Fate, behaviour and weathering of priority HNS in the marine environment: An online tool

Literature data and data obtained with modelling tools were compiled to derive the physicochemical behaviour of 24 priority Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS), as a proxy to improve environmental, public health and political issues in relation to HNS spills. Parameters that rule the HNS behaviour in water and those that determine their distribution and persistence in the environment, such as fugacity, physicochemical degradation, biodegradation, bioaccumulation/biotransformation and aquatic toxicity, were selected. Data systematized and produced in the frame of the Arcopol Platform project was made available through a public database (http://www.ciimar.up.pt/hns/substances.php). This tool is expected to assist stakeholders involved in HNS spills preparedness and response, policy makers and legislators, as well as to contribute to a current picture of the scientific knowledge on the fate, behaviour, weathering and toxicity of priority HNS, being essential to support future improvements in maritime safety and coastal pollution response before, during and after spill incidents.

Electroconvulsive therapy in elderly - a preliminary study

Introduction

Studies with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in elderly focus mainly on the assessment of possible side effects on the cognitive functioning; there are few studies that evaluate the effectiveness.

Objective

Evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment in the population over 65 years.

Aims

Perform a preliminary study to evaluate the response to ECT of ≥ 65 years patients with depression.

Methods

We carry out a descriptive study based on patients treated in the last 10 years in the ECT Unit of Centro Hospitalar Psiquiátrico de Lisboa.

Results

Our initial sample consisted of 457 patients. We select patients aged ≥ 65 years with depression, and with complete data, including electroconvulsive parameters, and initial and final Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) scores (n = 59). Of this, 81.36% (n = 48) had unipolar depression, and 18.64% (n = 11) had bipolar depression. In the first group, the mean variation between the initial and final scores in HRSD was 13.88 points, and 27.10% (n = 13) of the patients ended the treatment in the normal range of HRSD score. In the second group, the mean variation was 12.82, and 63.60% (n = 7) ended the treatment in the normal range of HRSD. Considering the initial and final HRSD scores, it appears that unipolar depression group presents higher values (severe depression) (P < 0.05). When we compare the mean variation between the initial and final HRSD scores, we didn’t observe a statistically significant difference between the two groups. There was a clinical improvement in both.

Conclusions

The acute treatment with ECT appears to improve depressive symptoms in bipolar and unipolar depression, when considering an elderly population.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The Origin and Diversity of Cpt1 Genes in Vertebrate Species

The Carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (Cpt1) gene family plays a crucial role in energy homeostasis since it is required for the occurrence of fatty acid β-oxidation in the mitochondria. The exact gene repertoire in different vertebrate lineages is variable. Presently, four genes are documented: Cpt1a, also known as Cpt1a1, Cpt1a2; Cpt1b and Cpt1c. The later is considered a mammalian innovation resulting from a gene duplication event in the ancestor of mammals, after the divergence of sauropsids. In contrast, Cpt1a2 has been found exclusively in teleosts. Here, we reassess the overall evolutionary relationships of Cpt1 genes using a combination of approaches, including the survey of the gene repertoire in basal gnathostome lineages. Through molecular phylogenetics and synteny studies, we find that Cpt1c is most likely a rapidly evolving orthologue of Cpt1a2. Thus, Cpt1c is present in other lineages such as cartilaginous fish, reptiles, amphibians and the coelacanth. We show that genome duplications (2R) and variable rates of sequence evolution contribute to the history of Cpt1 genes in vertebrates. Finally, we propose that loss of Cpt1b is the likely cause for the unusual energy metabolism of elasmobranch.

Acetylcholinesterase in Biofouling Species: Characterization and Mode of Action of Cyanobacteria-Derived Antifouling Agents

Effective and ecofriendly antifouling (AF) compounds have been arising from naturally produced chemicals. The objective of this study is to use cyanobacteria-derived agents to investigate the role of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity as an effect and/or mode of action of promising AF compounds, since AChE inhibitors were found to inhibit invertebrate larval settlement. To pursue this objective, in vitro quantification of AChE activity under the effect of several cyanobacterial strain extracts as potential AF agents was performed along with in vivo AF (anti-settlement) screening tests. Pre-characterization of different cholinesterases (ChEs) forms present in selected tissues of important biofouling species was performed to confirm the predominance of AChE, and an in vitro AF test using pure AChE activity was developed. Eighteen cyanobacteria strains were tested as source of potential AF and AChE inhibitor agents. Results showed effectiveness in selecting promising eco-friendly AF agents, allowing the understanding of the AF biochemical mode of action induced by different compounds. This study also highlights the potential of cyanobacteria as source of AF agents towards invertebrate macrofouling species.

Tophaceous Gout: a tragic course for a preventable disease

A 66-year-old man, with a history of chronic tophaceous gout since the age of 30, presented with multiple tophi and significant deformity of all fingers that caused substantial function loss. Due to osteomyelitis refractory to antimicrobial therapy, he underwent disarticulation of several fingers. Finally, both his hands were amputated.

Baastrup's Disease: a poorly recognised cause of back pain

A 56-year-old male complained about progressive mechanical back pain for more than 10 years, which worsened with prolonged orthostatism and spine extension and improved in fetal position. His lumbar spine radiography revealed enlargement and sclerosis of the spinous processes which was confirmed by computed tomography, suggesting Baastrup's disease. This condition is characterized by enlargement, close approximation and impingement of one spinous process on another ("kissing spines"). There are few studies on Baastrup´s disease epidemiology and their results are inconsistent. Patients often complain of back pain, typically increased with extension and relieved by flexion. Radiographically, spinous process impingement leads to reactive sclerosis, enlargement, flattening, and remodeling of the involved vertebral spines. Physicians frequently miss it on radiographs due to lack of knowledge and overexposure of spinous processes in most X rays. Both conservative and surgical options are available for treatment. Baastrup's disease should be considered in differential diagnosis of back pain, although one must be aware the typical radiographic changes appear to be common with aging and may not be the cause of patient's symptoms.

Effects of the PPARα agonist WY-14,643 on plasma lipids, enzymatic activities and mRNA expression of lipid metabolism genes in a marine flatfish, Scophthalmus maximus

Fibrates and other lipid regulator drugs are widespread in the aquatic environment including estuaries and coastal zones, but little is known on their chronic effects on non-target organisms as marine fish. In the present study, turbot juveniles were exposed to the PPARα model agonist WY-14,643 for 21 days by repeated injections at the concentrations of 5mg/kg (lo-WY) and 50mg/kg (hi-WY), and samples taken after 7 and 21 days. Enzyme activity and mRNA expression of palmitoyl-CoA oxidase and catalase in the liver were analyzed as first response, which validated the experiment by demonstrating interactions with the peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation and oxidative stress pathways in the hi-WY treatment. In order to get mechanistic insights, alterations of plasma lipids (free cholesterol, FC; HDL associated cholesterol, C-HDL; triglycerides, TG; non-esterified fatty acids, NEFA) and hepatic mRNA expression of 17 genes involved in fatty acid and lipid metabolism were studied. The exposure to hi-WY reduced the quantity of plasma FC, C-HDL, and NEFA. Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein and apolipoprotein E mRNA expression were higher in hi-WY, and indicated an increased formation of VLDL particles and energy mobilization from liver. It is speculated that energy depletion by PPARα agonists may contribute to a higher susceptibility to environmental stressors.

Ecological modelling and toxicity data coupled to assess population recovery of marine amphipod Gammarus locusta: Application to disturbance by chronic exposure to aniline

A population agent-based model of marine amphipod Gammarus locusta was designed and implemented as a basis for ecological risk assessment of chemical pollutants impairing life-history traits at the individual level. We further used the model to assess the toxic effects of aniline (a priority hazardous and noxious substance, HNS) on amphipod populations using empirically-built dose-response functions derived from a chronic bioassay that we previously performed with this species. We observed a significant toxicant-induced mortality and adverse effects in reproductive performance (reduction of newborn production) in G. locusta at the individual level. Coupling the population model with the toxicological data from the chronic bioassay allowed the projection of the ecological costs associated with exposure to aniline that might occur in wild populations. Model simulations with different scenarios indicated that even low level prolonged exposure to the HNS aniline can have significant long-term impacts on G. locusta population abundance, until the impacted population returns to undisturbed levels. This approach may be a useful complement in ecotoxicological studies of chemical pollution to transfer individual-collected data to ecological-relevant levels.

Review on hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) involved in marine spill incidents—an online database

In this review, we have collected information on the behavior, fate, weathering, and impact of hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) accidentally spilled at sea on the marine biota. The information was compiled on a datasheet and converted into a database that can be accessed by the general public (www.ciimar.up.pt/hns). Systematization of data is important to assist stakeholders involved in HNS spill preparedness and response, facilitating the incorporation of lessons from past incidents in the decision process. The database contains 184 entries of HNS spilled in 119 incidents in marine waters around the world. Data were analyzed in terms of HNS physical behavior in water according to SEBC (Standard European Behavior Classification) codes. The most common products involved in accidental spills in the marine environment were identified and major lessons highlighted. From the analysis, it was determined that most HNS spills were poorly documented and information was mistreated. In most cases, no monitoring programs were implemented following the incident. This conduct has occurred in 24 out of 119 incidents analyzed and has consequently limited the information on fate, behavior, and weathering of HNS spilled that could have been recovered. Major gaps were identified, and priorities and recommendations were drawn as a step toward improving preparedness and response to HNS spills.

[Psoriatic Arthritis concomitant with Paget's Disease - a case report]

Paget disease of bone is a focal disorder of bone metabolism; it is characterized by an accelerated rate of bone remodeling, with profound changes in the bone structure, making it fragile. This condition affects approximately 2% to 5% of the population older than 40. The main clinical manifestations of Paget's disease are pain and bone deformity, although the majority of patients are asymptomatic. Psoriatic Arthritis is a spondyloarthritis with a prevalence of about 0,1%. It is characterized by the presence of arthritis, enthesitis and/or dactylitis associated with a familiar or personal history of psoriasis. Several clinical patterns of joint involvement in psoriatic arthritis have been identified, namely, the polyarticular pattern, similar to rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis precedes skin disease in approximately 13 to 17 % of the cases. The authors report a clinical case of a 60 years old patient with polyarthritis and dactylitis who was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and Paget's disease of bone. The concomitance of the two entities, in the same individual, with so different pathogenesis and clinical features, have never been described on literature. Because of the complexity on the clinical and imaging evaluation as the result of the coexistence of both pathologies, the authors consider relevant to publish this singular case.

Sexuality in spondyloarthritis--the impact of the disease

INTRODUCTION

The impact of rheumatic diseases on patients' sexual life has been gathering the attention of the scientific community over the last decade. The existing studies are scarce, especially related to spondyloarthritis, and particularly to psoriatic arthritis. Several factors associated with the disease may condition sexual function: pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion, joint swelling and extraarticular features such as fatigue, enthesopathy and cutaneous lesions in psoriatic arthritis.

OBJECTIVES

To assess sexual satisfaction and limitations in sexual activity in a cohort of patients with spondyloarthritis.

METHODS

An anonymous questionnaire was performed, consisting in two parts. One part consisted in a questionnaire filled by the doctor with data on the disease; the other part was filled by the patient, with demographic data, multiple choice questions and questions to be answered through a visual analogic scale, including items approached in some validated indexes of sexual function and satisfaction assessment. Statistical treatment was performed using SPPS system, version 17.0.

RESULTS

76 patients with the diagnosis of spondyloarthritis were enrolled; 31 had psoriatic arthritis, 30 had ankylosing spondylitis, 9 had undifferentiated spondyloarthritis and 6 had inflammatory bowel disease spondyloarthritis. In a visual analogic scale, the perception of conditioning in the conjugal relationship was 33.68±31.56 mm; limitation on sexual activity was 32.72±31.06 mm; limitation imposed by pain, joint swelling, fatigue, stiffness, decreased range of motion, decreased libido and cutaneous lesions ranged from 29.17±28.51 mm (swelling) to 46.94±32.31 mm (fatigue); there was no significant difference between sexes, diagnose and type of involvement. A strong correlation was identified between some analysed factors and ASQoL and HAQ values, but only moderate between them and disease function and activity indexes. Most of patients did not talk about their sexual limitations with their partners or with health professionals.

CONCLUSION

This work highlights the impact of spondyloarthritis on patients' sexual function. The type of disease and joint involvement didn't imply statistically significant differences on the analyzed parameters in this cohort. This work also emphasizes the unawareness of health professionals towards this subject, whose approach is equally difficult to the patients, and might deserve greater attention.

Management of contaminated marine marketable resources after oil and HNS spills in Europe

Different risk evaluation approaches have been used to face oil and hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) spills all over the world. To minimize health risks and mitigate economic losses due to a long term ban on the sale of sea products after a spill, it is essential to preemptively set risk evaluation criteria and standard methodologies based on previous experience and appropriate scientifically sound criteria. Standard methodologies are analyzed and proposed in order to improve the definition of criteria for reintegrating previously contaminated marine marketable resources into the commercialization chain in Europe. The criteria used in former spills for the closing of and lifting of bans on fisheries and harvesting are analyzed. European legislation was identified regarding food sampling, food chemical analysis and maximum levels of contaminants allowed in seafood, which ought to be incorporated in the standard methodologies for the evaluation of the decision criteria defined for oil and HNS spills in Europe. A decision flowchart is proposed that opens the current decision criteria to new material that may be incorporated in the decision process. Decision criteria are discussed and compared among countries and incidents. An a priori definition of risk criteria and an elaboration of action plans are proposed to speed up actions that will lead to prompt final decisions. These decisions, based on the best available scientific data and conducing to lift or ban economic activity, will tend to be better understood and respected by citizens.

Diversity and history of the long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (Acsl) gene family in vertebrates

BACKGROUND

Fatty acids, a considerable fraction of lipid molecules, participate in fundamental physiological processes. They undergo activation into their corresponding CoA esters for oxidation or esterification into complex lipids (e.g. triglycerides, phospholipids and cholesterol esters), a process that is carried out by acyl-CoA synthases (ACS). Here we analyze the evolution of the gene family encoding for the long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases (Acsl) in vertebrates.

RESULTS

By means of phylogenetics and comparative genomics we show that genome duplications (2R) generated the diversity of Acsl genes in extant vertebrate lineages. In the vertebrate ancestor two separate genes originated the current Acsl1/5/6 and the Acsl3/4 gene families, and the extra gene duplicates in teleosts are a consequence of the teleost specific third round of genome duplication (3R). Moreover, the diversity of Acsl family members is broader than anticipated. Our strategy uncovered a novel uncharacterized Acsl-like gene found in teleosts, spotted gar, coelacanth and possibly lamprey, which we designate Acsl2. The detailed analysis of the Acsl2 teleost gene locus strongly supports the conclusion that it corresponds to a retained 2R paralogue, lost in tetrapods.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide here the first evolutionary analysis of the Acsl gene family in vertebrates, showing the specific contribution of 2R/3R to the diversity of this gene family. We find also that the division of ACSL enzymes into two groups predates at least the emergence of deuterostomes. Our study indicates that genome duplications significantly contributed to the elaboration of fatty acid activation metabolism in vertebrates.

Tissue expression of PPAR-α isoforms in Scophthalmus maximus and transcriptional response of target genes in the heart after exposure to WY-14643

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are involved in the regulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and can be activated either by natural ligands as fatty acids or by synthetic ligands including several environmental chemicals. In this study, two PPARα isoforms (α1 and α2) were analyzed in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) for a different tissue distribution. PPARα1 was ubiquitously expressed, while the PPARα2 was predominantly expressed in the heart. Following this result, turbot juveniles were exposed by injection to a synthetic selective PPARα agonist, WY-14643, for 14 days. Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was performed with pools of heart samples of control and exposed fish to get insights into PPARα-regulated genes in the heart of juvenile turbot. Four genes were positively identified in the forward-subtracted and 12 genes in the reverse-subtracted cDNA SSH library, corresponding to the down-regulated and up-regulated genes in response to the WY-14643 treatment, respectively. The confirmation of these results in individual samples of juvenile turbot exposed to WY-14643 revealed a statistically significant mRNA induction of two cardiac muscle proteins (myosin light chain 2 and tropomyosin 4), which were shown to be involved in heart contraction and heartbeat regulation in other teleost species. Herewith, we showed for the first time that PPARα2 is predominantly expressed in the heart and that a PPARα agonist can induce the mRNA expression of cardiac muscle proteins in teleosts.

Normalization strategies for gene expression studies by real-time PCR in a marine fish species, Scophthalmus maximus

Thorough evaluation of normalization approaches is a fundamental aspect in real-time quantitative RT-PCR experiments to avoid artificial introduced intergroup variations. In our study, we tested three normalization strategies in an experimental data set derived from a toxicological exposure of Scophthalmus maximus to the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonist WY-14643. Juvenile turbots were exposed by repeated injections to 5 mg or 50 mg WY-14643/kg, and liver samples were taken at day 1, 7 and 21. Specifically, the mRNA expression of peroxiredoxin 5 (prdx5) was normalized to the cDNA content, to the mRNA expression of single reference genes (b-actin, b-act; elongation factor 1 α, ef1a; glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, gapdh; ribosomal protein L8, rpl8; tata-box binding protein, tbp; tubulin beta 2C chain, tubb2c; ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2L 3, ub2l3) or to a combination of multiple reference genes using geNorm, BestKeeper or NormFinder algorithms. Four single reference genes (ef1a, rpl8, tubb2c, tbp) did not show any significant differences between the treatment groups over time, while significant intergroup variations were observed for cDNA content, gapdh, b-act and ub2l3. The normalization of prdx5 to the valid (not altered) single reference genes led to significant up-regulated (prdx5/rpl8), not-regulated (prdx5/ef1a; prdx5/tbp) or down-regulated (prdx5/tubb2c) mRNA expression pattern. The multiple reference gene approaches resulted in different rankings and combinations of the most stable expressed reference genes (geNorm: ef1a>rpl8>b-act; BestKeeper: ub2l3>gapdh>ef1a; NormFinder: b-act>ef1a). However, the normalization with the three multiple reference gene procedures demonstrated consistent expression pattern with a significant up-regulation of prdx5 in response to the higher concentration after 21 days. Concluding, even if not yet established as "gold" standard for expression profiling in environmental toxicology or physiology using freshwater or marine fish models, the multiple reference gene approach is recommended, since it eliminates any biased results, which represented the major flaw of single reference genes.

Dynamics of PPARs, fatty acid metabolism genes and lipid classes in eggs and early larvae of a teleost

Dietary long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (FA) have been recognized of crucial importance in early development of vertebrates, contributing to the impressive morphological and physiological changes both as building blocks and to energy production. The importance of lipids along development depends on ontogenetic, phylogenetic and environmental parameters. The expression patterns of FA metabolism genes have not been characterized in developing fish embryos nor compared to lipid class profiles. Full lipid metabolism only occurred after hatching, as revealed by alterations in lipid profiles and FA gene expression. Nonetheless, transcriptional changes of some FA genes were already present in embryos at notochord formation. Many genes displayed an expression profile opposed to the decrease of lipids along the development, while others responded solely to starvation. Transcription of most genes involved in FA metabolism had a strong correlation to PPARs' mRNA levels (α1, α2, β, γ). The comparison of mRNA expression of the genes with the lipid profiles produced new insights into the FA metabolism and regulation during the development of turbot larvae, providing the basis for future studies including comparative approaches with other vertebrate species.

Experimental and modeling analysis of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 growth

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The influence of different parameters such as temperature, irradiance, nitrate concentration, pH, and an external carbon source on Synechocystis PCC 6803 growth was evaluated.

METHODS

4.5-ml cuvettes containing 2 ml of culture, a high-throughput system equivalent to batch cultures, were used with gas exchange ensured by the use of a Parafilm™ cover. The effect of the different variables on maximum growth was assessed by a multi-way statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Temperature and pH were identified as the key factors. It was observed that Synechocystis cells have a strong influence on the external pH. The optimal growth temperature was 33°C while light-saturating conditions were reached at 40 µE·m⁻²·s⁻¹.

CONCLUSION

It was demonstrated that Synechocystis exhibits a marked difference in behavior between autotrophic and glucose-based mixotrophic conditions, and that nitrate concentrations did not have a significant influence, probably due to endogenous nitrogen reserves. Furthermore, a dynamic metabolic model of Synechocystis photosynthesis was developed to gain insights on the underlying mechanism enabling this cyanobacterium to control the levels of external pH. The model showed a coupled effect between the increase of the pH and ATP production which in turn allows a higher carbon fixation rate.