Search Results - (Author, Cooperation:G. Pagano)

2015-09-26

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

0036-8075

1095-9203

Biology

Chemistry and Pharmacology

Computer Science

Medicine

Natural Sciences in General

Physics

0027-5107

Elsevier Journal Backfiles on ScienceDirect 1907 - 2002

Biology

Medicine

Electronic Resource

0309-1651

Elsevier Journal Backfiles on ScienceDirect 1907 - 2002

Biology

Electronic Resource

0309-1651

Elsevier Journal Backfiles on ScienceDirect 1907 - 2002

Biology

Electronic Resource

1432-0703

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering

Medicine

Abstract Over the past years the functional deficiencies observed in the sea urchin Sphaerechinus granularis from the Bay of Brest (France) have led us to select several populations within this species to assess water quality in the Bay of Brest. The present study reports on the comparison of the quality of embryonic development and of the level of metal contamination in sea urchin gonads and gut wall in four populations. Three of them lived in the Bay of Brest, and the last one was considered a reference, being settled in the Glénan Archipelago in southern Brittany (France). The sea urchin population living at the mouth of the River Aulne, at the Armorique Point, seemed to be the most affected, for it displayed the highest rate of blockage and the longest delay in embryonic development along with the highest concentrations in heavy metals, i.e., Fe, Cu, Pb, Cd, and Hg, in the gut wall and in the gonads. A comparison with previous data highlighted a degradation of health conditions in the population living at Marloux in the vicinity of Brest harbor. The comparison of the metal levels detected in individuals from these two populations with the data reported in the literature allowed us to conclude for a local contamination of the bay waters by Fe and Hg. In addition, this study also revealed that Zn and Cd concentrations were sometimes higher than the maximum values reported in the literature and evidenced an increase of contamination by Cu and Pb over the period of study; it should be noted, however, that these values were not excess levels. Our investigations also suggest that Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu levels should be monitored in the future.

Electronic Resource

1432-0800

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering

Medicine

Electronic Resource

0165-7992

Elsevier Journal Backfiles on ScienceDirect 1907 - 2002

Biology

Medicine

Electronic Resource

0165-1161

Elsevier Journal Backfiles on ScienceDirect 1907 - 2002

Biology

Medicine

Electronic Resource

0165-1161

Elsevier Journal Backfiles on ScienceDirect 1907 - 2002

Biology

Medicine

Electronic Resource

0165-1161

Elsevier Journal Backfiles on ScienceDirect 1907 - 2002

Biology

Medicine

Electronic Resource

0165-1161

Elsevier Journal Backfiles on ScienceDirect 1907 - 2002

Biology

Medicine

Electronic Resource

1432-0703

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering

Medicine

Abstract The effluent from a bauxite plant was tested on sea urchin embryos and sperm for the induction of: a) developmental defects in effluent-exposed embryos; b) loss of fertilization success, and c) transmissible damage to the offspring of pretreated sperm. The chemical composition of the bauxite sludge was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Dose-related effects were observed at effluent dilutions ranging from 1:105 to 1:102 [equal to 1.5 to 1,500 μg (dry weight)/ml]. The effects were exerted on developmental toxicity, spermiotoxicity, and offspring malformations/mortality. Toxicity was exerted by sludge concentrations in the order of 1:103 (or 150 μg/ml). Chemical analysis of sludge pointed to the presence of several inorganics, with prevalence of aluminum, iron and chromium. In spite of the recognized difficulties in referring the effects of complex mixtures (bauxite sludge) to the toxicities of individual components, the results reported here are fairly consistent with those reported on the toxicities of the major sludge components. Based on the present data, uncontrolled disposal of bauxite sludge may be a major hazard(s) to the environment, involving early life stages and recruitment in aquatic biota.

Electronic Resource

1432-0703

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering

Medicine

Abstract. The toxicity of the effluent from an aluminum plant on Crassostrea gigas oyster embryogenesis (lethal effects) and larval growth (sublethal effects) was tested. Liquid and solid phases of the effluent were separately tested, and effects of mixing during exposure were also evaluated. The effluent was highly toxic, causing abnormal embryogenesis at 0.03 to 1 g l−1 and reduced growth at 0.01 to 0.3 g/l. The solid fraction was markedly more toxic than the liquid fraction. Mixing during exposure consistently increased both lethal and sublethal toxicity. Considering the trace metal content of the effluent, Hg is suspected to be primarily responsible for the toxicity, although synergistic effects of Al, Fe, and Cr cannot be discarded. Experimental evidence shows that bioavailable metal species were present not only in the liquid phase as soluble ions, but most importantly, bound to sediment particles. Based on the present data, uncontrolled disposal of aluminum plant effluent may be a major hazard to the environment, involving early life stages and recruitment in marine biota.

Electronic Resource

1432-0703

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering

Medicine

Abstract. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the toxicity of aluminum sulfate, ferric chloride and their 1:1 mixture (Mix) on early development, fertilization and offspring quality in three sea urchins species (Sphaerechinus granularis, Paracentrotus lividus, Psammechinus microtuberculatus) sperm underwent a dose-dependent decrease in fertilization success following exposure to Al(III), or Fe(III), or Mix at levels ranging from 10−8 to 10−5 M. A significant increase of developmental defects was observed in the offspring of S. granularis sperm exposed to micromolar levels of the agents, suggesting an Al(III)- and Fe(III)-related transmissible damage to sperm. The cytogenetic analysis of Al(III)-, Fe(III)-, or Mix-exposed S. granularis embryos showed a significant increase in mitotic aberrations. A relevant feature of the observed cytogenetic damage included scattered chromosomes, suggesting cytoskeleton damage. The LDCL emission in S. granularis and in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). The endpoints were the following: a) larval malformations; b) developmental arrest; c) embryonic mortality; d) fertilization success; e) cytogenetic effects, and f) luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (LDCL). Overall data point to the induction of developmental defects in both sea urchin and mussel embryos following exposure of embryos to Al(III) or Fe(III) (10−7 to 10−6 M), whereas Mix caused varied effects vs. Al(III) or Fe(III) alone, from scarce or no additive effects (M. galloprovincialis and P. lividus) to a dramatic rise in embryolethality even at nominal levels of 10−8 M (Ps. microtuberculatus). S. granularis embryos showed a dose-related inhibition by agent levels ranging from 10−7 to 10−5 M; this held true for both spontaneous and, to a larger extent, for horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-activated LDCL. LDCL associated with fertilization was affected by Al(III), Fe(III) and Mix, with a time- and dose-related shift from stimulation to inhibition. The changes observed in LDCL emission suggested that the observed damage to embryogenesis, fertilization and mitotic activity may be related, at least partly, to alterations of the embryo prooxidant state. The present data point to developmental, cytogenetic and biochemical changes related to realistic levels of Al(III), Fe(III) and their mixtures, raising concern as to their environmental, occupational and iatrogenic exposures.

Electronic Resource

1432-0703

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering

Medicine

Abstract The toxicity of the effluent from an aluminum plant on Crassostrea gigas oyster embryogenesis (lethal effects) and larval growth (sublethal effects) was tested. Liquid and solid phases of the effluent were separately tested, and effects of mixing during exposure were also evaluated. The effluent was highly toxic, causing abnormal embryogenesis at 0.03 to 1 g 1−1 and reduced growth at 0.01 to 0.3 g/l. The solid fraction was markedly more toxic than the liquid fraction. Mixing during exposure consistently increased both lethal and sublethal toxicity. Considering the trace metal content of the effluent, Hg is suspected to be primarily responsible for the toxicity, although synergistic effects of Al, Fe, and Cr cannot be discarded. Experimental evidence shows that bioavailable metal species were present not only in the liquid phase as soluble ions, but most importantly, bound to sediment particles. Based on the present data, uncontrolled disposal of aluminum plant effluent may be a major hazard to the environment, involving early life stages and recruitment in marine biota.

Electronic Resource

1432-0703

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering

Medicine

Abstract The present study was undertaken to evaluate the toxicity of aluminum sulfate, ferric chloride and their 1:1 mixture (Mix) on early development, fertilization and offspring quality in three sea urchins species (Sphaerechinus granularis, Paracentrotus lividus, Psammechinus microtuberculatus) and in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). The endpoints were the following: a) larval malformations; b) developmental arrest; c) embryonic mortality; d) fertilization success; e) cytogenetic effects, and f) luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (LDCL). Overall data point to the induction of developmental defects in both sea urchin and mussel embryos following exposure of embryos to Al(III) or Fe(III) (10−7 to 10−6 M), whereas Mix caused varied effects vs. Al(III) or Fe(III) alone, from scarce or no additive effects (M. galloprovincialis and P. lividus) to a dramatic rise in embryolethality even at nominal levels of 10−8 M (Ps. microtuberculatus). S. granularis sperm underwent a dose-dependent decrease in fertilization success following exposure to Al(III), or Fe(III), or Mix at levels ranging from 10−8 to 10−5 M. A significant increase of developmental defects was observed in the offspring of S. granularis sperm exposed to micromolar levels of the agents, suggesting an Al(III)- and Fe(III)-related transmissible damage to sperm. The cytogenetic analysis of Al(III)-, Fe(III)-, or Mix-exposed S. granularis embryos showed a significant increase in mitotic aberrations. A relevant feature of the observed cytogenetic damage included scattered chromosomes, suggesting cytoskeleton damage. The LDCL emission in S. granularis embryos showed a dose-related inhibition by agent levels ranging from 10−7 to 10−5 M; this held true for both spontaneous and, to a larger extent, for horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-activated LDCL. LDCL associated with fertilization was affected by Al(III), Fe(III) and Mix, with a time- and dose-related shift from stimulation to inhibition. The changes observed in LDCL emission suggested that the observed damage to embryogenesis, fertilization and mitotic activity may be related, at least partly, to alterations of the embryo prooxidant state. The present data point to developmental, cytogenetic and biochemical changes related to realistic levels of Al(III), Fe(III) and their mixtures, raising concern as to their environmental, occupational and iatrogenic exposures.

Electronic Resource

1432-0428

Renal clearance ; exercise ; glycated albumin ; non-glycated albumin

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

Summary The increase in urinary albumin excretion induced by acute exercise in Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients is associated with the urinary excretion of cationic proteins. To test whether the renal excretion of glycated albumin (more anionic than non-glycated albumin) is affected by exercise, we submitted seven normoalbuminuric (albumin excretion rate 〈 30 mg/24 h) Type 1 diabetic patients and six well-matched healthy subjects to an exercise test (600 kpm/min for 20 min) on a bicycle ergometer, preceded and followed by a 1-h resting period. The selectivity index (renal clearance of non-glycated/glycated albumin) was not significantly different among the pre-exercise, exercise and post-exercise periods, either in the normal subjects (1.01±0.03 vs 1.08±0.06 vs 1.08±0.05) or in the diabetic patients (1.25±0.09 vs 1.20±0.07 vs 1.20+-0.06), whereas it was significantly higher (p 〈 0.05) in diabetic patients compared to healthy subjects during pre-exercise. These results are not consistent with the hypothesis that acute exercise may induce a preferential excretion of glycated albumin.

Electronic Resource

1432-0428

Type 1 diabetes ; biguanides ; metformin ; insulin receptors ; insulin therapy ; artificial pancreas ; Biostator

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

Summary The effect of metformin on Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes has been assessed with the artificial pancreas. Fourteen Type 1 diabetic patients of normal body weight received in addition to their usual insulin therapy 850 mg metformin or placebo three times a day for 4–6 weeks. The sequence was placebo-metformin in eight patients and metformin-placebo in the other six. On the last day of metformin or placebo treatment, an artificial pancreas was used for about 36 h to assess insulin requirement. There was a 25.8% reduction in insulin requirement during metformin management despite slightly lower blood glucose levels (5.25±0.20 versus 5.98±0.18 mmol/l, P〈0.01). Maximum reduction (about 50%) occurred 2 h after both lunch and dinner. There was no nocturnal effect. A marked decrease in specific insulin binding before metformin was found (0.56 + 0.27% to 107 monocytes versus 2.82±0.75 of control subjects) and significant increase after metformin (1.36±0.36%, p〈0.05). There were no significant changes in blood lactate, total and HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and C-peptide levels. These results show that insulin receptor binding is diminished in Type 1 diabetes, perhaps as a consequence of higher peripheral blood insulin levels and that metformin can improve binding, and so reduce the amount of insulin needed to reach euglycaemia. The insulin sparing effect is greatest after meals, and interference with intestinal absorption of sugars may also be important. It follows that metformin could be usefully administered to Type 1 diabetic patients with unimpaired liver and renal function to reduce their insulin requirement.

Electronic Resource

1432-0428

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus ; albumin excretion rate ; offspring

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

Summary Familial clustering of diabetic nephropathy points to genetic susceptibility. The observation that in non-diabetic subjects microalbuminuria occurs more frequently in the presence of a parental history of diabetes supports this hypothesis. However, the role of inherited factors is poorly understood in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). This study investigated the albumin excretion rate in non-diabetic offspring of NIDDM patients with increased albumin excretion rate (〉20 Μg/min) or normal albumin excretion rate (〈20 Μg/min). We recruited 20 offspring of NIDDM patients with increased albumin excretion rate (A-off) and 20 offspring of NIDDM patients with normal albumin excretion rate (N-off), matched for age, sex, body mass index, blood pressure and estimated protein intake. All offspring were normotensive, had normal creatinine clearance, normal glucose tolerance and sterile urine collection. Albumin excretion rate was measured on three sterile overnight urine collections and median values were used for calculations. Albumin excretion rate was significantly higher in A-off than in N-off (7.7±1.2 vs 3.4±0.6 Μg/min p〈0.01) and significantly related to parents' albumin excretion rate (p〈0.01, r=0.53). These results suggest that an increased glomerular permeability is present in non-diabetic offspring of NIDDM patients with increased albumin excretion rate.

Electronic Resource

1432-0428

Key words Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus ; albumin excretion rate ; offspring.

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

Summary Familial clustering of diabetic nephropathy points to genetic susceptibility. The observation that in non-diabetic subjects microalbuminuria occurs more frequently in the presence of a parental history of diabetes supports this hypothesis. However, the role of inherited factors is poorly understood in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). This study investigated the albumin excretion rate in non-diabetic offspring of NIDDM patients with increased albumin excretion rate (〉 20 μg/min) or normal albumin excretion rate (〈 20 μg/min). We recruited 20 offspring of NIDDM patients with increased albumin excretion rate (A-off) and 20 offspring of NIDDM patients with normal albumin excretion rate (N-off), matched for age, sex, body mass index, blood pressure and estimated protein intake. All offspring were normotensive, had normal creatinine clearance, normal glucose tolerance and sterile urine collection. Albumin excretion rate was measured on three sterile overnight urine collections and median values were used for calculations. Albumin excretion rate was significantly higher in A-off than in N-off (7.7 ± 1.2 vs 3.4 ± 0.6 μg/min p 〈 0.01) and significantly related to parents' albumin excretion rate (p 〈 0.01, r = 0.53). These results suggest that an increased glomerular permeability is present in non-diabetic offspring of NIDDM patients with increased albumin excretion rate. [Diabetologia (1995) 38: 1218–1222]

Electronic Resource