Tributyltin induces apoptosis in mammalian cells in vivo: a scoping review.

The present review aimed to evaluate the apoptotic effect of tributyltin (TBT) exposure on mammalian tissues and cells in vivo. A search was conducted in specialized literature databases including Embase, Medline, Pubmed, Scholar Google, and Scopus for all manuscripts using the following keywords: "tributyltin", "apoptosis", "mammals", "mammalian cells', "eukaryotic cells", 'rodents', "rats", "mice" and "in vivo" for all data published until September 2023. A total of 16 studies were included. The studies have demonstrated that TBT exposure induces apoptosis in cells from various mammalian organs or tissues in vivo. TBT is capable to increase apoptotic cells, to activate proapoptotic proteins such as calpain, caspases, bax and beclin-1 and to inhibit antiapoptotic protein bcl-2. Additionally, TBT alters the ratio of bcl-2/bax which favor apoptosis. Therefore, the activation of enzymes such as calpain induces apoptosis mediated by ERS and caspases through the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. This review has demonstrated that TBT exposure induces apoptosis in mammalian tissues and cells in vivo.

Event-related (de)synchronization and potential in whole vs. part sensorimotor learning.

Background: There are different ways to learn a sensorimotor task. This research focuses on whole versus part learning in a complex video game that involves sensorimotor adaptations and skill learning. The primary aim of this research is to compare the changes in (1) event-related potentials (ERP) and (2) Alpha and Beta event-related desynchronization/synchronization [ERD(S)] of EEG between whole and part practice protocols. Materials and methods: 18 Healthy young participants practiced for 5 days a video game with distorted kinematic (advancing skill) and dynamic features (shooting skill) to test the ability to combine sensorimotor skill components learned modularly (part learning, 9 participants) or combined (whole practice, 9 participants). We examined ERP and ERD(S) in EEG channels in the baseline test (day 1) and the retention test (day 5), dissociating epochs with advancing or shooting. We focus the analysis on the main activity of ERP or ERD(S) in different time windows. Results: In the advancing epochs (distorted kinematic), both groups showed a decrease in time for ERP and an increase in Beta ERD activity in central and posterior channels. In the shooting epochs (distorted dynamic), the Whole group showed a decrease in time for ERPs in anterior and central-posterior channels. Additionally, the shooting ERS in the Beta band decreases within sessions in central channels, particularly for the Part group. Conclusion: Neural correlates of kinematic and dynamic control [ERP and ERD(S)] were modulated by sensorimotor learning, which reflects the effect of the type of practice on the execution and the evaluation of the action. These results can be linked with our previous report, where the simultaneous practice of kinematic and dynamic distortions takes advantage of the motor performance on retention tests, indicating a more automatic control for the whole practice group.

Motor event-related synchronization as an inhibitory biomarker of pain severity, sensitivity, and chronicity in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to examine the clinical and neurophysiological predictors of motor event-related desynchronization (ERD) and synchronization (ERS) in patients with chronic pain due to knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of our cohort study (DEFINE cohort), KOA arm, with 71 patients, including demographic, functionality, genetic and neurophysiological measures. ERD/ERS was evaluated during hand motor tasks (motor execution, active and passive observation, and imagery). Multivariate regression models were used to explore predictors of ERD/ERS. RESULTS: Although we found an altered ERD/ERS pattern during motor execution and active observation, the ERS pattern could only be clearly differentiated after passive observation.`. We found no predictors of ERD (excitatory biomarker). For ERS (inhibitory biomarker), our results showed that the main predictors differ across EEG frequency bands. Considering pain measures, we found that visual analogue scale (VAS, right knee) and chronicity of pain negatively predict low beta and high beta ERS, respectively. Pain threshold was positively correlated with alpha ERS, while 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) emotional domain positively predicted beta ERS. Regarding transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) markers, intracortical inhibition (ICF) negatively predicted beta and low beta ERS, and left hemisphere cortical silent period (CSP) negatively predicted low beta ERS. CONCLUSION: Considering that higher power of ERS indicates a stronger cortical organization and inhibitory drive, our results show that limitation of activities due to emotional factors, lower pain threshold, higher VAS pain, and longer duration of pain are associated with lower ERS power (in alpha and beta frequencies), thus indicating a lower inhibitory drive. In the same direction, a lower inhibitory drive as indicated by higher ERS power is associated with higher ICF amplitude. Although there was a negative association between ERS and CSP, this may indicate that ICF values are adjusting CSP results. Our findings support the idea that a less organized cortical response as indicated by changes to the ERS is associated with higher pain correlates in subjects with KOA.

Outcomes and prognostic factors of decompensated pulmonary hypertension in the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Patients with acute decompensation of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) have high in-hospital mortality. We hypothesized that pulmonary hypertension (PH) severity, measured by a simplified version of European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society (ESC/ERS) risk assessment, and the severity of organ dysfunction upon ICU admission, measured by sequential organ failure assessment score (SOFA) were associated with in-hospital mortality in decompensated patients with PAH and CTEPH. We also described clinical and laboratory variables during ICU stay. METHODS: Observational study including adults with decompensated PAH or CTEPH with unplanned ICU admission between 2014 and 2019. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association of ESC/ERS risk assessment and SOFA score with in-hospital mortality. ESC/ERS risk assessment and SOFA score were included in a decision tree to predict in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: 73 patients were included. In-hospital mortality was 41.1%. ESC/ERS high-risk group (adjusted odds ratio = 95.52) and SOFA score (adjusted odds ratio = 1.80) were associated with in-hospital mortality. The decision tree identified four groups with in-hospital mortality between 8.1% and 100%. Nonsurvivors had a lower central venous oxygen saturation, higher arterial lactate and higher brain natriuretic peptide in the end of first week in the ICU. CONCLUSIONS: High-risk on a simplified version of ERS/ESC risk assessment and SOFA score upon ICU admission are associate with in-hospital mortality. A decision tree based on ESC/ERS risk assessment and SOFA score identifies four groups with in-hospital mortality between 8.1% and 100%.

Estradiol Induces Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition of Human Glioblastoma Cells.

The mesenchymal phenotype of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most frequent and malignant brain tumor, is associated with the worst prognosis. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cell plasticity mechanism involved in GBM malignancy. In this study, we determined 17ß-estradiol (E2)-induced EMT by changes in cell morphology, expression of EMT markers, and cell migration and invasion assays in human GBM-derived cell lines. E2 (10 nM) modified the shape and size of GBM cells due to a reorganization of actin filaments. We evaluated EMT markers expression by RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence.We found that E2 upregulated the expression of the mesenchymal markers, vimentin, and N-cadherin. Scratch and transwell assays showed that E2 increased migration and invasion of GBM cells. The estrogen receptor-α (ER-α)-selective agonist 4,4',4''-(4-propyl-[1H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl)trisphenol (PPT, 10 nM) affected similarly to E2 in terms of the expression of EMT markers and cell migration, and the treatment with the ER-α antagonist methyl-piperidino-pyrazole (MPP, 1 µM) blocked E2 and PPT effects. ER-ß-selective agonist diarylpropionitrile (DNP, 10 nM) and antagonist 4-[2-phenyl-5,7-bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazole[1,5-a]pyrimidin-3-yl]phenol (PHTPP, 1 µM) showed no effects on EMT marker expression. These data suggest that E2 induces EMT activation through ER-α in human GBM-derived cells.

Colonic and systemic effects of extruded whole-grain sorghum consumption in growing Wistar rats.

Colonic effects of extruded whole-grain sorghum diets were evaluated using a model of growing rats. In all, twenty-four male Wistar rats were fed control (C), extruded white sorghum (EWS) or red sorghum (ERS). Consumption of sorghum diets showed satiety properties, with reduction of caecal pH, and lower activity of ß-glucosidase and ß-glucuronidase enzymes. Decreased copper zinc superoxide dismutase and manganese superoxide dismutase and increased catalase and glutathione peroxidase levels were observed in colonic mucosa. The induction of antioxidant enzymes occurred through the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 protein and its subsequent translocation into the nucleus. ERS was able to decrease the proliferation of proximal mucosa of colon, demonstrating a possible effect against colorectal tumourigenesis. EWS increased proliferation and also apoptosis, ensuring the re-establishment of homoeostasis of the colonic mucosa. No antioxidant systemic effect (serum or hepatic level) was observed. It is likely that despite the extrusion the low bioavailability of the phenolic compounds of sorghum diets caused them to exert mainly acute effects at the colon level. Extruded whole-grain sorghum is a good functional ingredient that might be promising in dietary prevention of intestinal diseases.

Satisfacción laboral y su relación con el clima organizacional en funcionarios de una universidad estatal chilena / Work satisfaction and its relation with the organizational climate in officials of a Chilean state university

OBJETIVO: Determinar la relación entre satisfacción laboral y clima organizacional de docentes y administrativos de una institución de educación superior de la comuna de Chillán-Chile. MÉTODO: Estudio cuantitativo, correlacional, en 166 trabajadores. Se aplicó el Cuestionario de Satisfacción Laboral S20/23, el Instrumento para Clima Organizacional y un cuestionario para identificar antecedentes sociodemográficos y laborales de los participantes. RESULTADOS: Un 95% de los docentes y un 90,6% de los administrativos refirieron sentirse satisfechos labo ralmente. Un 80% de los docentes y un 72,7% de los administrativos manifestaron percibir un alto nivel de clima organizacional o ambiente de trabajo. Los funcionarios más satisfechos y que perciben un más alto nivel de clima organizacional son aquellos que tienen entre 15 a 29 años de antigüedad en la universidad y los que traba jan menos de 40 horas semanales. Los que tienen contrato de titular se encuentran más satisfechos laboralmente y los a contrata perciben un nivel de clima organizacional más alto. La correlación entre los puntajes globales de clima organizacional y satisfacción laboral fue estadísticamente significativa, tanto en docentes (r = 0,523; p < 0,001) y administrativos (r = 0,468; p < 0,001). CONCLUSIÓN: La percepción de un clima organizacional alto se asocia a un mayor nivel de satisfac ción laboral de docentes y administrativos.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between job satisfaction and the organizational climate of teachers and administrators of an insti tution of higher education in the commune of Chillán-Chile. METHOD: A quantitative, correlational study of 166 workers. The Labor Satisfaction Questionnaire S20 / 23, the Organizational Climate Instrument and a questionnaire were used to identify the sociodemographic and labor background of the participants. RESULTS: 95% of the teachers and 90,6% of the administrators said they felt satisfied with their work. 80% of the teachers and 72,7% of the administrative staff showed a high level of organizational climate or work environment. The most satisfied and highest-perceived employees are those who are between 15 and 29 years of age at university and those who work less than 40 hours a week. Those who have a contract are more satisfied and the contractor perceives a higher level of organizational climate. The correlation between the overall organizational climate and work satisfaction scores was statistically significant in both teachers (r = 0,523, p <0,001) and administrative (r = 0,468, p <0,001). CONCLUSION: The perception of a high organizational climate is associated to a higher level of job sat isfaction of teachers and administrators.

Ambiguous Loss Experienced by Transnational Mexican Immigrant Families.

In this study, an ambiguous loss framework as described by Boss (1999, Ambiguous loss: Learning to live with unresolved grief, First Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA) was used to examine and understand the family experiences of Mexican immigrant agricultural workers in Minnesota. Transcripts from interviews with 17 workers in Minnesota and 17 family members in Mexico were analyzed using qualitative methodology to identify experiences of ambiguous loss in the participants' narratives. Key dimensions of ambiguous loss identified in the transcripts include: psychological family, feelings of chronic/recurring loss, finding support, and meaning making. In the category of psychological family, participants in both Mexico and the United States mourned the physical absence of their family members and experienced ambiguity regarding family responsibilities, but worked to maintain their psychological roles within the family. In the category of chronic/recurring loss, participants in both countries experienced chronic worry from not knowing if family members were safe, ambiguity regarding when the immigrant would return, and chronic stressors that compounded these feelings of loss. Participants in both countries coped with both real and ambiguous losses by accessing family support and by using ambiguous communication to minimize worry. Participants in Mexico also accessed work and community-based support. Participants in both countries made meaning of the ambiguous loss by identifying ways their lives were improved and goals were met as a result of the immigration for agricultural work in Minnesota.

Pulmonary outcome in former preterm, very low birth weight children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a case-control follow-up at school age.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare long-term pulmonary outcomes in former preterm-born, very low birth weight (VLBW) children with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) born in the surfactant era. STUDY DESIGN: Pulmonary function tests (ie, spirometry, body plethysmography, and gas transfer testing) were performed in children with a history of VLBW and BPD (n = 28) and compared with a matched preterm-born VLBW control group (n = 28). Medical history was evaluated by questionnaire. RESULTS: At time of follow-up (mean age, 9.5 years), respiratory symptoms (36% vs 8%) and receipt of asthma medication (21% vs 0%) were significantly more frequent in the preterm-born children with previous BPD than in those with no history of BPD. The children with a history of BPD had significantly lower values for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (z-score -1.27 vs -0.4; P = .008), forced vital capacity (z-score -1.39 vs -0.71 z-score; P = .022), and forced expiratory flow rate at 50% of forced vital capacity (z-score -2.21 vs -1.04; P = .048) compared with the preterm control group. CONCLUSION: Preterm-born children with a history of BPD are significantly more likely to have lung function abnormalities, such as airway obstruction and respiratory symptoms, at school age compared with preterm-born children without BPD.

The antidepressant-like effect of ethynyl estradiol is mediated by both serotonergic and noradrenergic systems in the forced swimming test.

17α-Ethynyl-estradiol (EE2, a synthetic steroidal estrogen) induces antidepressant-like effects in the forced swimming test (FST) similar to those induced by 5-HT and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (dual antidepressants). However, the precise mechanism of action of EE2 has not been studied. In the present study, the participation of estrogen receptors (ERs) and the serotonergic and the noradrenergic presynaptic sites in the antidepressant-like action of EE2 was evaluated in the FST. The effects of the ER antagonist ICI 182,780 (10 µg/rat; i.c.v.), the serotonergic and noradrenergic terminal destruction with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT; 200 µg/rat, i.c.v.), and N-(2-chloro-ethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine (DSP4; 10mg/kg, i.p.) were studied in ovariectomized rats treated with EE2 and subjected to the FST. In addition, the participation of α2-adrenergic receptors in the antidepressant-like action of EE2 was explored using the selective α2-receptor antagonist idazoxan (0.25, 0.5 and 1.0mg/kg, i.p.). EE2 induced an antidepressant-like action characterized by a decrease in immobility behavior with a concomitant increase in swimming and climbing behaviors. The ER antagonist, 5,7-DHT, DSP4, and idazoxan blocked the effects of EE2 on the immobility behavior, whereas ICI 182,780 and 5,7-DHT affected swimming behavior. The noradrenergic compound DSP4 altered climbing behavior, while Idazoxan inhibited the increase of swimming and climbing behaviors induced by EE2. Our results suggest that the antidepressant-like action of EE2 implies a complex mechanism of action on monoaminergic systems and estrogen receptors.

Estimativa da porosidade drenável de um solo de várzea a partir da tensão da água no solo

An alternative way to assess the drainable porosity as a function of soil-water tension, from the soil-water retention curve (Van Genuchten's model), is presented for data of a clayey holm gley soil of the county of Piracicaba, SP, Brazil. Soil-water retention curves were determined using undisturbed soil samples. The analysis of the results has shown that the data variability was mainly due to random causes. Statistical indexes used to verify the degree of fitting of the experimental data to the proposed model, have shown that the model can be used to estimate the drainable porosity from the empirical parameters of the Van Genuchten model.

Um modo alternativo para estimativa da porosidade drenável em função da tensão da água no solo a partir da equação de VAN GENUCHTEN para a curva de retenção, é apresentado e testado para dados obtidos de um solo de várzea ( Gleissolo Eutrófico, textura argilosa). Curvas de retenção de água foram elaboradas com amostras de solo com estrutura indeformada. Na análise dos resultados verificou-se que o maior componente de erro foi devido a causas aleatórias, representando cerca de 12 vezes o erro sistemático. Os índices estatísticos utilizados para verificar o grau de ajuste dos dados experimentais à relação funcional apresentada entre porosidade drenável e tensão de água no solo, mostraram que esta relação pode ser utilizada para estimativa da porosidade drenável, a partir do conhecimento dos parâmetros empíricos da equação de VAN GENUCHTEN.

Estimativa da porosidade drenável de um solo de várzea a partir da tensão da água no solo

An alternative way to assess the drainable porosity as a function of soil-water tension, from the soil-water retention curve (Van Genuchten's model), is presented for data of a clayey holm gley soil of the county of Piracicaba, SP, Brazil. Soil-water retention curves were determined using undisturbed soil samples. The analysis of the results has shown that the data variability was mainly due to random causes. Statistical indexes used to verify the degree of fitting of the experimental data to the proposed model, have shown that the model can be used to estimate the drainable porosity from the empirical parameters of the Van Genuchten model.

Um modo alternativo para estimativa da porosidade drenável em função da tensão da água no solo a partir da equação de VAN GENUCHTEN para a curva de retenção, é apresentado e testado para dados obtidos de um solo de várzea ( Gleissolo Eutrófico, textura argilosa). Curvas de retenção de água foram elaboradas com amostras de solo com estrutura indeformada. Na análise dos resultados verificou-se que o maior componente de erro foi devido a causas aleatórias, representando cerca de 12 vezes o erro sistemático. Os índices estatísticos utilizados para verificar o grau de ajuste dos dados experimentais à relação funcional apresentada entre porosidade drenável e tensão de água no solo, mostraram que esta relação pode ser utilizada para estimativa da porosidade drenável, a partir do conhecimento dos parâmetros empíricos da equação de VAN GENUCHTEN.