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Biomedical subjects

G Pompa

Publications and source records attributed to G Pompa.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Neoformation of boldenone and related steroids in faeces of veal calves.

Conflicting findings regarding the boldenone content of bovine faeces suggest it may be synthesized de novo in emitted faeces. We tested this hypothesis by analysing uncontaminated urine, fresh and various forms of dried faeces from 10 calves (not given boldenone) by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry for 17alpha- and 17beta-boldenone (alpha and beta BOL); 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione (ADD); 4-androstene-3,17-dione (AED), testosterone (T) and epitestosterone (ET). Urine contained no alpha BOL, beta BOL or ADD. The analysed substances were variably present in the rectal faeces, and at generally higher levels in faeces scraped from skin or stall floor. In pooled rectal faeces naturally dried for 13 days, alpha BOL, ADD, AED and ET levels were extremely high (much higher than accounted for by increases due to drying), and beta BOL and T were absent. It is concluded that de novo synthesis of alpha BOL and metabolites occurs naturally in bovine faeces and only uncontaminated urine should be analysed for illegal boldenone.

Anabolic Agents↗

Immediate loading on single NobelDirect implant. Case report.

A problem associated with implant-prosthetic rehabilitation on single implant is the unscrewing or fracture of the connecting screw. In this study the authors evaluate clinical results of the immediate loading on single NobelDirect implant. This innovative implant introduced by NobelBiocare is a single-piece implant including fixture and abutment in a single piece of Titanium in order to eliminate the problem of unscrewing or fracture of the connecting screw.

Adult↗

Presence of residues in food of animal origin and related risk.

The risk related to the presence of residues in food of animal origin has to be carefully evaluated and it is important to distinguish between the residues of veterinary drugs and environmental contaminants. The first are easily monitored and only difficulty and occasionally exceed MRL concentrations, whereas the second ones can have prolonged and high level exposures. The Safety Margins of environmental contaminants are thus lower, and the risk increases for high level consumers. It is therefore important to ovoid transfer of pollutants to food of animal origin, especially when local contamination occur.

Animals↗

Aflatoxin B1 binding to sorbents in bovine ruminal fluid.

A recent approach to the problem of contamination of agricultural products by aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) is to add non-nutritional adsorbents to animal diets in order to sequester ingested aflatoxins. We conducted in vitro experiments to develop a rapid and cheap model using ruminal fluid to assess the ability of sorbent materials to bind AFB(1). Seven sorbents (hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate; clinoptilolite; zeolite; two types of bentonite; sepiolite; and PHIL 75), commonly added to bovine diets were incubated in water and ruminal fluid in the presence of AFB(1). Hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate, sepiolite and one of the bentonites bound 100% of the AFB(1) in the presence of both ruminal fluid and water; clinoptilolite bound about 80% of AFB(1) in both liquids; whereas the affinities for the mycotoxin of zeolite (50%) and the other sample of bentonite (60%) in water seem to be increased by about 40% in ruminal fluid incubations. PHIL 75 had the poorest binding ability: about 30% in water and 45% in ruminal fluid. In view of the differences in toxin binding in water and ruminal fluid, it is preferable to use the ruminal fluid model for the in vitro pre-screening of sorbent materials potentially useful as adjuvants to ruminant feeds.

Adsorption↗

Qualitative comparison of MR TSE T2 and HASTE in temporomandibular disorders. Clinical observations.

AIM: The aim of the study is to evaluate the quality of the temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) imaging in patients with lack of condyle-disk coordination with the Half-Fourier Acquisition Single Shot Turbo Spin Echo (HASTE), and compare it with the quality of TSE T2-weighted images. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients were selected (12 men and 15 women; age range 17-69 years) with medical history negative for facial trauma or surgery. The instrument used was a Siemens 1.5 Tesla with bilateral coil dedicated for studying both TMJs. TSE T2-weighted and HASTE images in the parasagittal axis with open and closed mouth were obtained for both joints. RESULTS: The quality of the TSE T2-weighted images was better for all parameters considered (both at open and at closed mouth) than the HASTE images; however, the latter method is considerably quicker. CONCLUSIONS: HASTE was found to be a valid method for use as rapid screening to study the TMJ and for use in patients who are unable to maintain an immobile position. Time and cost required for the examination are drastically reduced.

Adolescent↗

Evidence for false-positive results for boldenone testing of veal urine due to faecal cross-contamination during sampling.

European Directive 96/22/EC, which controls veterinary residues in animals, does not permit the presence of synthetic growth promoters in products of animal origin or in livestock. Boldenone is categorized in class A3 (growth promoters -- steroids) and is thus a banned substance. Testing of veal urine for banned substances is part of the European Union statutory programme for animals going into the food chain. In relation to this monitoring, three studies were conducted to investigate the apparent presence of the banned growth promoter boldenone in veal urine, which was suspected as being caused by interference from faecal contamination of the sample. In the first study, urine samples were collected at different times (time 0 and after 30 min) using (1) a conventional zoonotechnical apron and (2) a technique designed specifically to avoid faecal contamination ('kettle'). This resulted in samples that were, respectively, positive and negative for the presence of alpha-boldenone (alpha-BOL). In a second study, urine samples negative to alpha-BOL were collected from eight veal calves, but became positive after deliberate faecal contamination. In a third study, data obtained from the Italian RNP (Residual National Program) indicated that 18.1% of 3295 urine samples collected using the zootechnical apron were positive for alpha-BOL and 2.1% for beta-boldenone (beta-BOL), whilst of 902 samples collected using the kettle, beta-BOL was not detected in any samples and only 0.2% were positive to alpha-BOL, in concentrations lower than 2 ng ml(-1). These results further support the supposition that faecal contamination of the urine during sample collection can lead to false-positive results during boldenone analysis.

Animals↗

Evaluation of Fumonisin B(1) and its metabolites absorption and toxicity on intestinal cells line Caco-2.

The aim of the present paper is to investigate intestinal absorption and toxicity of Fumonisin B(1) (FB(1)) and its partially (PHFB(1) and PHFB(2)) and totally hydrolyzed (HFB(1)) metabolites, using the human intestinal cell line Caco-2, a very well known in vitro model of intestinal epithelium for absorption and metabolism studies. Caco-2 cells were treated for 48 h with several toxin concentrations (in the range of 1-138 microM). At the end of exposure period, no significant variation on cell viability has been observed with all chemicals tested, either in undifferentiated cells or in differentiated ones, suggesting a poor toxicity of these mycotoxins for intestinal cells. In any case, FB(1) appears the most active in this respect. For which concerns the cellular absorption, FB(1), PHFB(1) and PHFB(2) are never detected into Caco-2 cells. On the contrary, a dose-dependent absorption of HFB(1) has been observed in differentiated cells, which express enzymatic and metabolic characteristics of mature enterocytes. Thus HFB(1), losing the tricarballylic acid chain, is more bioavailable than FB(1) on intestinal cell, supporting the hypothesis that in risk evaluation of fumonisins exposure its metabolites are also relevant.

Biotransformation↗

Co-localization of multiple ErbB receptors in stratified epithelium of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

The expression of all four ErbB receptors was compared by immunohistochemistry, using receptor-specific polyclonal antisera, in 32 invasive, 11 in situ carcinomas, six benign lesions, and 22 samples of histologically normal mucosa adjacent to specimens of carcinoma originating from oral cavity epithelium. Among invasive and in situ carcinoma, EGFR expression was the most prevalent (in 29/32 and 8/11 cases, respectively) followed by ErbB2 (17/32 and 2/11) and ErbB4 (9/32 and 1/10), while ErbB3 was only detected in invasive tumours (12/32). Specific patterns included invasive tumours with expression of EGFR (8/32) or ErbB4 (1/32) alone, as well as different receptor combinations (EGFR+ErbB2, EGFR+ErbB4, EGFR+ErbB2+ErbB3, EGFR+ErbB2+ErbB4, and all four receptors). Simultaneous expression of three or four ErbB receptors correlated with tumour invasion (p=2.2x10(-4)) and localized in the intermediate epithelial cell layer of well and moderately differentiated tumours. No other significant correlation with clinico-pathological features was noticed. Some benign lesions and histologically normal mucosa adjacent to carcinomas showed weak immunostaining of EGFR (10/28), ErbB2 (4/28) or ErbB4 (3/28). By comparison, overexpression, as indicated by increased staining intensity, was observed in invasive tumours for EGFR (18/32), ErbB2 (8/32), ErbB4 (3/32), and ErbB3 (3/32). Statistical evaluation demonstrated a significant association of EGFR or ErbB2 overexpression with invasive carcinoma when compared with benign lesions and apparently normal epithelium (p=5.2x10(-7) and p=5x10(-3), respectively). Tumour-specific overexpression of ErbB receptors and their co-expression, most frequently involving EGFR and ErbB2, in the same cell layer of neoplastic epithelium, implicate receptor heterodimers in the pathogenesis of oral squamous carcinoma.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

Fumonisin B1 metabolism by bovine liver microsomes.

Only limited and contrasting information is available about the metabolic fate in cattle of fumonisin B1, a mycotoxin produced by moulds of Fusarium. This study was carried out to evaluate the hepatic metabolism of fumonisin B1 by bovine liver microsomes. No biodegradation or metabolization of the mycotoxin by liver microsomes was detectable after incubating fumonisin B1 with bovine microsomes in the presence of a regenerating system for 1 h. No aminopolyol 1, aminopolyol 2 or aminopentol, metabolites of fumonisin B1, were detected in any of the incubated samples. The tolerance of ruminants to fumonisin B1 is apparently not dependent on its detoxification in the rumen.

Animals↗

Fumonisin B1 carry-over into milk in the isolated perfused bovine udder.

The mycotoxin fumonisin B1 (FB1) causes a variety of health problems in animals, while epidemiological evidence suggests it is linked to human esophageal cancer. We investigated the carry-over of FB1 into bovine milk using the isolated perfused bovine udder. Two mg of FB1 was injected into the perfusion blood of 3 udders, and milk and perfused serum levels were determined for 150 min. FB1 passed through the mammary barrier into the milk, but in such low concentrations as to present a negligible risk for consumers.

Animals↗

In vitro metabolism of fumonisin B1 by ruminal microflora.

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium moniliforme and F. proliferatum. Little is known of its metabolic fate after oral ingestion in ruminants, but these animals are reported to be tolerant towards FB1. The metabolism of this mycotoxin was evaluated following incubation (1 microg/ml) in ruminal fluid for up to 72 h, in the presence or absence of alfalfa as a substrate for microbial growth, using a model rumen (sealed flask, anaerobic conditions, exclusion of light, gentle agitation, 39 degrees C). The decrease in FB1 concentration and the production of short-chain fatty acids were determined. FB1 had no effect on SCFA production. After 72 h incubation, FB1 depletion was 12% and 18% in samples with and without alfalfa, respectively. No hydrolysed metabolites (aminopolyols or aminopentol) were detected. These results indicate that FB1 is poorly metabolized in the rumen and suggest that such metabolism is not the cause of the tolerance to this toxin displayed by ruminants.

Animals↗

Hydrocortisone levels in the urine and blood of horses treated with ACTH.

An investigation was undertaken to demonstrate whether therapeutic treatment with ACTH raises hydrocortisone (cortisol) levels in horse urine above the limit (1000 ng/ml) established by the International Conference of Racing Authorities with the aim of controlling the abuse of cortisol and ACTH in equine sports. ACTH (200 iu) was administered i.m. to 3 Thoroughbred horses; urine and blood samples were collected at intervals afterwards and analysed by an immunoenzymatic system (ELISA) and HPLC-MS. To ascertain post exercise cortisol levels in untreated horses, 101 urine and 103 serum samples were taken from horses immediately after racing and analysed by ELISA. The peak urine level of cortisol, detected 8 h after ACTH administration, was around 600 ng/ml using either ELISA or HPLC-MS. The peak serum cortisol concentration was found to be around 250 ng/ml by ELISA, but consistently less by HPLC-MS. Mean cortisol levels in post race horses were 135.1+/-72.1 ng/ml in urine and 90.1+/-41.7 ng/ml in serum. High levels of the metabolite 20beta-dihydrocortisol in urine and the cortisol precursor 11beta-desoxycortisol in serum were found. The latter showed high cross-reactivity with cortisol on ELISA. In our experiment, treatment with ACTH 200 iu i.m. did not raise urinary cortisol levels above the 1000 ng/ml threshold proposed by the ICRA.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

[Failures and surgical complications in oral implants. Follow-up of 327 osseointegrated implants].

AIM: The study analyses the short- and long-term clinical results in 112 patients with total or partial edentulia of the jaw undergoing oral implantology in order to assess the type of surgical complications. METHODS: A total of 327 implants were inserted with an internal hexagonal screw, a diameter of between 3.25 and 5.5 mm and between 11 and 15 mm long. Each patient received three types of implant: overdentures, bridges supported by implants alone and bridges supported by implants and natural teeth. RESULTS: In line with other data reported in the literature, the failure rate at 7 years was 3%. CONCLUSIONS: After a general discussion of the possible surgical complications arising during implantology, the authors describe and analyse all the surgical complications that occurred in this series, regarding both implants alone, bridges supported by implants and natural teeth.

Adult↗

Detection of beta 2-agonists in milk replacer.

beta 2-Agonist drugs may be illegally used as growth promoters for feedlot calves, when mixed into milk replacer immediately before feeding. To check for the presence of clenbuterol, salbutamol and terbutaline in such food, an analytical system was established using a screening method based on two commercial qualitative competitive ELISA tests, with antibodies raised against the arylamino group and the t-butyl group. The extraction procedure was based on precipitation of the milk samples with acetonitrile followed by filtration. The absence of any significant interference by other substances in the filtrate allowed detection of beta 2-agonist drugs in spiked samples at the lowest concentration having a repartitioning effect (50 ppb for clenbuterol, mabuterol and terbutaline, 500 ppb for salbutamol). In view of a false positive response with tetracycline in milk samples and a cross-reaction between clenbuterol and mabuterol, an HPLC-MS technique was developed which, after extraction and purification of the samples with SPE C18 Polar Plus, was able to confirm the presence of these drugs. The good recovery after extraction (ranging from 84% to 90.2%) and the low detection limit with this method (250 ng/ml for clenbuterol, mabuterol and terbutaline, and 2.5 micrograms/ml for salbutamol) allowed easy confirmation and simultaneous detection of the four beta 2-agonists at the lowest concentrations at which they are used in adulterated milk for calves.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Transfer of lindane and pentachlorobenzene from mother to newborn rabbits.

After administration of gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (lindane) (30 mg/kg) to sixteen pregnant rabbits, the transfer and distribution of this insecticide and its metabolite pentachlorobenzene, in foetuses and newborns at the 5th, 10th and 20th days after birth, were investigated. Over one lactation the mothers excreted via the milk about 30% of the lindane present in tissues at the 28th day of pregnancy. The total amount of lindane transferred via milk to 5 day-old newborns was higher than that transferred across the placenta during pregnancy. Lindane concentrations in newborns decreased in spite of the efficient transfer to off-spring by lactating mothers. This cannot be explained by growth alone and indicates that newborns are able to actively metabolize the insecticide. The pentachlorobenzene metabolite produced after lindane administration to the mothers crossed the placental barrier with difficulty during pregnancy, but was readily transferred to off-spring via milk. Pentachlorobenzene levels in neonates increased during lactation by transfer and also as a consequence of endogenous production. At the 20th day of lactation the pentachlorobenzene concentration in maternal and foetal tissues was higher than that of lindane.

Animals↗

Prolonged presence of isoxsuprine in equine serum after oral administration.

1. Isoxsuprine [1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(1-methyl-2-phenoxyethylamino)-1- propanol] serum concentrations after single- and multiple-dose administration to horse were investigated using immunoenzymatic ELISA, HPLC-UV and thermospray HPLC-MS methods. 2. Using HPLC-MS, isoxsuprine was detected up to 72 h after a single administration (1.2 mg/kg by gastric probe) and up to 96 h after the end of serial administration (1.2 mg/kg every 12 h for 7 days). 3. ELISA detected the drug up to 96 h after a single dose and up to 6 days after the end of prolonged administration. 4. Isoxsuprine is present in horse serum almost totally in conjugated form very likely as glucuronide. 5. It is concluded the administration of this drug must be suspended much earlier than previously presumed if race horse antidoping tests for the drug are to be negative.

Administration, Oral↗