RESUMO
The present study was aimed at evaluating the in vivo effects of microplastics (MP), in terms of oxidative stress and histopathological effects, in two crustacean species: Procambarus clarkii and Leptuca pugilator. In addition, MP accumulation in the hepatopancreas (HP) of both species was also determined. Adults of both crayfish and crabs were exposed for one month to fluorescent polystyrene beads (size: 1 µm) at nominal concentrations of 1000 or 5000 particles/mL. During the exposure, animals were maintained under controlled feeding, aeration, temperature, and photoperiod conditions. At the end of the exposure, HP and hemolymph (HL) samples were harvested for analysis of oxidative damage and total antioxidant levels. Additionally, the presence of MPs in both tissues was confirmed. Significant differences with the control groups were observed in lipid peroxidation levels in HP in animals exposed to the lowest concentration in P. clarkii and to the highest concentration in L. pugilator. A marked increase in antioxidant levels was also observed in the HL at both concentrations in P. clarkii, and at the highest MPs concentration in L. pugilator. Moreover, several histopathological changes were detected in both gills and HP, including hypertrophied lamellae, lifting or collapse of gill epithelia, loss of normal shape of hepatopancreatic tubules, and epithelial atrophy in the HP tissue. We conclude that exposure to MP beads at selected concentrations results in oxidative damage, induces histopathological changes in gills and HP, and triggers an antioxidant response in two crustacean species.
Assuntos
Braquiúros , Poluentes Químicos da Água , Animais , Astacoidea , Braquiúros/metabolismo , Plásticos , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Microplásticos/toxicidade , Poluentes Químicos da Água/toxicidade , Estresse OxidativoRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a disorder of phagocyte function, characterized by pyogenic infections and granuloma formation caused by defects in NADPH oxidase complex activity. Although the effect of CGD mainly reflects the phagocytic compartment, B cell responses are also impaired in patients with CGD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Flow cytometric analysis was performed on peripheral blood samples from 35 CGD patients age-matched with healthy controls (HC). The target cells of our study were the naive (IgD+/CD27-), memory (IgD-/CD27+), and B1a (CD5+) cells. Immunoglobulins (Igs) were also measured. This study was performed in a Latin American cohort. RESULTS: We found significantly higher levels of naive B cells and B1a cells, but lower levels of memory B cells were found in CGD patients compared to HC. There was no significant difference of cell percentages per inheritance type. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that the deficiency of NADPH oxidase components can affect the differentiation of naive B cells to memory B cells. Consequently, memory cells will be low, which also influenced the expression of CD27 in memory B cells and as a result, the percentage of naive cells increases. An altered phenotype of B lymphocytes in CGD patients may contribute to the opportunistic infections and autoimmune disorders that are seen in this disease.
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Subpopulações de Linfócitos B/imunologia , Linfócitos B/imunologia , Doença Granulomatosa Crônica/imunologia , NADPH Oxidase 2/genética , Adolescente , Adulto , Separação Celular , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Estudos de Coortes , Feminino , Citometria de Fluxo , Doença Granulomatosa Crônica/genética , Humanos , Memória Imunológica , Imunofenotipagem , Lactente , Masculino , México , Membro 7 da Superfamília de Receptores de Fatores de Necrose Tumoral/metabolismo , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The del22q11 syndrome patients present immunological abnormalities associated to thymus alterations. Up to 75% of them present cardiopathies and thymus is frequently removed during surgery. The thymectomy per se has a deleterious effect concerning lymphocyte subpopulations, and T cell function. When compared to healthy controls, these patients have higher infections propensity of variable severity. The factors behind these variations are unknown. We compared immunological profiles of del22q11.2 Syndrome patients with and without thymectomy to establish its effect in the immune profile. METHODS: Forty-six del22q11.2 syndrome patients from 1 to 16 years old, 19 of them with partial or total thymectomy were included. Heart disease type, heart surgery, infections events and thymus resection were identified. Immunoglobulin levels, flow cytometry for lymphocytes subpopulations and TREC levels were determined, and statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: The thymectomy group had a lower lymphocyte index, both regarding total cell count and when comparing age-adjusted Z scores. Also, CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ lower levels were observed in this group, the lowest count in those patients who had undergone thymus resection during the first year of life. Their TREC level median was 23.6/µL vs 16.1µL in the non-thymus group (p=0.22). No differences were identified regarding immunoglobulin levels or infection events frequencies over the previous year. CONCLUSION: Patients with del22q11.2 syndrome subjected to thymus resection present lower lymphocyte and TREC indexes when compared to patients without thymectomy. This situation may be influenced by the age at the surgery and the time elapsed since the procedure.
Assuntos
Subpopulações de Linfócitos T/fisiologia , Linfócitos T/fisiologia , Timectomia , Timo/cirurgia , Adolescente , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Deleção Cromossômica , Cromossomos Humanos Par 22/imunologia , Feminino , Citometria de Fluxo , Humanos , Lactente , Contagem de Linfócitos , Masculino , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfócitos T/genéticaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Although the prevalence of sensitization to fungi is not precisely known, it can reach 50% in inner cities and has been identified as a risk factor in the development of asthma. Whereas the prevalence of allergic diseases is increasing, it is unclear whether the same occurs with sensitization to fungi. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed at the "Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez". From skin tests taken between 2004 and 2015, information was gathered about Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Cladosporium herbarum, Mucor mucedo and Penicillium notatum. The participating patients were 2-18 years old, presented some type of allergic condition, and underwent immediate hypersensitivity tests to the fungi herein examined. Descriptive analysis and chi-squared distribution were used. RESULTS: Of the 8794 patients included in the study, 14% showed a negative result to the entire panel of environmental allergens. The remaining 7565 individuals displayed sensitization to at least one fungus, which most frequently was Aspergillus, with a rate of 16.8%. When the patients were divided into age groups, the same trend was observed. The highest percentage of sensitization (58%) toward at least one type of fungus was found in 2014, and the lowest percentage (49.8%) in 2008. CONCLUSION: The rate of sensitization to at least one type of fungus was presently over 50%, higher than that detected in other medical centers in Mexico. This rate was constant over the 11-year study, and Aspergillus exhibited the greatest frequency of sensitization among the patients.
Assuntos
Alérgenos/imunologia , Antígenos de Fungos/imunologia , Asma/epidemiologia , Fungos/imunologia , Hipersensibilidade/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , Imunização , Masculino , México/epidemiologia , Prevalência , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) affects between 0.6 and 0.9% of the general population, and its treatment implies the total elimination of the intake of this protein. Camel's milk has been suggested as an alternative for patients over one year of age who suffer from CMPA due to the difference in the amino acid sequence from that of cow's milk. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of camel's milk in children with CMPA. METHODS: Crossed clinical trial for the use of camel's milk vs. amino acid formula, carried out at the Dr. Federico Gómez Children's Hospital of Mexico (HIMFG) on patients between one and 18 years of age with diagnosed CMPA confirmed through double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges (DBPCFCs). Only those whose allergies were confirmed were randomly placed into two groups: those to be administered camel's milk and those to be administered the amino-acid formula for two weeks, followed by a six-week wash-out period, and then a group crossing for a further two weeks. RESULTS: 49 patients with suspected CMPA were included in the study; the diagnosis was confirmed through DBPCFCs in 15 patients, who were those who participated in the study. After having been administered camel's milk, none of the patients presented adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Camel's milk is safe and tolerable in patients above one year of age with CMPA and can be considered as a good alternative given the benefit of its taste compared to other formulas.
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Alérgenos/imunologia , Hipersensibilidade a Leite/imunologia , Proteínas do Leite/imunologia , Adolescente , Animais , Camelus , Bovinos , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Reações Cruzadas , Estudos Cross-Over , Dietoterapia , Ingestão de Alimentos , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Masculino , Hipersensibilidade a Leite/tratamento farmacológicoRESUMO
Despite decades of research, no compelling non-surgical therapies have been developed for foetal hydrocephalus. So far, most efforts have pointed to repairing disturbances in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow and to avoid further brain damage. There are no reports trying to prevent or diminish abnormalities in brain development which are inseparably associated with hydrocephalus. A key problem in the treatment of hydrocephalus is the blood-brain barrier that restricts the access to the brain for therapeutic compounds or systemically grafted cells. Recent investigations have started to open an avenue for the development of a cell therapy for foetal-onset hydrocephalus. Potential cells to be used for brain grafting include: (1) pluripotential neural stem cells; (2) mesenchymal stem cells; (3) genetically-engineered stem cells; (4) choroid plexus cells and (5) subcommissural organ cells. Expected outcomes are a proper microenvironment for the embryonic neurogenic niche and, consequent normal brain development.
Assuntos
Barreira Hematoencefálica/cirurgia , Líquido Cefalorraquidiano/fisiologia , Hidrocefalia/cirurgia , Células-Tronco Pluripotentes/transplante , Animais , Plexo Corióideo/citologia , Humanos , Transplante de Células-Tronco Mesenquimais/métodos , Células-Tronco Mesenquimais/fisiologiaRESUMO
Atrazine, a herbicide that is intensively used in Argentina, was assayed to evaluate the alteration of reproduction in a wild species of crustaceans. Adult females of the estuarine crab Neohelice granulata were exposed to formulated atrazine during the 3-month pre-reproductive period. Three atrazine concentrations (0.03, 0.3 and 3mg/L) were assayed, together with a water dilution control. At the end of the exposure period, several variables concerning the energetic status of animals were measured, such as weight gain, glycemia, and energy reserves in both muscle and hepatopancreas. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) was also determined, as well as the proportion and relative area of each oocyte type in histological sections. Besides, the total content of vitellogenin proteins (Vg) in both ovary and hepatopancreas was measured. A significant (p<0.05) decrease of glycogen content was observed in muscle, while a significant (p<0.05) lower area of both previtellogenic and vitellogenic oocytes was verified in the ovary by effect of atrazine, in correspondence with a Vg content significantly (p<0.05) diminished in the ovary and augmented in the hepatopancreas. Besides, a higher proportion of previtellogenic oocytes were seen by effect of atrazine. Taken together, these results indicate a clear reduction and delay in the ovarian growth of the studied species, during the period at which the ovary normally grows up prior to spawning. On the other hand, a decrease of Vg content was observed at 0.3 and 3mg/L of atrazine after 24-h in vitro assays carried out with ovarian explants, providing additional evidence about the inhibitory role of this herbicide on the ovarian growth. These results encourage future research on deleterious effects of atrazine on crustacean reproduction.
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Atrazina/toxicidade , Braquiúros/efeitos dos fármacos , Herbicidas/toxicidade , Ovário/efeitos dos fármacos , Poluentes Químicos da Água/toxicidade , Animais , Braquiúros/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Braquiúros/metabolismo , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Metabolismo Energético/efeitos dos fármacos , Feminino , Glicogênio/metabolismo , Hepatopâncreas/efeitos dos fármacos , Hepatopâncreas/metabolismo , Músculo Esquelético/efeitos dos fármacos , Músculo Esquelético/metabolismo , Oócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Oócitos/metabolismo , Ovário/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Ovário/metabolismo , Reprodução/efeitos dos fármacos , Fatores de Tempo , Técnicas de Cultura de Tecidos , Vitelogeninas/metabolismoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: House dust mites are a ubiquitous air allergen in the human habitat. It has been shown that exposure to them is a fundamental factor in sensitisation and development of atopic disease. The objective of the study was to analyse changes in sensitisation to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p.) in children treated in a tertiary level care hospital in Mexico City for a period of 11 years and compare with other studies carried out in Mexico. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed at the Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez (HIMFG). Information was gathered from skin tests for Der p. performed in the Allergy Laboratory from January 2004 to April 2015. Patients 2-18 years old who presented for examination of some type of allergic condition and who had immediate hypersensitivity tests to Der p. were included in the study. Results were compared with prior reports from other institutions. Descriptive analysis and χ2 statistics were used. RESULTS: A total of 8794 patients were included in the study; 49.3% of the tests (95% CI 48-50) were positive for Der p. The percentage of monosensitised to mites was 2.7% for Der p. (95% CI 2-3). A significant difference was found between the results of older patients and those <6 years old. The frequency of sensitisation had a tendency to decrease during the 11 years analysed in all age groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The frequency of sensitisation to Der p. increased with age until reaching adolescence. In the last 11 years a decrease in sensitisation to this air allergen was observed.
Assuntos
Antígenos de Dermatophagoides/imunologia , Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus/imunologia , Hipersensibilidade/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Animais , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Hipersensibilidade/imunologia , Imunização , Masculino , México , Estudos Retrospectivos , Centros de Atenção Terciária , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
Las patologías podales del bovino son multicausales; entre ellas se cuentan altos niveles de producción y estrés, así como etiologías ambientales, nutricionales, infecciosas, genéticas, razas, estado fisiológico y comportamiento, tanto animal como humano. Están adquiriendo gran importancia debido a la intensificación de la producción. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de enfermedades podales en explotaciones lecheras y en feedlot, así como comparar ambos sistemas de explotación en la región de Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina. A tal fin, se evaluaron 24 tambos en 2005 y un feedlot en 2013 en busca de patologías podales. Los animales que presentaron claudicación se separaron del rodeo y se examinaron clínicamente. Se calculó la prevalencia bruta y por patologías de mayor presentación en ambos tipos de explotación y, además, la proporción según miembro afectado. Se estimaron diferencias entre las prevalencias de cada tipo de producción por medio de Chi cuadrado (p < 0,05) y Razón de Prevalencia. La prevalencia en los 12.132 animales lecheros fue de 2,71% y en los 14.500 de feedlot de 0,57% (Razón de Prevalencia = 4,73; IC 95% = 3,72 a 6,02). La prevalencia de traumatismos en feedlot fue del 0,17% y en los tambos de 0,016% (p < 0,05); la de dermatitis digital fue de 0,69% en los tambos y en feedlot de 0,13% (p < 0,05), mientras la prevalencia de dermatitis interdigital alcanzó 0,81% en los tambos y 0,1% en feedlot (p < 0,05). En ambos sistemas de producción, los miembros más afectados fueron los posteriores (90,4% feedlot y 88,1% tambos). La menor prevalencia de patologías podales en feedlot podría deberse a la baja edad de los animales. No obstante, en los animales de feedlot hay una significativa mayor prevalencia en cuanto traumatismos que en los tambos, mientras que en estos se presentan más casos de dermatitis digital e interdigital.
Cattle hoof diseases have multiple causes, including infectious, genetic and environmental, high yield, stress, nutrition, race, physiological condition, and both animal and human behavior. It is gaining importance due to the production intensification. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the prevalence of hoof diseases in dairy farms and feedlots in Tandil county, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. A total of 24 dairy farms in 2005 and a feedlot in 2013 were included in the study. Animals with claudication were separated from the rodeo and clinically examined. Crude prevalence, prevalence by pathologies and by affected members were calculated. Differences between the prevalence of each production systems by Chi square (p < 0.05) and Prevalence Ratio were estimated. The crude prevalence was 2.71% in dairy farms (12,132 animals), and 0.57% in feedlots (14,500 animals) (Prevalence Ratio = 4.73; 95% CI = 3.72% to 6.02%). The trauma prevalence was 0.17% in feedlots and 0.016% in dairy farms (p < 0.05), digital dermatitis (0.69% dairy, feedlot 0.13%; p < 0.05) and interdigital (0.81% dairy, feedlot 0.1%; p < 0.05). In both productions systems, hind limbs were the most affected (feedlot 90.4% and 88.1% dairy). Low prevalence observed in feedlot could be due to the low animal's age. Trauma was prevalent in feedlot animals while digital and interdigital dermatitis were more common in dairy farms.
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Advanced maternal age is an important predisposing factor on the reduction of reproductive efficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of donor's age on several reproductive parameters in a commercial equine embryo transfer program. Donors were classified into 3 age groups: Group 1=fillies (3 and 4 years old), Group 2=middle age mares (aged 5-10) and Group 3=old mares (aged 13-25). Embryo recovery, multiple ovulation and pregnancy rates and interovulatory intervals were compared amongst age groups. Group 1 (171/244, 70.1%) and Group 2 (774/1081, 71.6%) had a higher (P<0.005) embryo recovery rate than Group 3 (385/701, 54.9%). Groups 2 and 3 were 2.5 and 3.4 times more likely to have multiple ovulations than Group 1 (P<0.05), respectively. The effect of age group on pregnancy rate was not significant (P>0.05). The interovulatory intervals length was influenced by individual mare (P<0.001), age (P<0.04), Day of flushing (P=0.009) and by month (P<0.012). The overall mean interovulatory interval of Group 1 (16.4±0.17 days) and Group 2 (16.6±0.12 days) was not different (P>0.05), but was shorter than the one of Group 3 (17.4±0.15 days; P<0.04). The embryo recovery rate of flushings from Groups 1 and 2 was influenced by the length of the previous interovulatory interval (P=0.03).