Simulating soil C dynamics under intensive agricultural systems and climate change scenarios in the Matopiba region, Brazil.

The recent agricultural expansion in the Matopiba region, Brazil's new agricultural frontier, has raised questions about the risk of increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) loss as large areas of native vegetation (NV; i.e., Cerrado biome) have been replaced by large-scale mechanized agriculture. Although sustainable managements, such as integrated crop-livestock (ICL) systems, are considered strategic to counterbalance the SOC loss associated with land-use change (LUC) while keeping food production, little is known about their long-term effects on SOC stocks in the Matopiba region. To this end, we used the DayCent model to simulate the effects of converting the management commonly used in this region, i.e., soybean-cotton rotation under no-tillage (NT), into ICL systems with distinct levels of intensification (e.g., crop rotations: soybean-pasture and soybean-pasture-cotton; soil and crop management: grass irrigation, scarification/harrowing, and length of grass cultivation) on long term SOC dynamics. Additionally, data from two projected climate scenarios: SSP2-4.5 [greenhouse gases emissions (GHG) will not change markedly over time and global temperature will increase by 2.0 °C by 2060] and SSP5-8.5 (marked changes in GHG emissions are expected to occur resulting in an increase of 2.4 and 4.4 °C in global temperature in the middle and at the end of the century) were included in our simulations to evaluate climate change effects on SOC dynamics in this region. Based on a 50-yr-time frame simulation, we observed that SOC stocks under ICL systems were, on average, 23% and 47% higher than in the NV (36.9 Mg ha-1) and soybean-cotton rotation under NT (30.9 Mg ha-1), respectively. Growing grasses interlaid with crops was crucial to increase SOC stocks even when disruptive soil practices were followed. Although the irrigation of grass resulted in an early increase of SOC stocks and a higher pasture stoking rate, it did not increase SOC stocks in the long term compared to non-irrigated treatments. The SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 climate scenarios had little effects on SOC dynamics in the simulated ICL systems. However, additional SOC loss (∼0.065 Mg ha-1 yr-1) is predicted to occur if the current management is not improved. These findings can help guide management decisions for the Matopiba region, Brazil, to alleviate the anthropogenic pressure associated with agriculture development. More broadly, they confirm that crop-livestock integration in croplands is a successful strategy to regenerate SOC.

HLA-haploidentical hematopoietic stem cells transplantation with regulatory and conventional T-cell adoptive immunotherapy in pediatric patients with very high-risk acute leukemia.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is still needed for many children with very high-risk acute leukemia. An HLA-haploidentical family donor is a suitable option for those without an HLA-matched donor. Here we present outcomes of a novel HLA-haploidentical HSCT (haplo-HSCT) strategy with adoptive immunotherapy with thymic-derived CD4+CD25+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and conventional T cells (Tcons) performed between January 2017 and July 2021 in 20 children with high-risk leukemia. Median age was 14.5 years (range, 4-21), 15 had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 5 acute myeloid leukemia. The conditioning regimen included total body irradiation (TBI), thiotepa, fludarabine, cyclophosphamide. Grafts contained a megadose of CD34+ cells (mean 12.4 × 106/Kg), Tregs (2 × 106/Kg) and Tcons (0.5-1 × 106/Kg). All patients achieved primary, sustained full-donor engraftment. Only one patient relapsed (5%). The incidence of non-relapse mortality was 15% (3/20 patients). Five/20 patients developed ≥ grade 2 acute Graft versus Host Disease (aGvHD). It resolved in 4 who are alive and disease-free; 1 patient developed chronic GvHD (cGvHD). The probability of GRFS was 60 ± 0.5% (95% CI: 2.1-4.2) (Fig. 6), CRFS was 79 ± 0.9% (95% CI: 3.2-4.9) as 16/20 patients are alive and leukemia-free. The median follow-up was 2.1 years (range 0.5 months-5.1 years). This innovative approach was associated with very promising outcomes of HSCT strategy in pediatric patients.

Search for Lepton Number and Flavor Violation in K

Searches for the lepton number violating K^{+}→π^{-}µ^{+}e^{+} decay and the lepton flavor violating K^{+}→π^{+}µ^{-}e^{+} and π^{0}→µ^{-}e^{+} decays are reported using data collected by the NA62 experiment at CERN in 2017-2018. No evidence for these decays is found and upper limits of the branching ratios are obtained at 90% confidence level: B(K^{+}→π^{-}µ^{+}e^{+})<4.2×10^{-11}, B(K^{+}→π^{+}µ^{-}e^{+})<6.6×10^{-11} and B(π^{0}→µ^{-}e^{+})<3.2×10^{-10}. These results improve by 1 order of magnitude over previous results for these decay modes.

The burden of chronic noncommunicable diseases in undocumented migrants: a 1-year survey of drugs dispensation by a non-governmental organization in Italy.

OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out with two objectives. The first one was to have an insight into the prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases (CNCD) in undocumented migrants, and the second one was to evaluate if differences existed among different ethnic groups. STUDY DESIGN: The study is based on the collection of data on drug dispensation by a non-governmental organization (NGO) providing free medical assistance to undocumented migrants in Milan, Italy. All the prescriptions to adult subjects from January 1 to December 31 2014 (total 8438) were recorded and analyzed. All the data available for the patients receiving prescriptions (age, gender and country of birth) were also collected in anonymous form. Ethical approval for the study was given by the Ethics Committee of the NGO. METHODS: Drugs were grouped according to the anatomical therapeutic chemical (ATC) classification and their quantities expressed as daily defined doses (DDDs)/1000 patients/day. The 56 ATC levels were divided into three groups according to their use for acute, chronic, or both acute and chronic diseases. The statistical analysis of drug dispensation was performed for the whole population and for the five ethnic groups into which it had been divided. RESULTS: Prescription of medicines for chronic conditions was significantly greater than for acute (154.2 ± 45.9 vs 51.3 ± 18.4 DDD/1000 patients/day, P < 0.02) and for both acute and chronic conditions (57.9 ± 12.8 DDD/1000 patients/day, P < 0.02). Five ATC classes accounted for 60% of all chronic prescriptions. They were differently distributed among the five ethnic groups (e.g., Asians required more antihypertensives and antidiabetics, East Europeans required more lipid modifying drugs, antihypertensives and antithrombotics). CONCLUSIONS: Our data show an important use of medicines for chronic diseases in a population of undocumented migrants. Though with some limitations, this could be an indicator of a high prevalence of CNCD in this population, with significant differences among different ethnic groups. This situation should be considered when planning health interventions, also in consideration of the fact that it could have an impact on European Health Services in a short time.

The effect of nitrification inhibitors on nitrous oxide emissions from cattle urine depositions to grassland under summer conditions in the UK.

Nitrous oxide (N2O) has become the prime ozone depleting atmospheric emission and the third most important anthropogenic greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential approximately 300 times higher than CO2. Nitrification and denitrification are processes responsible for N2O emission from the soil after nitrogen input. The application of a nitrification inhibitor can reduce N2O emissions from these processes. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of two different nitrification inhibitors (dicyandiamide (DCD) and a commercial formulation containing two pyrazole derivatives (PD), 1H-1,2,4-triazole and 3-methylpyrazole) on N2O emissions from cattle urine applications for summer grazing conditions in the UK. Experiments were conducted under controlled conditions in a laboratory incubator and under field conditions on a grassland soil. The N2O emissions showed similar temporal dynamics in both experiments. DCD concentration in the soil showed an exponential degradation during the experiment, with a half-life of the order of only 10d (air temperature c. 15 °C). DCD (10 kg ha(-1)) and PD at the highest application rate (3.76 kg ha(-1)) reduced N2O emissions by 13% and 29% in the incubation experiment and by 33% and 6% in the field experiment, respectively, although these reductions were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Under UK summer grazing conditions, these nitrification inhibitors appear to be less effective at reducing N2O emissions than reported for other conditions elsewhere in the literature, presumably due to the higher soil temperature.

Brazilian beef cattle feedlot manure management: a country survey.

No information regarding the management of manure from beef cattle feedlots is available for Brazil. To fill this knowledge gap, a survey of 73 feedlots was conducted in 7 Brazilian states. In this survey, questions were asked regarding animal characteristics, their diets, and manure handling management from generation to disposal. These feedlots finished 831,450 animals in 2010. The predominant breed fed was Nellore, with average feeding periods of 60 to 135 d. Corn was the primary source of grain used in the feedlot diets (76% of surveyed animals) with concentrate inclusion levels ranging from 81 to 90% (38% of surveyed animals). The most representative manure management practice was the removal of manure from pens only at the end of the feeding period. Subsequently, the manure was stored in mounds before being applied to crop and pasture lands. Runoff, mainly from rainwater, was collected in retention ponds and used for agriculture. However, the quantity of runoff was not known. Manure was composted for only 20% of the animals in the survey and was treated in anaerobic digesters for only 1% of the animals. Manure from 59% of the cattle surveyed was used as fertilizer, providing a cost savings over the use of synthetic fertilizers. Overall, chemical analysis of the manure before application to fields was conducted for the manure of 56% of the surveyed animals, but the exact quantity applied (per hectare) was unknown for 48%. Feedlots representing 48% of the surveyed animals noted similar or greater crop and pasture yields when using manure, rather than synthetic fertilizers. In addition, 32% mentioned an increase in soil organic matter. Feedlots representing 88% of the surveyed cattle indicated that information concerning management practices that improve manure use efficiency is lacking. Feedlots representing 93% of the animals in the survey reported having basic information regarding the generation of energy and fertilizer with anaerobic digesters. However, only 1 feedlot implemented this technology. In conclusion, the manure management evaluated in this study represents an important indirect economic benefit that was represented by decreased use of synthetic fertilizers in crops. However, little attention was given to the specific treatments and environmental impacts of handling manure. This survey provides information that should assist in the development of better research practices and broader application of future models.

Psychiatric disorders in patients suffering from an acute cerebrovascular accident or traumatic injury, and their effects on rehabilitation: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: The presence of a post-traumatic psychiatric disorder in patients with acute injuries may have adverse effects on outcomes. AIM: In this study our aims were: (1) to assess the frequency of psychiatric disorders after a cerebrovascular accident or traumatic injury requiring rehabilitation; (2) to examine whether there was any correlation between psychiatric disorders and patients' baseline demographic and clinical variables. DESIGN: The study consisted of two phases: the first was cross-sectional and the second prospective with a 12-month follow-up. The period of recruitment was two years. The results of the first phase are presented here. SETTING: The study sample consisted of a consecutive series of patients admitted to hospital because of an acute cerebrovascular accident or a traumatic injury and referred for a rehabilitation program. Two inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals were involved in the study. POPULATION: The sample consisted of 230 consecutive patients with a recent cerebrovascular accident or trauma included in a rehabilitation program. METHODS: The sample included: 89 men (39%) and 141 women (61%) aged 20-97 years. Psychiatric disorders and motor disabilities were assessed through psychiatric interview and the mini-international neuropsychiatric interview plus (MINI Plus) and, respectively, with the functional independent measure (FIM). In case of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severity was assessed through the Davidson's Trauma scale. Psychiatric disorders were correlated to demographic and clinical variables through univariate and multivariate analyses, the latter with logistic regression models. RESULTS: The most frequent entry diagnoses were traumatic fracture (41.3%) and stroke (37.0%). Ninety-three patients (40.4%) had one or more psychiatric disturbances at study entry, the commonest being depression (56 cases, 24.7%) and anxiety (23 cases, 10.0%). PTSD was present in 8 cases (3.5%). A history of psychiatric disorder was reported by 55 patients (24.2%) Compared to the rest of the study population, these subjects had more psychopathologic complaints (P<0.001). Mean total FIM score was 54.4 (SD=17.8) and 61.2 (SD=19.6) in patients with and without psychopathology (P<0.01) Independent predictors of psychopathology included past psychiatric history, lower total FIM scores, and limb amputation. Depression was predicted by history of psychiatric disorders and lack of partner. CONCLUSION: History of psychiatric disorders is the most relevant factor associated with psychopathology in patients with an acute cerebrovascular accident or traumatic injury, followed by lower total FIM scores, and type of pathologic event. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The presence of psychiatric disorders may potentially influence the rehabilitation process and outcomes; thus their recognition and management are key factors during a rehabilitation program.

New constraint on the existence of the µ+ → e+ γ decay.

The analysis of a combined data set, totaling 3.6 × 10(14) stopped muons on target, in the search for the lepton flavor violating decay µ(+) → e(+)γ is presented. The data collected by the MEG experiment at the Paul Scherrer Institut show no excess of events compared to background expectations and yield a new upper limit on the branching ratio of this decay of 5.7 × 10(-13) (90% confidence level). This represents a four times more stringent limit than the previous world best limit set by MEG.

New limit on the lepton-flavor-violating decay µ+→e+γ.

We present a new result based on an analysis of the data collected by the MEG detector at the Paul Scherrer Institut in 2009 and 2010, in search of the lepton-flavor-violating decay µ(+)e(+)γ. The likelihood analysis of the combined data sample, which corresponds to a total of 1.8×10(14) muon decays, gives a 90% C.L. upper limit of 2.4×10(-12) on the branching ratio of the µ(+)→e(+)γ decay, constituting the most stringent limit on the existence of this decay to date.

Acute neuroprotection by the synaptic blocker botulinum neurotoxin E in a rat model of focal cerebral ischaemia.

Evidence indicates that accumulation of excitotoxic mediators, such as glutamate, contributes to neuronal damage after an ischaemic insult. It is not clear, however, whether this accumulation is due to excess synaptic release or to impaired uptake. To test a role for synaptic release, here we investigated the neuroprotective potential of the synaptic blocker botulinum neurotoxin E (BoNT/E), that prevents vesicle fusion via the cleavage of the SNARE (soluble NSF-attachment receptor) protein SNAP-25 (synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa). Focal ischaemia was induced in vivo by infusing the potent vasoconstricting peptide endothelin-1 (ET-1) into the CA1 area of the hippocampus in adult rats; BoNT/E or vehicle were administered into the same site 20 min later. Injection of ET-1 was found to produce a transient and massive increase in glutamate release that was potently antagonized by BoNT/E. To assess whether blocking transmitter release translates into neuroprotection, the extent of the ischaemic damage was determined 24 h and 6 weeks after the insult. We found that BoNT/E administration consistently reduced the loss of CA1 pyramidal neurons at 24 h. The neuroprotective effect of BoNT/E, however, was no longer significant at 6 weeks. These data provide evidence that blockade of synaptic transmitter release delays neuronal cell death following focal brain ischaemia, and underline the importance of assessing long-term neuroprotection in experimental stroke studies.

Association of hemoglobin levels, acute hemoglobin decrease and age with Rehabilitation outcomes after total hip and knee replacement.

AIM: A previous retrospective study suggested that an anemia prevention may shorten hospitalization and improve recovery, stating the usefulness of a proper therapy for preventing anemization, in order to get a better functional recovery and reduce hospitalization length. The present study analyzed the association of preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin levels with rehabilitation outcomes to check these results in the Rehabilitation Unit. METHODS: The study enrolled 104 patients, 94 underwent hip replacement surgery and 10 knee replacement. Patients were functionally studied through the six-meter walking test (6MWT) at admittance and at discharge from the Rehabilitation Unit. RESULTS: Preoperative hemoglobin has no correlation either with the results of WT executed at discharge nor with the improvement of it compared to the WT executed at admittance, while there is a significant relationship with the results of the WT executed at admittance. Age impacts on the result of 6MWT at admittance, on the one at discharge and on the improvement as well. CONCLUSIONS: Despite movement weakening by anemization due to surgery, patients transferred to the Rehabilitation Unit after total hip- and knee replacement, are able to get a better movement performance independently on hemoglobin loss.

Congenital glioblastoma.

We describe the case a 2-day-old female with congenital glioblastoma. Total resection was followed by adjuvant and high dose chemotherapy, as indicated by the current Italian infant protocol. The child is alive and well 18 months after diagnosis. A review of 67 selected congenital brain tumors showed the mortality rate was 82%. Even though the majority of patients had glioblastoma, only 5/67 had received adjuvant therapy. To ensure optimal outcomes, we recommend total or subtotal surgical resection, followed by adjuvant and high dose chemotherapy. Given the lack specific protocols for congenital brain tumors an international consensus seems to be needed, starting with congenital glioblastoma.

Neutral wrist splinting in carpal tunnel syndrome: a 3- and 6-months clinical and neurophysiologic follow-up evaluation of night-only splint therapy.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of night-only splint wear therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: We conducted a randomized case-control trial with evaluation after three and six months of follow-up of outpatients with mild, recent onset symptoms of CTS recruited from the department clinic. Fifty patients (50 hands) were enrolled, of which 36 completed the study at 6 months. The case group utilized a thermoplastic neutral wrist splint for night-only wear. Outcome measures were instrumental parameters (sensory and motor nerve conduction velocity), symptom and function alterations (as measured by Levine's self-administered questionnaire), clinical parameters (pressure-provocative and Phalen tests). RESULTS: Improvements were observed in Levine's symptom status score at the three-month (P=0.001) and the six-month (P=0.001) follow-up visits, in functional score (P=0.0001) and (P=0.0004), in median distal sensory latency (P=0.01) and (P=0.02), in pressure-provocative test outcome (P=0.01) and (P=0.003), in Phalen test outcome (P=0.04) and (P=0.05) respectively. CONCLUSION: Symptom relief and neurophysiological improvement after night-only splint wear therapy lasted up to the six-month follow-up visit.

High rate of neoplasia and other co-morbid conditions in type-2 diabetic patients with longer duration of disease and poor metabolic control.

AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the rate of neuroendocrine malignancies in the gastrointestinal tract, other malignancies and mitotic processes, in type-2 diabetic patients. In particular, we tested the hypothesis that a poor metabolic control is associated with a higher rate of neoplasms and other co-morbid conditions, such as hypertension and peripheral neuropathy. METHODS: Forty-one consecutive asymptomatic type-2 diabetic outpatients were followed for 8 years and clustered in 2 groups, according to disease duration, insulin need, and dose of oral antidiabetic agents. Physical examination, blood pressure measurements, and neurophysiologic studies were serially performed during the follow-up. In each subject, a general biochemistry was performed, aspecific and specific antigens (alpha-fetoprotein, carcinoembrionic-antigen and prostate specific antigen PSA and F-PSA) levels were measured, and invasive and non-invasive procedures were carried out, when necessary, to detect a neoplastic process. RESULTS: The rate of malignancies and mitotic processes was significantly higher in patients with longer duration of disease and poor diabetes control (72% vs 13%, p=0.02). Hypertension (83% vs 54%) and peripheral neuropathy (67% vs 21%) were also more common in this group. CONCLUSION: These data, although obtained in a relatively small population, highlight the importance of closely monitoring type-2 diabetic patients with poor diabetes control as this might be associated with the presence of malignancy or other co-morbid conditions. This may be particularly true when the poor glycemic control is characterised by a sudden onset or significant worsening despite streghtening of antidiabetic therapy.

Acid rain and nitrogen deposition in a sub-tropical watershed (Piracicaba): ecosystem consequences.

High levels of wet N and acidic deposition were measured in southeast Brazil. In this study we addressed the sensitivity of water bodies and soils to acidification and N deposition in the Piracicaba River basin (12,400 km2). Average acid neutralization capacity (ANC) at 23 river sampling sites varied from 350 to 1800 microeq l(-1). Therefore, rivers and streams in the Piracicaba basin are well buffered, if the lower limit of 200 microeq l(-1) is assumed as an indication of poorly buffered waters. ANC is increased by untreated wastewaters discarded into rivers and streams of the region. Average NO3 concentrations varied from 20 to 70 microeq l(-1). At the most polluted river sites, NO3 concentration is not highest, however, probably due to NO3 reduction and denitrification. Most of the nitrogen in streams is also provided by wastewaters and not by wet deposition. The majority of the soils in the basin, however, are acidic with a low base cation content and high aluminum concentration. Therefore, soils in this basin are poorly buffered and, in areas of forest over sandy soils, acidification may be a problem.

Selective effect of closed-head injury on central resource allocation: evidence from dual-task performance.

Two dual-task experiments are reported bearing on the issue of slower processing time for severe chronic closed-head injury (CHI) patients compared to matched controls. In the first experiment, a classical psychological refractory period (PRP) paradigm was employed, in which two sequential stimuli, a pure tone and a colored dot, were presented at variable stimulus onset asynchronies (SOAs), each associated with a distinct task. The task on the tone required a speeded vocal response based on pitch, and the task on the colored dot required a speeded manual response based on color. In the second experiment, either one or three masked letters was presented, followed by a pure tone at variable SOAs. The task on the letters required a delayed report of the letters at the end of each trial. The task on the tone required an immediate manual response based on pitch. In both experiments, both CHI patients and matched controls reported an SOA-locked slowing of the speeded response to the second stimulus, a PRP effect. The PRP effect was more substantial for CHI patients than for matched controls, suggesting that a component of the slower processing time for CHI patients was related to a selective increase in temporal demands for central processing of the stimuli.

Sacral reflexes normal values with monopolar short needle electrodes recording.

To reduce patients discomfort and improve reliability in pelvic floor neurophysiological studies we examined 28 normal subjects employing short monopolar electrodes. The technique proved to be reliable and less discomfort to the patient than the traditional concentric needle method. Data were tested for Gaussian distribution and tolerance limits for normality were assessed. Our data suggest that use of monopolar instead of concentric needle electrodes may be suitable for pelvic floor examination.

Sixteen weeks of hexarelin therapy in aged dogs: effects on the somatotropic axis, muscle morphology, and bone metabolism.

Hexarelin (HEXA; 500 micrograms/kg/die, s.c.) was administered for 16 weeks to six old beagle dogs. The treatment consisted of three on-drug periods spaced by two off-drug periods. During each on period, the growth hormone (GH) peak response to HEXA initially increased and then dropped to pretreatment values. Each time, a wash-out interval restored the same pattern of GH responsiveness. HEXA significantly augmented the indices of spontaneous pulsatility of GH, but plasma insulin-like growth factor I levels did not change during treatment. HEXA apparently reduced bone resorption since it significantly decreased the urinary concentration of lysylpyridinoline, a bone matrix component. Bone formation apparently was not affected since unchanged levels of alkaline phosphatase were recorded. In three of six old dogs, HEXA induced an improvement of some morphological and biochemical muscular indices, evaluated in muscle specimens that, instead, remained unchanged in a group of young untreated controls. These findings indicate that HEXA effectively releases GH and primes the pituitary of old dogs, and strengthen the view that in aging, GH secretion may be restored by pharmacological means. It would also appear that HEXA-induced GH release improves some indices of body composition in old dogs.

Carbon-13 variation with depth in soils of Brazil and climate change during the Quaternary.

Paleoecological and geomorphological studies indicate that, during the middle Holocene, there was a predominance of drier conditions with grassy savannahs replacing forests across the South American continent. Modern savannahs are composed mainly of C4 plants and soils developed under this type of vegetation show enrichment in 13C compared to soils under C3 vegetation cover. If soils contain stabilized organic matter formed in the middle Holocene, we hypothesize that former C4 vegetation would be evidenced by a large enrichment of 13C in soil organic matter (SOM). We investigate this possibility examining the depth variation of carbon isotopic composition in 21 soil profiles collected by different researchers at 14 different sites in Brazil. Of these, profiles from only three sites showed a marked increase of 13C with depth (9-10‰ enrichment in δ13C difference between the surface soil and deepest depth); two sites showed intermediate enrichment (4-5‰), and nine sites showed a small enrichment of approximatelly 2.5‰. The majority of sites showing all-C3 derived SOM were in the Amazon region. Possible causes for the absence of a large 13C enrichment with depth are: (1) dominance of C3 rather than C4 grasses in mid-Holocene savannahas, (2) soil profiles did not preserve organic matter derived from mid-Holocene plants, (3) the retreat of forest areas did not occur on a regional scale, but was a much more localized phenomenon.