ABSTRACT
Introducción Las técnicas convencionales de ureteroscopia (URS) y cirugía retrógrada intrarrenal (CRIR) requieren el uso de guía fluoroscópica, pero los riesgos derivados de la exposición a radiaciones ionizantes constituyen un motivo de preocupación entre pacientes y urólogos. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la eficacia y la seguridad de la URS y la CRIR sin fluoroscopia y compararlas con los procedimientos convencionales guiados por fluoroscopia para el tratamiento de litiasis ureterales y renales. Material y métodos Los pacientes tratados con URS o CRIR para litiasis urinaria entre agosto de 2018 y diciembre de 2019 fueron evaluados retrospectivamente y agrupados según el uso de o la ausencia de fluoroscopia. Los datos se recopilaron de las historias individuales de los pacientes. Los criterios de valoración principales fueron la tasa libre de cálculos (TLC) y las complicaciones, comparadas entre los grupos con fluoroscopia y sin fluoroscopia. Se realizó un análisis de subgrupos por tipo de procedimiento (URS y CRIR) y un análisis multivariante para identificar los factores predictivos de litiasis residual. Resultados Un total de 231 pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión: 120 (51,9%) en el grupo tratado con fluoroscopia convencional y 111 (48,1%) en el grupo tratado sin fluoroscopia. No se hallaron diferencias significativas entre los grupos en cuanto a la TLC (82,5% vs. 90,1%; p=0,127) o de complicaciones postoperatorias (35,0% vs. 31,5%; p=0,675). No se hallaron diferencias significativas entre estas variables en el análisis de subgrupos, independientemente del procedimiento considerado (AU)
Introduction Ureteroscopy (URS) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) are traditionally guided by fluoroscopy, but the risks of exposure to ionizing radiation may present a matter of concern for patients and urologists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fluoroless URS and RIRS compared with conventional fluoroscopy-guided procedures for the treatment of ureteral and renal stones. Material and methods Patients treated with URS or RIRS for urolithiasis between August 2018 and December 2019 were retrospectively evaluated and grouped according to the use of fluoroscopy. Data was collected from individual patient records. The main outcomes were stone-free rate (SFR) and complications, compared between the fluoroscopy and fluoroless groups. A subgroup analysis by type of procedure (URS and RIRS) and a multivariate analysis to identify predictors of residual stones were conducted. Results A total of 231 patients met the inclusion criteria: 120 (51.9%) in the conventional fluoroscopy group and 111 (48.1%) in the fluoroless group. No significant differences were found between groups regarding SFR (82.5% vs 90.1%; P=.127) or postoperative complication rate (35.0% vs 31.5%; P=.675). In the subgroup analysis these variables did not present significant differences, regardless of the procedure considered. In the multivariate analysis the fluoroless technique was not an independent predictor of residual lithiasis (OR: 0.991; 95%IC: 0.407-2.411; P=.983), when adjusted for procedure type, stone size and stone number. Conclusion URS and RIRS can be done without fluoroscopic guidance in selected cases, without affecting the efficacy or safety of the procedure (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Ureteroscopy/methods , Urolithiasis/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , FluoroscopyABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Ureteroscopy (URS) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) are traditionally guided by fluoroscopy, but the risks of exposure to ionizing radiation may present a matter of concern for patients and urologists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fluoroless URS and RIRS compared with conventional fluoroscopy-guided procedures for the treatment of ureteral and renal stones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients treated with URS or RIRS for urolithiasis between August 2018 and December 2019 were retrospectively evaluated and grouped according to the use of fluoroscopy. Data was collected from individual patient records. The main outcomes were stone-free rate (SFR) and complications, compared between the fluoroscopy and fluoroless groups. A subgroup analysis by type of procedure (URS and RIRS) and a multivariate analysis to identify predictors of residual stones were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 231 patients met the inclusion criteria: 120 (51.9%) in the conventional fluoroscopy group and 111 (48.1%) in the fluoroless group. No significant differences were found between groups regarding SFR (82.5% vs 90.1%, p=.127) or postoperative complication rate (35.0% vs 31.5%, p=.675). In the subgroup analysis these variables did not present significant differences, regardless of the procedure considered. In the multivariate analysis the fluoroless technique was not an independent predictor of residual lithiasis (OR 0.991; 95% IC 0.407-2.411; p=.983), when adjusted for procedure type, stone size and stone number. CONCLUSION: URS and RIRS can be done without fluoroscopic guidance in selected cases, without affecting the efficacy or safety of the procedure.
Subject(s)
Kidney Calculi , Ureter , Urolithiasis , Humans , Ureteroscopy/methods , Retrospective Studies , Urolithiasis/surgery , Kidney Calculi/surgeryABSTRACT
Abstract Vegetation cover may show diversity and composition patterns of the soil invertebrate community, as a function of litter quantity and quality in a specific habitat. The objective of this work was to characterize the distribution of edaphic fauna in different monocultures. The study was carried out at Chapada Grande farm in Regeneração, PI. Four monoculture areas were chosen: no-tillage soybean, eucalyptus, pasture, and a preserved native cerrado forest. Soil fauna was collected in a dry and wet period by pitfall traps containing 4% formaldehyde. The edaphic fauna was evaluated by the number of individuals per trap per day, average richness and richness, Shannon diversity index and Pielou uniformity index. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and multivariate Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The highest number of individuals per day trap and of average richness were registered in the pasture, eucalyptus and forest areas in both periods, while soybean showed lower values with predominance of Coleoptera and Formicidae groups. The pasture and forest areas showed of higher Shannon index values in the two evaluated seasons, probably due to higher contributions organic residues in the soil that favors the shelter, feeding and reproduction conditions. Regarding the Pielou index, the soybean system showed higher values in this variable. The Aranae, Coleoptera, Formicidae and Diptera groups predominated in the humid period, while Coleoptera and Formicidae predominated in the dry period. Systems that generate greater accumulation of residues harbor a greater diversity of invertebrates of the edaphic fauna. Seasonality had an effect on all variables analyzed and the wet period showed more expressive values.
Resumo A cobertura vegetal pode mostrar padrões de diversidade e composição da comunidade de invertebrados do solo, em função da quantidade e qualidade da serapilheira em determinado habitat específico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a distribuição da fauna edáfica em diferentes monocultivos. O estudo foi realizado na fazenda Chapada Grande no município de Regeneração, PI. Foram escolhidas quatro áreas de monocultivos: soja em sistema de plantio direto, eucalipto, pastagem, além de uma mata nativa de cerrado preservada. Foram realizadas coletas da fauna do solo, em período seco e úmido, por meio de armadilhas do tipo pitfall contendo 4% de formol. A fauna edáfica foi avaliada pelo número de indivíduos por armadilha por dia, riqueza e riqueza média, índice de diversidade de Shannon e índice de uniformidade de Pielou. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e à análise multivariada de Componentes Principais (ACP). O maior número de indivíduos por armadilha dia e de riqueza média foram registrados nas áreas pastagem, eucalipto e mata nos dois períodos, enquanto que a soja mostrou valores inferiores com predomínio dos grupos Coleoptera e Formicidae. As áreas de pastagem e mata mostraram maiores valores de índice de Shannon nas duas épocas avaliadas provavelmente em função de maiores aportes de resíduos orgânicos no solo que favorece as condições de abrigo, alimentação e reprodução. Em relação ao índice de Pielou o sistema com soja mostrou maiores valores nessa variável. Os grupos Araneae, Coleoptera, Formicidae e Diptera predominaram no período úmido, enquanto Coleoptera e Formicidae se destacaram no período seco. Sistemas que geram maior acúmulo de resíduos abrigam uma maior diversidade de invertebrados da fauna edáfica. A sazonalidade apresentou efeito sobre todas as variáveis analisadas sendo que o período úmido mostrou valores mais expressivos.
Subject(s)
Humans , Animals , Grassland , Biodiversity , Soil , Forests , EcosystemABSTRACT
This study verified the effects of respiratory muscle training (RMT) on hemodynamics, heart rate (HR) variability, and muscle morphology in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus (DM). Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups and 34 completed the study: i) sham-sedentary (Sham-ST; n=9); ii) sham-RMT (Sham-RMT; n=9); iii) DM-sedentary (DM-ST; n=8); and iv) DM-RMT (DM-RMT; n=8). Hemodynamics were assessed by central cannulation, and R-R intervals were measured by electrocardiogram. In addition, the effects of RMT on the cross-sectional area of the diaphragm, anterior tibial, and soleus muscles were analyzed. The induction of DM by streptozotocin resulted in weight loss, hyperglycemia, reduced blood pressure, and attenuated left ventricular contraction and relaxation (P<0.05). We also observed a decrease in root mean square of successive differences between adjacent RR intervals (RMSSD) index and in the cross-sectional area of the muscles assessed, specifically the diaphragm, soleus, and anterior tibial muscles in diabetic rats (P<0.05). Interestingly, RMT led to an increase in RMSSD in rats with DM (P<0.05). The induction of DM produced profound deleterious changes in the diaphragmatic and peripheral muscles, as well as impairments in cardiovascular hemodynamics and autonomic control. Nevertheless, RMT may beneficially attenuate autonomic changes and improve parasympathetic modulation.
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental , Animals , Breathing Exercises , Heart Rate , Hemodynamics , Male , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Respiratory MusclesABSTRACT
Vegetation cover may show diversity and composition patterns of the soil invertebrate community, as a function of litter quantity and quality in a specific habitat. The objective of this work was to characterize the distribution of edaphic fauna in different monocultures. The study was carried out at Chapada Grande farm in Regeneração, PI. Four monoculture areas were chosen: no-tillage soybean, eucalyptus, pasture, and a preserved native cerrado forest. Soil fauna was collected in a dry and wet period by pitfall traps containing 4% formaldehyde. The edaphic fauna was evaluated by the number of individuals per trap per day, average richness and richness, Shannon diversity index and Pielou uniformity index. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and multivariate Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The highest number of individuals per day trap and of average richness were registered in the pasture, eucalyptus and forest areas in both periods, while soybean showed lower values with predominance of Coleoptera and Formicidae groups. The pasture and forest areas showed of higher Shannon index values in the two evaluated seasons, probably due to higher contributions organic residues in the soil that favors the shelter, feeding and reproduction conditions. Regarding the Pielou index, the soybean system showed higher values in this variable. The Aranae, Coleoptera, Formicidae and Diptera groups predominated in the humid period, while Coleoptera and Formicidae predominated in the dry period. Systems that generate greater accumulation of residues harbor a greater diversity of invertebrates of the edaphic fauna. Seasonality had an effect on all variables analyzed and the wet period showed more expressive values.
Subject(s)
Biodiversity , Grassland , Animals , Ecosystem , Forests , Humans , SoilABSTRACT
This study verified the effects of respiratory muscle training (RMT) on hemodynamics, heart rate (HR) variability, and muscle morphology in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus (DM). Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups and 34 completed the study: i) sham-sedentary (Sham-ST; n=9); ii) sham-RMT (Sham-RMT; n=9); iii) DM-sedentary (DM-ST; n=8); and iv) DM-RMT (DM-RMT; n=8). Hemodynamics were assessed by central cannulation, and R-R intervals were measured by electrocardiogram. In addition, the effects of RMT on the cross-sectional area of the diaphragm, anterior tibial, and soleus muscles were analyzed. The induction of DM by streptozotocin resulted in weight loss, hyperglycemia, reduced blood pressure, and attenuated left ventricular contraction and relaxation (P<0.05). We also observed a decrease in root mean square of successive differences between adjacent RR intervals (RMSSD) index and in the cross-sectional area of the muscles assessed, specifically the diaphragm, soleus, and anterior tibial muscles in diabetic rats (P<0.05). Interestingly, RMT led to an increase in RMSSD in rats with DM (P<0.05). The induction of DM produced profound deleterious changes in the diaphragmatic and peripheral muscles, as well as impairments in cardiovascular hemodynamics and autonomic control. Nevertheless, RMT may beneficially attenuate autonomic changes and improve parasympathetic modulation.
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Rats , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental , Respiratory Muscles , Breathing Exercises , Rats, Wistar , Heart Rate , HemodynamicsABSTRACT
The impaired bioavailability of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) in sickle cell anemia (SCA) may be influenced by polymorphisms in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene (eNOS). We compared allelic/genotypic frequencies of the eNOS polymorphisms T-786C, VNTR4a/b and G894T between 89 adult SCA patients and 100 healthy controls, and investigated the relationship between these SNPs and markers of hemolysis [lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), indirect bilirubin (IB) and reticulocyte counts], inflammation [interleukins IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP)] and endothelial dysfunction (ED) [soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble L-selectin (sL-selectin), von Willebrand Factor (vWF) antigen and D-dimers] in the patients. The frequencies of the mutant -786C allele and -786C/C genotype were significantly higher in patients (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, respectively) but not significantly correlated with the markers. For VNTR4a/b and G894T, the allelic/genotypic frequencies did not statistically differ between patient and control groups. Patients carrying the 4a allele and those with the 894G/G genotype showed a significant decrease in IB (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, respectively), and only patients with the 4a allele exhibited reduced IL-1ß (p = 0.01). The correlation profiles between markers of inflammation and ED significantly differed between patients carrying the mutant alleles and those with wild-type genotypes. This appears to be the first report on the relationship between eNOS gene polymorphisms and markers of hemolysis, inflammation and ED in Brazilian SCA patients. Our results indicate that the SNPs analyzed may influence the phenotypic variability of these patients.
Subject(s)
Anemia, Sickle Cell/enzymology , Anemia, Sickle Cell/genetics , Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products/analysis , Hemolysis , Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1/blood , Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/genetics , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1/blood , von Willebrand Factor/analysis , Adult , Alleles , Anemia, Sickle Cell/blood , Anemia, Sickle Cell/epidemiology , Bilirubin/blood , Biomarkers/blood , Brazil/epidemiology , Case-Control Studies , Cytokines/blood , Female , Gene Frequency , Haplotypes , Humans , Inflammation/blood , L-Lactate Dehydrogenase/blood , Male , Reticulocyte Count , Young AdultABSTRACT
This study investigated the impact of experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) progression by evaluating morphometric and functional parameters, oxidative stress, autonomic nervous system (ANS) activation, and inflammation in the right (RV) and left (LV) ventricles. Male rats were first divided into two groups: monocrotaline (MCT) and control. The MCT group received a single MCT injection (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), while control received saline. The MCT and control groups were further divided into four cohorts based on how long they were observed: 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. Animals were submitted to echocardiographic and hemodynamic analysis. RV and LV were used for morphometric, biochemical, and histological measurements. Autonomic modulation was evaluated by cardiac spectral analysis, considering two components: low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF). Lung and liver weight was used for morphometric analysis. MCT induced 100% mortality at 4 weeks. In the RV, disease progression led to mild inflammation and enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in week 1, followed by moderate inflammation, ROS production, and hypertrophy in week 2. By week 3, there was moderate inflammation, oxidative stress, and ANS imbalance, with development of right heart dysfunction. LV biochemical changes and inflammation were observed at week 3. The initial changes appeared to be related to inflammation and ROS, and the later ones to inflammation, oxidative stress, and ANS imbalance in MCT animals. This study reinforces the severity of the disease in the RV, the late effects in the LV, and the role of ANS imbalance in the development of heart dysfunction.
Subject(s)
Autonomic Nervous System , Hypertension, Pulmonary , Oxidative Stress , Ventricular Remodeling , Animals , Autonomic Nervous System/metabolism , Autonomic Nervous System/pathology , Autonomic Nervous System/physiopathology , Disease Models, Animal , Hypertension, Pulmonary/metabolism , Hypertension, Pulmonary/pathology , Hypertension, Pulmonary/physiopathology , Inflammation/metabolism , Inflammation/pathology , Inflammation/physiopathology , Male , Rats , Rats, WistarABSTRACT
Abstract The vegetation physionomy and cover can show patterns of diversity and composition of the edaphic community, depending on the quantity and quality of litter in a specific habitat. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the vegetation gradient formed by Graminoid Field (GRF), Cerrado Sensu Stricto (CSS), Cerradão (CRD) and Semideciduous Seasonal Forest (SSF) on density, diversity and composition of the edaphic fauna community in two seasons of the year, in the Sete Cidades National Park (Piauí state). For fauna sampling, a total of eight pitfall traps, distanced 10 m, were placed in each area in the central part of each system, where they remained for seven days. In the wet period, there was a tendency to increase the number of individuals as a function of the complexity of the vegetation formation, with the inverse occurring in the dry period. It was verified an environmental variation of the climatic factors temperature and humidity according to the vegetal formation, contributing to a heterogeneous distribution of the fauna. The GRF formation presented a significantly lower value of average richness only in the dry period. Regarding the variables of diversity and uniformity, they did not show drastic variations in relation to the vegetation gradient studied. The dominant groups in the vegetation gradient were Formicidae, Coleoptera, Aranae, Acari and Collembola, with reduction of the number of Coleoptera in the dry season. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed greater differences in the composition of the communities between the vegetation formations for the rainy season. At this time, the formations SSF and CRD were associated to a greater diversity of invertebrates than CSS and GRF, demonstrating the influence of the vegetation complexity on the soil fauna community.
Resumo A fisionomia e cobertura vegetal podem mostrar padrões de diversidade e composição da comunidade edáfica, em função da quantidade e qualidade da serapilheira em determinado habitat específico. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito do gradiente vegetacional formado por Campo Graminóide (CGR), Cerrado Sensu Stricto (CSS), Cerradão (CRD) e Floresta Estacional Semidecídua (FES) sobre a densidade, diversidade e composição da comunidade da fauna edáfica em duas épocas do ano do Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades (PI). Para amostragem da fauna foram colocadas um total de oito armadilhas do tipo Pit-fall, distanciadas por 10 m, em cada área na parte central de cada sistema, onde permaneceram por sete dias. No período úmido houve uma tendência a aumento do número de indivíduos conforme a complexidade da formação vegetal e o inverso ocorreu no período seco. Verificou-se uma variação ambiental dos fatores climáticos temperatura e umidade conforme a formação vegetal contribuindo para uma distribuição heterogênea da fauna. Apenas no período seco a formação CGR apresentou valor significativamente menor de riqueza média. Em relação às variáveis de diversidade e uniformidade não apresentaram variações drásticas em relação ao gradiente vegetacional estudado. Os grupos dominantes no gradiente vegetacional foram Formicidae, Coleoptera, Aranae, Acari e Collembola, com redução do número de Coleoptera na época seca. Pela análise de componentes principais (ACP) constatou-se maiores diferenças na composição das comunidades entre as formações vegetais para o período chuvoso. Nesta época, as formações vegetais os estádios FES e CRD estiveram associados a uma maior diversidade de invertebrados do que CSS e CGR, demonstrando influência da complexidade vegetacional sobre a comunidade da fauna do solo.
Subject(s)
Animals , Arthropods/physiology , Forests , Grassland , Biodiversity , Arthropods/classification , Seasons , Soil , Brazil , Population Density , Parks, RecreationalABSTRACT
The vegetation physionomy and cover can show patterns of diversity and composition of the edaphic community, depending on the quantity and quality of litter in a specific habitat. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the vegetation gradient formed by Graminoid Field (GRF), Cerrado Sensu Stricto (CSS), Cerradão (CRD) and Semideciduous Seasonal Forest (SSF) on density, diversity and composition of the edaphic fauna community in two seasons of the year, in the Sete Cidades National Park (Piauí state). For fauna sampling, a total of eight pitfall traps, distanced 10 m, were placed in each area in the central part of each system, where they remained for seven days. In the wet period, there was a tendency to increase the number of individuals as a function of the complexity of the vegetation formation, with the inverse occurring in the dry period. It was verified an environmental variation of the climatic factors temperature and humidity according to the vegetal formation, contributing to a heterogeneous distribution of the fauna. The GRF formation presented a significantly lower value of average richness only in the dry period. Regarding the variables of diversity and uniformity, they did not show drastic variations in relation to the vegetation gradient studied. The dominant groups in the vegetation gradient were Formicidae, Coleoptera, Aranae, Acari and Collembola, with reduction of the number of Coleoptera in the dry season. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed greater differences in the composition of the communities between the vegetation formations for the rainy season. At this time, the formations SSF and CRD were associated to a greater diversity of invertebrates than CSS and GRF, demonstrating the influence of the vegetation complexity on the soil fauna community.
Subject(s)
Arthropods/physiology , Biodiversity , Forests , Grassland , Animals , Arthropods/classification , Brazil , Parks, Recreational , Population Density , Seasons , SoilABSTRACT
This study was designed to investigate the effect of pterostilbene (PTS) on cardiac oxidative stress in vitro, as this is a simple and promising methodology to study cardiac disease. Cardiac myoblasts (H9c2 cells) and homogenised cardiac tissue were incubated with the PTS and cyclodextrin (PTS + HPßCD) complex for 1 and 24 h, respectively, at concentrations of 50µM for the cells and 25 and 50µM for cardiac tissue. The PTS + HPßCD complex was used to increase the solubility of PTS in water. After the pretreatment period, cardiomyoblasts were challenged with hydrogen peroxide (6.67µM) for 10 min, while cardiac tissue was submitted to a hydroxyl radical generator system (30 min). Cellular viability, oxidative stress biomarkers (e.g. total reactive oxygen species (ROS), carbonyl assay and lipoperoxidation) and the antioxidant response (e.g. sulfhydryl and the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) were evaluated. In cardiomyoblasts, the PTS + HPßCD complex (50µM) increased cellular viability. Moreover, the PTS + HPßCD complex also significantly increased sulfhydryl levels in the cells submitted to an oxidative challenge. In cardiac tissue, lipid peroxidation, carbonyls and ROS levels were significantly increased in the groups submitted to oxidative damage, while the PTS + HPßCD complex significantly reduced ROS levels in these groups. In addition, the PTS + HPßCD complex also provoked increased catalase activity in both experimental protocols. These data suggest that the PTS + HPßCD complex may play a cardioprotective role through a reduction of ROS levels associated with an improved antioxidant response.
Subject(s)
Antioxidants/pharmacology , Heart/drug effects , Homeostasis/drug effects , Myoblasts, Cardiac/drug effects , Stilbenes/pharmacology , Animals , Antioxidants/chemistry , Apoptosis/drug effects , Catalase/metabolism , Cell Survival/drug effects , Cyclodextrins/chemistry , Glutathione Peroxidase/metabolism , Homeostasis/physiology , Hydrogen Peroxide/antagonists & inhibitors , Hydrogen Peroxide/pharmacology , Lipid Peroxidation/drug effects , Male , Myoblasts, Cardiac/cytology , Myoblasts, Cardiac/metabolism , Myocytes, Cardiac/cytology , Myocytes, Cardiac/drug effects , Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism , Oxidation-Reduction , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Reactive Oxygen Species/antagonists & inhibitors , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Stilbenes/chemistry , Superoxide Dismutase/metabolismABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to identify the response pattern of redox balance, Na+/K+ATPase activity and HSP70 expression in the posterior and anterior gills of the crab Neohelice granulata submitted to hypo- or hyper-osmotic stress for 1â¯h and 6â¯h. After 1â¯h of either type of osmotic stress, there was an increase in catalase activity, but a decrease in GSSG/GSH ratio (oxidized to reduced glutathione ratio) and Na+/K+ATPase activity in both gill sets. H2O2 levels decreased only in the posterior gills. H2O2 levels and Na+/K+ATPase activity remained reduced after 6â¯h of exposure to either type of osmotic stress in both gill sets. The GSSG/GSH ratio returned to initial levels after 6â¯h of hyper-osmotic stress, whereas it increased 10 times in both gill sets after hypo-osmotic stress. Furthermore, HSP70 protein expression increased in posterior gills after 6â¯h of hypo-osmotic stress. H2O2 levels in tank water decreased after hypo-osmotic challenge and increased after 6â¯h of hyper-osmotic stress, indicating increased H2O2 excretion. Therefore, N. granulata gills have redox, metabolic and molecular strategies to deal with rapid osmotic challenges, an important environmental parameter that influences juvenile and adult crab distribution and abundance within different populations.
Subject(s)
Brachyura/physiology , Osmotic Pressure , Stress, Physiological , Animals , Gills , Hydrogen Peroxide , Oxidation-Reduction , Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPaseABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Inflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of most complications seen in sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients. We aimed to evaluate serum levels of two newly discovered anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-27 and IL-37), and pro-inflammatory cytokines among Brazilian SCA patients that are not on hydroxyurea therapy (HbSS), compared with hydroxyurea-treated patients (HbSSHU) and healthy controls (HbAA). Furthermore, we demonstrated the effect of IL-27, IL-37, and heme on in vitro secretions of IL-8 in human neutrophils and monocytes. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 82 consenting SCA (35 HbSS and 47 HbSSHU) patients in steady state and 49 HbAA consenting individuals. Clinical details were obtained from interviews and medical records. Serum levels of IL-27, IL-37, TGF-ß, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8 were quantified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Neutrophils and monocytes were isolated from healthy controls, and cultured separately with or without cytokines (IL-27 and IL-37) and heme. Supernatant IL-8 concentration was determined by ELISA. RESULTS: Serum levels of IL-27, IL-37, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8 were significantly elevated in HbSS patients compared to HbAA controls. Serum IL-8 levels were significantly higher in HbSS and HbSSHU patients than in controls. IL-27 and IL-37 were positively correlated in both HbSS and HbSSHU patients. In vitro IL-8 production by IL-27 and IL-37 pre-treated neutrophils and monocytes was significantly inhibited even after heme addition. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that IL-27 and IL-37, as well as the pro-inflammatory cytokines, are elevated in HbSS patients compared with controls, suggesting that the secretion of these anti-inflammatory cytokines is driven by the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This role is probably sufficient in preventing further cellular or tissue damage but not potent enough to prevent inflammation. Therefore, IL-27 and IL-37 may be potential immuno-targets for ameliorating complications associated with elevated heme levels seen in SCA and other hemolytic anemias.
Subject(s)
Anemia, Sickle Cell/metabolism , Interleukin-1/metabolism , Interleukin-8/metabolism , Interleukins/metabolism , Monocytes/metabolism , Neutrophils/metabolism , Adult , Cells, Cultured , Cross-Sectional Studies , Cytokines/metabolism , Female , Humans , Inflammation/metabolism , Male , Young AdultABSTRACT
The sugarcane (Saccharum spp) presents economic importance, mainly for tropical regions, being an important Brazilian commodity. However, this crop is strongly dependent on fertilizers, mainly nitrogen (N). This study assessed the plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) associated with sugarcane that could be used as a potential inoculant to the crop. We evaluated the genetic diversity of PGPB in the plant tissue of sugarcane varieties (RB 867515, RB 1011, and RB 92579). The primer BOX-A1R was used to differentiate the similar isolated and further sequencing 16S rRNA ribosomal gene. The 16S rRNA gene showed the presence of seven different genera distributed into four groups, the genus Bacillus, followed by Paenibacillus (20%), Burkholderia (14%), Herbaspirillum (6%), Pseudomonas (6%), Methylobacterium (6%), and Brevibacillus (3%). The molecular characterization of endophytic isolates from sugarcane revealed a diversity of bacteria colonizing this plant, with a possible biotechnological potential to be used as inoculant and biofertilizers.
Subject(s)
Microbiota , Saccharum/microbiology , Bacteria/classification , Bacteria/genetics , Bacteria/isolation & purification , Bacteria/pathogenicity , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , Saccharum/growth & developmentABSTRACT
Abstract The aim of this study was to measure soil microbial biomass and soil surface fauna in undisturbed and disturbed Cerrado sensu stricto (Css) from Sete Cidades National Park, Northeast Brazil. The following sites were sampled under Cerrado sensu stricto (Css) at the park: undisturbed and disturbed Css (slash-and-burn agricultural practices). Total organic and microbial biomass C were higher in undisturbed than in disturbed sites in both seasons. However, microbial biomass C was higher in the wet than in the dry season. Soil respiration did not vary among sites but was higher in the wet than in the dry season. The densities of Araneae, Coleoptera, and Orthoptera were higher in the undisturbed site, whereas the densities of Formicidae were higher in the disturbed site. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis separated undisturbed from disturbed sites according to soil biological properties. Disturbance by agricultural practices, such as slash-and-burn, probably resulted in the deterioration of the biological properties of soil under native Cerrado sensu stricto in the Sete Cidades National Park.
Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar as propriedades biológicas do solo em área de Cerrado sensu stricto preservadas e não preservadas do Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades, Nordeste do Brasil. Os seguintes sites sob Cerrado sensu stricto (Css) foram avaliados: preservado (UND) e não preservado (DIS). O C orgânico total e da biomassa microbiana foram maiores na área preservada do que na não preservada em ambas estações seca e chuvosa. Entretanto, o C da biomassa microbiana foi maior na estação chuvosa do que na seca. A respiração do solo não variou entre as áreas, mas foi maior na estação chuvosa. As densidades de Araneae, Coleoptera e Ortoptera foram maiores na área preservada, enquanto as densidades de Formicidae foram maiores na área não preservada. A analise de escalonamento não-métrico separou a área preservada da não-preservada de acordo com as propriedades biológicas. Os distúrbios no solo pelas atividades agrícolas, como corte-e-queima, resultaram na deterioração das propriedades biológicas do Cerrado nativo no Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades.
Subject(s)
Animals , Soil , Soil Microbiology , Ecosystem , Biomass , Phosphorus/chemistry , Potassium/chemistry , Seasons , Spiders , Brazil , Calcium/chemistry , Agriculture , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , InsectaABSTRACT
Casearia grandiflora (Salicaceae) is a typical Cerrado species adapted to disturbed environments, making it useful for restoration projects. Knowledge of genetic diversity is important for establishing conservation strategies for this species. This study aimed to compare chloroplast haplotype diversity and structure of C. grandiflora, under the assumption that protected areas hold greater genetic diversity than disturbed areas. The populations studied are from Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades Conservation Unit and from the surroundings of the city of Cocal de Telha, both located in the State of Piauí. Molecular analyses were performed with seven chloroplast microsatellite loci. The number of private haplotypes and haplotype diversity were higher in the conservation unit, which reinforces the importance of these areas in maintaining biodiversity. Analysis of molecular variance showed that most of the genetic variation is found within populations, with a moderate divergence between them (FST = 0.14). The Bayesian analysis and discriminant analysis of principal components suggested that populations are not structured, revealing that a set of individuals from Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades were more divergent within populations than between them. Since literature has little information on C. grandiflora, the results of this study provide important contribution to a better understanding of the specie's genetic diversity.
Subject(s)
Casearia/genetics , Chloroplasts/genetics , DNA, Chloroplast/analysis , Genetic Variation , Bayes Theorem , Conservation of Natural Resources , Discriminant Analysis , Genetics, Population , Haplotypes , Microsatellite RepeatsABSTRACT
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by vasoconstriction and proliferative obstruction of pulmonary vessels, which promotes a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). The effect of exercise training on oxidative stress, metabolism, and markers of nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) was analyzed in the lung tissue of rats with PAH induced by monocrotaline (MCT).Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into four groups (5-7 animals): sedentary control (SC), sedentary MCT (SM), trained control (TC), and trained MCT (TM). The TC and TM groups participated in a treadmill training protocol (60% VO2 max) for 5 weeks, 3 weeks of which were performed after the injection of MCT (60 mg/kg i.p.) or saline. MCT administration promoted an increase in PVR and right ventricle hypertrophy, and reduction of right ventricle systolic function assessed by echocardiography. These changes were not improved by exercise training. The activity of NO synthase was reduced in the animals of the TC, TM, and SM groups. No significant differences were found in total nitrite concentration and expression of endothelial NO synthase. Moreover, the TM group showed strong staining for iNOS and nitrotyrosine, suggesting an increase in oxidative stress in these animals. In parallel, reduced expression of type B ET-1 receptors was noticed in the SM and TM groups in comparison to controls. In conclusion, the aerobic training protocol was unable to mitigate changes in the metabolism of NO and ET-1, probably because of the disease severity in these animals, especially in the TM group.
Subject(s)
Endothelin-1/metabolism , Hypertension, Pulmonary/metabolism , Nitric Oxide/metabolism , Parenchymal Tissue/metabolism , Physical Conditioning, Animal/physiology , Animals , Disease Models, Animal , Hypertension, Pulmonary/chemically induced , Hypertension, Pulmonary/physiopathology , Male , Monocrotaline/adverse effects , Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/metabolism , Nitrites/metabolism , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Vascular Resistance/drug effectsABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to measure soil microbial biomass and soil surface fauna in undisturbed and disturbed Cerrado sensu stricto (Css) from Sete Cidades National Park, Northeast Brazil. The following sites were sampled under Cerrado sensu stricto (Css) at the park: undisturbed and disturbed Css (slash-and-burn agricultural practices). Total organic and microbial biomass C were higher in undisturbed than in disturbed sites in both seasons. However, microbial biomass C was higher in the wet than in the dry season. Soil respiration did not vary among sites but was higher in the wet than in the dry season. The densities of Araneae, Coleoptera, and Orthoptera were higher in the undisturbed site, whereas the densities of Formicidae were higher in the disturbed site. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis separated undisturbed from disturbed sites according to soil biological properties. Disturbance by agricultural practices, such as slash-and-burn, probably resulted in the deterioration of the biological properties of soil under native Cerrado sensu stricto in the Sete Cidades National Park.
Subject(s)
Biomass , Ecosystem , Soil Microbiology , Soil , Agriculture , Animals , Brazil , Calcium/chemistry , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Insecta , Phosphorus/chemistry , Potassium/chemistry , Seasons , SpidersABSTRACT
Abstract Vegetation cover may show diversity and composition patterns of the soil invertebrate community, as a function of litter quantity and quality in a specific habitat. The objective of this work was to characterize the distribution of edaphic fauna in different monocultures. The study was carried out at Chapada Grande farm in Regeneração, PI. Four monoculture areas were chosen: no-tillage soybean, eucalyptus, pasture, and a preserved native cerrado forest. Soil fauna was collected in a dry and wet period by pitfall traps containing 4% formaldehyde. The edaphic fauna was evaluated by the number of individuals per trap per day, average richness and richness, Shannon diversity index and Pielou uniformity index. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and multivariate Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The highest number of individuals per day trap and of average richness were registered in the pasture, eucalyptus and forest areas in both periods, while soybean showed lower values with predominance of Coleoptera and Formicidae groups. The pasture and forest areas showed of higher Shannon index values in the two evaluated seasons, probably due to higher contributions organic residues in the soil that favors the shelter, feeding and reproduction conditions. Regarding the Pielou index, the soybean system showed higher values in this variable. The Aranae, Coleoptera, Formicidae and Diptera groups predominated in the humid period, while Coleoptera and Formicidae predominated in the dry period. Systems that generate greater accumulation of residues harbor a greater diversity of invertebrates of the edaphic fauna. Seasonality had an effect on all variables analyzed and the wet period showed more expressive values.
Resumo A cobertura vegetal pode mostrar padrões de diversidade e composição da comunidade de invertebrados do solo, em função da quantidade e qualidade da serapilheira em determinado habitat específico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a distribuição da fauna edáfica em diferentes monocultivos. O estudo foi realizado na fazenda Chapada Grande no município de Regeneração, PI. Foram escolhidas quatro áreas de monocultivos: soja em sistema de plantio direto, eucalipto, pastagem, além de uma mata nativa de cerrado preservada. Foram realizadas coletas da fauna do solo, em período seco e úmido, por meio de armadilhas do tipo pitfall contendo 4% de formol. A fauna edáfica foi avaliada pelo número de indivíduos por armadilha por dia, riqueza e riqueza média, índice de diversidade de Shannon e índice de uniformidade de Pielou. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e à análise multivariada de Componentes Principais (ACP). O maior número de indivíduos por armadilha dia e de riqueza média foram registrados nas áreas pastagem, eucalipto e mata nos dois períodos, enquanto que a soja mostrou valores inferiores com predomínio dos grupos Coleoptera e Formicidae. As áreas de pastagem e mata mostraram maiores valores de índice de Shannon nas duas épocas avaliadas provavelmente em função de maiores aportes de resíduos orgânicos no solo que favorece as condições de abrigo, alimentação e reprodução. Em relação ao índice de Pielou o sistema com soja mostrou maiores valores nessa variável. Os grupos Araneae, Coleoptera, Formicidae e Diptera predominaram no período úmido, enquanto Coleoptera e Formicidae se destacaram no período seco. Sistemas que geram maior acúmulo de resíduos abrigam uma maior diversidade de invertebrados da fauna edáfica. A sazonalidade apresentou efeito sobre todas as variáveis analisadas sendo que o período úmido mostrou valores mais expressivos.
ABSTRACT
HLA-B*15:04:04 differs from HLA-B*15:04:01 by one nucleotide at codon 238 (gat > gac).
