Small understorey trees have greater capacity than canopy trees to adjust hydraulic traits following prolonged experimental drought in a tropical forest.

Future climate change predictions for tropical forests highlight increased frequency and intensity of extreme drought events. However, it remains unclear whether large and small trees have differential strategies to tolerate drought due to the different niches they occupy. The future of tropical forests is ultimately dependent on the capacity of small trees (<10 cm in diameter) to adjust their hydraulic system to tolerate drought. To address this question, we evaluated whether the drought tolerance of neotropical small trees can adjust to experimental water stress and was different from tall trees. We measured multiple drought resistance-related hydraulic traits across nine common neotropical genera at the world's longest-running tropical forest throughfall-exclusion experiment and compared their responses with surviving large canopy trees. Small understorey trees in both the control and the throughfall-exclusion treatment had lower minimum stomatal conductance and maximum hydraulic leaf-specific conductivity relative to large trees of the same genera, as well as a greater hydraulic safety margin (HSM), percentage loss of conductivity and embolism resistance, demonstrating that they occupy a distinct hydraulic niche. Surprisingly, in response to the drought treatment, small trees increased specific hydraulic conductivity by 56.3% and leaf:sapwood area ratio by 45.6%. The greater HSM of small understorey trees relative to large canopy trees likely enabled them to adjust other aspects of their hydraulic systems to increase hydraulic conductivity and take advantage of increases in light availability in the understorey resulting from the drought-induced mortality of canopy trees. Our results demonstrate that differences in hydraulic strategies between small understorey and large canopy trees drive hydraulic niche segregation. Small understorey trees can adjust their hydraulic systems in response to changes in water and light availability, indicating that natural regeneration of tropical forests following long-term drought may be possible.

Nonendodontic periapical lesions: a retrospective descriptive study in a Brazilian population.

BACKGROUND: Several nonendodontic diseases can occur in the periapical region, resembling endodontic inflammatory conditions. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of nonendodontic periapical lesions diagnosed in a Brazilian population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The files of two Oral Pathology laboratories were reviewed and all cases including at least one clinical diagnosis of endodontic periapical lesions were selected for the study. After initial selection, demographic and clinical data, clinical diagnosis and final diagnosis were reviewed and tabulated. Final diagnosis included endodontic periapical lesions, and benign and malignant nonendodontic periapical lesions. Data were descriptively and comparatively analyzed among the three groups, with a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). RESULTS: Nonendodontic periapical lesions were identified in 208 (19%) out of the 1.125 registries included in the final sample. Benign nonendodontic periapical lesions (200 cases, 18%) were mostly odontogenic keratocysts, ameloblastomas, nasopalatine cysts, dentigerous cysts, glandular odontogenic cysts, and benign fibroosseous lesions. Malignant nonendodontic periapical lesions (8 cases, 1%) included carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, and melanoma. In general, nonendodontic periapical lesions were more common in males and in the posterior mandible (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of nonendodontic periapical lesions was high and, although the general distribution was similar to the results from other populations, some features were probably associated with the profile of the studied populations and to the methods applied in the present study. Knowledge on differential diagnosis of endodontic and nonendodontic periapical lesions is essential to avoid unnecessary treatments and diagnostic delay in routine dental practice.

Identification of bacteriophages in the vagina of pregnant women: a descriptive study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the presence and identity of extracellular bacteriophage (phage) families, genera and species in the vagina of pregnant women. DESIGN: Descriptive, observational cohort study. SETTING: São Paulo, Brazil. POPULATION: Pregnant women at 21-24 weeks' gestation. METHODS: Vaginal samples from 107 women whose vaginal microbiome and pregnancy outcomes were previously determined were analysed for phages by metagenomic sequencing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Identification of phage families, genera and species. RESULTS: Phages were detected in 96 (89.7%) of the samples. Six different phage families were identified: Siphoviridae in 69.2%, Myoviridae in 49.5%, Microviridae in 37.4%, Podoviridae in 20.6%, Herelleviridae in 10.3% and Inviridae in 1.9% of the women. Four different phage families were present in 14 women (13.1%), three families in 20 women (18.7%), two families in 31 women (29.1%) and one family in 31 women (29.1%). The most common phage species detected were Bacillus phages in 48 (43.6%), Escherichia phages in 45 (40.9%), Staphylococcus phages in 40 (36.4%), Gokushovirus in 33 (30.0%) and Lactobacillus phages in 29 (26.4%) women. In a preliminary exploratory analysis, there were no associations between a particular phage family, the number of phage families present in the vagina or any particular phage species and either gestational age at delivery or the bacterial community state type present in the vagina. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple phages are present in the vagina of most mid-trimester pregnant women. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Bacteriophages are present in the vagina of most pregnant women.

Cranial nerve injuries in Le Fort I osteotomy: a systematic review.

The aim of this systematic review was to describe the anatomical and surgical factors related to cranial nerve injuries in Le Fort I osteotomy. The protocol of this systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). Two independent reviewers performed an unrestricted electronic database search in the MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases up to and including August 2018. Thirty-two articles were selected for data extraction and synthesis: 30 studies were identified in the main search and two by a manual search. The level of agreement between the reviewers was considered excellent (κ=0.779 for study selection and κ=0.767 for study eligibility). This study revealed that the main nerve affected was the trigeminal nerve, followed by the oculomotor, abducens, optic, facial, and vagus and accessory nerves. Cleft lip and palate patients presented the highest incidence of cranial nerve damage. Cranial nerve damage after Le Fort I osteotomy is not rare. Anatomical and structural knowledge of the patient are necessary in order to minimize the risks of cranial nerve injury in Le Fort I osteotomy.

Prognostic value of energy expenditure and respiratory quotient measuring in patients with liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Resting energy expenditure (REE) and respiratory quotient (RQ) as measured by indirect calorimetry (IC) may correlate with muscle mass and represent prognostic indicators in treating patients with liver cirrhosis. We aimed to assess the correlation of IC-measured REE and RQ with skeletal muscle mass (SM), mortality, and REE values as estimated by Harris-Benedict, European guidelines (EG), and Brazilian guidelines-DITEN (BG) equations in patients with liver cirrhosis. METHODS: In this prospectively designed study, REE was measured in 126 male patients with liver cirrhosis by IC and predicted by Harris-Benedict, EG (35 kcal/kg current weight), and BG (30 kcal/kg current weight) guidelines. Measurements were obtained at the time of admission to the study. Body composition was determined by whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The association between REE and 3-year survival was investigated. RESULTS: Cirrhosis etiology was classified as alcohol related (59.0%), viral (20.1%), cryptogenic (11.8%), or other (9.0%). Mean Child-Pugh and MELD indexes were 8.30 ± 2.0 and 14.38 ± 6.12, respectively. RQ showed a moderate correlation with SM (r = 0.64), while IC-measured REE was inversely associated with mortality (multivariate Cox Regression, HR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.78; 1, p = 0.04). Among the predictive equations for REE, only Harris-Benedict yielded values close to the IC, with a positive Pearson correlation (r = 0.77), excellent accuracy (Cb = 0.98), and positive Lin's concordance correlation (CCC = 0.75). However, a large standard deviation was observed; HB-measured REE did not correlate with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: RQ and REE, as measured by IC, may be valuable tools for evaluating the severity of cirrhosis, by reflecting SM and predicting mortality, respectively. The predictive equations for REE included in this study cannot replace IC for this purpose. REGISTERED AT: www.clinicalTrials.gov (NCT02421848).

Genomic and epidemiological monitoring of yellow fever virus transmission potential.

The yellow fever virus (YFV) epidemic in Brazil is the largest in decades. The recent discovery of YFV in Brazilian Aedes species mosquitos highlights a need to monitor the risk of reestablishment of urban YFV transmission in the Americas. We use a suite of epidemiological, spatial, and genomic approaches to characterize YFV transmission. We show that the age and sex distribution of human cases is characteristic of sylvatic transmission. Analysis of YFV cases combined with genomes generated locally reveals an early phase of sylvatic YFV transmission and spatial expansion toward previously YFV-free areas, followed by a rise in viral spillover to humans in late 2016. Our results establish a framework for monitoring YFV transmission in real time that will contribute to a global strategy to eliminate future YFV epidemics.

Pouteria torta: a native species of the Brazilian Cerrado as a bioindicator of glyphosate action / Pouteria torta: espécie native do Cerrado Brasileiro como bioindicadora da ação do glyphosate

Abstract In Brazil, the expansion of agricultural activity and the associated indiscriminate use of herbicides such as glyphosate is directly related to the loss of biodiversity in the Cerrado. The identification of plant species as bioindicators of herbicide action, especially species native to the area, can help in monitoring the impacts of xenobiotics in the remaining Cerrado. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the possible use of the native Cerrado species Pouteria torta as a bioindicator of glyphosate action via changes in physiological performance. At 16 months after sowing, the effect of glyphosate was evaluated by applying the following doses: 0 (control), 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1200 g a.e. ha-1. In response to glyphosate, P. torta exhibited reductions in photosynthesis and chloroplastid pigment content, as well as accumulation of shikimic acid and the occurrence of chlorosis and necrosis. These changes demonstrate the high sensitivity of P. torta to glyphosate and its potential for use as a bioindicator of this herbicide.

Resumo No Brasil, a expansão da atividade agrícola, aliada a utilização indiscriminada de herbicidas como o glyphosate, possui relação direta com a perda da biodiversidade no Cerrado. A identificação de espécies vegetais bioindicadoras da ação de herbicidas, particularmente as nativas do Cerrado, pode auxiliar em processos de monitoramento dos impactos desse xenobiótico nas remanescentes do Cerrado. Assim, este estudo foi projetado para avaliar o possível uso de Pouteria torta, espécie nativa do cerrado, como bioindicadora da ação do glyphosate via mudanças na sua performance fisiológica. Após 16 meses de semeadura, o efeito do glyphosate foi avaliado quando aplicadas as seguintes doses: 0 (controle), 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 e 1200 g e. a. ha-1. Em reposta ao glyphosate, as plantas de P. torta apresentaram redução na sua performance do processo fotossintético e no conteúdo de pigmentos cloroplastídicos, além do acúmulo de ácido chiquímico e da ocorrência de cloroses e necroses. Essas alterações demonstram a alta sensibilidade de P. torta ao glyphosate, o que potencializa a sua utilização como bioindicadora da ação desse herbicida.

Omalizumab in chronic spontaneous and inducible urticaria: a 9 year retrospective study in Portugal.

Summary: Objective. Describe the safety and long-term use of omalizumab in chronic urticaria (CU), both spontaneous (CSU) and inducible (CIndU). Methods. Retrospective chart-review (2006-15) of CU patients treated with omalizumab for ≥ 6 months. Statistical analyses: descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney, generalized linear models. Results. 23 patients with CSU (3 men), 3 with CIndU (2 men). Generalized linear models showed UAS reduction per omalizumab administration of 16% in CIndU and CSU and UAS7, of 15% in CIndU, and 20% in CSU. DLQI score at baseline had a median of 19 (CIndU and CSU) and after omalizumab a median of 0 (in both). Seven CSU patients stopped omalizumab and remain asymptomatic. No side-effects were observed. Conclusion. Omalizumab is safe and efficacious in CU. Stopping omalizumab can be tried, as some patients achieve remission.

Pouteria torta: a native species of the Brazilian Cerrado as a bioindicator of glyphosate action.

In Brazil, the expansion of agricultural activity and the associated indiscriminate use of herbicides such as glyphosate is directly related to the loss of biodiversity in the Cerrado. The identification of plant species as bioindicators of herbicide action, especially species native to the area, can help in monitoring the impacts of xenobiotics in the remaining Cerrado. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the possible use of the native Cerrado species Pouteria torta as a bioindicator of glyphosate action via changes in physiological performance. At 16 months after sowing, the effect of glyphosate was evaluated by applying the following doses: 0 (control), 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1200 g a.e. ha-1. In response to glyphosate, P. torta exhibited reductions in photosynthesis and chloroplastid pigment content, as well as accumulation of shikimic acid and the occurrence of chlorosis and necrosis. These changes demonstrate the high sensitivity of P. torta to glyphosate and its potential for use as a bioindicator of this herbicide.

Desempenho produtivo e características de carcaça de cordeiros Rabo Largo puro e cruzados com Santa Inês / Performance and carcass traits of Rabo Largo lambs and crossbreeding with Santa Inês

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do cruzamento entre ovinos nativos no desempenho e características da carcaça. Foram utilizados vinte cordeiros, machos, inteiros, com idade inicial de quatro meses, e peso médio inicial 19,0±5,11, distribuídos em dois grupos genéticos: Rabo Largo (RL) e Santa Inês x Rabo Largo (F1SI x RL), em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso. Os animais foram terminados em regime de confinamento durante 70 dias. Os cordeiros F1SI x RL apresentaram maiores pesos ao desmame, ao abate, do corpo vazio, das carcaças quente e fria, e maior rendimento biológico. Verificaram maiores valores para os parâmetros de morfometria da carcaça para animais F1SI x RL comparados aos animais Rabo Largo (P<0,05). Os pesos da hemi-carcaça e dos cortes comerciais foram superiores para cordeiros F1SI x RL. Nas medidas obtidas no músculo Longissimus dorsi, os cordeiros Rabo Largo apresentaram valores superiores para espessura de gordura subcutânea. A utilização da raça Santa Inês como base paterna acarreta em melhorias nas características de carcaça de cordeiros Rabo Largo podendo ser indicado em sistemas de produção de carne ovina.(AU)

The aim of study was to evaluate the effect of crossbreeding among native sheep on performance and traits carcass. Twenty intact lambs, male, at four months of age, with an initial weight of 19.0±5.11kg, were distributed in two groups genetics: Rabo Largo (RL) e Santa Inês x Rabo Largo (F1SI x RL), in a completely randomized design. The animals were finished in feedlot by 70 days. The lambs F1SI x RL showed higher weight at weaning, to slaughter, of the empty body, and hot and cold carcass, and increased biological yield. Higher values for carcass morphometry in F1SI x RL animals were found in comparison to Rabo Largo animals (P<0.05). The weight of half-carcass and the commercial cuts were higher for lambs. On the measurements obtained in muscle Longissimus dorsi, Rabo Largo lambs showed higher values for subcutaneous fat thickness. The use of the breed Santa Inês like base paternal may bring in improvements in lambs's carcass characteristics Rabo Largo and may be recommended in sheep meat production systems.(AU)

Establishment and cryptic transmission of Zika virus in Brazil and the Americas.

Transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Americas was first confirmed in May 2015 in northeast Brazil. Brazil has had the highest number of reported ZIKV cases worldwide (more than 200,000 by 24 December 2016) and the most cases associated with microcephaly and other birth defects (2,366 confirmed by 31 December 2016). Since the initial detection of ZIKV in Brazil, more than 45 countries in the Americas have reported local ZIKV transmission, with 24 of these reporting severe ZIKV-associated disease. However, the origin and epidemic history of ZIKV in Brazil and the Americas remain poorly understood, despite the value of this information for interpreting observed trends in reported microcephaly. Here we address this issue by generating 54 complete or partial ZIKV genomes, mostly from Brazil, and reporting data generated by a mobile genomics laboratory that travelled across northeast Brazil in 2016. One sequence represents the earliest confirmed ZIKV infection in Brazil. Analyses of viral genomes with ecological and epidemiological data yield an estimate that ZIKV was present in northeast Brazil by February 2014 and is likely to have disseminated from there, nationally and internationally, before the first detection of ZIKV in the Americas. Estimated dates for the international spread of ZIKV from Brazil indicate the duration of pre-detection cryptic transmission in recipient regions. The role of northeast Brazil in the establishment of ZIKV in the Americas is further supported by geographic analysis of ZIKV transmission potential and by estimates of the basic reproduction number of the virus.

The SLCO1A2 -189_-188InsA polymorphism reduces clearance of rocuronium in patients submitted to elective surgeries.

PURPOSE: Rocuronium (ROC) is a neuromuscular blocker mainly eliminated by biliary excretion dependent on organic anion transporting polypeptide 1A2 (OATP1A2) hepatocellular uptake. However, the influence of SLCO1A2 (gene encoding OATP1A2) genetic polymorphism on ROC pharmacokinetics was never described before. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of genetic polymorphisms of SLCO1A2 on the pharmacokinetics of rocuronium (ROC). METHODS: Patients undergoing elective surgeries under general anesthesia using rocuronium as a neuromuscular blocker were genotyped for SLCO1A2 polymorphisms in the coding region (41A>G, 382A>T, 404A>T, 502C>T, 516A>C, 559G>A, 830C>A, and 833delA) and in the promoter region (-1105G>A, -1032G>A, -715T>C, -361G>A, and -189_-188insA). Rocuronium pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by non-compartmental analysis. RESULTS: None of the patients had heterozygous or homozygous variant of 404A>T, 382A>T, 502C>T, 833delA, 830C>A, 41A>G, and -715T>C. A linkage disequilibrium was found between -1105G>A and -1032G>A genotypes. Patients genotyped as -A or AA (n = 17) for SLCO1A2 -189_-188InsA showed reduced total clearance of ROC compared to patients genotyped as -/- (n = 13) (151.6 vs 207.1 mL/min, p ≤ 0.05). The pharmacokinetics parameters of ROC were not significantly different between other SLCO1A2 genotypes. CONCLUSION: SLCO1A2 -189_-188InsA polymorphism is related to the reduced clearance of rocuronium in patients submitted to elective surgeries under general anesthesia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT 02399397 ( ClinicalTrials.gov ).

Mitofusin-mediated ER stress triggers neurodegeneration in pink1/parkin models of Parkinson's disease.

Mutations in PINK1 and PARKIN cause early-onset Parkinson's disease (PD), thought to be due to mitochondrial toxicity. Here, we show that in Drosophila pink1 and parkin mutants, defective mitochondria also give rise to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signalling, specifically to the activation of the protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) branch of the unfolded protein response (UPR). We show that enhanced ER stress signalling in pink1 and parkin mutants is mediated by mitofusin bridges, which occur between defective mitochondria and the ER. Reducing mitofusin contacts with the ER is neuroprotective, through suppression of PERK signalling, while mitochondrial dysfunction remains unchanged. Further, both genetic inhibition of dPerk-dependent ER stress signalling and pharmacological inhibition using the PERK inhibitor GSK2606414 were neuroprotective in both pink1 and parkin mutants. We conclude that activation of ER stress by defective mitochondria is neurotoxic in pink1 and parkin flies and that the reduction of this signalling is neuroprotective, independently of defective mitochondria. A video abstract for this article is available online in the supplementary information.

Environmental enrichment on the behavior and welfare of cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) / Enriquecimento ambiental no comportamento e no bem-estar de calopsitas (Nymphicus hollandicus)

This study evaluated the influence of physical environmental enrichment on the behavior of cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus). Eighteen birds, nine males and nine females, were monitored in environments enriched with wooden sticks and bead rings and in non-enriched environments, in a completely randomized design. Behavioral categories were grouped into locomotion, maintenance, rest, feed, undesirable activities, and interaction with environmental enrichment. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis of behaviors to produce the ethogram and percentage comparison of frequency values for behavior analysis. Environmental enrichment positively influenced behavioral categories and some behavioral activities of birds.(AU)

Objetivou-se, com o presente trabalho, avaliar a influência do enriquecimento ambiental físico sobre o comportamento de calopsitas (Nymphicus hollandicus). Foram monitoradas 18 aves, sendo nove machos e nove fêmeas, em ambientes enriquecidos com tocos de madeira e argola de miçangas e sem enriquecimento ambiental. O delineamento foi inteiramente ao acaso. As categorias comportamentais foram agrupadas em locomoção, manutenção, repouso, alimentação, atividades indesejáveis e interação com o enriquecimento ambiental. Os dados foram examinados por meio da análise descritiva dos comportamentos para elaboração do etograma e comparação percentual das frequências observadas para análise dos comportamentos. Foi observada influência positiva do enriquecimento ambiental sobre as categorias comportamentais e algumas atividades comportamentais das aves.(AU)

Parp mutations protect against mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration in a PARKIN model of Parkinson's disease.

The co-enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) is an essential co-factor for cellular energy generation in mitochondria as well as for DNA repair mechanisms in the cell nucleus involving NAD(+)-consuming poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs). Mitochondrial function is compromised in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD) associated with PARKIN mutations. Here, we uncovered alterations in NAD(+) salvage metabolism in Drosophila parkin mutants. We show that a dietary supplementation with the NAD(+) precursor nicotinamide rescues mitochondrial function and is neuroprotective. Further, by mutating Parp in parkin mutants, we show that this increases levels of NAD(+) and its salvage metabolites. This also rescues mitochondrial function and suppresses dopaminergic neurodegeneration. We conclude that strategies to enhance NAD(+) levels by administration of dietary precursors or the inhibition of NAD(+)-dependent enzymes, such as PARP, that compete with mitochondria for NAD(+) could be used to delay neuronal death associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.

Risk factors associated with sexual dysfunction in Brazilian postmenopausal women.

Sexual function represents an important component of health and life quality. The objective of this study was to assess female sexual function in postmenopausal women and to identify factors associated with sexual dysfunction among this population. From August to December 2013 a cross-sectional study was carried out with 111 postmenopausal, sexually active women aged 45-65 years. A semi-structured questionnaire made up of itemized questions was applied to identify demographic variables, socio-economic and clinical issues. Participants were requested to fill out the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Menopause Rating Scale. Among the studied group, 70.3% of the women presented sexual dysfunction (FSFI⩽26.6). The affected domains were desire and arousal (P<0.01). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the main risk factors associated with postmenopausal sexual dysfunction were: marital status (prevalence ratio (PR) 1.67; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-2.39; P<0.01), urogenital dysfunction (PR 1.08; 95% CI 1.03-1.12; P<0.00), bladder surgery (PR 1.35; 95% CI 1.09-1.66; P<0.01) and sexual abuse (PR 1.45; 95% CI 1.21-1.72; P<0.00). Our results show a high female sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal women. Sexual dysfunction was associated with multiple factors such as: socio-demographic factors, biological factors (urogenital dysfunctions, bladder surgery), psychological matters and sexual abuse.

Thyroid hormone reduces inflammatory cytokines improving glycaemia control in alloxan-induced diabetic wistar rats.

AIM: This study aimed at evaluating whether thyroid hormone treatment could improve glycaemia and insulin response in alloxan-induced diabetic rats by altering cytokine expression in the skeletal muscle and epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) as well as altering inflammatory cell infiltration in eWAT. METHODS: Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced in male Wistar rats by alloxan injection, and a subset of the diabetic rats was treated with T3 (1.5 µg per 100 g body weight) for a 28-day period (DT3 ). Cytokines were measured in serum (MILIplex assay kit) as well as in soleus and EDL skeletal muscles and eWAT by Western blotting. Thyroid function was evaluated by morphological, molecular and biochemical parameters. Cardiac function was assessed by measuring heart rate, blood pressure, maximal rate of pressure development (dp/dtmax ) and decline (dp/dtmin ) as well as the contractility index (CI). Sixty rats were used in the study. RESULTS: Diabetic rats exhibited decreased thyroid function and increased inflammatory cytokines in serum, soleus muscle and eWAT. T3 treatment decreased glycaemia and improved insulin sensitivity in diabetic animals. These alterations were accompanied by decreased TNF-alpha and IL-6 content in soleus muscle and eWAT, and inflammatory cell infiltration in eWAT. T3 treatment did not affect cardiac function of diabetic rats. CONCLUSIONS: The present data provide evidence that T3 treatment reduces glycaemia and improves insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats, and that at least part of this effect could result from its negative modulation of inflammatory cytokine expression.

Death from drought in tropical forests is triggered by hydraulics not carbon starvation.

Drought threatens tropical rainforests over seasonal to decadal timescales, but the drivers of tree mortality following drought remain poorly understood. It has been suggested that reduced availability of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) critically increases mortality risk through insufficient carbon supply to metabolism ('carbon starvation'). However, little is known about how NSC stores are affected by drought, especially over the long term, and whether they are more important than hydraulic processes in determining drought-induced mortality. Using data from the world's longest-running experimental drought study in tropical rainforest (in the Brazilian Amazon), we test whether carbon starvation or deterioration of the water-conducting pathways from soil to leaf trigger tree mortality. Biomass loss from mortality in the experimentally droughted forest increased substantially after >10 years of reduced soil moisture availability. The mortality signal was dominated by the death of large trees, which were at a much greater risk of hydraulic deterioration than smaller trees. However, we find no evidence that the droughted trees suffered carbon starvation, as their NSC concentrations were similar to those of non-droughted trees, and growth rates did not decline in either living or dying trees. Our results indicate that hydraulics, rather than carbon starvation, triggers tree death from drought in tropical rainforest.

Surface enhanced Raman scattering, natural bond orbitals and Mulliken atomic charge distribution in the normal modes of diethyldithiocarbamate cadmium (II) complex, [Cd(DDTC)2].

Theoretical and experimental bands have been assigned to the Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and FT-Raman spectra of the bis(diethyldithiocarbamate)Cd(II) complex, abbreviated as ([Cd(DDTC)2]). The calculations and spectral interpretation have been based on the DFT/B3LYP method, infrared and Raman second derivative spectra, and band deconvolution analysis to assist in the assignment of observed fundamentals. This study validated the unusual pseudo tetrahedral molecular structure formed around the Cd(II) cation. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was used to determine the interactions of the normal-modes of the diethyldithiocarbamate cadmium (II) complex on nano-structured silver surfaces. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis was also carried out to study the Cd(II) hybridization causing the pseudo tetrahedral geometry of the framework of the [Cd(DDTC)2] complex, and to confirm the charge transfer mechanisms through second order perturbation theory analysis of the Fox Matrix. In order to find out the electronic dispersion of the Mulliken atomic charges (MAC) in the normal modes, we calculated the MAC for each normal mode and correlated these values with the SERS effect. Experimental UV-Vis spectra were obtained and charge transfer bands were assigned. Good agreement between the calculated and experimental values for the vibrational and UV-Vis spectra was obtained.