isolated and characterized. Mouse sequence analysis and the pattern of expression are consistent with the clone being the murine equivalent of the human WHSC2 gene (designated Whsc2h). The data from sequence and transcript analysis of this new human gene in combination with the lack of significant similarity to proteins of known function imply that it represents a novel gene. Most importantly, its location within the WHSCR suggests that this gene may play a role in the phenotype of the Wolf-Hirschhorn/Pitt-Rogers-Danks syndrome.

Spectrophotometer spectral bandwidth calibration with absorption bands crystal standard

A procedure for calibration of a spectral bandwidth standard for high-resolution spectrophotometers is described. Symmetrical absorption bands for a crystal standard are adopted. The method relies on spectral band shape fitting followed by a convolution with the slit function of the spectrophotometer. A reference spectrophotometer is used to calibrate the spectral bandwidth standard. Bandwidth calibration curves for a minimum spectral transmission factor relative to the spectral bandwidth of the reference spectrophotometer are derived for the absorption bands at the wavelength of the band absorption maximum. The family of these calibration curves characterizes the spectral bandwidth standard. We calibrate the spectral bandwidth of a spectrophotometer with respect to the reference spectrophotometer by determining the spectral transmission factor minimum at every calibrated absorption band of the bandwidth standard for the nominal instrument values of the spectral bandwidth. With reference to the standard spectral bandwidth calibration curves, the relation of the spectral bandwidth to the reference spectrophotometer is determined. We determine the discrepancy in the spectrophotometers' spectral bandwidths by averaging the spectral bandwidth discrepancies relative to the standard calibrated values found at the absorption bands considered. A weighted average of the uncertainties is taken.

Association of Leishmania heat shock protein 83 antigen and immunoglobulin G4 antibody titers in Brazilian patients with diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis

Diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (DCL) is characterized by the presence of numerous nonulcerated nodules and plaques containing large numbers of Leishmania amazonensis parasites and few lymphoid elements. The immune responses of DCL patients reflect severe antigen-specific T-cell deficiencies, while the antibody response to Leishmania antigens is often accentuated. We report herein on the Leishmania antigen-specific antibody subclass distribution in DCL patients and demonstrate that a dominant antigen contributing to the biased immunoglobulin G4 antibody subclass in sera of DCL patients is Leishmania heat shock protein 83.

Characterization of gait parameters in adult-onset myotonic dystrophy: abnormal hip motion

The gait of five patients with myotonic dystrophy was analyzed using light-emitting diodes and a force plate. When compared with the gait of control subjects, that of myotonics suggested weakness of the tibialis anterior and triceps surae muscles. Although the myotonics showed no evidence of lower-extremity myotonia (delayed muscle relaxation following contraction), or of weakness of the hip or knee musculature, all had striking abnormalities in their hip motion. In contrast to the smooth and consistent extension of the hip throughout stance phase observed during gait in control subjects, the hips of myotonics oscillated irregularly as they progressed through stance phase extension, with considerable variation between legs and during successive strides. Excessive use of hip musculature in an attempt to control the oscillatory hip motion may contribute to the chronic fatigue associated with myotonic dystrophy.

Estimation of rate constants for serotonin uptake and compartmentation in normal human platelets

Biochemical and pharmacological experiments led to a model describing a thrombin-releasable (vesicular) compartment and two non-thrombin-releasable compartments for 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) in normal human platelets (J. L. Costa, K. L. Kirk, D. L. Murphy, and H. Stark. Br. J. Pharmacol. 72: 449-459, 1981). With tritiated 5-HT as substrate, the amounts of total and nonreleasable intraplatelet tritiated material were measured. Moreover, in the last set of experiments, the amounts of extraplatelet tritiated material and extraplatelet tritiated 5-HT were also measured. With these data, identification of the kinetic constants for movement between the various compartments was possible. A recent extension of the similarity transformation approach to nonlinear compartmental models was used to carry out the a priori identifiability analysis. Then numerical identification was performed by implementing and achieving efficient methods from optimal control theory. Under our experimental conditions, the main results are as follows: 1) the vesicular compartment corresponds to the platelet storage 5-HT compartment, 2) instead of pools I and II proposed previously, only a single nonreleasable thrombin-resistant pool could be detected, and 3) the optimized model computed to suit the first set of experiments fits homologous intraplatelet results obtained under similar experimental conditions in the last set of experiments and also fits one of the two supplementary extraplatelet investigations.

Clinical findings associated with pulmonary embolism in a rehabilitation setting

In a rehabilitation setting, pulmonary embolism is a relatively frequent and life-threatening complication. Deciding when a patient may be experiencing this condition is difficult, however, because of frequent deficits in patient communication skills (eg, aphasia and cognitive deficits) and the multisystem illnesses affecting many rehabilitation patients. We reviewed the charts of 30 rehabilitation patients transferred emergently during the years 1986 to 1988 with a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, which was subsequently documented by ventilation-perfusion scanning. The average age of the 30 patients was 65; 63% were women and 20 (67%) had an admitting diagnosis of stroke. The most common new-onset clinical findings in the 24 hours before discharge were unusual facial skin color changes (pale, flushed, or cyanotic) (57%), chest or upper back pain (47%), tachycardia (heart rate more than 100 bpm) (40%), hypoxemia (arterial oxygen saturation less than or equal to 90%) (40%), and fever less than 101F (37%). In 63% of the patients, either anxiety, restlessness, diaphoresis, or dyspnea was also noted in the 24 hours before discharge. The data suggest that careful physician and nursing scrutiny may identify clinical signs characteristic of pulmonary embolism, and that the de novo appearance of these constellations of findings may help to select candidates for ventilation-perfusion scanning.

Rehabilitation of three patients after treatment for herpes encephalitis

Patients with Herpes simplex encephalitis often are considered to be poor rehabilitation candidates because of their multiple deficits and grave prognosis. This report presents case reports on three patients with biopsy-proven Herpes simplex encephalitis, all of whom were treated with acyclovir in acute care and then admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation program. All had multiple brain lesions with minimal motor findings but cognitive and communication deficits. One patient, two weeks after admission, slipped into a coma and was transferred to an acute care hospital where he subsequently expired. The other two made useful functional gains and were discharged home in two weeks and 10 weeks, suggesting that a trial of rehabilitation may be warranted after Herpes simplex encephalitis.

Compartmentation of 4,6-difluoro-5HT studied by nuclear magnetic resonance in normal and CHS bovine platelets

A platelet storage pool deficiency (SPD) is present in platelets from cattle with the Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS). The most plausible hypothesis for the SPD is that dense granule precursors are simply not formed in CHS megakaryocytes. There is, however, evidence that some recently acquired 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) is located in granules and that the granules have an acidic interior. To obtain a greater understanding of the processing of 5HT by SPD platelets, normal and CHS platelets were incubated with 4,6-difluoro-5HT and studied by 19F NMR at 188 mHz. Normal platelets contained 2 compartments for 4,6-difluoro-5HT as indicated by 2 well-developed resonances for each 19F. The resonances were unequal in magnitude. The predominant resonance broadened with lower temperatures and was absent in CHS bovine platelets; it was, therefore, the dense granule compartment. There was only 1 resonance for each 19F in CHS platelets. The chemical shift was identical to the minor resonance, or non-dense granule resonance, found in normal bovine platelets but the resonance width was increased, indicating that some non-dense granule 4,6-difluoro-5HT was in a more restricted environment within CHS platelets than it was in normal platelets.

Recovery in non-vascular locked-in syndrome during treatment with Sinemet

A case of successful pharmacological therapy of non-vascular locked-in syndrome (LIS) is described. A 22-year-old male experienced aqueductal stenosis following an episode of viral meningitis 11 months prior to admission. A ventriculo-peritoneal shunt was inserted and subsequently revised three times. Following the last procedure, the patient remained mute, quadriplegic and aphagic. There was no change in the patient's status for 9 days. Bromocriptine (2.5 mg daily) was begun and increased to 45 mg daily without any change in PECS scores. It was then tapered and Sinemet (75/300 daily) was begun and increased to 75/750 daily. The PECS scores in all areas rose steadily during the subsequent 6 weeks. Sinemet may be of value in the rehabilitation therapy of non-vascular LIS; serial patient evaluation by a PECS system may facilitate assessment of the response.

Limited dermal ossification: clinical features and natural history

For 9 years we have observed a girl who has ossification in the dermis with a strikingly limited distribution. Recently a second girl with similar dermal ossification restricted to a single extremity was identified. The ectopic bone is histologically identical to normal membranous bone. These two patients have no obvious underlying cause for soft tissue bone formation, and no disorder of calcium or phosphate metabolism. Ossification first involved the dermal and subcutaneous connective tissue, and with time advanced locally in the affected areas to bridge joints and limit mobility. The ossification has now extended to involve muscle fascia but has not involved the muscle itself. This disease appears to represent a heretofore unrecognized disorder of mesenchymal differentiation.

Effects of tricyclic antidepressant drugs on energy-linked reactions in mitochondria

The effects of impramine and chlorimipramine on energy-linked reactions in mitochondria were characterized. Both compounds exhibited some characteristics of classical uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation, i.e. they released respiratory control, hindered ATP synthesis, and enhanced ATPase activity of isolated rat liver mitochondria. Unlike classical uncouplers, however, these compounds only weakly stimulated proton uptake in intact mitochondria. They also exhibited unusual effects on energy-linked reactions in beef heart submitochondrial particles (SMP). Both compounds inhibited NADH oxidation in SMP in an "oligomycin-like" manner, and inhibited ATPase activity of SMP and the soluble F1-ATPase. In contrast, the drugs weakly inhibited ATPase activities of bovine adrenal gland chromaffin granules and resealed granule ghosts. The mechanisms responsible for the multiple effects on mitochondrial energy-linked processes are unclear. They may be related to the hydrophobicity of the drugs, as has been shown for other hydrophobic amines.