Seasonality and forest edge as drivers of Tradescantia zebrina Hort. ex Bosse invasion in the Atlantic Forest / Sazonalidade e efeito de borda florestal como direcionadores da invasão de Tradescantia zebrina Hort. ex Bosse na Mata Atlântica

As a result of biodiversity and ecosystem service losses associated with biological invasions, there has been growing interest in basic and applied research on invasive species aiming to improve management strategies. Tradescantia zebrina is a herbaceous species increasingly reported as invasive in the understory of disturbed forest ecosystems. In this study, we assess the effect of spatial and seasonal variation on biological attributes of this species in the Atlantic Forest. To this end, we measured attributes of T. zebrina associated with plant growth and stress in the four seasons at the forest edge and in the forest interior of invaded sites in the Iguaçu National Park, Southern Brazil. The invasive plant had higher growth at the forest edge than in the forest interior and lower leaf asymmetry and herbivory in the winter than in the summer. Our findings suggest that the forest edge environment favours the growth of T. zebrina. This invasive species is highly competitive in the understory of semi-deciduous seasonal forests all over the year. Our study contributes to the management of T. zebrina by showing that the summer is the best season for controlling this species.

As perdas de biodiversidade e os seus serviços ecossistêmicos ocasionadas pelas invasões biológicas, têm despertado o interesse em pesquisas básicas e aplicadas sobre as espécies invasoras com o objetivo de buscar estratégias de manejo. Tradescantia zebrina é uma das herbáceas crescentemente relatadas como uma invasora no sub-bosque florestal de ecossistemas impactados. Neste estudo, nós estudamos o efeito da variação espacial e sazonal sobre atributos biológicos desta espécie na Floresta Atlântica. Assim, nós mensuramos atributos de T. zebrina associados com o crescimento vegetal e o estresse nas quatro estações do ano em borda e interior da floresta de locais invadidos no Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, Sul do Brasil. A planta invasora apresentou maior crescimento na borda florestal do que no interior. Adicionalmente, assimetria foliar e herbivoria obtidos no inverno foram menores quando comparados ao verão. Nossos achados sugerem que os ambientes de borda florestal favorecem o crescimento de T. zebrina. Esta espécie invasora é altamente competitiva no sub-bosque da Floresta Estacional Semidecídua durante o ano todo. Nosso estudo contribui com o manejo de T. zebrina mostrando que o verão é a melhor estação para o controle desta espécie.

Seasonality and forest edge as drivers of Tradescantia zebrina Hort. ex Bosse invasion in the Atlantic Forest

Abstract As a result of biodiversity and ecosystem service losses associated with biological invasions, there has been growing interest in basic and applied research on invasive species aiming to improve management strategies. Tradescantia zebrina is a herbaceous species increasingly reported as invasive in the understory of disturbed forest ecosystems. In this study, we assess the effect of spatial and seasonal variation on biological attributes of this species in the Atlantic Forest. To this end, we measured attributes of T. zebrina associated with plant growth and stress in the four seasons at the forest edge and in the forest interior of invaded sites in the Iguaçu National Park, Southern Brazil. The invasive plant had higher growth at the forest edge than in the forest interior and lower leaf asymmetry and herbivory in the winter than in the summer. Our findings suggest that the forest edge environment favours the growth of T. zebrina. This invasive species is highly competitive in the understory of semi-deciduous seasonal forests all over the year. Our study contributes to the management of T. zebrina by showing that the summer is the best season for controlling this species.

Resumo As perdas de biodiversidade e os seus serviços ecossistêmicos ocasionadas pelas invasões biológicas, têm despertado o interesse em pesquisas básicas e aplicadas sobre as espécies invasoras com o objetivo de buscar estratégias de manejo. Tradescantia zebrina é uma das herbáceas crescentemente relatadas como uma invasora no sub-bosque florestal de ecossistemas impactados. Neste estudo, nós estudamos o efeito da variação espacial e sazonal sobre atributos biológicos desta espécie na Floresta Atlântica. Assim, nós mensuramos atributos de T. zebrina associados com o crescimento vegetal e o estresse nas quatro estações do ano em borda e interior da floresta de locais invadidos no Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, Sul do Brasil. A planta invasora apresentou maior crescimento na borda florestal do que no interior. Adicionalmente, assimetria foliar e herbivoria obtidos no inverno foram menores quando comparados ao verão. Nossos achados sugerem que os ambientes de borda florestal favorecem o crescimento de T. zebrina. Esta espécie invasora é altamente competitiva no sub-bosque da Floresta Estacional Semidecídua durante o ano todo. Nosso estudo contribui com o manejo de T. zebrina mostrando que o verão é a melhor estação para o controle desta espécie.

Seasonality and forest edge as drivers of Tradescantia zebrina Hort. ex Bosse invasion in the Atlantic Forest / Sazonalidade e efeito de borda florestal como direcionadores da invasão de Tradescantia zebrina Hort. ex Bosse na Mata Atlântica

As a result of biodiversity and ecosystem service losses associated with biological invasions, there has been growing interest in basic and applied research on invasive species aiming to improve management strategies. Tradescantia zebrine is a herbaceous species increasingly reported as invasive in the understory of disturbed forest ecosystems. In this study, we assess the effect of spatial and seasonal variation on biological attributes of this species in the Atlantic Forest. To this end, we measured attributes of T. zebrina associated with plant growth and stress in the four seasons at the forest edge and in the forest interior of invaded sites in the Iguaçu National Park, Southern Brazil. The invasive plant had higher growth at the forest edge than in the forest interior and lower leaf asymmetry and herbivory in the winter than in the summer. Our findings suggest that the forest edge environment favours the growth of T. zebrina. This invasive species is highly competitive in the understory of semi-deciduous seasonal forests all over the year. Our study contributes to the management of T. zebrina by showing that the summer is the best season for controlling this species.

As perdas de biodiversidade e os seus serviços ecossistêmicos ocasionadas pelas invasões biológicas, têm despertado o interesse em pesquisas básicas e aplicadas sobre as espécies invasoras com o objetivo de buscar estratégias de manejo. Tradescantia zebrina é uma das herbáceas crescentemente relatadas como uma invasora no sub-bosque florestal de ecossistemas impactados. Neste estudo, nós estudamos o efeito da variação espacial e sazonal sobre atributos biológicos desta espécie na Floresta Atlântica. Assim, nós mensuramos atributos de T. zebrina associados com o crescimento vegetal e o estresse nas quatro estações do ano em borda e interior da floresta de locais invadidos no Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, Sul do Brasil. A planta invasora apresentou maior crescimento na borda florestal do que no interior. Adicionalmente, assimetria foliar e herbivoria obtidos no inverno foram menores quando comparados ao verão. Nossos achados sugerem que os ambientes de borda florestal favorecem o crescimento de T. zebrina. Esta espécie invasora é altamente competitiva no sub-bosque da Floresta Estacional Semidecídua durante o ano todo. Nosso estudo contribui com o manejo de T. zebrina mostrando que o verão é a melhor estação para o controle desta espécie.

Seasonality and forest edge as drivers of Tradescantia zebrina Hort. ex Bosse invasion in the Atlantic Forest.

As a result of biodiversity and ecosystem service losses associated with biological invasions, there has been growing interest in basic and applied research on invasive species aiming to improve management strategies. Tradescantia zebrina is a herbaceous species increasingly reported as invasive in the understory of disturbed forest ecosystems. In this study, we assess the effect of spatial and seasonal variation on biological attributes of this species in the Atlantic Forest. To this end, we measured attributes of T. zebrina associated with plant growth and stress in the four seasons at the forest edge and in the forest interior of invaded sites in the Iguaçu National Park, Southern Brazil. The invasive plant had higher growth at the forest edge than in the forest interior and lower leaf asymmetry and herbivory in the winter than in the summer. Our findings suggest that the forest edge environment favours the growth of T. zebrina. This invasive species is highly competitive in the understory of semi-deciduous seasonal forests all over the year. Our study contributes to the management of T. zebrina by showing that the summer is the best season for controlling this species.

Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities Rely on Somatosensory Information Rather Than Visual Information to Catch a Ball.

According to the literature, persons with intellectual disabilities have poor motor control in tasks in which motor anticipation is needed. Our study aimed to assess their motor behavior during interceptive tasks (a tennis ball interception with external-and-oneself throw conditions). A stick-bar was used as a reference or to support cloth to occlude a ball's trajectory. Catch performance and interceptive behavior were analyzed (26 persons). The results show that high/low values of the initial approaching movement led to successful/successful catches, respectively. Our results are in line with the literature about the impact of poor motor control on performance in those with intellectual disabilities. We suggest that low anticipation may relate to problems in real-life situations.

Delinted cottonseed in diets for finishing sheep.

The use of agricultural by-products might provide an important alternative to improve animal agriculture and to reduce feeding costs. The effects of inclusion in the diet of four levels of delinted cottonseed (0, 80, 160, and 240 g/kg) on intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, blood parameters, and the ingestive behaviour of confined sheep were studied. Twenty-four mixed-breed rams with an average body weight of 27.6 ± 2.9 kg were used in a completely randomised design with four treatments. The addition of delinted cottonseed (DCS) did not alter (P > 0.05) the intake of dry matter, crude protein, organic matter, neutral detergent fibre, or ether extract in the two forms calculated (g/day and % body weight). The use of different levels of DCS in sheep feed did not influence (P > 0.05) the voluntary water intake. The dietary DCS levels linearly affected (P < 0.05) the digestibility coefficients of the dry matter (DM), organic matter, neutral detergent fibre, ether extract, and non-fibrous carbohydrates. The DCS inclusion levels did not affect the nitrogen balance (P = 0.22), plasma concentrations of urea (P = 0.51), and glucose (P = 0.17).The feeding efficiency and rumination in g DM/h reduced linearly (P < 0.05) with the addition of DCS in the diet. Therefore, the addition of delinted cottonseed affects the intake, digestibility, and ingestive behaviour of confined sheep, and the addition of up to 80 g/kg delinted cottonseed in the diet of confined sheep is recommended.

Effectiveness and safety of foam sclerotherapy with 5% ethanolamine oleate in the treatment of low-flow venous malformations in the head and neck region: a case series.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of 5% ethanolamine oleate (EO) foam in the treatment of low-flow venous malformations in the head and neck region. Seventeen consecutive patients (six male, 11 female) and 34 low-flow venous malformations were enrolled. The vascular anomalies ranged between 20mm and 80mm in size. The typical clinical indication was a swelling (88.2%) with a purple colour (85.3%); the most frequent location was the tongue (23.5%). Ethanolamine oleate foam was produced via the Tessari method and applied at 10mg per 1cm to the vascular anomalies. This process resulted in the highest clinical healing score in 64.7% of cases, and half of the patients reported a high level of satisfaction (score >9). In the majority of cases (88.2%), the patients reported that the pain immediately postoperative was mild or moderate. There were direct relationships between vascular anomaly size and the volume of EO applied, the number of sessions, and healing (P<0.05). No recurrence was observed during 6 months of follow-up. This case series showed the effectiveness and safety of 5% EO foam for the treatment of venous malformations in the head and neck region.

DNA methylation pattern of apoptosis-related genes in ameloblastoma.

OBJECTIVES: DNA methylation is an important mechanism of gene control expression, and it has been poorly addressed in odontogenic tumours. On this basis, we aimed to assess the methylation pattern of 22 apoptosis-related genes in solid ameloblastomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ameloblastoma fresh samples (n = 10) and dental follicles (n = 8) were included in the study. The percentage fraction of methylated and unmethylated DNA promoter of 22 apoptosis-related genes was determined using enzymatic restriction digestion and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) array. The relative expressions of the genes that showed the most discrepant methylation profile between tumours and controls were analysed by reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). RESULTS: Lower methylation percentages of TNFRSF25 (47.2%) and BCL2L11 (33.2%) were observed in ameloblastomas compared with dental follicles (79.3% and 59.5%, respectively). The RT-qPCR analysis showed increased expression of BCL2L11 in ameloblastomas compared with dental follicles, in agreement with the methylation analysis results, while there was no difference between the expression levels of TNFRSF25 between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of our results, the transcription of the apoptosis-related gene BCL2L11 is possibly regulated by promoter DNA methylation in ameloblastoma. The biological significance of this finding in ameloblastoma pathobiology remains to be clarified.

Anaerobic decomposition of a native and an exotic submersed macrophyte in two tropical reservoirs.

Some aquatic plants have fast metabolism and growth, even at sub-optimal conditions, and become dominant in lentic environments such as large reservoirs, altering the nutrient cycle and impairing their environmental quality. There is great need in the knowledge impact processes of invasive species in aquatic environments, among the major, those related to the decomposition. This study evaluated the anaerobic decomposition of invasive submerged macrophytes Egeria densa Planch, native, and Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle, exotic in Porto Primavera and Jupiá reservoirs, Paraná basin. We evaluated the decay of organic matter, humification degree of the leached material, electrical conductivity and pH of the decomposition process. Mathematical models were utilised to describe the decomposition patterns over time. Both species showed the same heterogeneous pattern of decay of organic matter and carbon mineralisation. The models of carbon mineralisation, compared with the experimentally obtained data presented were adequate. Both species show no significant differences in the decomposition processes. Incubations of both species presented rapid t ½ for POC mineralisation and low DOC mineralisation.

Development of probiotic dairy beverages: rheological properties and application of mathematical models in sensory evaluation.

Strawberry-flavored probiotic dairy beverages (2% vol/vol Lactobacillus acidophilus) were produced using 0, 20, 35, 50, 65, and 80% (vol/vol) whey in their formulations. Mathematical models (survival analysis, minimal significant difference, and mean global acceptance) were used to identify the optimal (sensorially) whey concentration in probiotic beverages. Fifty-five consumers evaluated acceptance of the beverages using hybrid 9-point hedonic scales. In addition, Lb. acidophilus were enumerated and pH was determined. Rheological behavior is an important characteristic for the processing and sensory acceptance of dairy beverages, varying with the presence of additives, fermentation process (time, bacterial strain), and whey concentrations used. All beverages presented minimal counts of 8 log cfu/mL of Lb. acidophilus, and pH ranged from 4.09 to 4.14. Increasing the whey content increased the fragility of the gel structure, probably because of the replacement of casein by whey proteins, once the concentrations of other ingredients in formulation were fixed. Whey content had a significant effect on acceptance of the probiotic dairy beverages; beverages with whey contents greater than 65% resulted in lower acceptance by consumers. The model of mean global acceptance presented 2 solutions with high sensory scores: beverages with 12 and 65% whey, the latter being of interest because it allows greater use of the whey by-product. The Weibull distribution presented a prediction of whey concentration of 49%, with higher sensory acceptance. The methodologies used in this research were shown to be useful in determining the constituents of food formulations, especially for whey-based probiotic beverages.

Short communication: Effects of different whey concentrations on physicochemical characteristics and viable counts of starter bacteria in dairy beverage supplemented with probiotics.

Fermented dairy beverages supplemented with the probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis containing different concentrations of whey in their formulas (0, 20, 35, 50, 65, and 80%, vol/vol) were processed and checked for pH; proteolysis; levels of glucose, lactose, ethanol, acetic acid, lactic acid, diacetyl, and acetaldehyde; and lactic bacteria and probiotic counts. The results allowed the effect of whey concentration on the dairy beverages to be observed for each of the different parameters analyzed. The degree to which the whey concentration was useful for the microbial cultures, particularly probiotic cultures, appeared to have a limit. In general, dairy beverages processed with different levels of whey in their formulation exhibited good potential as a food matrix for supplementation with probiotic bacteria, with production of characteristic compounds of fermented milk products, such as volatiles and organic acids.

[Magnetic resonance imaging criteria for the differentiation of traumatic and non-traumatic rotator cuff tears]. / Kernspintomographische Kriterien zur Unterscheidung von traumatischen und nicht traumatischen Rotatorenmanscnerrenrupturen.

It is often not easy to classify a rotator cuff tear into traumatic or non-traumatic. For individual medical examinations the classification depends basically on the following four criteria: Case history, analysis of the accident, analysis of the complaints after the accident (or even before) and the pathomorphological findings. The aim of this study was to identify findings in the magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder joints of patients with rotator cuff tears that could help in the differentiation of traumatic versus non-traumatic. As a result it could be shown that infraspinatus and subscapularis tears, Hill-Sachs lesions and fractures of the tuberculum majus are significantly more detectable among those patients reporting a trauma. In contrast degeneration of the supraspinatus tendon, calcific tendinitis of the supraspinatus tendon, ac-joint degeneration and an absence of the subacromial fat pad are more verifiable in the non-traumatic group. These results can be used as additional important information in the individual medical examination of patients with rotator cuff tears.

Probiotic yogurts manufactured with increased glucose oxidase levels: postacidification, proteolytic patterns, survival of probiotic microorganisms, production of organic acid and aroma compounds.

We investigated the effect of increased glucose oxidase concentration as a technological option to decrease oxidative stress during the processing of probiotic yogurts. Probiotic yogurts were produced with increased concentrations of glucose oxidase (0, 250, 500, 750, or 1,000 mg/kg) and submitted to physicochemical and microbiological analysis at 1, 15, and 30 d of refrigerated storage. Higher concentrations of glucose oxidase (750 and 1,000 mg/kg) and a longer storage time were found to have an influence on the characteristics of the probiotic yogurt, contributing to more extensive postacidification, an increase in the dissolved oxygen level, and higher proteolysis. In addition, increased production of aroma compounds (diacetyl and acetaldehyde) and organic acids (mainly lactic acid) and a decrease in the probiotic bacteria count were reported. The use of glucose oxidase was a feasible option to minimize oxidative stress in probiotic yogurts. However, supplementation with excessive amounts of the enzyme may be ineffective, because insufficient substrate (glucose) is present for its action. Consumer tests should be performed to evaluate changes in the sensory attributes of the probiotic yogurts with increased supplementation of glucose oxidase. In addition, packaging systems with different permeability to oxygen should be evaluated.

Modulation of murine blastocyst hatching in vitro by glutamine and tryptophan

Enrichment of culture media with amino acids improves embryo development. However, little is known about the specific action of each amino acid during embryogenesis. The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of L-glutamine (Gln) and tryptophan (Trp) on mouse embryo hatching, expansion and viability in vitro. Blastocysts were collected from 6- to 8-week-old female BALB/c mice (N = 30) and cultured in M2 medium containing either 0.125, 0.25 or 0.5 mM Trp, 1 mM Gln, or M2 alone. Gln significantly increased (100 percent; P < 0.05) blastocyst hatching at 24 h compared to M2 alone or Trp; moreover, Trp inhibited blastocyst hatching when compared to M2 alone (P < 0.05) at 72 h. In contrast, the percentage of embryos reaching the state of expanded blastocyst at 48 h was significantly higher in medium with 1 mM Gln (66.6 percent; P < 0.05) or with 0.125 mM Trp (61.1 percent; P < 0.05). Unexpectedly, Trp increased the percentage of degenerated blastocysts after 48 h (67.7 percent; P < 0.05), while Gln preserved blastocyst viability. These results suggest that Gln may enhance blastocyst hatching, expansion and viability in vitro.

Modulation of murine blastocyst hatching in vitro by glutamine and tryptophan.

Enrichment of culture media with amino acids improves embryo development. However, little is known about the specific action of each amino acid during embryogenesis. The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of L-glutamine (Gln) and tryptophan (Trp) on mouse embryo hatching, expansion and viability in vitro. Blastocysts were collected from 6- to 8-week-old female BALB/c mice (N = 30) and cultured in M2 medium containing either 0.125, 0.25 or 0.5 mM Trp, 1 mM Gln, or M2 alone. Gln significantly increased (100%; P < 0.05) blastocyst hatching at 24 h compared to M2 alone or Trp; moreover, Trp inhibited blastocyst hatching when compared to M2 alone (P < 0.05) at 72 h. In contrast, the percentage of embryos reaching the state of expanded blastocyst at 48 h was significantly higher in medium with 1 mM Gln (66.6%; P < 0.05) or with 0.125 mM Trp (61.1%; P < 0.05). Unexpectedly, Trp increased the percentage of degenerated blastocysts after 48 h (67.7%; P < 0.05), while Gln preserved blastocyst viability. These results suggest that Gln may enhance blastocyst hatching, expansion and viability in vitro.

[Relevant aspects of the individual medical examination in SLAP lesion: traumatic versus degenerative/preexisting changes]. / Relevante Aspekte der gutachtlichen Beurteilung der SLAP-Läsion: Traumatische Verãnderungen versus degenerative/anlagebedingte Veränderungen.

In the case of SLAP-lesions the upper part of the labrum glenoidale is affected and the long tendon of the biceps muscle can be involved. In literature different types of the lesions are classified. In the case of an individual medical examination, it should be kept in mind that variations of normal anatomy exist and for that reason the examiner should analyse if there is a real pathological condition. He should also discuss the pathogenesis with special regard to the mechanisms of trauma as published in literature. With SLAP-lesions there should be a functional disabling symptomatology of the affected shoulder that occurs directly or at least shortly after the accident. Also the imaging modalities and, when available the findings of an operative treatment, should be analysed to see if other trauma-lesions exist. These aspects will be discussed in the following paper.

Hypertension and Afro-descendant ethnicity: a bad interaction for lupus nephritis treated with cyclophosphamide?

Hypertension and ethnicity are important prognostic factors in evolution of lupus nephritis. A cohort of 75 patients with lupus nephritis treated with cyclophosphamide was conducted to investigate the evolution of creatinine levels between Caucasians and Afro-descendants. A multiple linear model was used to evaluate the combined effects of ethnicity and hypertension over delta creatinine controlling confounders. Sample characteristics were: 85% females; mean (+/-SD) age of 33.6 +/- 12.0 years; 77% Caucasians; 40% hypertensive at renal biopsy; 91% WHO class IV; mean basal creatinine: 1.5 +/- 1.3 mg/dL; mean final creatinine: 2.1 +/- 2.5 mg/dL; 40% anaemia; proteinuria: 5.4 +/- 4.8 g/day. Comparing Caucasians and Afro-descendants, it was found: 28.1% versus 72.2% for hypertension (P = 0.002); 31.6% versus 66.7% for anaemia (P = 0.018); 5.9 +/- 5.0 versus 3.8 +/- 4.0. g/day (P = 0.02) for proteinuria. Other comparisons including basal creatinine did not reach statistical significance. Comparing outcomes between Caucasians and Afro-descendants, it was found: 10.5% versus 22.2% for doubling of creatinine (P = 0.24); 0.41 +/- 2.03 versus 1.05 +/- 2.41 for delta creatinine ( P = 0.29); 8.8% versus 22.2% for haemodialysis (P = 0.21) and 3.5% versus 5.6% for death (P = 0.99). Analysing delta creatinine with multiple linear regression showed that hypertension had a significant overall effect (b = 0.80; SE = 0.32; P = 0.015), ethnicity alone was not significant (b = 0.35; SE = 0.29; P = 0.228); however, the effect of hypertension on delta creatinine was more intense among Afro-descendants than among Caucasians (interaction term b = - 0.83; SE = 0.37; P = 0.027). Afro-descendants lupus patients experience worst prognosis of renal function probably due to the effect of hypertension and not ethnicity per se.

Metal content of the gulf of California blue shrimp Litopenaeus stylirostris (Stimpson).

The blue shrimp Litopenaeus stylirostris is the main target species of the Gulf of California shrimping fleet, and its heavy metal content might be of concern for human health because of the increasing contamination of the Gulf. The Cd content of shrimp caught by commercial trawlers ranged from 0.38 to 1.05 microg/g and the mean value was significantly lower in the northern fishing grounds. Pb ranged from 3.19 to 9.59 microg/g and was significantly higher in the northern area. There were no significant geographic difference in the case of Cu and Zn (respective means = 25.4 and 57.8 microg/g). The mean values of all metals show that none is of particular concern for human health.

[Selenium in critically ill patients with systemic inflammatory response]. / Selenio en los pacientes críticos con Respuesta Inflamatoria sistémica.

Selenium is an essential micronutrient for humans. Critically ill patients with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and Multiple Organ Dysfunction (MOD) -such as severe sepsis, trauma, severe pancreatitis and critical burns- are exposed to severe oxidative stress. These patients exhibit decreased serum Selenium and selenoenzymes like Glutathione Peroxidase and Selenoprotein P. Selenoenzymes play a major role in protecting cells against lipid peroxidation and they are involved in the inflammatory response regulation. The degree of selenium deficiency correlates with disease severity and the incidence of mortality. In the past years, some clinical trials have studied Selenium supplementation effects in critical illness with SIRS-MOD. This therapeutic strategy could improve the outcome and prognosis in critically ill patients. Few small trials have demonstrated Selenium supplementation beneficial effects, reducing the rate of infectious complications and length of hospital stay. However, no clinical trials using Selenium supplementation in high doses have yet demonstrated significant improvement in mortality. The aims of this review are to evaluate: a) Selenium metabolism, b) the role of selenoenzymes during critical illness, c) clinical studies using Selenium alone or in combination with other antioxidants in critically ill patients and d) to analyze current parenteral Selenium replacement strategies and their results. Further multicentre, well designed randomized, double blind clinical trials about Selenium supplementation in critically ill patients with SIRS and MODS are required and appear to be attractive, necessary and challenging.

Grapefruit-drug interactions: can interactions with drugs be avoided?

Grapefruit is rich in flavonoids, which have been demonstrated to have a preventive influence on many chronic diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, since the early 1990s, the potential health benefits of grapefruit have been overshadowed by the possible risk of interactions between drugs and grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Several drugs interacting with grapefruit are known in different drug classes, such as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, calcium antagonists, and immunosuppressives. Currently known mechanisms of interaction include the inhibition of cytochrome P450 as a major mechanism, but potential interactions with P-glycoprotein and organic anion transporters have also been reported. This review is designed to provide a comprehensive summary of underlying mechanisms of interaction and human clinical trials performed in the area of grapefruit drug interactions and to point out possible replacements for drugs with a high potential for interactions.