Cellular and Transcriptional Responses of Crassostrea gigas Hemocytes Exposed in Vitro to Brevetoxin (PbTx-2)

Hemocytes mediate a series of immune reactions essential for bivalve survival in the environment, however, the impact of harmful algal species and their associated phycotoxins upon bivalve immune system is under debate. To better understand the possible toxic effects of these toxins, Crassostrea gigas hemocytes were exposed to brevetoxin (PbTx-2). Hemocyte viability, monitored through the neutral red retention and MTT reduction assays, and apoptosis (Hoechst staining) remained unchanged during 12 h of exposure to PbTx-2 in concentrations up to 1000 µg/L. Despite cell viability and apoptosis remained stable, hemocytes incubated for 4 h with 1000 µg/L of PbTx-2 revealed higher expression levels of Hsp70 (p < 0.01) and CYP356A1 (p < 0.05) transcripts and a tendency to increase FABP expression, as evaluated by Real-Time quantitative PCR. The expression of other studied genes (BPI, IL-17, GSTO, EcSOD, Prx6, SOD and GPx) remained unchanged. The results suggest that the absence of cytotoxic effects of PbTx-2 in Crassostrea gigas hemocytes, even at high concentrations, allow early defense responses to be produced by activating protective mechanisms associated to detoxification (CYP356A1 and possibly FABP) and stress (Hsp70), but not to immune or to antioxidant (BPI, IL-17, EcSOD, Prx6, GPx and SOD) related genes

Concurrent Exposure of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) to Multiple Algal Toxins in Sarasota Bay, Florida, USA

Sentinel species such as bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) can be impacted by large-scale mortality events due to exposure to marine algal toxins. In the Sarasota Bay region (Gulf of Mexico, Florida, USA), the bottlenose dolphin population is frequently exposed to harmful algal blooms (HABs) of Karenia brevis and the neurotoxic brevetoxins (PbTx; BTX) produced by this dinoflagellate. Live dolphins sampled during capture-release health assessments performed in this region tested positive for two HAB toxins; brevetoxin and domoic acid (DA). Over a ten-year study period (2000–2009) we have determined that bottlenose dolphins are exposed to brevetoxin and/or DA on a nearly annual basis (i.e., DA: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009; brevetoxin: 2000, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009) with 36% of all animals testing positive for brevetoxin (n = 118) and 53% positive for DA (n = 83) with several individuals (14%) testing positive for both neurotoxins in at least one tissue/fluid. To date there have been no previously published reports of DA in southwestern Florida marine mammals, however the May 2008 health assessment coincided with a Pseudo-nitzschia pseudodelicatissima bloom that was the likely source of DA observed in seawater and live dolphin samples. Concurrently, both DA and brevetoxin were observed in common prey fish. Although no Pseudo-nitzschia bloom was identified the following year, DA was identified in seawater, fish, sediment, snails, and dolphins. DA concentrations in feces were positively correlated with hematologic parameters including an increase in total white blood cell (p = 0.001) and eosinophil (p<0.001) counts. Our findings demonstrate that dolphins within Sarasota Bay are commonly exposed to two algal toxins, and provide the impetus to further explore the potential long-term impacts on bottlenose dolphin health

Implementation of the evidence for the improvement of nursing care to the critical patient's family: a participatory action research

Background: There are many descriptive studies regarding the needs of the family, as well as those regarding nursing care aimed directly at family members. However, there is no widespread application of such evidence in clinical practice. There has also been no analysis made of the evolution of patterns of knowing during the act of improving clinical practice. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to understand the change process aimed at improving care to critical patient's families, and to explore the evolution of patterns of knowing that nurses use in this process. Methods: Qualitative study with a Participatory Action Research method, in accordance with the Kemmis and McTaggart model. In this model, nurses can observe their practice, reflect upon it and compare it with scientific evidence, as well as define, deploy and evaluate improvement strategies adapted to the context. Simultaneously, the process of empowerment derived from the Participatory Action Research allows for the identification of patterns of knowing and their development over time. The research will take place in the Intensive Care Units of a tertiary hospital. The participants will be nurses who are part of the regular workforce of these units, with more than five years of experience in critical patients, and who are motivated to consider and critique their practice. Data collection will take place through participant observation, multi-level discussion group meetings and documentary analysis. A content analysis will be carried out, following a process of codification and categorisation, with the help of Nvivo10. The approval date and the beginning of the funding were December 2012 and 2013, respectively. Discussion: The definition, introduction and evaluation of care strategies for family members will allow for their real and immediate implementation in practice. The study of the patterns of knowing in the Participatory Action Research will be part of the theoretical and practical feedback process of a professional discipline. Also, the identification of the construction and evolution of knowledge will provide decision elements to managers and academics when choosing strategies for increased quality

High risk factors for craniosynostosis during pregnancy: A case-control study

Background: Craniosynostosis is a birth defect involving premature cranial sutures’ fusion with an increasing prevalence and unknown underlying causes in nearly 80% of cases. The current study investigates a series of high-risk factors associated with a non-syndromic craniosynostosis. Methods: Ninety-seven (97) children were included in the retrospective case-control study, 62 controls and 35 with craniosynostosis. A questionnaire with 143 questions was used in face-to-face interviews. After univariate analyses, stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis was implemented. Results: In craniosynostosis group, 3 out of 4 were male subjects and 2 out of 3 born with caesarian section. History for central nervous system abnormalities in their younger siblings, low birth weight, extended use of mobile phone from the parents and medications’ use differed significantly between craniosynostosis and control group. After adjustment for all factors, only maternal medication use (aOR 6,1 [2.1 – 19], CI 95%) and oral progesterone intake (aOR 4 [1.2 – 14], CI 95%) were significantly associated with an increased risk in craniosynostosis group. Conclusion: The maternal medications’ use and particular oral progesterone intake is associated with an increased risk for non-syndromic craniosynostosis. However, due to the study&apos;s limitations, further research is warranted. © 2022 The Author

Reaction of 4,5-Dichloro-1,2,3-dithiazolium Chloride with 2-(Phenylsulfonyl)acetonitrile

The reaction of 4,5-dichloro-1,2,3-dithiazolium chloride with 2-(phenylsulfonyl)acetonitrile (1 equiv) in the presence of pyridine (2 equiv) gave S-(3-chloro-5-cyanoisothiazol-4-yl)benzenesulfonothioate and (Z)-2-(4-chloro-5H-1,2,3-dithiazol-5-ylidene)-2-(phenylsulfonyl)acetonitrile in 19% and 23% yield, respectively. The compounds were fully characterized and the mechanistic rationale is proposed for the formation of the benzensulfonate

Reaction of 4,5-Dichloro-1,2,3-dithiazolium Chloride with 2-(Phenylsulfonyl)acetonitrile

The reaction of 4,5-dichloro-1,2,3-dithiazolium chloride with 2-(phenylsulfonyl)acetonitrile (1 equiv) in the presence of pyridine (2 equiv) gave S-(3-chloro-5-cyanoisothiazol-4-yl)benzenesulfonothioate and (Z)-2-(4-chloro-5H-1,2,3-dithiazol-5-ylidene)-2-(phenylsulfonyl)acetonitrile in 19% and 23% yield, respectively. The compounds were fully characterized and the mechanistic rationale is proposed for the formation of the benzensulfonate