Shifting abundances of communities associated with nitrogen cycling in soils promoted by sugarcane harvest systems.

Sugarcane cultivation supports Brazil as one of the largest world sugar and ethanol producer. In order to understand the impact of changing sugarcane harvest from manual to mechanized harvest, we studied the effect of machinery traffic on soil and consequently soil compaction upon soil microbial communities involved in nitrogen cycling. The impact of sugarcane harvest was dependent on soil depth and texture. At deeper soil layers, mechanized harvesting increases the abundance of nitrogen fixers and denitrifying communities (specifically nosZ clade I and II) while manual harvesting increases the abundance of ammonia oxidizers (specifically AOA) and increases denitrifying communities (nosZ clade I and II) on top and at intermediate depth. The effect of change on the harvest system is more evident on sandy soil than on clay soil, where soil indicators of compaction (bulk density and penetration resistance) were negatively correlated with soil microorganisms associated with the nitrogen cycle. Our results point to connections between soil compaction and N transformations in sugarcane fields, besides naming biological variables to be used as proxies for alterations in soil structure.

Oral feeding of Lactobacillus bulgaricus N45.10 inhibits the lung inflammation and airway remodeling in murine allergic asthma: Relevance to the Th1/Th2 cytokines and STAT6/T-bet.

Asthma is a chronic disease with impacts on public health. It affects the airways causing pulmonary inflammation mediated by CD4 T cells type Th2, eosinophilia, mucus hypersecretion, and elevated IgE. The unbalance between cytokines and transcription factors is an important feature in asthma. Probiotics has gaining highlight as a therapy for chronic diseases. Thus, we investigate the Lactobacillus bulgaricus (Lb) effect in murine allergic asthma. BALB/c-mice were sensitized to ovalbumin (OA) on days 0 and 7 and were challenged from day 14-28 with OA. Mice received Lb seven days prior to sensitization and it was kept until day 28. The Lb attenuated the eosinophils infiltration, mucus and collagen secretion, IgE production, pro-inflammatory cytokines, TLR4 expression, GATA3, STAT6 and RORγt in lung. Otherwise, Lb increased the anti-inflammatory cytokines, the T-bet and foxp3. Finally, Lb attenuated the allergic asthma-induced inflammation and airway remodeling by interfering on Th1/Th2 cytokines and STAT6/T-bet transcription factors.

Acute and sub-acute oral toxicity studies of standardized extract of Nasturtium officinale in Wistar rats.

Nasturtium officinale (watercress) is a perennial dicotyledonous plant, rich in vitamins, minerals and chemical compounds. The leaves of this plant, which contain glucosinolate, are used for its diuretic and hypoglycemic effects. The purpose of the study was to investigate the safety of the standardized extract of Nasturtium officinale (SENO) with phenylethyl glucosinolate 5.0 mg/ml-1, using acute and sub-acute oral dosage in Wistar rats. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analyzed the chemical composition, from aerial parts of watercress. In the acute toxicity study, dose estimated was LD50 in the range of 2000-5000 mg/kg, signs of mortality and toxicity on female rats were observed for 14 days, after single doses of 2000 and 5000 mg/kg. In the sub-acute study, female and male rats, age 10 weeks, were supplemented at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg for 28 days. On the 29th day, rats were fasted, anesthetized, euthanized, then their blood used for hematological and biochemical evaluation. No significant changes in general behavior were reported regarding the acute study, while the sub-acute study demonstrated no toxicity of the hematopoietic and biochemical systems. The results showed that SENO at dosage up to 5000 mg/kg in acute study was safe, and NOAEL (no-observed-adverse-effect levels) in the sub-acute, was up to 1000 mg/kg.

Age-related expression of TGF beta family receptors in human cumulus oophorus cells.

PURPOSE: During ovarian follicle growth, local cellular interactions are essential for oocyte quality acquisition and successful fertilization. While cumulus cells (CCs) nurture oocytes, they also deliver oocyte-secreted factors (OSFs) that activate receptors on CCs. We hypothesized that disturbance of those interactions contributes to age-related lower reproductive success in women submitted to assisted reproductive technology treatments. METHODS: Women aged 27-48, without recognized personal reproductive disorder, were enrolled in the study and divided in <35- and ≥35-year-old groups. CCs collected upon follicle aspiration were processed for immunocytochemistry and RNA extraction. The expression patterns of OSF receptors BMPR2, ALK 4, ALK5, and activin receptor-like kinase (ALK6) were studied. RESULTS: Independently of age, receptors were found mostly in the cell periphery. The quantitative assay revealed that in older women, BMPR2, ALK 4, and ALK6 were all significantly decreased, whereas ALK5 was slightly increased. CONCLUSIONS: Female age imparts an effect on the expression of OSF receptors in CCs. The findings indicate that reproductive aging affects the local regulation of signaling pathways mediated by BMPR2, ALK6, and ALK4 receptor activation, suggesting their joint involvement.

Beneficial effect of low-level laser therapy in acute lung injury after i-I/R is dependent on the secretion of IL-10 and independent of the TLR/MyD88 signaling.

The use of low-level laser for lung inflammation treatment has been evidenced in animal studies as well as clinical trials. The laser action mechanism seems to involve downregulation of neutrophil chemoattractants and transcription factors. Innate immune responses against microorganisms may be mediated by toll-like receptors (TLR). Intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (i-I/R) lead to bacterial product translocation, such as endotoxin, which consequently activates TLRs leading to intestinal and lung inflammation after gut trauma. Thus, the target of this study was to investigate the role of TLR activation in the laser (660 nm, 30 mW, 67.5 J/cm2, 0.375 mW/cm2, 5.4 J, 180 s, and spot size with 0.08 cm2) effect applied in contact with the skin on axillary lymph node in lung inflammation induced by i-I/R through a signaling adaptor protein known as myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88). It is a quantitative, experimental, and laboratory research using the C57Bl/6 and MyD88-/- mice (n = 6 mice for experimental group). Statistical differences were evaluated by ANOVA and the Tukey-Kramer multiple comparisons test to determine differences among groups. In order to understand how the absence of MyD88 can interfere in the laser effect on lung inflammation, MyD88-/- mice were treated or not with laser and subjected to occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (45 min) followed by intestinal reperfusion (4 h). In summary, the laser decreased the MPO activity and the lung vascular permeability, thickened the alveolar septa, reduced both the edema and the alveolar hemorrhage, as well as significantly decreased neutrophils infiltration in MyD88-deficient mice as well in wild-type mice. It noted a downregulation in chemokine IL-8 production as well as a cytokine IL-10 upregulation in these animals. The results also evidenced that in absence of IL-10, the laser effect is reversed. Based on these results, we suggest that the beneficial effect of laser in acute lung injury after i-I/R is dependent on the secretion of IL-10 and independent of the TLR/MyD88 signaling.

Immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effect of cryopreserved allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells on spinal cord injury in rats.

This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects of allogeneic and cryopreserved mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on spinal cord injury. A total of 120 rats were distributed into the following groups: negative control (NC) - without injury, positive control (PC) - with injury without treatment, and group treated with MSC (GMSC) - with injury and treated. Motor function was evaluated by the BBB test at 24, 48, and 72 h and at 8 and 21 postoperative days. Spinal cords were evaluated by histopathology and immunohistochemistry to determine the expression of CD68, NeuN, and GFAP. IL-10, TNF-α, IL-1ß, TGF-ß, BDNF, GDNF, and VEGF expression was quantified by RT-PCR. The GMSC presented higher scores for motor function at 72 h and 8 and 21 days after injury, lower expression of CD68 at 8 days, and lower expression of GFAP at 21 days compared to the PC. In addition, higher expression of NeuN and lower degeneration of the white matter occurred at 21 days. The GMSC also showed higher expression of IL-10 24 h after injury, GDNF at 48 h and 8 days, and VEGF at 21 days. Moreover, lower expression of TNF-α was observed at 8 and 21 days and TGF-ß at 24 h and 21 days. There were no differences in the expression of IL-1ß and BDNF between the GMSC and PC. Thus, cryopreserved MSCs promote immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects in rats with spinal cord injury by increasing IL-10, GDNF, and VEGF expression and reducing TNF-α and TGF-ß expression.

Modeling the Praia dos Ingleses submarine outfall, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil.

An outfall 1,800 m long was initially proposed by CASAN (Water and Sanitation Company of Santa Catarina) to dispose of treated domestic residual water effluent from Praia dos Ingleses beach. The final plan average flow, estimated for the summer season is 0.1543 m³/s. The characteristics on the near field of the diffuser were calculated using the NRFIELD model supplied by a series of current profiles and density, gathered at the diffuser location between March and April, 2007. Reliable information of raw sewage fecal coliform concentration and nutrients has been supplied by CASAN, based on continuous monitoring of sewage in its treatment plants. The diffuser was designed in such a way that it maximizes the initial dilution allowing the nutrients concentration to comply with legislation limits. However, results showed that the treatment plant should be designed to mainly reduce total phosphorus. A hydrodynamic model was implemented to generate current fields for the far field modeling. Information gathered in the field on variation in water level, wind, and current velocity and direction was used for boundary and/or initial conditions. Then, a Lagrangian advective-diffusive model was used to evaluate the extent of the plumes. The results of far field modeling showed a need to increase the outfall length. A new location 3,300 m from the beach has been proposed.

Anatomical and histochemical characterization of stem and leaves of Bauhinia pulchella Benth. (Fabaceae).

Bauhinia pulchella Benth. (Fabaceae), is native to Brazil and popularly known as pata-de-bode. In folk medicine, it is used to treat diabetes. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated different properties, such as cytotoxic and antioxidant, and different chemical constituents, such as essential oil, triterpenoids, steroids, among others. In order to highlight the morphological differences of the species B. pulchella from the others of the genus, and its pharmacological potential, the present study aimed to carry out the anatomical and histochemical characterization of the stem and leaves of B. pulchella. Usual methods in plant anatomy were used in the preparation of semi-permanent slides containing cross sections of the stem, petiole and leaf blade and paradermal sections of the leaf blade for analysis in light microscopy and polarized light. Histochemical tests were also performed to localize the metabolites in the stem and leaf blade. The stem of B. pulchella has a cylindrical outline, the bark is composed of 7-8 layers of cells and discontinuously distributed sclerenchyma; petiole presents flat convex contour, prominences in the adaxial region, concentric amphicrivral vascular bundle, surrounding a small concentric anfivasal intramedullary bundle, adaxially two accessory bundles and tector trichomes; leaf blade with anisocytic and tetracytic stomata on the adaxial surface and anisocytic, tetracytic and anomocytic on the abaxial surface; and midrib with plain-convex outline, 1-2 layers of collenchyma and covering trichomes. Characteristics that differ from other species of the genus Bauhinia. Alkaloids, phenolic compounds, lipophilic compounds, lignin, triterpenes, steroids and tannins were observed in the species. The results are fundamental for the pharmacobotanical standardization of the studied species.

Surface nucleation in the crystallisation of polyethylene droplets.

The division of semi-crystalline polymeric material into small domains is an effective tool for studying crystal nucleation. The scaling behavior of the nucleation rate as a function of domain size can reveal important information about the mechanism responsible for the birth of a crystal nucleus. We have investigated the process of crystal nucleation in a system of dewetted polyethylene droplets. Through the use of a correlation sample analysis, we are able to differentiate between heterogeneous and homogeneous nucleation mechanisms in a droplet sample. An analysis of the dependence of the nucleation rate on droplet size reveals that the nucleation probability scales with the surface area of the droplet.

Reversible sphere-to-lamellar wetting transition at the interface of a diblock copolymer system.

We use ellipsometry to investigate a transition in the morphology of a sphere-forming diblock copolymer thin-film system. At an interface the diblock morphology may differ from the bulk when the interfacial tension favours wetting of the minority domain, thereby inducing a sphere-to-lamella transition. In a small, favourable window in energetics, one may observe this transition simply by adjusting the temperature. Ellipsometry is ideally suited to the study of the transition because the additional interface created by the wetting layer affects the polarisation of light reflected from the sample. Here we study thin films of poly(butadiene-ethylene oxide) (PB-PEO), which order to form PEO minority spheres in a PB matrix. As temperature is varied, the reversible transition from a partially wetting layer of PEO spheres to a full wetting layer at the substrate is investigated.

The MAPKinase Signaling and the Stimulatory Protein-1 (Sp1) Transcription Factor Are Involved in the Phototherapy Effect on Cytokines Secretion from Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Stimulated with Cigarette Smoke Extract.

The present study was aimed to investigate the phototherapy effect with low-level laser on human bronchial epithelial cells activated by cigarette smoke extract (CSE). Phototherapy has been reported to actuate positively for controlling the generation/release of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory mediators from different cellular type activated by distinct stimuli. It is not known whether the IL-8 and IL-10 release from CSE-stimulated human bronchial epithelium (BEAS) cells can be influenced by phototherapy. Human bronchial epithelial cell (BEAS) line was cultured in a medium with CSE and irradiated (660 nm) at 9 J. Apoptosis index was standardized with Annexin V and the cellular viability was evaluated by MTT. IL-8, IL-10, cAMP, and NF-κB were measured by ELISA as well as the Sp1, JNK, ERK1/2, and p38MAPK. Phototherapy effect was studied in the presence of mithramycin or the inhibitors of JNK or ERK. The IL-8, cAMP, NF-κB, JNK, p38, and ERK1/2 were downregulated by phototherapy. Both the JNK and the ERK inhibitors potentiated the phototherapy effect on IL-8 as well as on cAMP secretion from BEAS. On the contrary, IL-10 and Sp1 were upregulated by phototherapy. The mithramycin blocked the phototherapy effect on IL-10. The results suggest that phototherapy has a dual effect on BEAS cells because it downregulates the IL-8 secretion by interfering with CSE-mediated signaling pathways, and oppositely upregulates the IL-10 secretion through of Sp1 transcription factor. The manuscript provides evidence that the phototherapy can interfere with MAPK signaling via cAMP in order to attenuate the IL-8 secretion from CSE-stimulated BEAS. In addition, the present study showed that phototherapy effect is driven to downregulation of the both the IL-8 and the ROS secretion and at the same time the upregulation of IL-10 secretion. Besides it, the increase of Sp-1 transcription factor was crucial for laser effect in upregulating the IL-10 secretion. The dexamethasone corticoid produces a significant inhibitory effect on IL-8 as well as ROS secretion, but on the other hand, the corticoid blocked the IL-10 secretion. Taking it into consideration, it is reasonable to suggest that the beneficial effect of laser therapy on lung diseases involves its action on unbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators secreted by human bronchial epithelial cells through different signaling pathway.

Oral feeding with probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus attenuates cigarette smoke-induced COPD in C57Bl/6 mice: Relevance to inflammatory markers in human bronchial epithelial cells.

COPD is a prevalent lung disease with significant impacts on public health. Affected airways exhibit pulmonary neutrophilia and consequent secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and proteases, which result in lung emphysema. Probiotics act as nonspecific modulators of the innate immune system that improve several inflammatory responses. To investigate the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Lr) on cigarette smoke (CS)-induced COPD C57Bl/6 mice were treated with Lr during the week before COPD induction and three times/week until euthanasia. For in vitro assays, murine bronchial epithelial cells as well as human bronchial epithelial cells exposed to cigarette smoke extract during 24 hours were treated with Lr 1 hour before CSE addition. Lr treatment attenuated the inflammatory response both in the airways and lung parenchyma, reducing inflammatory cells infiltration and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Also, Lr-treated mice presented with lower metalloproteases in lung tissue and lung remodeling. In parallel to the reduction in the expression of TLR2, TLR4, TLR9, STAT3, and NF-κB in lung tissue, Lr increased the levels of IL-10 as well as SOCS3 and TIMP1/2, indicating the induction of an anti-inflammatory environment. Similarly, murine bronchial epithelial cells as well as human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS) exposed to CSE produced pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which were inhibited by Lr treatment in association with the production of anti-inflammatory molecules. Moreover, the presence of Lr also modulated the expression of COPD-associated transcription found into BALF of COPD mice group, i.e., Lr downregulated expression of NF-κB and STAT3, and inversely upregulated increased expression of SOCS3. Thus, our findings indicate that Lr modulates the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in human bronchial epithelial cells upon CS exposure and it can be a useful tool to improve the lung inflammatory response associated with COPD.

Superoxide dismutase expression in human cumulus oophorus cells.

Success in assisted reproductive techniques (ART) is influenced by gamete and embryo quality but the assessment of these parameters has been thwarted by the lack of reliable biomarkers. Follicular fluid and cumulus oophorus cells may provide biomarkers due to their close relationship to the oocyte. These cells produce antioxidants and thus protect the oocyte from oxidative damage exerted by reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS and antioxidants are known to intervene in reproductive physiology and pathology, but their roles are unclear. It is hypothesized that superoxide dismutase (SOD), a first line antioxidant enzyme, is associated with oocyte quality. Cells obtained in the course of ART for the treatment of infertility due to male factor or female pathology were processed for SOD intracellular isoforms (CuZnSOD and MnSOD) immunodetection, total SOD activity and isoforms content. Cells presented strong positive staining for CuZnSOD and MnSOD. SOD activity decreased with increasing female age but was increased in endometriosis and in ovulatory dysfunction. When male factor was the cause for infertility, successful ART was associated with higher SOD activity. Variations in SOD emphasize the relevance of oxidative stress in the oocyte maturation process. These variations also suggest that SOD is a potential biomarker for ART success.

Extract from Arrabidaea chica (Fridericia chica) leaves show preventive action for the mitigation of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity / [Extrato das folhas de Arrabidaea chica (Fridericia chica) mostrou potencial ação no combate à cardiotoxicidade induzida pela doxorrubicina]

A doxorrubicina (dox) é um medicamento antineoplásico que induz cardiotoxicidade por estresse oxidativo. Os flavonoides são antioxidantes extraídos de plantas como Camellia sinensis e Arrabidaea chica (Fridericia chica). Esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar efeitos protetores do extrato de A. chica (AC), comparado ao de C. sinensis (CS), frente ao estresse oxidativo induzido pela dox, no coração. Cardiomiócitos e células neoplásicas MDA-MB 231 foram incubados com AC e CS. Depois, adicionou-se dox e avaliaram-se taxas de viabilidade e morte celular. A citometria de fluxo para o ensaio de iodeto de propídeo (IP) em cardiomiócitos mostrou as seguintes taxas de morte celular: controle 53%; dox 78% (maior que controle, P=0,015); AC_12,5µg/mL + dox 65% (menor que dox, P=0,031); AC_25µg/mL + dox 62% (menor que dox, P=0,028); AC_50µg/mL + dox 63% (menor que dox, P=0,030); CS_12,5µg/mL + dox 71% (menor que dox, P=0,040); CS_25µg/ml + dox 69% (menor que dox, P=0,037); CS_50µg/mL + dox 74% (menor que dox, P=0,044). Resultados das células MDA-MB 231 mostraram que nenhum extrato interferiu na atividade antitumoral da dox. Os dados de IP foram corroborados pelos de MTT. Este estudo reporta promissora utilização de A. chica na prevenção da cardiotoxicidade induzida pela dox.(AU)

The European Academy laparoscopic "Suturing Training and Testing'' (SUTT) significantly improves surgeons' performance.

UNLABELLED: The efficiency of suturing training and testing (SUTT) model by laparoscopy was evaluated, measuring the suturingskill acquisition of trainee gynecologists at the beginning and at the end of a teaching course. During a workshop organized by the European Academy of Gynecological Surgery (EAGS), 25 participants with three different experience levels in laparoscopy (minor, intermediate and major) performed the 4 exercises of the SUTT model (Ex 1: both hands stitching and continuous suturing, Ex 2: right hand stitching and intracorporeal knotting, Ex 3: left hand stitching and intracorporeal knotting, Ex 4: dominant hand stitching, tissue approximation and intracorporeal knotting). The time needed to perform the exercises is recorded for each trainee and group and statistical analysis used to note the differences. Overall, all trainees achieved significant improvement in suturing time (p < 0.005) as measured before and after completion of the training. Similar significantly improved suturing time differences (p < 0.005) were noted among the groups of trainees with different laparoscopic experience. In conclusion a short well-guided training course, using the SUTT model, improves significantly surgeon's laparoscopic suturing ability, independently of the level of experience in laparoscopic surgery. KEY WORDS: Endoscopy, laparoscopic suturing, psychomotor skills, surgery, teaching, training suturing model.

Gastrografin treatment of intestinal obstruction due to Ascaris lumbricoides.

Gastrografin was used to relieve subacute intestinal obstruction due to Ascaris lumbricoides in children. This hyperosmolar and wetting agent proved to be highly efficient to achieve this goal. Statistical evaluation of the hospital stay and first bowel action showed a significant difference between the treated "gastrografin group' and the untreated by gastrografin "control group,' in favor of the "gastrografin group.' Our data strongly suggest the use of Gastrografin in subacute intestinal obstruction due to Ascaris lumbricoides. This treatment should be instituted provided the patient has been adequately hydrated prior to administration.

An improved technique for in situ esophageal myotomy and proximal pouch mobilization in patients with esophageal atresia.

The use of a modified endotracheal tube in the mobilization of the upper pouch in patients with esophageal atresia is described. While aiding mobilization in all patients the tube was particularly helpful in the performance of circular myotomy where this was necessary. The tube and the operative technique are described.

Neonatal perforation of a Y-shaped sigmoid duplication.

Tubular colonic duplications are exceedingly rare; the "Y"-shaped forms are exceptional. In the absence of associated low vertebral or urogenital malformations (often fistulas), the tubular colonic malformations frequently stay hidden for several years until a complication develops. The authors report a case of a spontaneous perforation of a Y-shaped tubular colonic duplication during the neonatal period.

Heart-related indices in experimental diaphragmatic hernia.

BACKGROUND: Heart-related indices have been suggested as useful tools to evaluate left ventricular (LV) hypoplasia, which might predict the outcome of fetuses and infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The current study analyzed the behavior of such indices in the nitrofen-induced CDH rat model. METHODS: Dated pregnant Wistar rats received at day 9.5 of gestation either a dose of 100 mg of nitrofen or just the vehicle. Body, lung, and heart weights were measured in 12 newborn rats not exposed to nitrofen (Ctrl group) and 68 animals exposed to nitrofen: 30 without CDH (non-CDH group) and 38 with left CDH (CDH group). Each heart was fragmented in 7-microm thick sections. Only hearts with no evidence of cardiac morphologic defects (CMD) were studied further to estimate right and left ventricular cavity volumes, septal, right, and left ventricular free wall masses. These parameters allowed the calculation of the cardio-ventricular (CVindex) and LV mass indices. The aorta-to-pulmonary artery ratio also was calculated. RESULTS: Excluding fetuses with CMD, the heart-to-body weight ratio was reduced significantly in animals exposed to nitrofen, whereas no significant differences were observed between non-CDH versus CDH groups. Although the left and right ventricular cavity volumes were both reduced significantly in nitrofen-treated rats, they were not changed significantly by the existence of CDH, and the calculated CVindex was similar in the 3 groups. Estimated septal and LV masses were reduced markedly in the nitrofen-treated animals and further reduced by the presence of CDH. However, when LV mass was normalized (LV mass index) the difference became restricted to the animals exposed to nitrofen but was not influenced by the presence of CDH. Finally, the aorta-to-pulmonary artery ratio was similar in all studied groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study suggest that, although nitrofen had been responsible by global heart hypoplasia, the presence of CDH was not associated with significant underdevelopment of the heart or of the LV in rat fetuses without CMD. Based on these results, we think that the evidence for prenatal counseling based on heart-related indices should be critically reconsidered.