Food for all? Wildfire ash fuels growth of diverse eukaryotic plankton.

In December 2017, one of the largest wildfires in California history, the Thomas Fire, created a large smoke and ash plume that extended over the northeastern Pacific Ocean. Here, we explore the impact of Thomas Fire ash deposition on seawater chemistry and the growth and composition of natural microbial communities. Experiments conducted in coastal California waters during the Thomas Fire revealed that leaching of ash in seawater resulted in significant additions of dissolved nutrients including inorganic nitrogen (nitrate, nitrite and ammonium), silicic acid, metals (iron, nickel, cobalt and copper), organic nitrogen and organic carbon. After exposure to ash leachate at high (0.25 g ash l-1) and low (0.08 g ash l-1) concentrations for 4 days, natural microbial communities had 59-154% higher particulate organic carbon concentrations than communities without ash leachate additions. Additionally, a diverse assemblage of eukaryotic microbes (protists) responded to the ash leachate with taxa from 11 different taxonomic divisions increasing in relative abundance compared with control treatments. Our results suggest that large fire events can be important atmospheric sources of nutrients (particularly nitrogen) to coastal marine systems, where, through leaching of various nutrients, ash may act as a 'food for all' in protist communities.

Exploring Institutional Mechanisms for Scientific Input into the Management Cycle of the National Protected Area Network of Peru: Gaps and Opportunities.

Understanding how to improve decision makers' use of scientific information across their different scales of management is a core challenge for narrowing the gap between science and conservation practice. Here, we present a study conducted in collaboration with decision makers that aims to explore the functionality of the mechanisms for scientific input within the institutional setting of the National Protected Area Network of Peru. First, we analyzed institutional mechanisms to assess the scientific information recorded by decision makers. Second, we developed two workshops involving scientists, decision makers and social actors to identify barriers to evidence-based conservation practice. Third, we administered 482 questionnaires to stakeholders to explore social perceptions of the role of science and the willingness to collaborate in the governance of protected areas. The results revealed that (1) the institutional mechanisms did not effectively promote the compilation and application of scientific knowledge for conservation practice; (2) six important barriers hindered scientific input in management decisions; and (3) stakeholders showed positive perceptions about the involvement of scientists in protected areas and expressed their willingness to collaborate in conservation practice. This collaborative research helped to (1) identify gaps and opportunities that should be addressed for increasing the effectiveness of the institutional mechanisms and (2) support institutional changes integrating science-based strategies for strengthening scientific input in decision-making. These insights provide a useful contextual orientation for scholars and decision makers interested in conducting empirical research to connect scientific inputs with operational aspects of the management cycle in other institutional settings around the world.

Tracks and voids in amorphous Ge induced by swift heavy-ion irradiation.

Ion tracks formed in amorphous Ge by swift heavy-ion irradiation have been identified with experiment and modeling to yield unambiguous evidence of tracks in an amorphous semiconductor. Their underdense core and overdense shell result from quenched-in radially outward material flow. Following a solid-to-liquid phase transformation, the volume contraction necessary to accommodate the high-density molten phase produces voids, potentially the precursors to porosity, along the ion direction. Their bow-tie shape, reproduced by simulation, results from radially inward resolidification.

Evaluation of water footprint of urban renewal projects. Case study in Seville, Andalusia.

This publication presents a methodology for the evaluation of the water footprint of urban renewal projects. The indirect water footprint is obtained by adding together the embodied or virtual water of the materials incorporated in the 12-month project, while the direct footprint is mainly due to the green areas and rainwater collection system over its 40-year life span. The methodology, originally defined for the agricultural sector, is adapted to an urban system that includes gardens and sustainable urban drainage systems. In an innovative way, the present work analyses the amortisation of the indirect water footprint of the construction products by improvements in the city water cycle. The project involves street renewal with water-sensitive criteria, with five green areas, and road and pavement construction. The methodology identifies changes in garden designs, soil drainage, and rainwater-collecting systems in terms of blue, green, and grey water footprints. Five scenarios of a project in Seville, Spain are studied. The indirect water footprint of the project is 2.6 times higher than that in a standard project, but, due to annual savings of 65% in its direct water footprint, the breakeven point is reached in the 10th year.

NaStEP, an essential protein for self-incompatibility in Nicotiana, performs a dual activity as a proteinase inhibitor and as a voltage-dependent channel blocker.

The S-specific pollen rejection response in Nicotiana depends on the interaction between S-RNase and a suite of SLF proteins. However, the biochemical pathway requires other essential proteins. One of them is the stigmatic protein NaStEP, which belongs to the Kunitz-type protease inhibitor family. Within the pollen tubes, NaStEP is a positive regulator of HT-B stability, likely inhibiting its degradation and, additionally, interacts with NaSIPP, a mitochondrial phosphate carrier. To gain a deeper understanding of the biochemical role of NaStEP in pollen rejection, we evaluated whether the activity of NaStEP as protease inhibitor is specific to a particular type of protease and whether it has the function of a voltage-dependent channel (VDC) blocker. Our findings indicate that, in vitro, NaStEP inhibits a subtilisin-like protease in an irreversible manner, but not other proteases, such as thermolysin and papain. Furthermore, we found that subtilisin processes the native NaStEP (24 kDa) into two lower molecular weight peptides of 21 and 14 kDa. Moreover, when we incubated NaStEP along with Xenopus leavis oocytes expressing the voltage-dependent potassium channel Kv 1.3, the current was blocked, indicating that NaStEP acts as a VDC blocker. These data allow us to propose NaStEP acts as a key molecule with two functions, one protecting HT-B from degradation by inhibiting a subtilisin-like protease and the second one by forming a complex with a mitochondrial VDC that could destabilize the mitochondria to trigger cell death, which would reinforce S-specific pollen rejection in Nicotiana.

Lack of in vivo embryotoxic and genotoxic activities of orally administered stem bark aqueous extract of Mangifera indica L. (Vimang).

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) stem bark aqueous extract (MSBE) is a new natural product with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects known by the brand name of its formulations as Vimang. Previously, the oral toxicity studies of the extract showed a low toxicity potential up to 2000 mg/kg. This work reports the results about teratogenic and genotoxicologic studies of MSBE. For embryotoxicity study, MSBE (20, 200, or 2000 mg/kg/day) was given to Sprague-Dawley rats by gavage on days 6-15 of gestation. For genotoxicity, MSBE was administered three times during 48 h to NMRI mice. Cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg) was used as a positive control. No maternal or developmental toxicities were observed when the rats were killed on day 20th. The maternal body-weight gain was not affected. No dose-related effects were observed in implantations, fetal viability or external fetal development. Skeletal and visceral development was similar among fetuses from all groups. No genotoxicity was observed in bone marrow erythrocytes and liver cells after administration. MSBE appears to be neither embryotoxic nor genotoxic as measured by bone marrow cytogenetics in rodents.

Perinatal/postnatal study of D-003, a mixture of long-chain fatty acids, in rats.

D-003 is a mixture of long-chain fatty acids isolated and purified from sugar cane wax with cholesterol-lowering and antiplatelet effects. In order to further characterize the developmental toxicity during the treatment period from late gestation up to weaning of the offspring, pregnant females received 0 (control), 500, and 1,000 mg/kg/day D-003 daily by oral gavage beginning at day 15 of pregnancy and through gestation until day 21 postpartum. Maternal clinical signs, body weight, and food intake were measured at regular intervals during gestation and lactation. Live pups were weighed, sexed, and examined for developmental signs. One female and male of each litter were randomly selected to evaluate the reproductive potential. There were no spontaneous or dose-related maternal deaths during the course of this study. The general health and behavioral condition of offspring was good in all groups. No significant differences among groups were found in comparisons of litter size, survival through the weaning period, sex ratio, and male and female weights. This peri- and postnatal study conducted with D-003 in rats indicated that treatment of the dam during late gestation and lactation did not show adversely effects on reproductive performance or fetal development over two generations.

[Hungry bone syndrome related to hyperthyroidism]. / Síndrome del hueso hambriento relacionado con hipertiroidismo.

Hungry bone syndrome is a common clinical entity which is accompanying of hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and hipophosphatemia, results from an increase in bone formation. It is related to a pathological scenario which causes an imbalance between osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and osteoblast-mediates bone formation, favouring the latter. Its classic presentation occurs after parathyroidectomy in hyperparathyroydism's patients. Its clinical features are largely due to plasmatic calcium levels reduction. Hungry bone syndrome is frequent in hyperparathyroid's patients who have development bone disease before surgery. Even less frequent, it has also been described after thyroydectomy in patients with hyperthyroidism. We hereby report a case of hungry bone syndrome in one patient who suffers a Graves' disease. Then, we will provide a brief review of pathogenesis and therapeutic features.

[Acute liver failure in a hospital with a liver transplantation program]. / Fallo hepático agudo en un hospital con programa de trasplante hepático.

INTRODUCTION: Acute hepatic failure (AHF) is an uncommon entity but with high mortality. Liver transplantation has improved prognosis but is an aggressive treatment with high risk. Currently, there are no accurate criteria to differentiate between irreversible AHF and the possibility of hepatic regeneration. The aim of this study is to review the clinical characteristics indicating transplantation and the outcome of AHF in patients at our institution. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Descriptive and retrospective study of cases of AHF at our institution in the last 3 years. RESULTS: Eleven patients were studied. Mortality was lower in transplant recipients (23%; 2 out of 8) than in non-transplanted patients (67%; 2 out 3). Hepatic regeneration occurred in one patient. Overall mortality was 36% with a perioperative mortality of 13%. CONCLUSION: The indication of hepatic transplantation in patients with a poor prognosis, early stage acute liver failure, and a low grade of encephalopathy, and prior to the development of multiorgan failure could improve the results of transplantation and reduce perioperative mortality.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans QseBC is activated by catecholamines and iron and regulates genes encoding proteins associated with anaerobic respiration and metabolism.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans QseBC regulates its own expression and is essential for biofilm growth and virulence. However, the signal that activates the QseC sensor has not been identified and the qseBC regulon has not been defined. In this study, we show that QseC is activated by catecholamine hormones and iron but not by either component alone. Activation of QseC requires an EYRDD motif in the periplasmic domain of the sensor and site-specific mutations in EYRDD or the deletion of the periplasmic domain inhibits catecholamine/iron-dependent induction of the ygiW-qseBC operon. Catecholamine/iron-dependent induction of transcription also requires interaction of the QseB response regulator with its binding site in the ygiW-qseBC promoter. Whole genome microarrays were used to compare gene expression profiles of A. actinomycetemcomitans grown in a chemically defined medium with and without catecholamine and iron supplementation. Approximately 11.5% of the A. actinomycetemcomitans genome was differentially expressed by at least two-fold upon exposure to catecholamines and iron. The expression of ferritin was strongly induced, suggesting that intracellular iron storage capacity is increased upon QseBC activation. Consistent with this, genes encoding iron binding and transport proteins were down-regulated by QseBC. Strikingly, 57% of the QseBC up-regulated genes (56/99) encode proteins associated with anaerobic metabolism and respiration. Most of these up-regulated genes were recently reported to be induced during in vivo growth of A. actinomycetemcomitans. These results suggest that detection of catecholamines and iron by QseBC may alter the cellular metabolism of A. actinomycetemcomitans for increased fitness and growth in an anaerobic host environment.

Passenger Lymphocyte Syndrome After Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplantation: A Case Report of an Unusual Cause of Alloimmune Hemolytic Anemia.

BACKGROUND: Passenger lymphocyte syndrome (PLS) is a disease in which the donor's lymphocytes produce antibodies to the red blood cell antigens of the recipient, causing alloimmune hemolysis. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 39-year-old woman with stage V chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis secondary to poorly controlled diabetes mellitus type 1. She received a simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant from a cadaver donor. The donor was A- and the recipient was A+ without initial complications with normal renal and pancreatic function, and her hemoglobin (Hb) level was 10.2 g/dL at discharge. Four weeks later she was admitted with acute pyelonephritis of the renal graft, with a Hb level of 7.5 g/dL, creatinine level of 0.7 mg/dL, and glucose level of 80 mg/dL. The study of anemia showed direct polyspecific direct Coombs weakly positive (w/+), presenting 2 alloantibodies against the Rh system: anti-D, anti-E. We increased Prednisone dose to 1 mg/kg/d and then decreased it in a pattern. Eight days after discharge, without transfusion, her Hb level was 9.9 g/dL and then it normalized. CONCLUSIONS: PLS is a very rare condition and should be suspected in the first few weeks after transplantation. In our case anemia was probably due to a residual population of Rh-negative donor cells in the transplanted pancreas-kidney received. It is usually a sudden onset of hemolytic anemia in patients with a solid organ transplant and different Rh or ABO lower incompatibility.

Tyrosine-phosphatase and glutamate-decarboxylase antibodies after simultaneous pancreas kidney transplantation: do they have an impact on pancreas graft survival?

INTRODUCTION: The pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with auto-antibodies. These auto-antibodies contribute to pancreatic ß-cell destruction. Tyrosine-phosphatases (IA-2) and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65) are the most frequently used by clinicians. When T1DM patients develops advanced chronic kidney disease, simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation becomes the best option. However, pancreatic graft survival is limited. The role of the auto-antibodies on pancreas graft survival remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess pancreas graft survival according to the presence of GAD65 and IA-2 auto-antibodies after SPK transplantation. METHODS: We analyzed all SPK transplantations performed in our hospital since January 1990 to December 2013 with at least 30 days of pancreas graft survival. We collected demographic and clinical variables from donors and recipients. Graft failure was defined as complete insulin independence after transplantation. Pancreatic graft survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Overall, 152 SPK transplantations were performed during the period. One hundred sixteen were accessed for de novo post-transplantation auto-antibodies. Also, 17.8% (n = 27) were positive for anti-GAD65, 13.8% (n = 20) for IA-2, 3.9% (n = 6) were positive for both, and the rest were negative for any auto-antibody (n = 63). Kaplan-Meier survival curves estimated a worst pancreas graft survival for patients with positive IA-2 antibodies versus those patients with negative auto-antibodies and GAD65+auto-antibodies (P = .003 and .022, respectively, by log-rank). Mean pancreas graft survival rates at first and fifth year were 72% and 64%, respectively, for those patients with positive IA-2. CONCLUSIONS: IA-2 antibodies after SPK transplantation are associated with long-term graft lost compared with the rest of the groups. Monitoring of these auto-antibodies after SPK may help to identify patients with a higher risk of graft failure.

Short-term evolution of renal transplant with grafts from donation after cardiac death: Type III Maastricht category.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation from donors after cardiac death (Type III Maastricht category) is a therapeutic option for patients with terminal renal failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a cohort of 8 patients who received a kidney transplant from donors after cardiac death (DCD). We analyzed the analytical results for the first 6 months after transplantation. RESULTS: We included 8 cases of kidney transplants with organs from DCD (Type III Maastricht category). The mean age of donors was 58.40 ± 4.39 years and 3 (60%) were male. The mean creatinine (Cr) level prior to death was 1.10 ± 0.36 mg/dL. The mean age of recipients was 59.88 ± 10.58 years and 7 (87.5%) were male. Seven patients (87.5%) were on hemodialysis, whereas only 1 (12.5%) was on peritoneal dialysis. The median time on renal replacement therapy was 18 months (range, 2-76). Mean total warm ischemia time (WIT) was 24.88 ± 6.72 minutes, whereas the mean real WIT was 20.13 ± 4.51 minutes. The mean cold ischemia time (CIT) was 6 hours and 12 minutes ± 2 hours. Preimplantation biopsy showed acute tubular necrosis (extensive 40%). Tubular atrophy was mild in 100% of cases. After transplantation, 6 patients (75%) had delayed graft function requiring dialysis sessions whereas 2 patients (25%) did not require renal replacement therapy. Mean Cr level at 1, 3, and 6 months after transplantation was 2.37, 1.75, and 1.17 mg/dL, respectively. CONCLUSION: Kidney transplantation with grafts from donors after cardiac arrest Maastricht Type III evolves favorably in the short term. According to preliminary results, controlled asystole donation could be an effective alternative to transplantation.

Dissolved inorganic carbon utilization and the development of extracellular carbonic anhydrase by the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum.

The presence of extracellular carbonic anhydrase (CA) in relation to medium composition was investigated using cultures of the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin. Large-volume cultures, with low initial cell inocula were grown on ASP-2 (no dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), 550 µM NOa - ), f/2 (2-0 mM DIC, 880µM NO3 - ) and modified f/2 (2.0 mM DIC, 20 µM NO3 - media. Cells growing on ASP-2 showed extracellular CA in the early stages of growth, whereas extracellular CA was not detected until partial depletion of total DIC in the stationary phase for cultures on f/2 or modified f/2. Both HCO3 - and CO2 were important in carbon limitation, extracellular CA being present when the free-CO2 concentration fell below 5 µM, but the HCO3 - concentration needed to be below 1 mM. When carbon-replete cells were transferred to carbon-limited conditions, extracellular CA was recorded within minutes, the process being light-dependent and completely inhibited by 3,3,4-dichlorophenyl-l, 1-dimethylurea (DCMU). The addition of DIC to carbon-limited cells resulted in a rapid decrease in extracellular CA activity. The membrane-impermeable inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase, dextran-bound sulphonamide (DBS) was used to inhibit extracellular CA activity in relation to photosynthetic rate in carbon-replete and carbon-limited cells. At the lowest DIC concentration (O'lOniM), for cells with maximum external CA activity, DBS gave over 80% inhibition of the photosynthetic rate, demonstrating the key role of external CA in maintaining high photosynthetic rate under conditions of carbon limitation. It is proposed that the key factor in the regulation of extracellular CA activity is the total Hux of inorganic carbon (C.) into the cell. This determines the Ci , flux into the chloroplast and when this is inadequate to support the photosynthetic rate attained by a carbon-replete chloroplast at optimum photon flux density, extracellular CA is activated. This mechanism would explain the observed interaction of CO2 and HCO3 - in the regulation of extracellular CA activity.

Carbon dioxide-concentrating mechanism and the development of extracellular carbonic anhydrase in the marine picoeukaryote Micromonas pusilla.

A range of marine photosynthetic picoeukaryote phytoplankton species grown in culture were screened for the presence of extracellular carbonic anhydrase (CAext ), a key enzyme in inorganic carbon acquisition under carbon- limiting conditions in some larger marine phytoplankton species. Of the species tested, extracellular carbonic anhydrase was detected only in Micromonas pusilla Butcher. The rapid, light-dependent development of CAext when cells were transferred from carbon-replete to carbon-limiting conditions was regulated by the available free- CO2 concentration and not by total dissolved inorganic carbon. Kinetic studies provided support for a CO2 - concentrating mechanism in that the K0.5 [CO2 ] (i.e. the CO2 concentration required for the half-maximal rate of photosynthesis) was substantially lower than the Km [CO2 ] of Rubisco from related taxa, whilst the intracellular carbon pool was at least seven fold greater than the extracellular DIC concentration, for extracellular DIC values ⩽1.0 mm. It is proposed that when the flux of CO2 into the cell is insufficient to support the photosynthetic rate at an optimum photon irradiance, the development of CAext increases the availability of CO2 at the plasma membrane. This ensures rapid acclimation to environmental change and provides an explanation for the central role of M. pusilla as a carbon sink in oligotrophic environments.

Antibodies directed against the mu-opioid receptor alleviated multiple signs of morphine withdrawal in mice.

An investigation was made into the effect of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of antibodies to the amino-terminal portion 1-16 (MDSSTGPGNTSDCSDP) or the peptide sequence 208-216 (TKYRQGSID) of the cloned mu-opioid receptor (mu-OR) on morphine tolerance and dependence. Animals were rendered tolerant-dependent by subcutaneous (s.c.) implantation of an oily morphine suspension. To precipitate withdrawal syndrome, the opioid antagonist naloxone (1 mg/kg, s.c.) was administered 72 h after chronic morphine treatment. In mice i.c.v. injected with the anti-mu-OR antibodies, the analgesic effect of chronic morphine was significantly reduced. These antibodies given 24 h before starting the chronic morphine treatment, reduced most of the symptoms associated with the withdrawal syndrome (jumps, loss of body weight, diarrhoea and body shakes) elicited by naloxone in dependent mice. The administration of the antisera to mice undergoing 48 h of chronic morphine treatment did not precipitate detectable signs of abstinence, but reduced the withdrawal syndrome precipitated by naloxone 24 h later. The finding that both antibodies impaired mu 1/mu 2-mediated effects, suggests a high degree of homology between the pharmacologically defined subtypes of mu-OR.

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of dietary fibre in raw and processed carrots.

An HPLC method was developed to determine dietary fibre in carrots (Daucus carota L.). Primary hydrolysis of dietary fibre residue was performed with 12 M H2SO4 for 2 h at 40 degrees C and secondary hydrolysis with 0.414 M H2SO4 for 3 h at 100 degrees C. For the neutralization step prior to injection, AG4-X4 resin (Bio-Rad) was used. Neutral monosaccharides were separated using an HPX-87P column (Bio-Rad). This method was applied for evaluation of the quantitative variation of dietary fibre content in carrots during autoclaving.

Multigeneration reproduction study of policosanol in rats.

The hypocholesterolaemic drug policosanol was administered to Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes throughout three successive generations at concentrations of 0, 5, 50 and 500 mg/kg bw/day by gavage. For each generation two litters were reared until they were at least 3 weeks old. No clinical signs which could be related to the administration of the test substance were observed in the F0, F1b and F2b parents. There were no differences among groups in the number of animals that conceived, the number of pups born live or dead, the rate of male to female pups, the number of pups that survived until weaning and the pups' body weights through the lactancy. The following test showed no treatment-related effects on F3b offspring: righting on a surface, air righting, corneal, pirmal and pain reflexes, auditory startle and visual placing. The results of the present study did not demonstrate any deleterious effects on the fertility, reproductive performance or development of rats administered policosanol at levels of up to 500 mg/kg bw/day over three successive generations.

Diagnostic and therapeutic laparoscopy for nonpalpable testis.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the use of laparoscopy in the management of impalpable testis to determine what advantages it might offer over the open approach. METHODS: Over a 5.5-year period, a total of 46 patients with 53 nonpalpable testes underwent a laparoscopic procedure at our hospital. There were 28 cases of intraabdominal testis (52.83%), 18 cases of the vas and vessels entering the internal ring (33.96%), and seven cases of intraabdominally absent testis (13.20%). We performed a laparoscopic orchiopexy for 24 testes (scrotal in 21 cases and partial to the inguinal canal in three cases) and an orchiectomy for three testes. We encountered inguinal hernia in 14 cases (26.41%). RESULTS: At follow-up, all testes were the same size as at the time of operation and were well positioned in the scrotum, except for four testes that required reoperation due to partial migration at the superficial inguinal ring. The operating time was <1 h in unilateral cases and <2 h for the bilateral cases. All procedures were completed successfully without conversion or complications. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy is the only exploratory procedure that is accurate enough to enable the diagnosis of nonpalpable testis and also allow the surgical treatment to be done in the same setting.