RESUMO
Color reintegration is a restoration treatment that involves applying paint or colored plaster to an object of cultural heritage to facilitate its perception and understanding. This study examines the impact of lighting on the visual appearance of one such restored piece: a tiled skirting panel from the Nasrid period (1238-1492), permanently on display at the Museum of the Alhambra (Spain). Spectral images in the range of 380-1080 nm were obtained using a hyperspectral image scanner. CIELAB and CIEDE2000 color coordinates at each pixel were computed assuming the CIE 1931 standard colorimetric observer and considering ten relevant illuminants proposed by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE): D65 plus nine white LEDs. Four main hues (blue, green, yellow, and black) can be distinguished in the original and reintegrated areas. For each hue, mean color difference from the mean (MCDM), CIEDE2000 average distances, volumes, and overlapping volumes were computed in the CIELAB space by comparing the original and the reintegrated zones. The study reveals noticeable average color differences between the original and reintegrated areas within tiles: 6.0 and 4.7 CIEDE2000 units for the yellow and blue tiles (with MCDM values of 3.7 and 4.5 and 5.8 and 7.2, respectively), and 16.6 and 17.8 CIEDE2000 units for the black and green tiles (with MCDM values of 13.2 and 12.2 and 10.9 and 11.3, respectively). The overlapping volume of CIELAB clouds of points corresponding to the original and reintegrated areas ranges from 35% to 50%, indicating that these areas would be perceived as different by observers with normal color vision for all four tiles. However, average color differences between the original and reintegrated areas changed with the tested illuminants by less than 2.6 CIEDE2000 units. Our current methodology provides useful quantitative results for evaluation of the color appearance of a reintegrated area under different light sources, helping curators and museum professionals to choose optimal lighting.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the optical properties and the relative translucency parameter of Ceramill ZI White (3Y-TZP) and Ceramill Zolid FX White (5Y-PSZ) zirconia ceramic systems and compare them with those of the bovine dentin and enamel/dentin structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3Y-TZP and 5Y-PSZ zirconia ceramic systems were evaluated. A 0.5-mm-thick 3Y-TZP (3Y-NC.5), 0.5-mm-thick (5Y-NC.5), and 1.4-mm-thick (5Y-C.14) were used. A 0.5-mm-thick dentin specimens and 1.4-mm-thick enamel/dentin specimens (n = 5) were obtained from anterior bovine maxillary teeth. Scattering, absorption, transmittance, and albedo coefficient were calculated using Kubelka-Munk's model. Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (p < 0.001), and goodness-of-fit coefficient (GFC). Relative translucency parameter differences were evaluated using translucency thresholds. RESULTS: Reflectance, scattering, absorption, and transmittance properties were wavelength dependent. Good matches (GFC ≥ 0.999) in spectral reflectance were observed between 0.5-mm-thick dentin and 1.4-mm-thick enamel/dentin, and 3Y-NC.5 and 5Y-NC.5. Scattering was the main optical extinction process during light interaction with zirconia and dental structures, as indicated by albedo coefficient. Translucency differences were acceptable only for 3Y-NC.5 and the dentin structure, and 5Y-C.14 and the enamel/dentin structure. CONCLUSIONS: Optical properties of 3Y-TZP and 5Y-PSZ dental zirconia differed from each other and from bovine dental structures. Nevertheless, 3Y-TZP showed similar relative translucency parameter to bovine dentin. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: To achieve the best esthetic results in restorative dentistry, it is crucial for clinicians to know about the optical properties of 3Y-TZP and 5Y-PSZ and to be able to compare these properties with those of dental structures.
Assuntos
Cerâmica , Zircônio , Bovinos , Animais , Teste de Materiais , Zircônio/química , Dentina/química , Propriedades de Superfície , Materiais DentáriosRESUMO
El proceso de vacunación está generando problemas muy similares a los que se plantearon al inicio de la pandemia debido tanto a la escasez de vacunas como a la implacable letalidad del virus. La celeridad con que avanzan los contagios está obligando a establecer criterios de triaje, pero de una naturaleza diferente a la propiamente hospitalaria. En efecto, el número de factores se ha incrementado, ya que no solo hay que tener en cuenta los recursos sanitarios, sino variables geoestratégicas y de equilibriosde poder a escala internacional. En un contexto completamente mercantilizado, los planes de vacunación están tratando de conciliar los principios éticos con la eficacia, en un difícil equilibrio no siempre resuelto satisfactoriamente. En el presente artículo analizaremos el proceso de implementación de las vacunas en Europa, comenzando por las características específicas de las primeras vacunas aprobadas hasta descender a los criterios de ordenación de la población en España.
The vaccination process is creating problems very similar to those that arose at the beginning of the pandemic due to both the shortage of vaccines and the relentless lethality of the virus. The speed with which the infections are progressing is forcing triage criteria to be established, but of a different nature from the hospital itself. Indeed, the number of variables has increased, since it is not only necessary to take into account health resources, but also geostrategic variables and international power balances. In a completely mercantilist context, vaccination plans are trying to reconcile ethical principles with efficacy, in a difficult balance not always resolved. In this article, we will analyze the vaccine implementation process in Europe, starting with the specific characteristics of the first approved vaccines until descending to the criteria for ordering the population in Spain.
O processo de vacinação está a criar problemas muito semelhantes aos que surgiram no início da pandemia, devido quer à falta de vacinas, quer à letalidade implacável do vírus. A rapidez com que as infeções progridem está a obrigar ao estabelecimento de critérios de triagem, mas de natureza diferente do próprio contexto hospitalar. De facto, o número de variáveis tem aumentado, uma vez que não é apenas necessário levar em conta os recursos da saúde, mas também as variáveis ââgeoestratégicas e os equilíbrios de poder internacionais. Num contexto totalmente comercializado, os planos de vacinação procuram conciliar os princípios éticos com a eficácia, num equilíbrio difícil nem sempre resolvido de forma satisfatória. Neste artigo, iremos analisar o processo de implementação de vacinas na Europa, partindo das características específicas das primeiras vacinas aprovadas até aos critérios de ordenação da população em Espanha.
RESUMO
Patients with collapsing glomerulopathy (CG) have marked proteinuria that rapidly progresses to chronic renal failure. In this study, we investigated if the nephropathy produced in a rat model by the injection of serum from CG patients induced alterations in fatty acid (FA) metabolism. Twenty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups of six rats each: Group I, control rats (C); Group II, rats that received injections of 1 mL of 0.9% NaCl saline solution (SS); Group III, rats injected with 25 mg/mL of serum from healthy subjects (HS); and Group IV, rats injected with 25 mg/mL of serum from CG patients. In all groups, the systolic blood pressure (SBP), proteinuria, creatinine clearance (CC), cholesterol and total FA composition in the kidney and serum were evaluated. The administration of serum from CG patients to rats induced glomerular collapse, proteinuria, reduced CC and elevated SBP (p ≤ 0.01) in comparison with the C, SS and HS rats. The FA composition of the serum of rats that received the CG serum showed an increase in palmitic acid (PA) and a decrease in arachidonic acid (AA) when compared to serum from HS (p ≤ 0.02). In rats receiving the CG serum, there was also a decrease in the AA in the kidney but there was an increase in the PA in the serum and kidney (p ≤ 0.01). These results suggest that the administration of serum from CG patients to rats induces alterations in FA metabolism including changes in PA and in AA, which are precursors for the biosynthesis of the prostaglandins that are involved in the elevation of SBP and in renal injury. These changes may contribute to collapsing glomerulopathy disease.
RESUMO
Objective To assess the effectiveness of Problem-Solving Therapy (PST) on family caregivers through the use of scales to measure anxiety, depression and emotional distress; and to explore facilitating factors and obstacles for its use based on the narrative of nurses. Method A clinical trial and an exploratory focus group with the use of mixed analysis methodology. The study was conducted in a primary health care center in Tarragona, Spain, and the sample consisted of 122 family caregivers who were included in the home care service, and 10 nurses who participated in the intervention group. Family caregivers with evident symptoms of anxiety, depression and emotional distress received PST in the intervention group. The intervention group also consisted of a discussion with eight nurses, which was transcribed and submitted to content analysis. Conclusion Problem-Solving Therapy proved to be effective in reducing perceived anxiety, depression and emotional distress. We identified its strong points and obstacles as described by nurses.
RESUMO
Objective To assess the effectiveness of Problem-Solving Therapy (PST) on family caregivers through the use of scales to measure anxiety, depression and emotional distress; and to explore facilitating factors and obstacles for its use based on the narrative of nurses. Method A clinical trial and an exploratory focus group with the use of mixed analysis methodology. The study was conducted in a primary health care center in Tarragona, Spain, and the sample consisted of 122 family caregivers who were included in the home care service, and 10 nurses who participated in the intervention group. Family caregivers with evident symptoms of anxiety, depression and emotional distress received PST in the intervention group. The intervention group also consisted of a discussion with eight nurses, which was transcribed and submitted to content analysis. Conclusion Problem-Solving Therapy proved to be effective in reducing perceived anxiety, depression and emotional distress. We identified its strong points and obstacles as described by nurses. .
Objetivo Avaliar a efetividade da Técnica de Resolução de Problemas (TRP) em cuidadores familiares mediante escalas positivas de ansiedade, depressão e stress emocional; explorar os fatores facilitadores e as barreiras para sua aplicação a partir das narrativas das enfermeiras. Método Ensaio clínico e grupo focal exploratório, com metodologia de análise mista. Realizado em centros de cuidados primários em Tarragona (Espanha), cuja amosta foi de 122 cuidadores familiares, incluindo atendimento domiciliar e 10 enfermeiros no grupo de intervenção. Grupo implementação experimental do TRP, cuidador familiar com sintomas de ansiedade, depressão e desconforto percebido. No grupo controle a enfermeira executa a intervenção habitual. Feita medição pré e pós intervenção em ambos os grupos. Grupo de discussão com oito enfermeiros do grupo de intervenção, transcrição e análise de conteúdo. Conclusão Ficou demonstrada a eficácia da TRP na redução da ansiedade, depressão e desconforto percebido. Foram identificados os pontos fortes e as barreiras na aplicação da técnica. .
Objetivo Evaluar la efectividad de la Técnica de Resolución de Problemas (TRP) en cuidadoras familiares mediante escalas positivas de ansiedad, depresión y malestar emocional; explorar los factores facilitadores y barreras en su aplicación a partir de la narrativa de las enfermeras. Método Ensayo clínico y grupo focal exploratorio y metodología de análisis mixta. Ilevado a cabo en el Centro de Atención Primaria de Tarragona (España), cuya muestra fue 122 cuidadoras familiares incluidas en el programa de atención domiciliaria y 10 enfermeras del grupo intervención. Grupo experimental aplicación de la TRP, a la cuidadora familiar con síntomas de ansiedad, depresión y malestar percibido. Grupo control la enfermera realiza la intervención habitual. Medición pre-post en ambos grupos. Grupo de discusión con ocho enfermeras del grupo intervención, trascripción y análisis del contenido. Conclusión Se demuestra la efectividad de la TRP en la reducción de ansiedad, depresión y malestar percibido. Se identifican los puntos fuertes y las barreras descritas por las enfermeras en la aplicación de la técnica. .
Assuntos
Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Infecções por HIV/complicações , Hepatite C/complicações , Terapia Antirretroviral de Alta Atividade , Antivirais/uso terapêutico , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Hepatite C/tratamento farmacológico , Hepatite C/epidemiologia , Imunidade Celular , Interferons/uso terapêutico , Ribavirina/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
La investigación con células madre humanas de pluripotencia inducida (iPS) plantea nuevos retos para los Estados y para los agentes implicados en investigación biomédica orientada a la terapia celular y la medicina regenerativa. Desde una concepción de la bioética práctica asociada a la función crítica que los comités de ética en investigación biomédica ejercen en los Estados, se analizan las cuestiones no resueltas en la evaluación de los proyectos de investigación que utilizan células iPS en España. El principal problema objeto de tratamiento es, a nuestro parecer, la equivoca equiparación que se efectúa entre células madre de origen embrionario y células iPS obtenidas de muestras biológicas de células adultas, tanto en la normativa vigente como por parte de los comités de ética encargados de la evaluación y control. De esta forma, el trabajo integra las bases científicas en investigación con células iPS y las implicaciones éticas, sociales y políticas aparejadas. En especial, se estudia la respuesta jurídica para entender cómo la bioética en acción que aquí se propugna permite una respuesta, se es preciso identificar debilidades e introducir mejoras y plantear propuestas para una correcta evaluación de este tipo de investigaciones. Consideramos que la visión crítica que ofrece este trabajo es fundamental para aportar elementos de debate a loa reflexión bioética sobre las nuevas tendencias en investigación biomédica en la actualidad...
Assuntos
Humanos , Comitês de Ética em Pesquisa/legislação & jurisprudência , Pesquisa com Células-Tronco/legislação & jurisprudência , Ética em Pesquisa , Avaliação da Pesquisa em SaúdeRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Aldosterone participates in the pathogenesis of calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity (CIN), producing renal vasoconstriction and transforming growth factor beta (TGFß) expression. The objective of this study was to assess aldosterone polymorphisms and relationships to plasma aldosterone levels and the development of renal histological lesions in kidney transplant patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with kidney graft biopsy were divided according to the presence or absence of CIN. We determined aldosterone synthase (AS) -344 T/C and int 2 W/C gene polymorphisms and plasma aldosterone levels. Histological, biochemical and clinical variables were measured. RESULTS: Calcineurin inhibitor (CI) levels were significantly higher in patients with the int 2 WW genotype than in patients with WC or CC genotypes. There was a greater degree of interstitial fibrosis in patients with int 2 CC genotype. No relationship was found between the different polymorphisms and a higher degree and/or frequency of CIN. There was also no relationship with plasma aldosterone levels. CONCLUSION: The frequency of the different polymorphisms studied was not related to plasma aldosterone levels or the development of CIN; however, the int 2 CC genotype was related to a greater degree of interstitial fibrosis, whereas the WW genotype was related to higher CI serum levels.
Assuntos
Inibidores de Calcineurina/uso terapêutico , Citocromo P-450 CYP11B2/genética , Transplante de Rim , Rim/patologia , Polimorfismo de Nucleotídeo Único/genética , Adolescente , Adulto , Inibidores de Calcineurina/farmacologia , Feminino , Fibrose/genética , Humanos , Hipertensão/genética , Rim/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Se examinó el alfabetismo en salud en Chile con el fin de determinar si se pueden usar procedimientos de consentimiento informado estándares en esta población. Se evaluó el alfabetismo en salud con la versión abreviada de la prueba SAHLSA. Los resultados se expresaron como el porcentaje de respuestas correctas en cada prueba. El promedio global de respuestas correctas fue 85.4 ± 13.5 % (media aritmética ± desviación estándar, n=762). Hubo diferencias importantes entre los subgrupos examinados. El nivel más bajo de alfabetismo en salud se detectó en pescadores artesanales y sus familias y en estudiantes de liceos públicos, y el más alto en estudiantes universitarios y madres pobladoras atendidas en el sistema público de salud. Los resultados muestran la necesidad que los procedimientos de consentimiento informado tomen en cuenta la heterogeneidad del alfabetismo en salud de la población chilena.
Health literacy was examined in Chile to assess whether it is homogenous enough to allow the use of "templates" for informed consent, and to identity subgroups that may need special consideration when recruited for research because of their low health literacy abbreviated SAHLSA test of health literacy was used. Results were expressed as percent of correct answers out of the 50 items of the SAHLSA test. There was high health literacy with 85.4 ± 13.5 % (arithmetic mean ± standard deviation, «=762) of correct answers. There were important differences between groups, with lower scores in artisanal fishermen families and high-school students attending public schools, and higher scores in university students and mothers attending the public health system. Results show that a case by case approach is probably more appropriate when seeking informed consent in this population because of the variability of health literacy.
Assuntos
Humanos , Letramento em Saúde , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido , Avaliação Educacional , Bioética , ChileRESUMO
Este texto recolhe e atualiza os pontos principais do meu trabalho anterior, "La bioética como soporte al derecho para regular la biotecnología", que trata da implicação entre o Direito e a Bioética, relação que considero como de caráter intrínseco já que as contribuições de ambas análises resultam em utilidade recíproca no momento de solucionar os problemas trazidos pela biotecnologia, haja vista que as duas disciplinas compartilham uma mesma finalidade: o respeito e a promoção dos direitos humanos reconhecidos. A bioética proporciona ferramentas no momento da tomada de decisões que afetam valores e nas que são de importância especial o processo de elaboração e análise das pautas que devem reger a ação no tocante à intervenção técnica do homem sobre a própria vida e o meio no qual se desenvolve, as quais em breve serãoelevadas ao nível de normas jurídicas.
Este texto recoge y actualiza los principales puntos de mi anterior trabajo "La bioética como soporte al derecho para regular la biotecnología", que trata de la implicación entre el Derecho y la Bioética, relación que considero de carácter intrínseco ya que las aportaciones de ambos análisis resultan de utilidad recíproca a la hora de elucidar los problemas suscitados por la biotecnología, puesto que las dos disciplinas comparten una misma finalidad: el respeto y la promoción de los derechos humanos reconocidos. La bioética proporciona herramientas a la hora de la adopción de decisiones que afectan a valores y en las que resulta de especial importancia el proceso de elaboración y el análisis de las pautas que deben regir la acción en lo que se refiere a la intervención técnica del hombre sobre su propia vida y el medio en que la desarrolla, que luego serán elevadas a normas jurídicas.
This text collects and updates the major point of my previous work "La bioética como soporte al derecho para regular la biotecnología" (Bioethics as support to Law in order to regulate biotechnology) dealing with the implication between Law and Bioethics, a relationship that I consider as having a intrinsic feature since contributions from both analyses result in reciprocal use when solving problems brought in by biotechnology, in as much both subjects share the same end: respect and promotion of recognized human rights. Bioethics provide tools during decision-making that affect values and in those which are of particular importance: designing and analysis of agendas that should govern action concerning technical intervention of man on his own life, and the means in which it develops and which soon will become Legal norms.
Assuntos
Bioética , Biotecnologia , Educação , Ética Médica , Direitos Humanos , Política PúblicaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The renal manifestations of IgA nephropathy are wide, including patients with asymptomatic disease. The probability of developing advanced renal disease after 20 years of diagnosis varies. The prevalence of mesangial deposits of IgA in otherwise healthy people has been studied previously and there are only 2 reports in which the diagnosis is made by time-zero renal biopsy (TO-RBx). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We compared clinical characteristics (baseline and at followup) of renal donors with IgA nephropathy diagnosed by TO-RBx compared with 20 donors with normal TO-RBx. RESULTS: From 1999 to 2006 151 T0-RBx were analyzed. Of these 10 cases (6.62%) had IgA nephropathy. There were two patients with stage II and 8 with stage I according to HASS classification of IgA nephropathy. All donors in both groups (n=30) had normal urinary tests, however urinary protein excretion was significantly higher in the IgA nephropathy group compared with the normal group from baseline to the end of follow-up (three years). The glomerular filtration rate at three years of follow-up was significantly higher in the normal group (80 +/- 14 vs. 65 +/- 8 mL/min, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Donors with IgA nephropathy on TO-RBx had no urinary abnormalities during pre donation screening. At three years of follow-up patients with IgA nephropathy showed a greater loss of renal function as well as increased urinary protein excretion.
Assuntos
Glomerulonefrite por IGA/diagnóstico , Transplante de Rim , Doadores Vivos , Nefrectomia , Complicações Pós-Operatórias/diagnóstico , Adulto , Biópsia , Colesterol/sangue , Diagnóstico Tardio , Diagnóstico Precoce , Feminino , Seguimentos , Taxa de Filtração Glomerular , Mesângio Glomerular/imunologia , Mesângio Glomerular/patologia , Glomerulonefrite por IGA/imunologia , Glomerulonefrite por IGA/metabolismo , Glomerulonefrite por IGA/patologia , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Complicações Pós-Operatórias/imunologia , Complicações Pós-Operatórias/metabolismo , Complicações Pós-Operatórias/patologia , Prevalência , Proteinúria/etiologia , Índice de Gravidade de Doença , Triglicerídeos/sangueRESUMO
Vanadium (V) is a transition metal emitted to the atmosphere during the combustion of fossil fuels. Its current status as an atmospheric pollutant increases the need for information about the effects that this element might have on the reproductive health of exposed populations. The present study investigated changes in testicular ultrastructure following inhalation exposure of male mice to V (as vanadium pentoxide). Tissue V level was constant during the 12-week time period. We observed necrosis of spermatogonium, spermatocytes and Sertoli cells, as well as pseudo-nuclear inclusion and disruption of cellular junctions. Our findings stressed the importance of the hemato-testicular barrier in supporting the function of Sertoli cells and suggest as a possible target of V, tight junction proteins. Further analysis is needed in order to identify the role that reactive oxidative species (ROS) might have on these cellular junctions, and if a specific protein is the target of its toxic effects. The relevance of this report concerns the impact that metal air pollution could have on male fertility in dense cities with vehicular traffic problems.
Assuntos
Poluentes Atmosféricos/toxicidade , Exposição por Inalação , Testículo/efeitos dos fármacos , Testículo/ultraestrutura , Compostos de Vanádio/toxicidade , Poluentes Atmosféricos/metabolismo , Animais , Núcleo Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Núcleo Celular/ultraestrutura , Infertilidade Masculina/induzido quimicamente , Masculino , Camundongos , Microscopia Eletrônica , Necrose , Túbulos Seminíferos/efeitos dos fármacos , Túbulos Seminíferos/ultraestrutura , Células de Sertoli/efeitos dos fármacos , Células de Sertoli/ultraestrutura , Espermatócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Espermatócitos/ultraestrutura , Espermatogônias/efeitos dos fármacos , Espermatogônias/ultraestrutura , Testículo/metabolismo , Junções Íntimas/efeitos dos fármacos , Junções Íntimas/ultraestrutura , Fatores de Tempo , Compostos de Vanádio/metabolismoRESUMO
The pre-hemolytic mechanism induced by free radicals initiated from water-soluble 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH) and its reversal by genistein was investigated in human erythrocytes. The time course of K+ efflux compared to the occurrence of hemolysis suggests that AAPH-induced hemolysis occurs indirectly via pore formation and band 3 oxidation as expected. However, genistein inhibited hemolysis, LDH release and membrane protein oxidation but not K+ efflux. This indicated that erythrocyte protein oxidation possibly in the hydrophobic core plays a significant role in the membrane pre-hemolytic damage. Chemiluminescence (CL) analysis carried out in non-lysed erythrocytes treated with AAPH showed a dramatic increase in CL indicating both reduced levels of antioxidants and increased membrane lipid peroxide. The V0 value was also increased up to 6 times, denoting a high degree of membrane peroxidation very early in erythrocyte membrane damage. The whole process was inhibited by genistein in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that the genistein inhibited both hemolysis and pre-hemolytic damage and also hindered membrane lipid peroxide formation and protein oxidation. In addition, it is suggested that pre-hemolytic damage is mediated mainly by the oxidation of both phospholipid and protein located in the deeper hydrophobic region of the membrane.
Assuntos
Amidinas/toxicidade , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Eritrócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Genisteína/farmacologia , Hemólise/efeitos dos fármacos , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Membrana Eritrocítica/efeitos dos fármacos , Membrana Eritrocítica/metabolismo , Eritrócitos/metabolismo , Glutationa/metabolismo , Hemoglobinas/metabolismo , Humanos , Técnicas In Vitro , Peróxidos Lipídicos/metabolismo , Potássio/metabolismoRESUMO
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) protects the CNS against chemical insults. Regulation of blood-brain tissue exchange is accomplished by ependymal cells, which possess intercellular tight junctions. Loss of BBB function is an etiologic component of many neurological disorders. Vanadium (V) is a metalloid widely distributed in the environment and exerts potent toxic effects on a wide variety of biological systems. The current study examines the effects of Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) inhalation in mice ependymal epithelium, through the analysis of the brain metal concentrations and the morphological modifications in the ependymal cells identified by scanning and transmission electron microscopy after 8 weeks of inhalation, in order to obtain a possible explanation about the mechanisms that V uses to enter and alter the CNS. Our results showed that V2O5 concentrations increase from the first week of study, stabilizing its values during the rest of the experiment. The morphological effects included cilia loss, cell sloughing and ependymal cell layer detachment. This damage can allow toxicants to modify the permeability of the epithelium and promote access of inflammatory mediators to the underlying neuronal tissue causing injury and neuronal death. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of BBB disruption would allow planning strategies to protect the brain from toxicants such as metals, which have increased in the atmosphere during the last decades and constitute an important health problem.
Assuntos
Epêndima/metabolismo , Epêndima/patologia , Epitélio/metabolismo , Epitélio/patologia , Intoxicação do Sistema Nervoso por Metais Pesados/metabolismo , Intoxicação do Sistema Nervoso por Metais Pesados/patologia , Compostos de Vanádio/farmacocinética , Compostos de Vanádio/intoxicação , Administração por Inalação , Animais , Barreira Hematoencefálica/efeitos dos fármacos , Barreira Hematoencefálica/metabolismo , Barreira Hematoencefálica/patologia , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Epêndima/efeitos dos fármacos , Epitélio/efeitos dos fármacos , Intoxicação do Sistema Nervoso por Metais Pesados/etiologia , Masculino , Taxa de Depuração Metabólica , Camundongos , Distribuição Tecidual , Compostos de Vanádio/administração & dosagemRESUMO
The human population in the industrialized world is constantly exposed to chemical mixtures of pollutants such as metals; information about the consequences of the interactions of these compounds on health is scarce. The current study examines the effects of the inhalation of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and Pb-Cd mixture in mice models analyzing the metal concentrations in lung, and the morphological modifications in the bronchiolar epithelium identified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) after 4 weeks of inhalation. Our results showed that metal concentrations in lung were higher compared to controls; however, Pb concentrations drastically decrease with the mixture. This reduction was also observed in the inhalation chamber. These data correlate with the morphological alterations observed, which consisted of flattened and decreased number of nonciliated bronchiolar cells (NCBC), bald ciliated cells and bundles of NCBC. These modifications were mainly given by Cd, alone or in combination with Pb. The clusters formed by NCBC cells suggest cell proliferation which probably means that after metal inhalation, the cells enhance their proliferative capacity in order to repopulate the bronchiolar wall.
RESUMO
In order to identify if there were sex differences in lead (Pb) lung concentrations and in bronchiolar response after its inhalation, a mice inhalation model was conducted. Sixty CD-1 adult mice from each sex inhaled separately, lead acetate 0.1 M for 1 h, thrice weekly during 15 days. Animals were evaluated for Pb-lung concentrations by atomic absorption spectrometry and for morphological evaluation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Higher Pb-lung concentrations were determined in females, however, more cell damage was found in males, finding that correlated with an increased loss of the nonciliated bronchiolar cells (NCBC) more sloughing and necrosis. Differences in particle clearance, oxidative stress handling, cytokines pathway activation and cytochrome P450 enzymes activity, all influenced by sex hormones, might be a possible explanation for our findings. The relevance of further studies in this field is stressed, as well as its relation to the different development expected for each sex in disease evolution, possible complications and treatment response.
Assuntos
Brônquios/efeitos dos fármacos , Epitélio/efeitos dos fármacos , Pulmão/efeitos dos fármacos , Compostos Organometálicos/toxicidade , Administração por Inalação , Animais , Brônquios/metabolismo , Brônquios/ultraestrutura , Epitélio/metabolismo , Epitélio/ultraestrutura , Feminino , Chumbo/análise , Pulmão/metabolismo , Pulmão/ultraestrutura , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos , Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura , Modelos Animais , Fatores SexuaisRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Primary collapsing glomerulopathy recurs postransplant, raising the possibility of circulating factors implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. METHODS: To determine the presence of circulating factors in collapsing glomerulopathy patients, we tested serum from those patients in an in vivo assay. Eleven groups of rats received serum from collapsing glomerulopathy patients, idiopathic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) or healthy subjects in its native form, isolated IgG, or serum without IgG. The presence of proteinuria and creatinine clearance were determined. Histopathologic analysis included light, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Collapsing glomerulopathy rats developed proteinuria while rats injected with serum from FSGS and healthy subjects did not. Rats injected with serum of collapsing glomerulopathy in its native form developed marked proteinuria (99.2 +/- 42 mg/24 hours at day 5, P= 0.0001, compared to the baseline), and decreased in creatinine clearance. Rats receiving isolated IgG or serum without IgG from collapsing glomerulopathy developed mild proteinuria (46.5 +/- 8.4 mg/24 hours and 30.9 +/- 11 mg/24 hours, respectively, at day 5 (P= 0.0001). Glomerular tuft retraction and podocyte damage were seen only in collapsing glomerulapthy rats. No abnormalities were found in rats injected with serum from FSGS or healthy subjects. CONCLUSION: Circulating factors in the serum of collapsing glomerulopathy patients produce podocyte damage, whereas such factors are not present in noncollapsing FSGS. IgG eluates from collapsing glomerulopathy produce proteinuria when injected into the rat. Such factors remain in the circulation when serum of patients is adsorbed into protein A, raising the possibility that there are more than one circulating factor present in patients with collapsing glomerulopathy.
Assuntos
Nefropatias/sangue , Glomérulos Renais , Proteinúria/etiologia , Adolescente , Adsorção , Adulto , Idoso , Animais , Creatinina/sangue , Creatinina/urina , Eletroforese em Gel de Poliacrilamida , Glomerulosclerose Segmentar e Focal/sangue , Humanos , Imunoglobulina G/administração & dosagem , Imunoglobulina G/sangue , Injeções , Rim/patologia , Rim/fisiopatologia , Nefropatias/patologia , Glomérulos Renais/patologia , Glomérulos Renais/ultraestrutura , Microscopia Eletrônica , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Ratos , Proteína Estafilocócica ARESUMO
The current study explores the effects of the inhalation of lead (Pb), Cd and its mixture (Pb-Cd) in a mice model, analysing metal concentrations in the lung, and the morphological modifications in the bronchiolar epithelium identified by scanning electron microscopy after eight weeks of inhalation. Our results indicate that metal concentrations in lung were higher compared to controls; however, Pb concentrations drastically decrease in the mixture. This reduction was also observed in the inhalation chamber. The main changes observed in the bronchiole were mostly in the mixture. The modifications were mainly given by Cd alone and in the mixture, with a decreased number of nonciliated bronchiolar cells and an increased number of bundles of dividing cells. The additive effect of Pb-Cd is suggested, as the extensive damage observed was more evident when mice were exposed to the mixture, and the results endured more research in the area of inhaled mixtures.
Assuntos
Brônquios/efeitos dos fármacos , Cádmio/toxicidade , Chumbo/toxicidade , Mucosa Respiratória/efeitos dos fármacos , Administração por Inalação , Animais , Brônquios/ultraestrutura , Cádmio/farmacocinética , Sinergismo Farmacológico , Quimioterapia Combinada , Exposição por Inalação , Chumbo/farmacocinética , Pulmão/efeitos dos fármacos , Pulmão/metabolismo , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos , Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura , Mucosa Respiratória/ultraestrutura , Método Simples-Cego , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
Recent evidence suggests that chronic exposure to high levels of ambient particulate matter (PM) is associated with decreased pulmonary function and the development of chronic airflow obstruction. To investigate the possible role of PM-induced abnormalities in the small airways in these functional changes, we examined histologic sections from the lungs of 20 women from Mexico City, a high PM locale. All subjects were lifelong residents of Mexico City, were never-smokers, never had occupational dust exposure, and never used biomass fuel for cooking. Twenty never-smoking, non-dust-exposed subjects from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, a low PM region, were used as a control. By light microscopy, abnormal small airways with fibrotic walls and excess muscle, many containing visible dust, were present in the Mexico City lungs. Formal grading analysis confirmed the presence of significantly greater amounts of fibrous tissue and muscle in the walls of the airways in the Mexico City compared with the Vancouver lungs. Electron microscopic particle burden measurements on four cases from Mexico City showed that carbonaceous aggregates of ultrafine particles, aggregates likely to be combustion products, were present in the airway mucosa. We conclude that PM penetrates into and is retained in the walls of small airways, and that, even in nonsmokers, long-term exposure to high levels of ambient particulate pollutants is associated with small airway remodeling. This process may produce chronic airflow obstruction.
Assuntos
Poluentes Atmosféricos/efeitos adversos , Obstrução das Vias Respiratórias/etiologia , Obstrução das Vias Respiratórias/patologia , Exposição Ambiental , Alvéolos Pulmonares/patologia , Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica/etiologia , Idoso , Autopsia , Colúmbia Britânica , Cidades , Feminino , Humanos , México , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Tamanho da Partícula , Fumar , População UrbanaRESUMO
Amniocentesis, and other prenatal genetic tests, have become a well-established feature of modern prenatal care. But these tests place a considerable decision-making burden on the expectant mothers to whom they are offered: the genetic issues involved are complex and the appropriate course of action sometimes ambiguous. Genetic counseling aims to help pregnant clients make an informed decision about prenatal genetic tests. But the clientele of prenatal genetic counseling has changed significantly in the years since the practice was established. Clients were once a self-selected group of women well-informed about the genetic services being offered. In contrast, clients now include an increasing number of women, particularly ethnic minority women, who had no prior knowledge of genetic testing, but were found to be at risk of birth defects after routine screening. Little is known about how well genetic counseling serves the needs of this new clientele. This paper investigates the possibility that miscommunication between genetic counselors and their Mexican-origin clients contributed to the higher rates of amniocentesis refusal. We interviewed 156 pregnant Mexican-origin women who screened positive on a blood test routinely offered in California to detect birth defects. We also observed the genetics consultations of a sub-sample of the women. We identified five common sources of miscommunication: (1) Medical jargon; (2) The non-directive nature of counseling; (3) The inhibitions of counselors stemming from misplaced cultural sensitivity; (4) Problems of translation; (5) Problems of trust. We found that many Mexican-origin women are skeptical of genetic testing and do not easily surrender their own lay theories about the causes of their condition. In order to dislodge the misunderstandings of their clients, counselors must give clients the opportunity to air their own views, however contrary to those of genetics professionals these may be.