PM Extracts Induce INFγ-Independent Activation of CIITA, MHCII, and Increases Inflammation in Human Bronchial Epithelium.

The capacity of particulate matter (PM) to enhance and stimulate the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators has been previously demonstrated in non-antigen-presenting cells (human bronchial epithelia). Nonetheless, many proposed mechanisms for this are extrapolated from known canonical molecular pathways. This work evaluates a possible mechanism for inflammatory exacerbation after exposure to PM (from Puerto Rico) and CuSO, using human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) as a model.

Distribution of toxic metals and relative toxicity of airborne PM in Puerto Rico.

The exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) and its constituents is an important factor to be considered when evaluating their potential health risk. Transition metals found in PM are known to contribute significantly to the exacerbation of respiratory ailments. Exposure to these constituents results in the induction of oxidative stress in the bronchial epithelium, thus promoting the secretion of inflammatory mediators.

Assessment of the clinical utility of pharmacogenetic guidance in a comprehensive medication management service.

Introduction: Pharmacists are poised to be the health care professionals best suited to provide medication-related consults and services based on a patient's genetics. Despite its potential benefits, the implementation of pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing into primary clinical settings has been slow among medically underserved populations. To our knowledge, this is the first time that PGx-driven recommendations have been incorporated into a Comprehensive Medication Management (CMM) service in a Hispanic population.

Toxic Metals Depuration Profiles from a Population Adjacent to a Military Target Range (Vieques) and Main Island Puerto Rico.

: The island of Vieques (a municipality of Puerto Rico) was used as a military practice range by the US Navy for more than 60 years. Many studies have reported the presence of toxic metals in soil samples taken from Vieques. The bombing range is only 18 km upwind from the Vieques residential area and inhalable resuspended particles resulting from bombing are known to reach the populated area.

The impact of polar fraction of the fine particulate matter on redox responses in different rat tissues.

Particulate matter (PM) contains different chemical substances that have been associated with health effects and an increased risk of mortality due to their toxicity. In this study, fine particulate matter (PM) samples were collected in a region with rural characteristics (Seropédica (Se)) and another with some industries (Duque de Caxias (DC)) (Brazil, RJ). Rats were exposed to PM extracts daily for 25 days at different dilutions: 10×, 5×, and a concentrated solution (CS).

Rethinking the Dental Amalgam Dilemma: An Integrated Toxicological Approach.

Mercury (Hg) has been identified as one of the most toxic nonradioactive materials known to man. Although mercury is a naturally occurring element, anthropogenic mercury is now a major worldwide concern and is an international priority toxic pollutant. It also comprises one of the primary constituents of dental amalgam fillings.

A comparative pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of two novel Cuban PEGylated rHuEPO MIRCERA and iorEPOCIM.

Context: The recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) stimulates the erythropoiesis process. Because this glycoprotein has a short half-life, it needs to be administrated two to three times a week. One of the technics to solve this issue is the PEGgilation.

Selective ATP-Binding Cassette Subfamily C Gene Expression and Proinflammatory Mediators Released by BEAS-2B after PM, Budesonide, and Cotreated Exposures.

ATP-binding cassette subfamily C (ABCC) genes code for phase III metabolism proteins that translocate xenobiotic (e.g., particulate matter 2.

A case-control study of innate immunity pathway gene polymorphisms in Puerto Ricans reveals association of toll-like receptor 2 +596 variant with asthma.

Background: For many years, African Dust Storms (ADE) has been thought to be associated with high prevalence of asthma in Puerto Rico (PR). Endotoxins (ENX) have been associated with ADE particulate matter (PM) and are known to promote pro-inflammatory responses in lung cells of susceptible individuals through the Toll-like receptor (TLR2/4) signaling pathways. Genetic variants are plausible contributors to such susceptibility.

Biodiesel from soybean promotes cell proliferation in vitro.

Toxicological responses of exhaust emissions of biodiesel are different due to variation in methods of generation and the tested biological models. A chemical profile was generated using ICP-MS and GC-MS for the biodiesel samples obtained in Brazil. A cytotoxicity assay and cytokine secretion experiments were evaluated in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B).

Linking Endotoxins, African Dust PM10 and Asthma in an Urban and Rural Environment of Puerto Rico.

African Dust Events (ADE) are a seasonal phenomenon that has been suggested to exacerbate respiratory and proinflammatory diseases in Puerto Rico (PR). Increases in PM10 concentration and the effects of biological endotoxins (ENX) are critical factors to consider during these storms. ENX promote proinflammatory responses in lungs of susceptible individuals through activation of the Toll-like receptors (TLR2/4) signaling pathways.

Organic extracts from African dust storms stimulate oxidative stress and induce inflammatory responses in human lung cells through Nrf2 but not NF-κB.

The health impact of the global African dust event (ADE) phenomenon in the Caribbean has been vaguely investigated. Heavy metals in ADE and non-ADE extracts were evaluated for the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant capacity by cells using, deferoxamine mesylate (DF) and N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC). Results show that ADE particulate matter 2.

Particle pollution in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: increase and decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 in human lung cells.

Particle pollution from urban and industrialized regions in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil was analyzed for toxic and pro-inflammatory (cytokines: IL-6, IL-8, IL-10) responses in human bronchial epithelial cells. Trace elements contribution was studied. Airborne particulate matter was collected at: three industrial sites Ind-1 (PM10) and Ind-2a and 2b (PM2.

African Dust Storms Reaching Puerto Rican Coast Stimulate the Secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 and Cause Cytotoxicity to Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells (BEAS-2B).

African dust storm events (ADE) travel across the Atlantic Ocean (ADEAO) and reach the Puerto Rican coast (ADEPRC), potentially impacting air quality and human health. To what extent seasonal variations in atmospheric particulate matter (PM) size fractions, composition and sources trigger respiratory-adverse effects to Puerto Ricans is still unclear. In the present study, we investigated the pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects of PM samples harvested during ADEAO (PM), ADEPRC (PM and PM) and Non-ADE (Preand Post-ADEAO and Non-ADEPRC), using BEAS-2B cells.

Urinary phthalate metabolite associations with biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress across pregnancy in Puerto Rico.

Phthalate exposure during pregnancy has been linked to adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth, and inflammation and oxidative stress may mediate these relationships. In a prospective cohort study of pregnant women recruited early in gestation in Northern Puerto Rico, we investigated the associations between urinary phthalate metabolites and biomarkers of inflammation, including C-reactive protein, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α, and oxidative stress, including 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (OHdG) and 8-isoprostane. Inflammation biomarkers were measured in plasma twice during pregnancy (N = 215 measurements, N = 120 subjects), and oxidative stress biomarkers in urine were measured three times (N = 148 measurements, N = 54 subjects) per woman.

Urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations among pregnant women in Northern Puerto Rico: distribution, temporal variability, and predictors.

Background: Phthalate contamination exists in the North Coast karst aquifer system in Puerto Rico. In light of potential health impacts associated with phthalate exposure, targeted action for elimination of exposure sources may be warranted, especially for sensitive populations such as pregnant women. However, information on exposure to phthalates from a variety of sources in Puerto Rico is lacking.

Distribution, variability, and predictors of urinary concentrations of phenols and parabens among pregnant women in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico has higher rates of a range of endocrine-related diseases and disorders compared to the United States. However, little is known to date about human exposures to known or potential endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in Puerto Rico. We recruited 105 pregnant women in Northern Puerto Rico who provided urine samples and questionnaire data at three times (18 ± 2, 22 ± 2, and 26 ± 2 weeks) during gestation.

Evaluation of cytokine expression in BEAS cells exposed to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from specialized indoor environments.

Fine particles were collected in three indoor environments and an outdoor reference site. Samples were acid and aqueous extracted for metal analyses and cytokine expression study using a BEAS-2B line. Results revealed that the average PM(2.

Use of human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) to study immunological markers resulting from exposure to PM(2.5) organic extract from Puerto Rico.

Fine particulate air pollutants, mainly their organic fraction, have been demonstrated to be associated with cardiovascular and respiratory health problems. Puerto Rico has been reported to have the highest prevalence of pulmonary diseases (e.g.

A pilot study to determine mercury exposure through vapor and bound to PM10 in a dental school environment.

Mercury (Hg) is widely used in the dental working environment, exposing dental practitioners and assistants to potentially toxic Hg vapors. Concentrations of Hg in vapor and in particulate matter (PM10) were measured in the Dental Simulation Laboratory (DSL) and in the Dental Clinic (DC) at the School of Dentistry, University of Puerto Rico. PM10 samples were collected over a 36-h period and Hg vapor was collected for eight-hour periods.

Concentrations of Ni and V, other heavy metals, arsenic, elemental and organic carbon in atmospheric fine particles (PM2.5) from Puerto Rico.

Fine atmospheric particulate PM2.5 (particles with diameters of < 2.5 microm) were sampled in an urban industrialized area--Guaynabo, Puerto Rico (Figure 1)--and in a reference less polluted site Fajardo, Puerto Rico--and analyzed for trace metals, and inorganic and organic elemental carbon.

High pressure liquid chormatography determination of the concentration and integrity of L-thyroxine in free T4 stock solution.

Characterization studies were designed to evaluate the concentration and integrity of the L-thyroxine (T4) molecule (3,5,3',5'-tetraiodothyronine) in the free T4 stock solution (FT4SS) (code 99544). The determination of the concentration of T4 in FT4SS is critical to ensure that the free T4 calibrators and controls are manufactured with the least number of adjustments possible. The most significant conclusions drawn from these characterization studies are the following: (1) An accurate and sensitive HPLC method has been developed to measure the T4 concentration in FT4SS.

Effect of three extraction techniques on submitochondrial particle and Microtox bioassays for airborne particulate matter.

The effect that three extraction techniques (e.g., Soxhlet, ultrasound and microwave-assisted extraction) have on the toxicity, as measured by submitochondrial particle (SMP) and Microtox assays, of organic extracts was compared from three sources of airborne particulate matter (APM).