Cortical Laminar Necrosis and CT Negative Hemorrhage in Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome. A Case Report

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinicoradiologic condition that typically demonstrates symmetric occipitoparietal vasogenic edema on CT and MR imaging. The vasogenic edema typically resolves over a period of days to weeks if the underlying hemodynamic abnormality is promptly corrected. Less commonly, PRES may be complicated by hemorrhage or cytotoxic edema that restricts diffusion and usually involves the cerebral cortex. Cortical laminar necrosis (CLN) is a sequela of cerebral energy depletion, resulting in selective necrosis of the most metabolically active cortical layers. Cortical hemorrhage is an atypical feature of CLN. We present a unique PRES case with imaging features of both CLN and CT negative hemorrhage. CLN with CT negative hemorrhage in the setting of PRES has not been previously reported to the best of our knowledge.

Spinal gout: a great mimicker. A case report and literature review

Spinal gout is not as rare as was previously thought and mimics heterogeneous spinal conditions such as rheumatoid, septic, seronegative arthropathies and primary or secondary neoplasms. Imaging findings are nonspecific and usually manifest late. In clinical settings, suspicious for spinal gout, needle biopsy may help for further characterization. A 57-year-old man with no significant past medical history presented in the emergency department with severe non radiating low back pain of one week duration. His laboratory tests were significant for uric acid of 642 μmol/L, erythrocyte sedimentation rate 93 mm/hour, and C-reactive protein 8.3 mg/dl. The lumbar spine MRI showed nonspecific acute inflammatory extensive lumbar facet arthropathy and soft tissue enhancement. The radiological and clinical information was insufficient to differentiate among septic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, seronegative arthropathy or gout. A lumbar facet fluoroscopy-fluoroscopic CT-guided needle biopsy was performed. The biopsy demonstrated negative birefringent crystals consistent with gout. Although the spinal gout is not rare, few case reports describe the role of needle biopsy and mimics. We present a comparative review of limited reports addressing the role of needle biopsy in mimics of spinal gout.

NFκB signalling is upregulated in a subset of castrate-resistant prostate cancer patients and correlates with disease progression

BACKGROUND

Cell line models suggest that activation of NFκB is associated with progression of prostate cancer. This pathway may be a therapeutic target if these observations translate to clinical specimens.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry measured NFκBp65 (p65), NFκBp65 nuclear localisation signal (NLS), NFκBp65 phosphorylated at ser 276 (p65(ser276)), NFκBp65 phosphorylated at ser 536 (p65(ser536)), IκBα phosphorylated at ser 32/36 (pIκBα(ser32/36)) and MMP-9 protein expression in 61 matched hormone naive prostate cancer (HNPC) and castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) tumours. Animal and cell models were used to investigate the role of NFκB inhibition in prostate carcinogenesis.

RESULTS

In HNPC tumours, NLS expression significantly associated with a shorter time to disease recurrence and disease-specific death. In CRPC tumours p65, pIκBα(ser32/36) and MMP-9 expression significantly associated with shorter time to death from disease recurrence and shorter disease-specific death. MMP-9 and pIκBα(ser32/36) expression significantly associated with metastases at recurrence and were independent of Gleason sum and prostate-specific antigen at recurrence. Expression of phosphorylated Akt was associated with increased p65 activation in mouse models and inhibition of NFκB in LNCaP cells significantly reduced cellular proliferation and induced apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

These results provide further evidence that the NFκB pathway could be exploited as a target for CRPC.

Photo- and thermal degradation of piroxicam in aqueous solution

Light and temperature have considerable effect on the degradation of piroxicam in aqueous solutions. The pH and acetate buffer ions also affect the degradation process. The apparent first-order rate constants for the photochemical and thermal degradation of piroxicam have been determined as 2.04–10.01 and 0.86-3.06×10^–3 min^–1, respectively. The first-order plots for the degradation of piroxicam showed good linearity within a range of 20-50% loss of piroxicam at pH 2.0-12.0. The rate-pH profile for the photodegradation of piroxicam is a U-shaped curve and for the thermal degradation a bell-shaped curve in the pH range of 2.0-12.0. The thermal degradation of piroxicam was maximum around pH 6.0. It is increased in the presence of acetate ions but was not affected by citrate and phosphate ions.

Thrombocytopenia and bacterial sepsis in neonates

Thrombocytopenia is one of the common hematological problems encountered in the neonatal period particularly in the sick newborns, premature babies and neonates admitted in neonatal intensive care units and usually indicate an underlying pathologic process. Thrombocytopenia is reported in neonates with bacterial, fungal, rickettsial, protozoal and viral infection. Some patients with bacterial septicemia may develop coagulopathy associated with DIC. The presence of thrombocytopenia is seen frequently in early sepsis with or without laboratory evidence of overt DIC. This study was conducted on 85 neonates admitted in NICU with clinical diagnosis of septicemia and 50 age and weight matched neonates served as control. Thrombocytopenia was seen in 83.5% cases where as bacterial culture was positive in only 41.1% cases. Further it was noted that, in gram negative (Gm -ve) septicemia, thrombocytopenia was more severe as compared to gram positive (Gm +ve) septicemia. It is concluded that thrombocytopenia is early predictor of septicemia but other causes of neonatal thrombocytopenia should also be ruled out.

Current management options for the small renal mass in a solitary kidney

The widespread use of cross-sectional imaging has resulted in an increase in the frequency of incidentally identified small renal masses (SRMs). With high cancer-specific survival rates following radical nephrectomy, there is an increasing patient cohort at risk of developing a metachronous contralateral tumour. Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) has been shown to reduce progression of chronic kidney disease, being the impetus to utilize NSS for the management of SRMs in an anatomical or functional solitary kidney. At present, open partial nephrectomy is the gold standard treatment for an SRM in a solitary kidney; however, there are a number of other minimally invasive options, including laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, and in situ ablative procedures. In addition, variables such as warm and cold ischaemia and renal vascular clamping have been shown to affect outcomes. In this review, we summarize contemporary management options focusing specifically on oncological and functional outcomes.

The role of noninvasive methods in assessing airway inflammation and structural changes in asthma and COPD

AIM

The aim of our study was to assess the role of non-invasive methods in assessing airway inflammation and structural changes in asthma and COPD.

METHODS

The study was conducted on patients attending outpatient and inpatient department of TB and Chest Diseases and Department of Pathology at our hospital from January 2006 to August 2007. 50 asthmatic and 46 COPD patients were selected. A detailed history and clinical examination, routine laboratory investigations, pulmonary function testing, Chest X-ray PA and lateral view, HRCT Thorax, biochemical and cellular analysis of sputum was carried out in all cases. Quality control and procedures of pulmomary function test were performed according to the European Respiratory Society guidelines.

RESULTS

Bronchial wall thickening, bronchiectasis and air trapping correlated well with disease severity in asthmatics while all abnormal HRCT finding correlate well with disease severity in COPD patients. The levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 increased significantly with increasing disease severity in both asthmatic and COPD groups. The MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio decreased with increasing disease severity in both groups. The major source of MMP-9 in human lungs is macrophages, neutrophils and eosinophils. Macrophages and neutrophils were also the source of TIMP-1.

CONCLUSION

Asthma and COPD are characterised by an imbalance between MMP-9 and TIMP-1. COPD patients showed a higher prevalence of HRCT findings which correlate with their lower MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio than asthmatics supporting fact that the destruction and fibrosis of alveolar walls are more prominent in COPD. MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio is associated with magnitude of HRCT findings in asthma and COPD and suggests that level of these markers reflect the extent of structural changes of airway.

Endoxifen for breast cancer: Multiple-dose, dose-escalation study characterizing pharmacokinetics and safety in metastatic breast cancer patients

3089^

Background: Endoxifen is an active metabolite of tamoxifen, a drug used in the treatment of breast cancer. To be clinically effective, tamoxifen must be converted to endoxifen by CYP2D6. Direct administration of endoxifen would not be subject to pharmacogenetic variations or drug-drug interactions. Our preclinical studies (Breast Cancer Treat 122, 579-584, 2010) have validated the concept of using endoxifen for the treatment of breast cancer. In human (Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 88, 814-817, 2010), the single oral doses tested up to 4 mg of endoxifen were safe, well tolerated and bioavailable. Methods: A multiple-dose escalating study was conducted in 3 cohorts and each cohort had 6 patients (18 metastatic breast cancer patients). Endoxifen at 3 dose levels (2, 4, or 8 mg) was given once daily for 28 days. Routine laboratory tests, vital signs and electrocardiograms were measured throughout the study. Blood samples for PK analysis were collected after 28 days post dose. Endoxifen in plasma samples was determined using LC-MS/MS. Results: Endoxifen was found to be safe up to 8.0 mg. At steady state, it displays dose-proportional PK with respect to Cmax and AUC ( see Table below). Conclusions: Multiple daily endoxifen doses of 4.0-8.0 mg resulted in endoxifen exposures that would be sufficient for effective therapy. The favorable safety and multiple-dose PK profile of endoxifen warrants further evaluation of safety and efficacy of endoxifen in breast cancer patients. [Table: see text]

Role of non-enzymatic antioxidants on the bivalves' adaptation to environmental mercury: Organ-specificities and age effect in Scrobicularia plana inhabiting a contaminated lagoon

This study aimed to investigate the role of non-enzymatic antioxidants on adaptive skills over time in the bivalve Scrobicularia plana environmentally exposed to mercury. Inter-age (2(+), 3(+), 4(+), 5(+) year old) and organ-specific (gills, digestive gland) approaches were applied in bivalves collected from moderately and highly contaminated sites at Ria de Aveiro (Portugal). S. plana's adaptive skills were dependent on the contamination extent; under moderate contamination scenario, the intervention of the different antioxidants took place harmoniously, evidencing an adjustment capacity increasing with the age. Under higher contamination degree, S. plana failed to cope with mercury threat, showing an age-dependent deterioration of the defense abilities. In organ-specific approach, the differences were particularly evident for thiol-compounds, since only gills displayed the potential to respond to moderate levels by increasing non-protein thiols and total glutathione. Under high contamination degree, both organs were unable to increase thiol-compounds, which were compensated by the ascorbic acid elevation.

Photostabilization of ascorbic acid with citric acid, tartaric acid and boric acid in cream formulations

This study involves the evaluation of the effect of certain stabilizers, that is, citric acid (CT), tartaric acid (TA) and boric acid (BA) on the degradation of ascorbic acid (AH(2) ) in oil-in-water cream formulations exposed to the UV light and stored in the dark. The apparent first-order rate constants (0.34-0.95 × 10(-3) min(-1) in light, 0.38-1.24 × 10(-2) day(-1) in dark) for the degradation reactions in the presence of the stabilizers have been determined. These rate constants have been used to derive the second-order rate constants (0.26-1.45 × 10(-2) M(-1) min(-1) in light, 3.75-8.50 × 10(-3) M(-1) day(-1) in dark) for the interaction of AH(2) and the individual stabilizers. These stabilizers are effective in causing the inhibition of the rate of degradation of AH(2) both in the light and in the dark. The inhibitory effect of the stabilizers is in the order of CT > TA > BA. The rate of degradation of AH(2) in the presence of these stabilizers in the light is about 120 times higher than that in the dark. This could be explained on the basis of the deactivation of AH(2) -excited triplet state by CT and TA and by the inhibition of AH(2) degradation through complex formation with BA. AH(2) leads to the formation of dehydroascorbic acid (A) by chemical and photooxidation in cream formulations.

Gamma-ray emission probabilities in the decay of (177m)Lu

γ-Ray emission probabilities from the decay of the long-lived (T(1/2)=160.44d) isomeric state in (177m)Lu were measured with planar (LEPS) and coaxial Ge detectors. The isomer γ-ray and β(-)-decay branching intensities were also determined. Measurements were carried out at low absolute efficiencies in order to minimize coincidence summing losses. The results are compared with the previous measurements.

Serum trace mineral variations in Nili-Ravi buffaloes suffering with prepartum vaginal prolapse in two different agro-ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan

The present study was conducted during 2005 and 2006 on 200 Nili-Ravi buffaloes kept in two agroecological zones (irrigated [zone 1] and rain-fed [zone-2]) of Punjab, Pakistan, with the objective to determine the level of trace minerals (Cu, Fe, Zn, Se) in serum of the buffaloes suffering from vaginal prolapse and to compare them with their healthy counterparts. In each zone 50 buffaloes suffering from prepartum vaginal prolapse during their seventh month of gestation were identified through survey. Vaginal prolapse-affected buffaloes belonging to zone 1 were identified as group VPB1 (N = 50), whereas buffaloes belonging to zone 2 were recognized as VPB2 (N = 50). The buffaloes of control group in zone 1 and zone 2 were identified as NCB1 and NCB2, respectively. The blood samples in all four groups of buffaloes were collected three times, i.e., first when these animals were in the eighth month of gestation, second during the eighth to ninth month of gestation, and finally when these animals were in the ninth or later month of gestation. The mean serum copper concentrations in buffaloes of group VPB1 were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in comparison with NCB1 and NCB2, whereas there were nonsignificant differences (P > 0.05) in copper concentrations between VPB1 and VPB2. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) of iron concentration in VPB1 compared with NCB1 and NCB2. Similarly, VPB2 also had significantly lower (P < 0.05) iron concentrations compared with NCB1 and NCB2. Serum zinc concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in animals of the VPB1 group when compared with NCB1 and NCB2. Similarly, lower zinc concentrations were observed in VPB2 in comparison with NCB1 and NCB2. There was significantly lower (P < 0.05) zinc concentration in affected buffaloes (VPB1 and VPB2) from the ninth month of gestation to term when compared with those in the eighth to ninth mo of gestation, and with those not yet in the eighth month of gestation. Serum selenium concentration were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in control group buffaloes (NCB1 and NCB2) in comparison with vaginal prolapse-affected buffaloes (VPB1 and VPB2). During different stages of gestation, mean serum selenium concentrations varied nonsignificantly (P > 0.05) within each group of buffalo. Based on information obtained from this study, it was concluded that the low serum concentration of copper and selenium are linked to increased incidence of vaginal prolapse in buffaloes during the last trimester of gestation.

Upregulated FGFR1 expression is associated with the transition of hormone-naive to castrate-resistant prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PC) represents a global health issue. Treatment for locally advanced and metastatic PC remains unsatisfactory. The androgen receptor (AR) has been validated in having a key role in both naïve and castrate-resistant PC (CRPC). However, the significance of other signalling pathways in CRPC is less well validated.

METHODS

To gain a better insight into the molecular signalling cascades involved in clinical CRPC, we performed gene expression profiling using the Illumina DASL assay and studied matched hormone-naive (HN) and CR prostate tumours (n=10 pairs). Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA) was used to identify potential networks involved, and further validation was performed in in vitro cell models and clinical tumours.

RESULTS

Expression of 50 genes was significantly different between HN and CRPC. IPA revealed two networks of particular interest, including AR and FGFR1, respectively. FGFR1 expression was confirmed to be significantly upregulated in CRPC (P ≤ 0.005), and abnormal FGFR1 expression was associated with shorter time to biochemical relapse in HNPC (P=0.006) and less favourable disease-specific survival in CRPC (P=0.018).

CONCLUSION

For the first time, our gene expression profiling experiment on archival tumour materials has identified upregulated FGFR1 expression to be associated with PC progression to the CR state.

Ras mutation cooperates with β-catenin activation to drive bladder tumourigenesis

Mutations in the Ras family of proteins (predominantly in H-Ras) occur in approximately 40% of urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC). However, relatively little is known about subsequent mutations/pathway alterations that allow tumour progression. Indeed, expressing mutant H-Ras within the mouse bladder does not lead to tumour formation, unless this is expressed at high levels. The Wnt signalling pathway is deregulated in approximately 25% of UCC, so we examined if this correlated with the activation of MAPK signalling in human UCC and found a significant correlation. To test the functional significance of this association we examined the impact of combining Ras mutation (H-Ras(Q61L) or K-Ras(G12D)) with an activating β-catenin mutation within the mouse bladder using Cre-LoxP technology. Although alone, neither Ras mutation nor β-catenin activation led to UCC (within 12 months), mice carrying both mutations rapidly developed UCC. Mechanistically this was associated with reduced levels of p21 with dependence on the MAPK signalling pathway. Moreover, tumours from these mice were sensitive to MEK inhibition. Importantly, in human UCC there was a negative correlation between levels of p-ERK and p21 suggesting that p21 accumulation may block tumour progression following Ras mutation. Taken together these data definitively show Ras pathway activation strongly cooperates with Wnt signalling to drive UCC in vivo.

Bioaccumulation of metals in human blood in industrially contaminated area

Heavy metals were analyzed in different foods crops, milk, meat and blood samples collected from different age group subjects such as children (1-12 years), adolescent (12-18 years), adults (18-45 years) and old age (above 45 and 55 years for males and females, respectively) from polluted and relatively less polluted areas. The results revealed that the consumption of contaminated food crops, meat and milk have significantly increased the concentrations of selected metals in the human blood. Cu, Zn and Mn concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the blood samples collected from the polluted area as compared to control area. Old people had accumulated high concentrations of metals as compared to the younger ones within the same area. Males accumulated higher concentrations of metals as compared to females.

Enhance transdermal delivery of flurbiprofen via microemulsions: Effects of different types of surfactants and cosurfactants

BACKGROUND AND THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Microemulsions are thermodynamically stable, clear dispersions of water, oil, surfactant, and cosurfactant. This study was aimed to develop flurbiprofen microemulsion for enhanced transdermal delivery and investigate the effects of different surfactants and cosurfactants on its delivery and phase behavior.

METHOD

Various surfactant-cosurfactant mixtures in ratio of 2:1 (Smix) along with oleic acid (oil) were selected and phase diagrams were constructed. Six microemulsions each containing 5% drug, 5% oil, 56% Smix and 34% water, were prepared and compared for their permeation and phase behaviors to determine the effects of the type of Smix.

RESULTS

In vitro transdermal permeation through rabbit skin of all microemulsions was high than saturated aqueous drug solution. Tween 20 and ethanol as Smix produced the highest flux amongst all the Smix, and were used to prepare formulations with different values of oil and Smix. While the type of surfactant did not affect the droplet size, propylene glycol as cosurfactant produced the largest droplets and highest viscosity. Decrease in oil or Smix concentration resulted in decrease of the droplet size and increase in permeation flux while decrease in viscosity also increased the permeation flux of microemulsions. Finally the selected microemulsion formulation comprising 5% flurbiprofen, 5% oleic acid, 46% Tween 20:ethanol (2:1) and 44% water, showed the highest transdermal flux and caused no skin irritation.

CONCLUSION

Type of surfactant and cosurfactant affect both the phase behavior and transdermal drug delivery of microemulsion; and results of this study showed that they are promising vehicles for improved transdermal delivery and sustained action of flurbiprofen.

Biomagnifications of mercury and methylmercury in tuna and mackerel

Seawater may be contaminated by harmful substances, including toxic elements released by human activities. The present study evaluates the total mercury and methylmercury concentrations and their correlations to fish body size in longtail tuna and short-bodied mackerel from Chendring, Kuantan, at east coast and Kuala Perlis at west costs of Peninsular Malaysia during May to November 2007. Total mercury and methylmercury in muscle tissue of 69 samples of longtail tuna and short-bodied mackerel, ranged from 0.180 to 1.460 μg/g and 0.0.169-0.973 μg/g and 0.251-1.470 μg/g and 0.202-1.352, whereas the methylmercury to total mercury ratio ranged from 70% to 83%, respectively. Samples of both species from the east coast showed higher levels of mercury compared to those from west coast. In all of the locations, significant positive correlations were found between fish body weight and mercury content (R(2) > 0.470). The estimated weekly intake of total mercury and methylmercury from the consumption 66.33 g/week of short-bodied mackerel and 18.34 g/week of longtail tuna (based on local dietry survey) was found to be lower than the maximum limit of 5 and 1.5 μg/kg bodyweight established by FAO/WHO and codex, respectively.

Golden grey mullet and sea bass oxidative DNA damage and clastogenic/aneugenic responses in a contaminated coastal lagoon

Several xenobiotics or their metabolites have redox-cycling properties and potential to induce oxidative stress and DNA damage. The current work aimed to study, under environmental conditions, oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)) and its association with chromosomal damage measured as erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENAs), in Liza aurata and Dicentrarchus labrax, caught at a costal lagoon (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal) having sites with different contamination profiles. The quantified parameters were also used to assess the lagoon's environmental status. Five critical sites were assessed comparing to a reference site. L. aurata displayed higher 8-OHdG levels and ENAs frequency, respectively, at Laranjo and Vagos. D. labrax 8-OHdG levels were higher at the sites where quantification was possible whereas no differences were found in terms of ENAs. No correlation was found in both species between 8-OHdG and ENAs. Despite no direct linkage between the two biomarkers was found, this study demonstrates species and site dependent genotoxic responses.

Antioxidant responses versus DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in golden grey mullet liver: a field study at Ria de Aveiro (Portugal)

The present work aimed to investigate golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) liver protection versus damage responses at a polluted coastal lagoon, Ria de Aveiro (Portugal), as a tool to evaluate the human impacts on environmental health at five critical sites in Ria de Aveiro (Portugal) in comparison to a reference site (Torreira; TOR). Protection was evaluated by measuring non-enzymatic [total glutathione (GSHt) and non-protein thiols (NPT)] and enzymatic [catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR)] antioxidant defenses. Damage was assessed as DNA integrity loss and lipid peroxidation (LPO). No significant differences were found between sites in terms of non-enzymatic defenses (GSHt and NPT). CAT did not display significant differences among sites. However, GPx at Barra (BAR, associated with naval traffic), Gafanha (GAF, harbor and dry-dock activities area), Laranjo (LAR, metal contaminated associated with chlor-alkali plant), and Vagos (VAG, contaminated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) was significantly lower than the reference site. GST was lower at GAF, Rio Novo do Príncipe (RIO, pulp mill effluent area), LAR, and VAG, whereas GR was lower at RIO. The loss of antioxidant defenses was paralleled by higher LPO levels only at GAF and VAG. However, no DNA integrity loss was found. Results highlight the importance of the adopted multibiomarkers as applied in the liver of L. aurata in coastal water pollution monitoring. The integration of liver antioxidant defense and damage responses can improve the aquatic contamination assessment.

Seasonal Liza aurata tissue-specific DNA integrity in a multi-contaminated coastal lagoon (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal)

In this study, the DNA integrity of golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) collected in differently contaminated sites of a coastal lagoon, Ria de Aveiro (Portugal), was assessed, over the period of 1 year, using the DNA alkaline unwinding assay, in four different tissues (gill, kidney, liver and blood) and compared to a reference site. The four tissues displayed different DNA integrity basal levels, clearly affected by seasonal factors. Gill and kidney were, respectively, the most and least sensitive tissues. All sites demonstrated the capacity to interfere with DNA integrity. The sites displaying the highest and lowest DNA damage capability were, respectively, Barra (subject to naval traffic) and Vagos (contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). In terms of seasonal variability, autumn seems to be the more critical season (more DNA damage) unlike summer when no DNA damage was found in any tissue. Data recommend the continued monitoring of this aquatic system.

Antioxidant system breakdown in brain of feral golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) as an effect of mercury exposure

Although brain has been recognized as a primary target for mercury toxicity in mammals, the effects of this metal in fish brain are scarcely described. Thus, the main objective of this study was to assess the mercury threat to feral fish (Liza aurata) by estimating the antioxidant defenses and peroxidative damage in brain, keeping in mind the association with mercury accumulation. Sampling was carried out in an estuarine area historically affected by discharges from a chlor-alkali industry-Laranjo Basin (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal). Total mercury (T-Hg) in brain increased towards the contamination source, clearly indicating mercury exposure. An overall antioxidant depletion was verified in brain of fish collected at the mercury-contaminated stations, since total glutathione content and the studied antioxidant enzymes (catalase-CAT, glutathione peroxidase-GPx, glutathione-S-transferase-GST and glutathione reductase-GR) significantly decreased. In addition, this breakdown of the redox-defense system was significantly correlated with the accumulated T-Hg levels. Unexpectedly, fish exhibited unaltered lipid peroxidation levels, pointing out a higher propensity of mercury to inhibit enzymes than to oxidatively damage lipids in the brain. Nevertheless, an increased susceptibility of the fish's brain was identified, leaving the organ more vulnerable to oxidative stress-related challenges. Overall, the current findings provide information to better understand mechanisms of mercury neurotoxicity in fish.

Changes in central retinal artery blood flow after ocular warming and cooling in healthy subjects

Context:

Retinal perfusion variability impacts ocular disease and physiology.

Aim:

To evaluate the response of central retinal artery (CRA) blood flow to temperature alterations in 20 healthy volunteers.

Setting and Design:

Non-interventional experimental human study.

Materials and Methods:

Baseline data recorded: Ocular surface temperature (OST) in °C (thermo-anemometer), CRA peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity (EDV) in cm/s using Color Doppler. Ocular laterality and temperature alteration (warming by electric lamp/cooling by ice-gel pack) were randomly assigned. Primary outcomes recorded were: OST and intraocular pressure (IOP) immediately after warming or cooling and ten minutes later; CRA-PSV and EDV at three, six and nine minutes warming or cooling.

Statistical Analysis:

Repeated measures ANOVA.

Results:

(n = 20; μ ± SD): Pre-warming values were; OST: 34.5 ± 1.02°C, CRA-PSV: 9.3 ± 2.33 cm/s, CRA-EDV: 4.6 ± 1.27 cm/s. OST significantly increased by 1.96°C (95% CI: 1.54 to 2.37) after warming, but returned to baseline ten minutes later. Only at three minutes, the PSV significantly rose by 1.21 cm/s (95% CI: 0.51to1.91). Pre-cooling values were: OST: 34.5 ± 0.96°C, CRA-PSV: 9.7 ± 2.45 cm/s, CRA-EDV: 4.7 ± 1.12 cm/s. OST significantly decreased by 2.81°C (95% CI: −2.30 to −3.37) after cooling, and returned to baseline at ten minutes. There was a significant drop in CRA-PSV by 1.10cm/s (95% CI: −2.05 to −0.15) and CRA-EDV by 0.81 (95% CI: −1.47 to −0.14) at three minutes. At six minutes both PSV (95% CI: −1.38 to −0.03) and EDV (95% CI: −1.26 to −0.02) were significantly lower. All values at ten minutes were comparable to baseline. The IOP showed insignificant alteration on warming (95% CI of difference: −0.17 to 1.57mmHg), but was significantly lower after cooling (95% CI: −2.95 to −4.30mmHg). After ten minutes, IOP had returned to baseline.

Conclusion:

This study confirms that CRA flow significantly increases on warming and decreases on cooling, the latter despite a significant lowering of IOP.

A comparative study of human health risks via consumption of food crops grown on wastewater irrigated soil (Peshawar) and relatively clean water irrigated soil (lower Dir)

Food crops irrigated with wastewater are mostly contaminated with heavy metals and considered as a main pathway for human exposure. In this study, soil and food crops samples were collected from wastewater irrigated soils, background and relatively less polluted areas. Results of the sequential extraction and total metals concentrations in soils indicated that wastewater irrigation has significantly increased (p > or = 0.001) the bioavailable and total metal contents in wastewater irrigated soil as compared to background and control soils. Heavy metal concentrations in the food crops grown on wastewater irrigated soil were higher than those grown on background and control soils but were found within WHO/FAO permissible limits except for Zn. Health risk index values were less than 1 for both control and wastewater irrigated soils (except Mn). However, the food crops such as Brassica rapa, Spinacia oleracae L., Lycopersicum esculantum, Mentha viridis, Coriandum sativum and Lactuca sativa grown on wastewater irrigated soil can pose health risks because of the high concentration of Mn.

Measurements of X- and γ-ray emission probabilities in the β(-) decay of (233)Pa

X- and γ-ray emission probabilities from the β(-) decay of (233)Pa were measured with planar (LEPS) and coaxial Ge detectors. A (233)Pa source was produced after radiochemical separation from a (237)Np sample in which the parent ((237)Np) and daughter ((233)Pa) nuclides were in secular equilibrium. The results are compared with previous measurements and data evaluations.

Heavy metals in brick kiln located area using atomic absorption spectrophotometer: a case study from the city of Peshawar, Pakistan

Environmental pollution is one of the burning issues of the world. In developed countries, there are lot of awareness about the environment and the impact of various industries on their life and surroundings. A little has been done in this direction in developing countries. In Pakistan, a big problem is the rapid conglomeration of the brick kilns in the outskirts of nearly all the urban centers to cope with the rapid construction work in big cities. A huge amount of low-grade coal or rubber tires is used as fuel in a very non-scientific manner. The purpose of the present study was to look into the impact of the brick kilns on the different aspects of environmental pollution caused by these kilns. Concentration of metals Cu, Co, Zn, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cd, and Mn were measured on 36 soil samples collected from the area and the same number of plant samples in order to establish the distribution of heavy metals in the area and to determine the effect of this distribution on the surrounding atmosphere and the possible effects on human life.

Five-year experience of critical incidents associated with patient-controlled analgesia in an Irish University Hospital

BACKGROUND

Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is a common and effective means of managing post-operative pain. We sought to identify factors that may lead to critical incidents (CIs) in patient safety when using PCA in our institution.

METHODS

An observational study of prospectively collected data of patients who received PCA from 2002 to 2006 was performed. All CIs were documented and analysed by staff members of the acute pain service (APS). Cause analysis of CIs was undertaken to determine if measures can be instituted to prevent recurrence of similar events.

RESULTS

Over eight thousand patients (8,240) received PCA. Twenty-seven CIs were identified. Eighteen were due to programming errors. Other CIs included co-administration of opioids and oversedation.

CONCLUSION

In our institution, the largest contributory factor to CIs with PCAs was programming error. Strategies to minimize this problem include better education and surveillance.

Hepatic metallothionein concentrations in the golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) - Relationship with environmental metal concentrations in a metal-contaminated coastal system in Portugal

This field survey was designed to assess the environmental metal contamination status of Ria de Aveiro (Portugal). To achieve that goal, the concentrations of Cd, Hg, Cu and Zn in the sediments and water were assessed and Liza aurata hepatic metallothionein (MT) determined. The relationships between MT and environmental metal concentrations and hydrological factors were examined. Results revealed a wide distribution of metals both in water and sediments throughout the lagoon, mainly at Rio Novo do Principe (RIO) and Laranjo (LAR), at concentrations that may affect biota. MT concentrations were higher at the sites with high metal content (RIO and LAR). A significant positive correlation was found between MT and Cd in the sediments as well as with MT and Hg and Cu in the water. Moreover, a negative correlation between MT and salinity was found. Thus, the current data support MT use as a biomarker of metal exposure emphasizing the importance of hydrological parameters in its concentrations. Results suggest the continued monitoring of this lagoon system.

Monitoring pollution of coastal lagoon using Liza aurata kidney oxidative stress and genetic endpoints: an integrated biomarker approach

Despite the importance of fish kidney in several functions (immune, metabolism and excretion of xenobiotics) its use in coastal water biomonitoring focusing on protection and damage is scarce. Five critical sites in Ria de Aveiro (Portugal; Barra--BAR, Gafanha--GAF, Rio Novo do Principe--RIO; Laranjo--LAR and Vagos--VAG) were assessed in comparison to a reference site (Torreira--TOR), focusing on Liza aurata kidney antioxidant defences versus damage responses. Non protein thiols were higher at RIO (near a former bleached kraft pulp mill effluent) and total glutathione at RIO, LAR (mercury contaminated) and VAG (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons contaminated). Catalase and glutathione S-transferase activities were higher at RIO and LAR whereas no differences were found in glutathione peroxidase activity. However, glutathione reductase was higher at BAR (subject to naval traffic), GAF (harbour water area), RIO and LAR. No peroxidative damage was observed despite the decreased DNA integrity at RIO and VAG. The integrated biomarker response index ranked impacted sites as: LAR>RIO>BAR>GAF>VAG>TOR.