Sustainable agricultural use of sewage sludge: impacts of high Zn concentration on on Folsomia candida, Enchytraeus crypticus, Lactuca sativa, and Phaseolus vulgaris.

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for plants and an important component for maintaining soil quality. Commonly found in the soil due to anthropogenic activities, such as industrialization and application of organic waste as fertilizers, in high concentrations, Zn may induce soil toxicity, affecting important communities, such as edaphic fauna. Despite its high concentrations found in the environment, Zn bioavailability can be affected by the type of soil, organic matter content and pH. In this work, Zn had its toxicity evaluated in a natural tropical soil, sampled in São Paulo-Brazil, for two soil invertebrates (Folsomia candida, Enchytraeus crypticus) and two seeds (Lactuca sativa and Phaseolus vulgaris), through ecotoxicological tests. The invertebrate E. crypticus was exposed to Zn concentrations of 10.0 (T1); 100.0 (T2); 150.0 (T3); 200.0 (T4); 400.0 (T5) mg Zn kg-1 of dry soil, while F. candida, L. sativa and P. vulgaris were exposed to Zn concentrations of 100.0; 200.0; 400.0; 800.0 (t6); 1600.0 (t7); and 2000.0 (t8) mg Zn kg-1 of dry soil. The outcome evaluated were seed germination, for L. sativa and P. vulgaris, and reproduction, for F. candida and E. crypticus. The EC50 obtained for E. crypticus, F. candida, L. sativa, and P. vulgaris were 261.5, 1089.7, 898.5, and 954.5 mg Zn kg-1 of dry soil, respectively, being E. crypticus the most sensitive organism, and only at the highest Zn's concentrations the organisms' reproduction and seeds' germination showed a statistically significant inhibitory effect (p < 0.05). Therefore, this work's results showed that Zn does not present significant toxicity for the tested soil organisms and seeds and that at 100 mg Zn kg-1 of dry soil it can be beneficial to F. candida and E. crypticus' reproduction and L. sativa's germination. These results imply that the presence of Zn in low concentrations, both in soil and biofertilizers, such as sewage sludge, not only is not a concern, but it can even benefit certain crops and functions of edaphic organisms, which may contribute to the engagement of sustainable agricultural practices and the quest for food security.

Ecotoxicological assessment of natural soil amended with sewage sludge: the impacts on soil edaphic organisms and microbial community.

Sewage sludge usage as agricultural soil amendment is a well-known practice employed worldwide. However, certain components may pose risks to the soil ecosystem. For a better verification of the potential adverse effects on the soil biota, biological assays have become an indispensable tool for an accurate understanding of the residue's behavior on soil, as well as its potential toxicity. Accordingly, to properly assess the effects of natural tropical soil (Oxisoil) amended with sewage sludge, we conducted toxicological tests with edaphic organisms (Enchytraeus crypticus and Folsomia candida) and microbial biomass (through respirometric assessment). Results indicate that E. crypticus and F. candida present similar reproduction sensitivity behavior to sewage sludge. For the microbiological analysis, the results suggest that microbial activity was stimulated by sludge application. For further evaluation of respiration of the microbial community and CO2 stabilization values behavior, Ford-Walford modeling was applied and presented limit values for sludge application in soil for 1.5 g kg-1 and 15.0 g kg-1 of, approximately, 55 mg and 88 mg, respectively. CO2 releases were faster and reached stability within 18 weeks for the soil with higher sludge content (15.0 g kg-1 of dry soil). In contrast, CO2 releases were slower for the soil with lower sludge content (1.5 g kg-1 of dry soil), and until the experiment's final period (21 weeks) respiration behavior did not reach stability. This study indicates that the stabilized sewage sludge, at the considered recommended application rate, presents a low toxicity risk for the studied bioindicators, being suitable for agricultural use.

Effect of Macleaya cordata and Magnolia officinalis plant extracts on oxidative stress control in lambs fed a high-concentrate diet.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this experiment was to compare conventional antioxidants and plant extracts for oxidative stress control in lambs fed a high-concentrate diet. METHODS: Forty-eight male Dorper×Santa Ines lambs with an initial weight of 20±1.49 kg and 60 days of age, were used to evaluate the effects of feeding a combination of Macleaya cordata and Magnolia officinalis plant extracts (0 vs 320 mg/kg dry matter [DM]) in combination with selenium+vitamin E (0 vs 100 IU/kg DM of vitamin E and 0.1 mg/kg DM of selenium) in a completely randomized block design in a 2×2 factorial arrangement. The animals were housed in individual pens and received a high-concentrate diet consisting of 80% whole corn and 20% protein pellet for 60 days. The animals were weighed at the beginning of the experiment and every 14 days for performance monitoring. Three blood samplings were performed during the experimental period for the evaluation of oxidative and protein parameters. RESULTS: The treatments with vitamin E and selenium as additives had a positive influence on final weight, daily weight gain, carcass weight, and selenium content in longissimus muscle (p = 0.01). Plant extracts tended to improve final weight (p = 0.064) and daily weight gain (p = 0.059), showing similar effect as selenium and vitamin E. There was no effect of treatment on blood proteins, indicating that the animals were healthy throughout the experiment. CONCLUSION: The use of plant extracts had a similar effect as the addition of selenium and vitamin E, with dietary inclusion of additives resulting in better performance of lambs but both supplements did not have strong influence on oxidative stress.

Bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation rescues the glomerular filtration barrier and epithelial cellular junctions in a renovascular hypertension model.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Can a single bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMC) transplant into the subcapsular region of kidney improve cellular communication and adhesion, while restoring renal tissue cytoarchitecture and function during renovascular hypertension? What is the main finding and its importance? The BMMC transplantation restored connexin 40 expression and led to recovery of N- and E-cadherin levels within 15 days. It was observed, for the first time, that BMMC transplantation restores expression of nephrin, a component of the glomerular filtration barrier related to podocytes and the glomerular basal membrane. ABSTRACT: Stem cell therapy has emerged as a potential treatment for renal diseases owing to the regenerative potential of stem cells. However, a better understanding of the morphological and functional changes of damaged renal cells in the presence of transplanted stem cells is needed. The aim of this study was to investigate cell-cell communication and adhesion in renal parenchyma, with analysis of fibrosis, to evaluate renal morphology and function after bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMC) transplantation in two-kidney-one-clip rats. The BMMC therapy significantly decreased blood pressure and renin expression, improved renal morphology and restored the glomerular filtration barrier, with remodelling of podocytes. In addition, there was a reduction in fibrosis, and connexin 40 and nephrin expression were significantly increased after 7 and 15 days of transplantation. Plasma creatinine, urea and total protein levels were restored, and proteinuria was reduced. Furthermore, N- and E-cadherin expression was increased soon after BMMC therapy. Green fluorescent protein-positive BMMCs were found in the renal cortex 24 and 48 h after transplantation into the renal subcapsule, and at 7 and 15 days after transplantation, these cells were observed throughout the renal medulla, indicating cellular migration. Therefore, these data suggest that transplanted BMMCs improve cell-cell communication and adhesion between damaged cells, which is accompanied by a recovery of renal morphology and function.

Transplantation of bone marrow-derived MSCs improves renal function and Na++K+-ATPase activity in rats with renovascular hypertension.

Renovascular hypertension (RVH) is a progressive disease, leading to chronic kidney disease when untreated and no specific treatment is available. Therefore, development of new therapeutic modalities is imperative. RVH is triggered by renal artery stenosis and subsequent renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation; it can be experimentally induced by the 2 Kidneys-1 Clip (2K1C) model. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of renal subcapsular mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) infusion in 2K1C rats. Renal morphological and functional changes were analyzed, including Na++K+-ATPase activity and expression, renin angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin-II type 1 (AT1R) and type 2 (AT2R) receptors expression. 2K1C rats developed hypertension accompanied by renin upregulation (clipped kidney) and renal Na++K+-ATPase activity and expression reduction. MSC therapy decreased systolic blood pressure, renin, ACE, and AT1R, upregulated AT2R and podocin expression and restored renal Na++K+-ATPase activity and expression. In addition, MSC improved renal morphology, reduced fibrosis and TGF-ß expression in the clipped kidney, decreased proteinuria and restored protein plasma levels. In conclusion, transplantation into a renal subcapsule is an efficient route and MSC is a good candidate for cell therapy, which may represent an interesting approach for chronic kidney disease treatment.

Chronic caffeine intake increases androgenic stimuli, epithelial cell proliferation and hyperplasia in rat ventral prostate.

Coffee intake has been associated with a low risk of developing cancer, including prostate cancer, which is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. However, few studies have evaluated the chronic effects of caffeine, which is the most abundant methylxanthine in coffee, on prostate morphology and physiology. In the present study, we investigated the effects of chronic, low-dose caffeine intake on rat prostate morphology from puberty to adulthood. Five-week-old male Wistar rats were randomized into two experimental groups: caffeine-treated (20 ppm in drinking water, n = 12) and control (n = 12). The ventral and dorsolateral prostates were dissected, weighted and submitted to morphological, morphometrical and immunohistochemical analysis of cellular proliferation, apoptosis and androgen receptor (AR) tissue expression. The testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentrations were measured in the plasma. Our results show that caffeine intake increased the concentrations of T and DHT, organ weight, epithelial cell proliferation and AR tissue expression in the ventral prostatic lobe. All the ventral prostates from the caffeine-treated animals presented various degrees of epithelial and stromal hyperplasia. Our results suggest that chronic caffeine intake from puberty increases androgenic signalling and cell proliferation in the rat prostate gland and can be related to the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells transplantation ameliorates renal injury through anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects in chronic experimental renovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: Progressive renal fibrosis is an underlying pathological process of chronic kidney disease (CKD) evolution. This study aimed to evaluate the roles of bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in the remodeling of fibrotic kidney parenchyma in the two kidneys-one clip (2K1C) CKD animal model. METHODS: Wistar rats were allocated into three groups: Sham, 2K1C, and 2K1C þ MSC. MSCs (106) were transplanted into the renal subcapsular region two weeks after clipping the left renal artery. Six weeks after clipping, left kidney samples were analyzed using histological and western blotting techniques. ANOVA tests were performed and differences between groups were considered statistically significant if p < 0.05. RESULTS: Clipped kidneys of 2K1C rats displayed renal fibrosis, with excessive collagen deposition, glomerulosclerosis and renal basement membrane disruption. Clipped kidneys of 2K1C þ MSC rats showed preserved Bowman's capsule and tubular basement membranes, medullary tubules morphological reconstitution and reduced collagen deposits. Expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were elevated, whereas tissue inhibitor of MMPs (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 levels were decreased in clipped kidneys of 2K1C rats. MSCs transplantation restored these expression levels. Moreover, MSCs suppressed macrophages and myofibroblasts accumulation, as well as TNF-a expression in clipped kidneys of 2K1C animals. MSCs transplantation significantly increased IL-10 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Transplanted MSCs orchestrate anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory events, which reverse renal fibrosis and promote renal morphological restoration. This study supports the notion that only one MSCs delivery into the renal subcapsular region represents a possible therapeutic strategy against renal fibrosis for CKD treatment.

Increased nitric oxide production in platelets from severe chronic renal failure patients.

Nitric oxide (NO) production occurs through oxidation of the amino acid L-arginine by NO synthase (NOS). NO inhibits platelet activation by increasing the levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), thus maintaining vascular homeostasis. Our group previously demonstrated (da Silva et al. 2005) an enhancement of the L-arginine-NO-cGMP pathway in platelets taken from chronic renal failure (CRF) patients on haemodialysis associated with reduced platelet aggregation. We investigate the platelet L-arginine-NO-cGMP pathway, platelet function, and inflammation from patients in CRF on conservative treatment. A total of 42 CRF patients and 42 controls (creatinine clearance = 27 ± 3 vs. 93 ± 1 mL per min per 1.73 m2, respectively) participated in this study. NOS activity and expression and cGMP concentration were measured in platelets. Platelet aggregation induced by collagen or ADP was evaluated and plasma levels of fibrinogen were determined by the Clauss method. A marked increase in basal NOS activity was seen in undialysed CRF patients compared with controls, accompanied by an elevation of fibrinogen plasma levels. There were no differences in expression of NOS and in cGMP levels. In this context, platelet aggregation was not affected. We provide the first evidence of increased intraplatelet NO biosynthesis in undialysed CRF patients, which can be an early marker of future haemostatic abnormalities during dialysis treatment.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Bucket-Handle Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injury.

Bucket-handle injury to the triangular fibrocartilage complex is a rare and poorly described condition in the literature that is not included in the Palmer classification. A young man presented with right wrist torsional trauma while playing sports. He progressed with local pain and limited range of motion with a supination block. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a bucket-handle injury to the central portion of the triangular fibrocartilage complex with a volar flap, measuring 0.6 cm × 0.6 cm. The patient underwent wrist arthroscopy with debridement, removal of a loose body, and resection of the bucket-handle lesion. In the postoperative period, pain alleviation and a considerable gain in range of motion occurred. The patient was able to resume his participation in sporting activities 3 months after surgery. There is no consensus about the treatment of bucket-handle injuries to the triangular fibrocartilage complex because of the small number of cases described in the literature.

Aerobic exercise training attenuates doxorubicin-induced ultrastructural changes in rat ventricular myocytes.

AIMS: To investigate the effects of aerobic exercise training on cardiomyocyte ultrastructure, oxidative stress, and activation of protein synthesis pathways in a model of cardiomyopathy induced by doxorubicin (Dox). MAIN METHODS: Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to Control (saline, sedentary), Dox/sedentary (DoxSed), or Dox/exercise (DoxEx) groups. Saline or Dox were injected i.p. for 10 days (1 mg/kg/d). Aerobic exercise training was performed for 9 wks (starting with drug administration) on a treadmill, 5 d/wk, 30 min/d at 60% of maximum velocity. After euthanasia, the left ventricle (LV) was dissected, and processed for microscopy or frozen for Western blot and kinetic measurement of antioxidant enzymes activity. KEY FINDINGS: Dox resulted in a mortality of 31.2% of sedentary animals, whilst all animals from both Control and DoxEx groups survived. DoxSed animals presented increased LV connective tissue deposition alongside with massive sarcomeric disorganization with dissolution of myofibrils and wavy Z-lines. There was an increase in oxidative damage and a reduction in the activation of both Akt and ERK pathways in LV from DoxSed compared to Control group. Aerobic training caused notable changes in myocardial structure with reduced fibrosis and preservation of myofibrils integrity and sarcomere organization. This was associated with reduced LV oxidative damage and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes, and an increase in the activation of PI3K-Akt pathway. SIGNIFICANCE: Aerobic exercise training was effective in preventing mortality caused by Dox and in preserving LV ultrastructure, partially via activation of the physiological protein synthesis pathway, PI3K-Akt, and reducing oxidative stress.

Molecular confirmation of Fasciola hepatica infection in capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) from the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil.

Sixty-two fecal samples of capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) living in eight conservation units (CUs) across the state of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil, were assessed for the presence of eggs of liver flukes via sedimentation. Fasciola hepatica eggs were found in 37.1% (23/62) of the samples. Positive samples were found in six CUs (75%), three CUs located in the southern region of the state and three others in the metropolitan region of the capital city of Vitória. Identification of Fasciola hepatica eggs collected from capybara fecal samples were based on morphology, and confirmed using molecular methods. Our results suggest that capybaras may serve as a wild reservoir host for F. hepatica, possibly contributing to the epidemiology and geographic range expansion of this zoonotic parasite across its vast range of distribution in South America.

EVALUATION OF DISTAL FOREARM FRACTURES USING THE AO 2018 CLASSIFICATION.

OBJECTIVE: Distal forearm fractures are among the most common upper limb fractures in all ages, and many classifications have been proposed to describe them. Recently, a new version of AO/OTA classification was proposed. The aim of this study is to use the AO/OTA 2018 classification to report the epidemiology of distal forearm fractures in adults treated at a single center. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the initial radiographs obtained from cases of distal forearm fractures in an orthopedic emergency room at a single tertiary hospital. RESULTS: Three hundred twenty-two cases were studied, aged 50.35 ± 18.98 years, 55.3% were female and 44.7% were right-sided. Type 2R3A, 2R3B and 2R3C fractures corresponded to 32.3%, 18.0% and 48.4% of the cases, respectively. Distal ulnar fracture was present in 41.9%. There was a correlation between age and sex: 78.3% of the subjects aged under 30 years were male, and 80.6% of those aged over 60 years were female (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The most common type of radial fractures was 2R3C, and the most common type of ulna fracture was 2U3A1.1. There was a correlation between age and sex. Level of evidence IV, Case-series.

OBJETIVO: As fraturas distais do antebraço são uma das mais comuns do membro superior em todas as idades, e muitas classificações foram propostas para descrevê-las. Atualmente, uma nova versão da classificação AO/OTA foi proposta. O objetivo deste estudo foi utilizar a classificação AO/OTA 2018 para descrever a epidemiologia das fraturas distais do antebraço no adulto tratadas em um único centro. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo, em que se avaliaram as radiografias obtidas no primeiro atendimento dos casos de fraturas da extremidade distal do antebraço de esqueletos maduros, atendidas no pronto-socorro ortopédico de um único hospital terciário. RESULTADOS: Foram estudados 322 casos, com média da idade de 50,35 ± 18,98 anos, 55,3% do sexo feminino e 44,7% do lado direito. As fraturas do tipo 2R3A, 2R3B e 2R3C corresponderam a 32,3%, 18,0% e 48,4%, respectivamente. A ulna distal foi envolvida em 41,9%. Houve correlação entre a idade e o sexo, de modo que, no grupo etário com idade até 30 anos, 78,3% eram do sexo masculino e, acima dos 60, 80,6% do sexo feminino (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: As fraturas do tipo 2R3C foram as mais comuns do rádio, e as 2U3A1.1 foram as mais comuns da ulna. Houve correlação entre idade e sexo. Nível de evidência IV, Série de casos.

Weight loss enhances hepatic antioxidant status in a NAFLD model induced by high-fat diet.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a benign condition that can progress to more severe liver damage in a process mediated, in part, by disturbances in redox balance. Additionally, some argue that it is set to become the main cause of end-stage liver disease in the near future. Here, we investigated whether diet-induced weight loss is able to reverse hepatic lipid accumulation and reduce oxidative stress in liver from C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat (HF) diet. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 4 groups: standard chow (SC; 10% energy from fat, 16 weeks); HF (50% energy from fat, 16 weeks); SC-HF (SC for 8 weeks followed by HF for 8 weeks); and HF-SC (HF for 8 weeks followed by SC for 8 weeks). The HF diet during 8 (SC-HF) and 16 weeks (HF) downregulated messenger RNA levels and protein expression of Nrf2 and endogenous antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) in the liver; caused liver steatosis; affected liver function markers; increased intra-abdominal and subcutaneous adipose tissue; and induced glucose intolerance and hypercholesterolemia compared with controls (SC). Diet-induced weight loss significantly reduced the intrahepatic lipid accumulation, improved glucose tolerance, and restored both gene and protein expression of the antioxidant enzymes. Our findings suggest that a dietary intervention aimed to induce weight loss may exert protective effects in NAFLD as it can reduce hepatic oxidative stress and intrahepatic lipid accumulation, which can hinder the progression of this condition to more severe states.

Modulation of the cationic amino acid transport system y+L by surface potential, ouabain and thrombin in human platelets: effects of uremia.

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO), a key endogenous mediator involved in the maintenance of platelet function, is synthesized from the amino acid L-arginine. We have shown that L-arginine transport in platelets is rate-limiting for NO synthesis. A disturbance in the L-arginine-NO pathway in platelets was previously described in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients. METHODS: Detailed kinetic studies were performed in platelets from controls (n = 60) and hemodialysis patients (n = 26). RESULTS: The transport of L-arginine in platelets is mediated via system y+L, which is competitively inhibited by L-leucine in the presence of Na+ and by the irreversible inhibitor pCMB. In platelets, system y+L is markedly stimulated by an Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor, ouabain, and by changes in surface potential, while it is downregulated by intraplatelet amino acid depletion (zero-trans) and by thrombin. In CRF patients, activation of L-arginine transport was limited to well-nourished patients compared to malnourished patients and controls, where it was reduced and did not differ significantly among the groups under zero-trans conditions. CONCLUSION: Our results provide the first evidence that system y+L in platelets is modulated by zero-trans conditions, surface potential, thrombin and intraplatelet Na+ concentration. Our findings suggest that enhanced transport in CRF involves increased L-arginine exchange with intraplatelet neutral amino acids.

Classificação e tratamento da mão em fenda: revisão da literatura / Cleft hand classification and treatment: literature review

A mão em fenda é uma deformidade congênita rara caracterizada por uma deficiência longitudinal dos raios centrais da mão, podendo estar associada a outras malformações. Devido ao amplo espectro de manifestações, o tratamento de mãos em fenda é desafiador. Este estudo objetiva apresentar as classificações, técnicas cirúrgicas mais indicadas e seguimentos adotados conforme a manifestação clínica. Foi realizada uma pesquisa nos bancos de dados Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane e Embase, descritores e termos relacionados à anomalia mão em fenda típica. Trinta e dois artigos foram incluídos, sendo analisados quanto a classificação da anomalia, classificação da gravidade de expressão, técnicas cirúrgicas e estudos com informações da intervenção cirúrgica adotada para uma coorte de pacientes. Considerando que estudos sobre mão em fenda são diretamente afetados pelas descobertas embriológicas, genéticas e de biologia molecular, diferentes classificações foram descritas e diversos estudos de complementação de técnicas cirúrgicas já existentes foram encontrados. Estudos inovadores são escassos. A padronização na descrição das técnicas e resultados, além de pesquisas de melhor qualidade, poderiam elucidar lacunas ainda existentes em torno das opções de tratamento.

Cleft hand is a rare congenital deformity characterized by a longitudinal deficiency of the central rays of the hand, which may be associated with other malformations. Due to the wide spectrum of manifestations, the treatment is challenging. This study aims to present the most suitable classifications, surgical techniques and follow-up adopted according to the clinical manifestation. A search was performed in the databases Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Embase, descriptors and terms related to the hand anomaly in a typical cleft. Thirty-two articles were included and analyzed regarding the classification of the anomaly, classification of the severity of expression, surgical techniques and studies with information on the surgical intervention adopted for a cohort of patients. Considering that studies about cleft hand could be directly affected by embryological, genetic and molecular biology discoveries, different classifications have been described and several studies to complement existing surgical techniques have been found. Innovative studies are scarce. Standardization in the description of techniques and results, in addition to better quality research, could elucidate gaps that still exist around treatment options.

Erythrocyte nitric oxide availability and oxidative stress following exercise.

Growing evidence has shown that acute exercise impairs erythrocyte membrane structure and function as a consequence of increased physical and chemical stress. Erythrocyte-synthesized nitric oxide (NO) is known to modulate membrane fluidity, and its bioavailability depends on the balance between its production and scavenging by reactive oxygen species. Here, we investigated whether a maximal exercise test could affect erythrocyte NO bioavailability and oxidative stress. Twelve men (26±4 years old, V̇O2peak 44.1±4.3 mL·kg-1·min-1) performed a treadmill maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test. Blood was collected at rest and immediately after exercise for erythrocytes isolation. Maximal exercise caused an increase in erythrocytes count, haemoglobin and haematocrit levels. There was no change in L-arginine influx into erythrocytes after exercise. Yet, nitric oxide synthase activity, and thus, NO production, was increased after maximal test, as well cyclic GMP levels. In relation to biomarkers of oxidative stress, maximal test resulted in increased levels of lipid peroxidation, and diminished superoxide dismutase activity. Neither glutathione peroxidase nor catalase activity was affected by maximal test. Our findings demonstrate that the increased erythrocyte membrane rigidity caused by an acute bout of exercise may be caused, in part, by an increased lipid oxidative damage caused by ROS produced exogenously.

Tension pneumopericardium in blunt thoracic trauma.

INTRODUCTION: Pneumopericardium, defined as the presence of gas in the pericardial sac, is a rare condition caused mostly by trauma. Tension pneumopericardium is a cause of hemodynamic instability; hence, it consists in a life-threatening situation and should be regarded in blunt chest trauma. CASE REPORT: A 51-year-old male was victim of a 4m fall and burial. He was stable upon admission and presented a simple pneumopericardium and pneumomediastinum on CT. While being submitted to an upper digestive endoscopy he presented respiratory failure and had to be intubated, suddenly evolving to shock. He was promptly referred to the operating room; a pericardial window confirmed tension pneumopericardium and immediately hemodynamic stability was restored. A pericardial drain was placed and kept for 15days. He was discharged at the 18th day post-trauma after a satisfactory recovery at the trauma ICU. DISCUSSION: Blunt thoracic trauma causes pneumopericardium by various mechanisms. Tension pneumopericardium is a possible outcome, probably related to positive-pressure ventilation. It leads to hemodynamic instability and requires immediate decompression and placement of a pericardial drain.

Incremental value of hormonal therapy for deep vein thrombosis prediction: an adjusted Wells score for women.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) management includes prediction rule evaluation to define standard pretest DVT probabilities in symptomatic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incremental usefulness of hormonal therapy to the Wells prediction rules for DVT in women. We studied women undertaking compressive ultrasound scanning for suspected DVT. We adjusted the Wells score for DVT, taking into account the ß-coefficients of the logistic regression model. Data discrimination was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The adjusted score calibration was assessed graphically and by the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Reclassification tables and the net reclassification index were used for the adjusted score comparison with the Wells score for DVT. We observed 461 women including 103 DVT events. The mean age was 56 years (±21 years). The adjusted logistic regression model included hormonal therapy and six Wells prediction rules for DVT. The adjusted score weights ranged from -4 to 4. Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed a nonsignificant P value (0.69) and the calibration graph showed no differences between the expected and the observed values. The area under the ROC curve was 0.92 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.90-0.95] for the adjusted model and 0.87 (95% CI 0.84-0.91) for the Wells score for DVT (Delong test, P value < 0.01). Net reclassification index for the adjusted score was 0.22 (95% CI 0.11-0.33, P value < 0.01). Our results suggest an incremental usefulness of hormonal therapy as an independent DVT prediction rule in women compared with the Wells score for DVT. The adjusted score must be evaluated in different populations before clinical use.

Early hepatic insult in the offspring of obese maternal mice.

We hypothesized that the maternal obesity initiates metabolic disorders associated with oxidative stress in the liver of offspring since early life. Mouse's mothers were assigned into 2 groups according to the diet offered (n = 10 per group): standard chow (SC) or high-fat diet (HF). The results revealed that HF offspring had an increase in body mass at day 10 (+25%, P < .05) and in glucose levels (+25%, P < .0001). Hepatic triacylglycerol was increased in HF offspring at day 1 and day 10 compared with SC offspring (+30%, P < .01 and +40%, P < .01) as was hepatic steatosis (+110%, P < .001; +145%, P < .0001). Fatty acid synthase was increased in HF offspring at day 1 (+450%, P < .01) and peroxisome proliferator activator receptor-γ was elevated at day 1 and day 10 (+140%, P < .01; +2741%, P < .01). Peroxisome proliferator activator receptor-α was diminished in HF offspring at day 10 compared with SC offspring (-100%, P < .01). Moreover, carnitine palmitoyl-CoA transferase-1 was decreased in HF offspring at day 1 and day 10 (-80%, P < .01; -60%, P < .05). In the HF offspring (compared with the SC offspring), the catalase and the superoxide dismutase were significantly lower in both days 1 and 10 (P < .05). In 10-day-old offspring, glutathione peroxidase 1 and glutathione reductase were lower in HF offspring than in SC offspring (P < .0001). Our findings suggest that the maternal obesity in mice induces an early oxidative dysfunction coupled with hepatic steatosis and might contribute to progressive liver injury later in life.

Serum level changes of long chain-polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients undergoing periodontal therapy combined with one year of omega-3 supplementation: a pilot randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the impact of nonsurgical periodontal treatment combined with one-year dietary supplementation with omega (ω)-3 on the serum levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and arachidonic acid (AA). METHODS: Fifteen patients with chronic generalized periodontitis were treated with scaling and root planing. The test group consisted of seven patients (43.1±6.0 years) supplemented with ω-3, consisting of EPA plus DHA, three capsules, each of 300 mg of ω-3 (180-mg EPA/120-mg DHA), for 12 months. The control group was composed of eight patients (46.1±11.6 years) that took a placebo capsule for 12 months. The periodontal examination and the serum levels of DPA, EPA, DHA, and AA were performed at baseline (T0), and 4 (T1), and 12 (T2) months after therapy. RESULTS: In the test group, AA and DPA levels had been reduced significantly at T1 (P<0.05). AA and EPA levels had been increased significantly at T2 (P<0.05). The ΔEPA was significantly higher in the test compared to the placebo group at T2-T0 (P=0.02). The AA/EPA had decreased significantly at T1 and T2 relative to baseline (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Nonsurgical periodontal treatment combined with ω-3 supplementation significantly increased the EPA levels and decreased the AA/EPA ratio in serum after one year follow-up. However, no effect on the clinical outcome of periodontal therapy was observed.