Objetivo: As micobactérias não tuberculosas (MNT) pertencem a um grupo de mais de 140 espécies identificadas. São ubíquas no meio ambiente, chegando a contaminar humanos por exposição, lesão, inalação ou ingestão. Apresentam patogenicidade variada e podem causar de colonizações assintomáticas a infecções pulmonares ou extrapulmonares. Por muito tempo, foram negligenciadas na rotina de diagnóstico laboratorial, pois eram consideradas contaminantes. O objetivo deste trabalho é identificar os tipos de amostras clínicas enviadas ao laboratório, bem como avaliar os resultados das culturas para micobactérias e a identificação das espécies. Método: Os dados foram coletados do Laboratório de Micobactérias do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), de janeiro de 2018 a dezembro de 2022. As culturas foram realizadas no Laboratório de Micobactérias e os testes de identificação, na Fundação Ezequiel Dias. Foram excluídas culturas que contaminaram no teste de identificação. Conclusão: Foram realizadas culturas em 412 amostras clínicas, das quais 238 (57,78%) eram de escarro e 333 (80,83%) apresentaram crescimento de micobactéria. A estratificação do tipo de amostra em relação ao ano se encontra na Tabela 1. Foram realizados testes de identificação em 203 amostras, dos quais 66 (32,51%) correspondiam à identificação de MNT’s. Dessas últimas, houve predomínio das espécies Mycobacterium kansasii (19,7%), M. intracellulare (16,67%) e M. gordonae (16,67%). O levantamento das espécies divididas por ano está registrado na Tabela 2. Esses resultados demonstram diminuição na realização de culturas no primeiro ano da pandemia de Covid-19 (2020), com queda de 33% com relação à média dos dois últimos anos. Ademais, pode-se concluir que houve predominância de micobactérias potencialmente patogênicas. Referência: 1. Manual de recomendações para o diagnóstico laboratorial de tuberculose e micobactérias não tuberculosas de interesse em saúde pública no Brasil. Ministério da Saúde; 2022.

Animal models of alcohol (ethanol) self-administration are crucial to dissect the neurobiological mechanisms underlying alcohol dependence, yet only a few of these induce pharmacologically relevant levels of alcohol consumption and rarely the alcohol self-administration co-occurs with other addictive behaviours. The present study aims to validate a novel model of voluntary ethanol consumption in male Wistar rats, in which ethanol access follows a binge eating experience. Over 10 sessions, Wistar rats were exposed to binge or control eating (i.e., the ingestion of 11.66 and 0.97 kcal/3 min, respectively, derived from a highly palatable food), immediately followed by two-bottle choice intake tests (2%, 6%, 10% or 14% w/w ethanol vs. water). Rats exposed to binge eating drank significantly more 6% or 10% (w/w) ethanol than control peers, reaching up to 6.3 gEtOH /kg. Rats stimulated with 2%, 6%, 10% or 14% ethanol after binge eating, but not those given those ethanol concentrations after control eating, exhibited significant within-group increases in ethanol drinking. This ethanol consumption was not altered by quinine adulteration (up to 0.1 g/L), and it was blocked by naltrexone (10 mg/kg), administered immediately before binge eating. Blood ethanol levels significantly correlated with ethanol consumption; and the more ethanol consumed, the greater the distance travelled in an open field test conducted after the two-bottle choice test. Altogether, this self-administration model seems a valid and robust alternative with remarkable potential for research on different stages of the alcohol addiction and, particularly, to assess interactions between alcohol consumption and others addictive-like behaviours.

The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has increased due to the belief that they are healthier than tobacco cigarettes. E-cigarettes contain a metallic heating coil (composed of Ni, Cr, Al and other metals) to heat a solution (commonly called e-liquid) and convert it into an aerosol. This aerosol is inhaled (vaped) by the users who can be potentially exposed to a wide variety of metals. We investigated the possible transfer of metals from the coil to the e-liquid and the generated aerosol, and how the exposure to this aerosol can increase metal body burden in e-cigarette users. We recruited 75 e-cigarette users (50 who only vaped and 25 dual users who vaped and smoked) and 25 controls who neither vaped nor smoked. E-liquid samples before (dispenser e-liquid) and after (tank e-liquid) being added to their devices were collected. Aerosol samples were collected using a condensation method. All participants provided urine and hair samples. All samples were analyzed for metals by ICP-MS. We observed higher metal concentrations in the aerosol and tank e-liquid (in contact with the coil) compared to the dispenser e-liquid (before contact with the coil). The median concentrations for some of the metals with the most remarkable increases in aerosol and tank e-liquid vs. dispenser e-liquid were 36.90 and 62.73 vs. 18.29 μg/kg for Al; 6.71 and 28.97 vs. 0.98 μg/kg for Cr; 91.39 and 414.47 vs. 1.64 μg/kg for Ni; 738.99 and 744.24 vs. 16.56 μg/kg for Zn; and 10.17 and 22.31 vs. 0.88 μg/kg for Pb. We also found detectable and potentially high concentrations of other metals such as Mn, Cu, Sb and Sn. In urine, increases in the median levels (μg/g creatinine) in vapers/duals vs. controls were observed for some metals, including Cr (0.34/0.28 vs. 0.20), Cu (1.72/2.36 vs. 1.46), Sn (0.26/0.31 vs. 0.18) and Pb (0.39/0.44 vs. 0.22). In hair, there were no differences in metal concentrations among the three groups. In conclusion, e-cigarettes are likely a source of metals such as Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb or Sn. These metals come from the device, likely the heating resistance, as their concentrations were low in the dispenser e-liquid and higher in the aerosol and the e-liquid left in the tank. Although the exposure to e-cigarette aerosol can have an influence in the body burden of metals, aerosol metal levels were not clearly associated with metal levels in biological samples such as urine or hair in e-cigarette users in this study.

In spite of herbal teas having potential health benefits, the presence of metal contamination in these products has raised public health concerns. An analytical method for the determination of metallic elements (Hg, Pb, Cr and Cd), metalloids (As) and mineral compounds (Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) in herbal teas has been validated. Levels of these elements were determined in 220 samples of herbal teas purchased from supermarkets (which marketed own and leading brands), street herbal markets and herbal stores. In a further step, potential human health risks for the consumers were assessed. Cd in thyme and chamomile from some selling points exceeded the maximum permissible limit set by the WHO and the European Pharmacopoeia for herbal medicines or herbal drugs (also referred to as herbal teas). Regarding mineral elements, the highest Mn levels were found in red and green tea among all plant studied, in line with other studies. However, the estimated daily intake of metal/metalloid and mineral elements from the commercial herbal teas studied, considering the percentage of solubilization in infusions and the bioavailability of each compound, do not pose human health risks.

This study evaluated the association between pesticide exposure in farmworkers and plasma levels of the endogenous antioxidants urate and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) enzyme activities (paraoxonase, arylesterase and diazoxonase, three substrate-specific assays for measuring PON1 function) by using generalized estimating equations (GEEs). Decreases in plasma and erythrocyte cholinesterases (BChE and AChE, respectively) were used as biomarkers of pesticide exposure. We also assessed the contribution of genetic polymorphisms of the pesticide-metabolising enzymes PON1, glutathione S-transferases (GST) and cholinesterase variants (BCHE) on plasma levels of endogenous antioxidants and potential gene-environment interactions. A dual effect was observed on paraoxonase depending on the pattern of pesticide exposure. Thus, exposure to anticholinesterase pesticides was associated with decreased paraoxonase activity and urate levels whereas long-term pesticide exposure showed an association with increased paraoxonase activity. Significant interactions were observed between BChE activity and PON1 regulatory region polymorphisms on arylesterase and diazoxonase activities, and between AChE activity (a biomarker for long-term pesticide exposure) and PON1192RR genotype on arylesterase activity. These findings suggest that pesticide exposure may affect plasma antioxidant potential and that relevant gene-pesticide interactions may play a mechanistic role in oxidative stress-induced diseases following pesticide exposure. Nonetheless, more studies are needed to better characterise these interactions.

Fish and shellfish are an important source not only of toxic heavy metals, but also of essential elements in the diet. In this study, levels of Cu, Mn, Se and Zn have been determined in fresh, canned and frozen fish and shellfish products. A total of 485 samples of the 43 most frequently consumed fish and shellfish species in Andalusia (Southern Spain) were analyzed for essential elements content. The potential human health risks for the consumers and the nutritional value of the products analyzed were assessed. Furthermore, the mercury-selenium ratios and the selenium health benefit value (Se-HBVs) were calculated. The highest concentrations of Cu were found in crustaceans species (shrimp and prawn) as they have hemocyanin (a copper-containing protein) that functions as an oxygen–transport molecule. Mn levels were higher in canned bivalve molluscs, such as cockle and clam, and in fresh common sole. Concerning Se, two fresh predatory fish species (tuna and swordfish) presented the most remarkable concentrations of this element. The highest concentration of the essential metals analysed was found for Zn, especially in fresh and canned mussels. All the species analyzed showed beneficial Hg:Se ratios and Se-HBVs, except for the shark species (blue shark and cat shark) and gilt-head bream because of their high Hg levels and low Se content, respectively. Nevertheless, the biomagnification usually observed in hazardous metals such as Hg would not occur for the essential elements measured in predatory species. The estimated daily intakes of the elements studied represented very low percentages of their reference values, ranging from 0.1% (Se) to 3.9% (Cu) for person weighting 60 kg, so the intake of these elements through fish and shellfish would not pose any risk for the average consumer. Moreover, the contribution of fish and shellfish products to the recommended daily allowances and adequate intakes of these mineral elements ranges from 2.5% (Mn) to 25.4% (Se).

Previously we reported that intensive agriculture workers exposed to pesticides had decreased levels of the intraerythrocyte enzymes delta-9-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), very likely as a result of pesticide-induced oxidative stress. We have now examined in this population potential gene-environment interactions by modeling generalized estimating equations (GEE) adjusted for age, sex, body mass index and tobacco and alcohol consumption. Particularly, we assessed the interaction effects between plasma and erythrocyte cholinesterases (BChE and AChE, used as proxies for short- and long-term pesticide exposure, respectively) and a number of genetic polymorphisms of pesticide metabolizing enzymes such as paraoxonase-1 (PON1), glutathione-S-transferases (GST) and plasma cholinesterase variants (BCHE) on levels of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and ALA-D). We observed significant interaction effects between BChE activity and PON1(192R) allele on catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities. BChE also interacted significantly with GSM1 null genotype on ALA-D and SOD. Regarding long-term pesticide exposure, a significant interaction was found between AChE and genotypes PON1(192Q8) and PON1(108CC) on GR; between AChE and PON1(192RR) on SOD, and between AChE and GSTM1, GSTT1 and unusual BCHE variants on catalase activity. These findings suggest relevant gene-pesticide interactions and highlight the potential role of genetic risk factors in the pathomechanism of oxidative stress-induced degenerative diseases following pesticide exposure. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Although fish intake has potential health benefits, the presence of metal contamination in seafood has raised public health concerns. In this study, levels of mercury, cadmium, lead, tin and arsenic have been determined in fresh, canned and frozen fish and shellfish products and compared with the maximum levels currently in force. In a further step, potential human health risks for the consumers were assessed. A total of 485 samples of the 43 most frequently consumed fish and shellfish species in Andalusia (Southern Spain) were analyzed for their toxic elements content. High mercury concentrations were found in some predatory species (blue shark, cat shark, swordfish and tuna), although they were below the regulatory maximum levels. In the case of cadmium, bivalve mollusks such as canned clams and mussels presented higher concentrations than fish, but almost none of the samples analyzed exceeded the maximum levels. Lead concentrations were almost negligible with the exception of frozen common sole, which showed median levels above the legal limit. Tin levels in canned products were far below the maximum regulatory limit, indicating that no significant tin was transferred from the can. Arsenic concentrations were higher in crustaceans such as fresh and frozen shrimps. The risk assessment performed indicated that fish and shellfish products were safe for the average consumer, although a potential risk cannot be dismissed for regular or excessive consumers of particular fish species, such as tuna, swordfish, blue shark and cat shark (for mercury) and common sole (for lead).

ABSTRACTA simple, rapid and sensitive method has been developed and validated for the determination of cocaine and its main metabolites (benzoylecgonine and cocaethylene) in human hair. The method involved solid‐phase extraction with an Oasis HLB extraction cartridge and subsequent analysis by GC/MS. The limit of detection was 0.01 ng mg−1 for cocaine, 0.04 for benzoylecgonine and 0.03 for cocaethylene. The method validation included linearity (with a correlation coefficient >0.99 over the range 0.2–50 ng mg−1), intra‐ and inter‐day precision (always lower than 12%) and accuracy (mean relative error always below 17%) to meet the bioanalytical acceptance criteria. The procedure was further applied to 40 hair samples from self‐reported cocaine users arrested by the police who provided a positive urine‐analysis for cocaine, and was demonstrated to be suitable for its application in forensic toxicology. New approaches were raised to detect false‐negative results that allow a better interpretation of hair testing results. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Severe poisoning with ethylene glycol (EG), often used as antifreeze, is a rare but life-threatening event. We report a case of successful clinical recovery despite a lethal serum EG concentration after a massive EG intake concomitant with ethanol consumption. It illustrates the importance of a close monitoring of EG levels by a hospital pharmacist to ensure the appropriate delivery of aggressive supportive care and antidotal therapy.

Heavy metal contamination from occupational origin is a cause for concern because of its potential accumulation in the environment and in living organisms leading to long term toxic effects. This study was aimed to assess Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni and Pb levels in whole blood, urine, axillary hair and saliva from 178 individuals with occupational exposure to heavy metals. Levels of metal compounds were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. We collected information on occupation, lifestyle habits and food intake by questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analyses for metal ion concentration in whole blood, urine, axillary hair and saliva were adjusted for age, gender, smoking and alcohol consumption, lifetime workplace exposure, residence area and food habits. Overall, blood and urine median concentrations found for the five metals analyzed do not exceed biological exposure indexes, so that they are very similar to a non-occupationally exposed population. Toxicokinetic differences may account for the lack of correlations found for metal levels in hair and saliva with those in blood or urine. For those heavy metals showing higher median levels in blood with respect to hair (Cd, Mn and Pb) indicating lesser hair incorporation from blood, the lifetime working experience was inversely correlated with their hair levels. The longer the lifetime working experience in industrial environments, the higher the Mn and Ni concentration in saliva. Axillary hair and saliva may be used as additional and/or alternative samples to blood or urine for biomonitoring hair Mn, and saliva Ni in subjects with occupational exposure.

Background and aims. Exposure to pesticides which are metabolically activated in the liver may elicit subtle and early biochemical changes of hepatotoxicity. This study assessed whether long-term exposure to pesticides in occupational settings (intensive agriculture within plastic greenhouses) induces changes in liver function parameters. The interaction effect between exposure to pesticide compounds and polymorphisms in pesticide-metabolizing genes is also evaluated. Methods. A longitudinal study was conducted on a population of intensive agriculture workers from Andalusia (South Spain), during two periods of high and low-intensity levels of pesticide application. A structured questionnaire containing questions on sociodemographic and occupational characteristics was completed by workers. Blood samples were taken for the measurement of biomarkers of exposure (serum and erythrocyte cholinesterases), susceptibility (Paraxonase-1 – PON1-) and effect (liver biochemistry, including aspartate and alanine transaminases –AST and ALT, respectively-, cholestasis enzymes (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and alkaline phosphatase) and serum lipids –tryglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol). Interaction effects between cholinesterases and PON-1 polymorphisms on biological indicators of hepatotoxicity were performed by generalized estimating equations (GEE) models. Results. Short-term exposure to pesticides as measured by a reduction in serum cholinesterase was associated with decreased levels of liver parameters and serum lipids with the exception of HDL-cholesterol. By the contrast, cumulated exposure to pesticides (as reflected by reduced erythrocyte cholinesterase) was associated with increased levels of AST and alkaline phosphatise and increased levels of serum lipids (tryglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol) and reduced levels of HDL-cholesterol. PON1 polymorphisms significantly contributed to changes in ALT. A significant interaction effect was found between the PON1-192Q allele and erythrocyte cholinesterase on triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol levels. Conclusions. Pesticide exposure may induce a different profile of hepatotoxicity depending on the exposure (either short-or long-term). In the latter, pesticides exposure was associated with a proatherogenic lipid profile and this involved particularly the PON1-192Q allele.

Background and aims. Pesticide-induced oxidative stress may be a possible mechanism of toxicity involved in certain health effects. This study evaluates the potential involvement of pesticide exposure on oxidative damage by assessing levels of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes and serum uric acid in a population of workers occupationally exposed to pesticides. Methods. A longitudinal study was conducted on a population of intensive agriculture workers from Andalusia (South Spain), during two periods of high and low-intensity levels of pesticide application. A structured questionnaire containing questions on sociodemographic and occupational characteristics was completed by workers. Blood samples were taken for the measurement of biomarkers of exposure (serum and erythrocyte cholinesterases), susceptibility (Paraxonase-1 – PON1-) and effect (erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) and serum uric acid. Interaction effects between cholinesterases and PON-1 polymorphisms on biomarkers of oxidative stress were performed by generalized estimating equations (GEE) models. Results. Lower levels of serum cholinesterase (indicating short-term exposure to pesticides) were associated with decreased glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and uric acid and with raised catalase and glutathione peroxidase levels. By contrast, cumulated pesticide exposure, as measured by a reduced erythrocyte cholinesterase, was linked to a decreased catalase activity. PON1-192 genotype was associated with catalase and to a lesser extent with uric acid. A gene-environment interaction was found between PON1-192 polymorphism and short-term exposure to pesticides on antioxidant enzymes, because reduced serum cholinesterase was associated with glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and uric acid, especially in carriers of the PON1 102QR genotype. Conclusions. Pesticide exposure appears to induce oxidative stress particularly after short-term exposure. These results suggest an association between pesticide exposure and enzymatic antioxidant defenses in individuals with certain PON1 polymorphisms, raising the possibility of a genetic risk factor for developing certain oxidative stress-induced degenerative diseases upon exposure to pesticides.

The Ria of Huelva (south-west Spain) is a highly polluted estuary as a consequence of long-term mining and industrial activities. Between 2003 and 2004, we conducted a biomonitoring study of exposure to arsenic and some heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, copper and nickel) in urine samples of a representative sample (n = 227) of children and adolescents residing in this area, and of a reference group of 196 children and adolescents living in other less industrialised areas of Andalusia (south Spain). We also assessed the determinants of the variability in urinary metals within the population of the Ria of Huelva. There were no significant differences in the concentration of metal compounds between the two groups with the exception of Cd levels, which were significantly higher in the reference group. Levels of the five metal ions in both groups were generally within the range of values reported by other biomonitoring studies for general children population, although mean Cd levels tended to be higher as compared to other European studies. Among the population of the Ria of Huelva, the main determinants of the interindividual variation in urinary metals were age, sex, area of residence, and frequency of intake of certain food items (mainly fish and shellfish). Overall, results suggest that living in the Ria of Huelva is not increasing current levels of exposure to certain metals among children and adolescents above those found in other urban areas of Andalusia.