Microplastic ingestion by Mullus surmuletus Linnaeus, 1758 fish and its potential for causing oxidative stress

A total of 417 striped red mullet, Mullus surmuletus, were analyzed to study microplastic ingestion and livers of fish were assessed to study effects of microplastics. Nearly one third (27.30%) of the individuals were quantified to ingest microplastics although there was no evidence of oxidative stress or cellular damage in the liver of fish which had ingested microplastics. A small increase in the activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST) of M. surmuletus was detected which could be suggesting an induction of the detoxification systems but these findings should be tested in laboratory conditions under a controlled diet and known concentration of microplastics. Fish from trammel fisheries, operating closer to land and targeting larger individuals, showed higher mean ingestion values than fish from trawling fisheries, and were related to body size, as microplastics ingested increased with total fish length. Consequently, ingestion values of microplastics were not related to sampling distance from land giving further evidence of the ubiquity of microplastics in the marine environment. Finally, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that the vast majority of microplastics were filament type and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was the main identified component.

Antioxidant response and oxidative damage in brain cortex after high dose of pilocarpine

Pilocarpine is a cholinergic agonist capable to induce seizures and an epilepticus-like state in rodents. This status epilepticus (SE) is an useful animal model to study the development and understanding of the neuropathology, behavioural and electroencephalographic alterations of human temporal lobe epilepsy. It has been suggested a relationship between SE and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can result in seizure-induced neurodegeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the existence of oxidative damage and the changes in the antioxidant system in cortex after administration of a high pilocarpine dose. Rats were injected with pilocarpine (350 mg/kg i.p.) or with saline as control and 2h after the animals were sacrificed. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as marker of lipid peroxidation, significantly increased (64%) after pilocarpine treatment evidencing oxidative damage. Antioxidant enzyme activities--catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GP) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)--significantly increased in response to pilocarpine (28%, 28% and 21%, respectively). GP and Mn-SOD gene expression were induced by pilocarpine treatment. Vitamin E concentration in brain cortex decreased (15%) as result of pilocarpine administration. In conclusion, the high dose of pilocarpine, used in the present study, induces oxidative damage and increases antioxidant enzyme activities and expression in brain cortex. Moreover, increased lipid peroxidation produces the consumption of Vitamin E.

Antioxidant response analysis in the brain after pilocarpine treatments

Cholinergic and gabaergic systems play an important role generating electroencephalographic activity and regulating vigilance states. Pilocarpine is a cholinergic agonist commonly used to induce seizures and an epilepticus-like state in rodents. A relationship between status epilepticus and reactive oxygen species has been also suggested which could result in seizure-induced neurodegeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the existence of oxidative damage as well as the antioxidant enzyme response in cortex and hippocampus after the administration of an intraperitoneal (350 mg/kg) and an intracerebroventricular (360 microg, 1 microl) pilocarpine injection in rats. The GABA agonist muscimol (1 mg/kg, i.p.), with described neuroprotective properties, was used as a negative control. Only systemic pilocarpine induced oxidative damage. Malondialdehyde levels, as a marker of lipid peroxidation (LP), increased in both regions (55-56%). Catalase (52-80%) and superoxide dismutase (53-60%) activities also rose in both regions but glutathione peroxidase activity only increased in cortex (45%). Glutathione reductase and caspase-3 activity did not change. In conclusion, systemic pilocarpine produced oxidative brain damage, whereas local pilocarpine brain injection had no effects. Moreover, the enzymatic determinations performed in this study are a good tool to study brain injury in pharmacological manipulations such as the ones used in short recording EEG studies.

Enriched environments enhance cognition, exploratory behaviour and brain physiological functions of Sparus aurata

Environmental enrichment is considered as a recommended tool to guarantee or improve the welfare of captive fish. This study demonstrates for the first time that structural environmental enrichment enhances cognition, exploratory behaviour and brain physiological functions of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Seabream was reared in groups (n = 15) during 60 days under two different treatments: enriched tanks with plant-fibre ropes (EE) or bare/non-enriched tanks (NE). Fish were then exposed to a purpose-built maze for 1 h every second day in four trials. Analysis of video recordings showed that seabream under EE conditions presented higher overall exploratory behaviour, spatial orientation and learning capability compared to seabream from NE conditions. Results from brain monoamines analyses may suggest increased recent dopaminergic activity in telencephalon, known to be involved in learning processes; and increased serotonergic activity in cerebellum, involved in the coordination of balance, movements and orientation. In addition, EE-reared fish showed increased antioxidant activity in whole brain, with no apparent oxidative damage. Structural EE seemed to induce an hormetic response on juvenile seabream, improving their welfare status during captivity. Application of this kind of physical structure might be feasible at fish farms as a passive and non-invasive tool to improve welfare of intensively cultured seabream.

Hypersaline water from desalinization plants causes oxidative damage in Posidonia oceanica meadows

Posidonia oceanica is an endemic marine phanerogam of the Mediterranean Sea for that is very sensitive to the environmental changes, especially those related to human activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidative stress status of P. oceanica meadows exposed to spillage of hypersaline water from a desalination station by using biomarkers. Leaf samples of P. oceanica were obtained from 4 different points exposed to different levels of salinity water. Samples from the area with the highest salinity conditions were 75% shorter than the samples from the control area. Exposure to high salinity induced an increase in the levels of oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls). Interestingly, in the area with the highest salinity the activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-s-transferase were significantly induced respect to the other studies areas, while catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were lower. In addition, salinity induced a progressive increase in non-enzymatic antioxidants (polyphenols and glutathione) and in total antioxidant capacity reaching the highest concentrations in samples directly affected by the saline discharge. In conclusion chronic exposure to high salinity induced an increase in total antioxidant capacity in P. oceanica. However, this increase was not enough to protect the plant against oxidative stress as it is evidenced by the raise in oxidative stress markers. The obtained data suggest that high salinity conditions deactivated CAT and SOD antioxidant enzymes and caused an increase in non-enzymatic antioxidants (polyphenols and glutathione) and in glutathione-related enzymes.

Comments on evolution of sleep and the palliopallial connectivity in mammals and birds

This commentary is referred to the review signed by Rattemborg [N.C. Rattenborg, Evolution of slow wave sleep and palliopallial connectivity in mammals and birds. A hypothesis. Brain Res. Bull. 69 (2006) 20-29]. We propose that the review missed important aspects in relation to the characteristics of sleep in poikilotherm vertebrates and in the evolution of sleep. Poikilotherms continuously show an EEG dominated by slow waves, but its highest amplitude appears not during sleep, but during active waking. In addition, they show an arousal reaction which consists in an increase in EEG amplitude and synchrony, opposite to mammals and birds. As a consequence, most of the conclusions proposed in the review should be rejected.

Effects of pilocarpine on the cortical and hippocampal theta rhythm in different vigilance states in rats

It has been suggested that theta rhythm gates the flow of information between the hippocampus and cortex during memory processes. The cholinergic system plays an important role in regulating vigilance states and in generating theta rhythm. This study aims to analyse the effects of the muscarinic agonist pilocarpine (120 and 360 microg, i.c.v.) on hippocampal and frontal cortical theta rhythm during several vigilance states in rats. Pilocarpine injection increased the duration and number of episodes with theta activity, particularly when theta rhythm appeared during waking states in the cortex and hippocampus simultaneously. It seems that the effects of pilocarpine are related to the appearance of cortical theta activity in waking states, and suggest that pilocarpine could modify the transference rate of information from the hippocampus to cortex in rats during wakefulness states, in relation to the postulated effect of cholinergic system modulating memory consolidation.

Stable isotopes and metal contamination in caged marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis

Metal concentrations and isotopic composition were measured in different tissues of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis in waters of the Balearic Islands (Western Mediterranean) in order to assess pollution levels. The isotopic composition was correlated with lead, cadmium, selenium and nickel obtained from the digestive gland and foot of the mussels. Significant negative correlations were found between cadmium, selenium and zinc and the mussel foot, mainly for (13)C. Significant correlations were also found between lead and cadmium and the digestive gland. Pearson correlations indicated that the (13)C isotopic signal in foot is a good proxy for the concentration of metals such as lead, cadmium, selenium and zinc. Similarly, (15)N isotopic signatures in the digestive gland reflected the lead and cadmium concentration.

Alternative fuel motor vehicle tailpipe and evaporative emissions composition and ozone potential

The 1988 Alternative Motor Fuels Act and the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments require examination of the potential to favorably influence air quality by changing the composition of motor vehicle fuels. Motor vehicle tailpipe and evaporative emissions were characterized using laboratory simulations of roadway driving conditions and a variety of vehicle-fuel technologies (reformulated gasoline (RFG), methanol (M85), ethanol (E85), and natural gas (CNG)). Speciated organic compound (with Carter MIR ozone potential), CO, and NO(x) emission rates and fuel economy were characterized. The Carter MIR ozone potential of combined Federal Test Procedure (FTP) tailpipe and evaporative emissions was reduced more than 90% with CNG relative to RFG, M85, and E85 fuels. FTP toxic compound emissions (benzene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and 1,3-butadiene) were greater with M85 and E85 fuels than with RFG fuel, and less with CNG fuel than RFG fuel. The most abundant toxic compound was benzene with RFG fuel, formaldehyde with M85 fuel, and acetaldehyde with E85 fuel. FTP MPG fuel economies were reduced with M85 and E85 fuels relative to RFG fuel, consistent with their lower BTU/gal. Energy efficiencies (BTU/mi) were improved with all the alternative fuels relative to RFG. Carter MIR ozone potential was generally reduced with the alternative fuels relative to RFG fuel under REP05 (high speeds and acceleration rates) driving conditions (most significantly with CNG). Toxic aldehyde emissions were reduced under REP05 conditions relative to FTP conditions with all the tested fuels, and toxic benzene emissions were elevated under high acceleration conditions.

Práctica pedagógica en la formación para el cuidado de enfermería

Objetivo: Explorar la práctica pedagógica docente en la formación para el cuidado de enfermería en la Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodriguez de Mendoza del Amazonas. Material y método: Estudio cualitativo, exploratorio, descriptivo: la muestra la conformaron 21 informantes. La recolección de información fue por medio de entrevista semi estructurada. El análisis siguió un proceso de codificación abierta, axial y selectiva hasta obtener categorías emergentes. Resultados: Se identificaron las siguientes categorías: I) Convivencia y relaciones de cuidado/descuido en la formación de enfermería; II) (Des)articulación teórico- práctica en la enseñanza/aprendizaje del cuidado de enfermería: hacia la integración docente-asistente; III) Complementariedad docente/estudiante para la construcción de conocimiento y estrategias didácticas. Conclusiones: La pedagogía para el cuidado de enfermería se evidencia en un espacio de cuidado/descuido, demandan integración docencia-asistencia y se motivan para el fortalecimiento de competencias pedagógico didácticas, a través del aprendizaje basado en problemas, casos hipotéticos, laboratorios vivenciales y sociodramas e incluir como ejes trasversales el cuidado y la investigación.

Hypotensive effects of the triterpene oleanolic acid for cardiovascular prevention

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a high prevalent chronic disease worldwide and a major cardiovascular risk factor. Oleanolic acid (3β-hydroxy-olea-12-en-28-oic acid) is a wide distributed bioactive pentacyclic triterpenoid with diverse biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, hepaprotective anti-diabetic or anti-hypertensive.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to review and highlight the available data about antihypertensive activity of oleanolic acid and the described mechanisms of action.

METHOD

Extensive searches were made in the available literature on oleanolic acid and the data investigating its antihypertensive effects were analysed.

RESULTS

Most of research has been performed on animal models of hypertension, ex vivo studies with aortic ring and some in vitro tests with cell cultures, whereas clinical trials are still lacking. Treatment of hypertensive animals with oleanolic acid significantly ameliorated the rise in the systolic blood pressure. In addition, the hypotensive effects of oleanolic acid are also related to a potent diuretic-natriuretic activity and nephroprotection. In vitro studies have characterized the participation of various signalling pathways that modulate the release of vasodilation mediators.

CONCLUSION

In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that oleanolic acid effectively reduce blood pressure and could be an interesting co-adjuvant to conventional treatment of hypertension.

Effects of the muscarinic agonist pilocarpine on vigilance states and locomotor activity in ring doves

Cholinergic systems play a significant role in regulating a variety of behavioral functions in mammals and birds. The aim of this work is to study the effects of the muscarinic agonist pilocarpine on behavioral states by visual inspection and electroencephalographic recording; also, locomotor activity was continuously recorded by infrared interruption system in ring doves. The current results in birds demonstrated that the muscarinic agonist pilocarpine (1 and 3mg/kg, i.p.) primarily induced theta activity in addition to promote passive waking, while diminished active waking, the EEG slow wave rhythm and REM sleep in ring doves. The locomotor activity recorded continuously in ring doves diminished after pilocarpine treatment, which was in good agreement with the observed reduction of active waking derived of the EEG study. Altogether, the current results are similar to the effects of pilocarpine previously reported in mammals. In conclusion, hippocampal theta rhythm in birds suggests that this rhythm is an ancestral property of hippocampal function and similar cholinergic mechanisms regulate vigilance states and theta generation in mammals and birds.

OS5.1 Phase I clinical trial with oncolytic virus DNX-2401 for DIPGs

BACKGROUND

Despite our increased understanding of the genetic make-up and new therapies for pediatric high grade glioma (pHGG) and Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) the outcome remains grim. Delta-24-RGD (DNX-2401 in the clinic) has been tested for adult glioblastoma presenting a safe profile and promising efficacy. Recently our group has showed that the virus is safe and effective in preclinical models of pHGG and DIPG. Moreover, we showed that the virus is able to trigger an antitumor immune response. These outstanding preclinical results allowed us to propel a phase I clinical trial for newly diagnosed DIPGs (NCT03178032) where the patients received an intratumoral viral injection followed by standard radiotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A phase I clinical trial with DNX-2401 for patients with newly diagnosed DIPG to assess the MTD is taking place in our hospital (N=12). Tumor biopsy is performed through the cerebellar peduncle, followed by virus injection. The virus is injected using a cannula, MEMS cannula (Alcyone Lifesciences) that prevents the reflux. Virus will be injected starting with 1010 pv. The trial is uncontrolled, unicentric with a 3 + 3 design. The objective of this trial is to determine the safety, tolerability, and toxicity of DNX-2401 in subjects with DIPG and to collect tumor samples of this type of tumor. Secondary endpoints are overall survival at 12 months (OS12), percentage of responses and induced immune response against tumor. The follow up includes close monitoring of neurological status, blood tests and brain MRI. If this trial shows evidence of safety and efficacy will propel a multicenter clinical trial.

RESULTS

All the clinical data from the trial available until September 2019 will be presented during the congress, to date 8 patients have been treated within the trial. Three patients were treated with the D1=1x1010vp and because the lack of toxicity we escalated to the D2= 5x1010vp. The procedure was well tolerated and safe. Patients were home 3–4 days after the injection. All the patients displayed a reduced tumor volume after combined treatment. We performed molecular studies in 6 out of the 8 patients. We are currently assessing the immune responses to the virus.

CONCLUSIONS

Information acquired within this clinical study would aid to understand the response of DIPGs to viral therapies and therefore to better tailor this strategy to improve the survival and the quality of life of pediatric brain tumors.

[Selective dorsal rhizotomy: a review of the literature on this technique for the treatment of spasticity in infantile cerebral palsy]

INTRODUCTION

Infantile cerebral palsy is a well-known condition, the prevalence of which has varied only slightly over the years. The most common subtype is spastic diplegia, and spasticity is the most disabling symptom. Its treatment involves a multidisciplinary intervention that includes rehabilitation, the use of drugs, and orthopaedic and nervous system surgery, where selective dorsal rhizotomy is a prominent procedure.

AIM

To present a thorough review of the use, indication and long-term consequences of selective dorsal rhizotomy.

DEVELOPMENT

It is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at reducing spasticity in the lower extremities in order to improve the ability to walk, lessen pain, facilitate care in everyday life and diminish the need for orthopaedic surgery. The literature contains a wide range of criteria for its use, and the main indication is spastic diplegia with the absence of dystonia. It is routinely performed in several countries, while we have no evidence of its application in ours.

CONCLUSIONS

Following the literature review, we believe there is enough experience to state that selective dorsal rhizotomy is a safe and simple technique from which many patients with spasticity of the lower limbs secondary to infantile cerebral palsy can benefit in both the short and the long term.