A method to reproduce pH and Eh environmental changes due to sediment resuspension.

During the last decades, metals have been released into coastal areas increasing the environmental and human health risks, however, resuspension events of trace metals polluted sediment could represent even more severe risks. Anoxic condition in the sediment is capable to stabilize the trace metals, due to the bonding with reduced anions. Although, the sediment resuspension can alter the potential redox and pH characteristics resulting in metals released from the water column. The climate change advance would impact directly on ocean chemistry, is expected the spatial increase of anoxic sites, mainly in coastal areas. Furthermore, it is mandatory and urgent to expand the knowledge over the process of sediment metals releasing in order to develop prediction and remediation tools for possible environmental impacts. This is a simple method of manipulating and simulating physicochemical alterations. The creation of microcosmos without oxygen allows the formation of a very reducible environment, common in coastal areas with low energy and high organic matter input. And further oxidation allows the assessment of the trace metals released to the water column and/or the new arrangement of these metals in different geochemical fractions. • The experimental procedure to assess trace metals mobility to potential redox and pH changes in sediment and water. • A method is suitable for a wild range of sediment characteristics.

Scrotal thermographic profile and seminal characteristics of Mangalarga Marchador stallions bred in the Atlantic Rainforest biome / [Perfil termográfico escrotal e características seminais de garanhões Mangalarga Marchador criados no bioma Mata Atlântica]

The objective of this study was to determine the scrotal thermographic profile and to verify the influence of temperature and humidity of the humid tropical climate on testicular temperature and seminal quality of Mangalarga Marchador stallions. The thermal profiles of the proximal, middle, and distal zones of the testicles and total surface temperature (TSTT) were recorded using an FLIR E60bx thermal imager. The average air temperature (°C) and relative humidity (%) were obtained 1, 5, 9, 33, and 66 days before semen collection and showed a mean value of 26.5±2.4 and 80.4±6.0 respectively. The scrotal surface temperature was close to 34°C and there was no variation with the age of the stallion, reproductive activity, and characteristics of the ejaculate (P>0.05). The only significant correlations obtained were between TSTT and minor defects (R = 0.41; P<0.05), between TSTT and total defects (R = 0.46; P<0.01), and between TSTT and percentage of morphologically normal sperm (R = -0.46; P<0.05). It was concluded that the Mangalarga Marchador stallions maintained the testicular temperature within favorable conditions for spermatogenesis, demonstrating the efficiency of testicular thermoregulation mechanisms in the Atlantic Forest biome.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o perfil termográfico escrotal e verificar a influência da temperatura e da umidade do clima tropical úmido na temperatura testicular e na qualidade seminal de garanhões Mangalarga Marchador. Os perfis térmicos das zonas proximal, média e distal dos testículos e a temperatura da superfície total (TSTT) foram registrados usando-se um termovisor FLIR E60bx. A temperatura média do ar (° C) e a umidade relativa (%) foram obtidas um, cinco, nove, 33 e 66 dias antes da coleta de sêmen e apresentaram valor médio de 26,5 ± 2,4 e 80,4 ± 6,0, respectivamente. A temperatura da superfície escrotal foi próxima a 34°C, e não houve variação com a idade do garanhão, a atividade reprodutiva e as características do ejaculado (P>0,05). As únicas correlações significativas obtidas foram entre TSTT e defeitos menores (R=0,41; P<0,05), entre TSTT e defeitos totais (R=0,46; P<0,01), e entre TSTT e porcentagem de espermatozoides morfologicamente normais (R=-0,46; P<0,05). Concluiu-se que os garanhões Mangalarga Marchador mantiveram a temperatura testicular dentro de condições favoráveis para a espermatogênese, demonstrando a eficiência dos mecanismos de termorregulação testicular no bioma Mata Atlântica.

Sediment metal enrichment and ecological risk assessment of ten ports and estuaries in the World Harbours Project.

Ten global harbours were assessed for sediment quality by quantifying the magnitude of anthropogenic change and ecological risk. Anthropogenic change (enrichment) was high for Derwent River and Sydney estuary, moderate for Santander Harbour, Rio de Janeiro and Dublin Port, slight for Hong Kong, minimal for Darwin. All 10 enrichment indices used showed similar results. Derwent River sediment was rated at high ecological risk, followed by Sydney and Santander estuaries with moderate risk. Auckland and Darwin sediments exhibited minimal ecological risk and sediment in the remaining harbours (Dublin, Hong Kong, Ravenna, Ria de Vigo and Rio de Janeiro) were assessed at slight ecological risk. The extraordinary variety of environments and types/quantities/qualities of data investigated resulted in as much a critique and development of methodology, as an assessment of human impact, including unique techniques for elemental normalisation and contaminant classification. Recommendations for an improved technical framework for sediment quality assessment are provided.

Metal-Associated Biomarker Responses in Crabs from a Marine Protected Area in Southeastern Brazil.

The environmental quality of a Ramsar wetland site located at the Cananéia-Iguape-Peruíbe Protected Area (CIP-PA), in São Paulo, Brazil, was assessed by geochemical analyses and biomarker assessments (GPx, GST, GSH, GST, MT, LPO, DNA damage) performed in swimming crab Callinectes danae Smith, 1869 organs (posterior and anterior gills and hepatopancreas) to estimate sediment contaminant bioavailability. The results indicated that two sampling stations, PT and PM, exhibited the worst environmental conditions, as sediments collected at both points contained metal contamination, while crabs exhibited significant responses for GPx, GST, and LPO (mostly during winter). Sediment contamination tended to be associated to fine sediments (both seasons) and organic matter (winter). During the summer survey, Pb concentrations in sediments of station PT exceeded the Brazilian Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) and the Canadian Interim Marine Sediment Quality Guidelines. Metal concentrations in sediments sampled in winter were higher compared with summer, with Co, Ni, and Pb exceeding SQGs levels at PT, whereas Co, Ni, Hg, Zn, and Pb exceeded SQGs at PM. Biomarker induction during summer appeared to be caused by natural variables (water salinity and temperature, and molting cycle), whereas oxidative stress and tissue damage during winter appeared to be more clearly linked to metal contamination. Anterior gills presented the clearest signs of seasonal variability, being more responsive to sediment contamination. The results suggest that metals originated from the upper Ribeira de Iguape River are transported toward the estuarine system, causing effects on C. danae individuals. Additionally, seasonality is a strong factor concerning CIP-PA toxicity, since the rainfall regime significantly modifies the freshwater flow and, consequently, estuarine water salinity, suspended particle and metal inputs, as well as the location of depositional areas. Thus, efforts to mitigate CIP-PA contamination should be based on the control of upstream pollution sources.

Efeito do ácido docosa-hexaenoico e do Trolox® no diluidor de refrigeração de sêmen de garanhões da raça Mangalarga Marchador / Effect of docosahexaenoic acid and Trolox® in extenders for cooling semen from Mangalarga Marchador stallion

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do ácido docosa-hexaenoico (DHA), associado ou não ao Trolox®, na refrigeração de sêmen de garanhões da raça Mangalarga Marchador. Foram refrigerados 10 ejaculados nos diluidores: D1) BotuSêmen® (BS; controle); D2) BS + 30ngmL-1 de DHA (BS30DHA); D3) BS30DHA + 40µM de Trolox® (BS30DHA40T); D4) BS + 50ngmL-1 de DHA (BS50DHA); D5) BS50DHA + 40µM de Trolox® (BS50DHA40T). Após 48 horas de refrigeração, foram avaliados os parâmetros de movimento espermático, a integridade estrutural e funcional da membrana plasmática e a longevidade espermática. Todos os diluidores testados preservaram, de forma semelhante, a motilidade, a linearidade, a retilinearidade, a amplitude do deslocamento lateral da cabeça, a frequência do batimento flagelar cruzado, o percentual de hiperativos e a integridade estrutural e funcional da membrana espermática (P>0,05). O diluidor BS50DHA foi superior ao BS30DHA40T em preservar a VCL e a VSL e foi superior ao BS30DHA40T e ao BS50DHA40T em preservar a VAP e o índice de oscilação (P<0,05). Conclui-se que o uso do Trolox® em diluidores utilizados para refrigeração de sêmen de garanhões contendo ácido docosa-hexaenoico, nas concentrações propostas, não é indicado por alterar parâmetros de movimento espermático considerados importantes para a fertilidade.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), associated or not with Trolox®, in extenders for cooling semen from Mangalarga Marchador stallions. Ten ejaculates were cooled in the following diluents: D1) BotuSemen® (BS; control); D2) BS + 30ngmL-1 DHA (BS30DHA); D3) BS30DHA + 40µM Trolox® (BS30DHA40T); D4) BS + 50ngmL-1 DHA (BS50DHA); D5) BS50DHA + 40µM Trolox® (BS50DHA40T). After 48 hours of refrigeration, the sperm movement, structural and functional integrity of the plasma membrane and sperm longevity were evaluated. All extenders tested similarly preserved motility, linearity, straightness of trajectory, amplitude of lateral head displacement, beat cross frequency, hyperactive, the structural and functional integrity of the sperm membrane (P> 0.05). The BS50DHA extender was superior to BS30DHA40T in preserving VCL and VSL and was superior to BS30DHA40T and BS50DHA40T in preserving VAP and oscillation index (P< 0.05). It is concluded that the use of Trolox® in extenders for cooling stallion sperm containing docosahexaenoic acid at the proposed concentrations is not indicated because it alters sperm movement parameters considered important for fertility.(AU)

Análise da integridade funcional dos espermatozoides de Tayassu pecari por diferentes soluções hiposmóticas e osmolaridades / Analysis of the functional integrity of Tayassu pecari sperm by different hyposmotic solutions and osmolarities

Queixada (Tayassu pecari) é um mamífero neotropical, classificado como vulnerável devido à caça e à destruição de seu habitat. Em razão das dificuldades na reprodução em cativeiro, técnicas de reprodução assistida podem ser aplicadas em programas de repovoamento da espécie. Dessa forma, objetivou-se identificar o melhor protocolo de teste hiposmótico (HOST) para avaliar a integridade funcional dos espermatozoides de queixada. O sêmen de quatro machos adultos foi coletado com auxílio de eletroejaculador após contenção física e protocolo de sedação e anestesia. O sêmen foi avaliado quanto às características macro e microscópicas e diluído nas seguintes soluções hiposmóticas: água destilada (0mOsmol/L), sacarose (50, 100, 150mOsm/L) e frutose (50, 100, 150mOsm/L). Cada amostra foi incubada em duplicata, e uma sofreu fixação em solução de citrato de sódio formolizado a 4%. Duzentos espermatozoides foram avaliados por amostra e classificados em reativos ou não ao HOST. Todas as soluções testadas foram semelhantes em identificar o percentual de espermatozoides reativos, independentemente de a amostra ser ou não fixada (P>0,05). Dessa forma, pode-se usar água destilada como HOST por este apresentar resultados similares e por ser um teste mais barato.(AU)

White-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) is a neotropical mammal classified as vulnerable due to overhunting and habitat destruction. Due to the low reproduction success in captivity, assisted reproduction techniques can be used in re-stocking programs. Therefore, we aimed to identify the best hyposmotic swelling test (HOST) to evaluate the functional integrity of peccary sperm. Semen samples of four adult males were collected with the aid of an electroejaculator after physical contention, sedation and anesthesia protocols. The semen was evaluated for macro and microscopic characteristics and diluted in the following hyposmotic solutions: distilled water (0mOsmol/L), sucrose (50, 100, 150mOsm/L) and fructose (50, 100, 150mOsm/L). Each sample was incubated in duplicate and one was fixed in 4% formalized sodium citrate solution. Two hundred spermatozoa were evaluated from each sample and classified as reactive or not- reactive to HOST. There were similar proportions of reactive and functional sperm regardless of whether the sample was fixed or not fixed (P> 0.05). Therefore, distilled water can be used as HOST to evaluate the functional integrity of white-lipped peccary sperm because it shows similar results and it is a cheaper test.(AU)

Qualidade seminal e perfil metabólico de caprinos alimentados com semente de linhaça na dieta / Semen quality and metabolic profile of goats fed flaxseed in the diet

O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi avaliar o efeito da inclusão de semente de linhaça na dieta sobre a qualidade seminal e o perfil metabólico de machos caprinos. Foram utilizados 16 machos da raça Saanen, distribuídos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos, recebendo níveis de inclusão de semente de linhaça (0, 4, 8 e 12%) na dieta, durante um período de 60 dias. As coletas e as avaliações seminais foram realizadas duas vezes por semana. Os animais foram submetidos a coletas quinzenais de sangue, durante todo o período experimental. Os dados foram avaliados por ANOVA e pela análise de regressão a 5% de significância. Houve comportamento cúbico para motilidade espermática progressiva, que apresentou o maior valor (82,30%) com a adição de 9,92% de semente de linhaça na dieta (P<0,05). Houve comportamento cúbico para concentração plasmática de triglicerídeos, e o nível de 8% de semente de linhaça na dieta apresentou média de 43,32mg dL-1, acima dos valores normais para a espécie caprina (P<0,05). A inclusão de semente de linhaça na dieta de machos caprinos proporcionou melhora na produção espermática e na qualidade seminal. No entanto, devem-se considerar os possíveis efeitos dos níveis superiores a 4% de semente de linhaça sobre o perfil metabólico dos animais.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of flaxseed inclusion in the diet of male goats through the semen quality and metabolic profile. Randomly allocated 16 Saanen males were placed into four groups receiving flaxseed inclusion levels (0, 4, 8 and 12%) in the diet over a period of 60 days. The collections and seminal evaluations were performed twice a week. The animals were subjected to biweekly blood collections from the beginning to the end of the trial period. The data were evaluated by ANOVA and regression analysis at 5% significance. A cubic behavior for motility, with the highest value (82.30%) with the addition of 9.92% of flaxseed in the diet (P< 0.05) was detected. A cubic behavior for plasma triglyceride concentration and the level of 8% of flaxseed in the diet averaged 43.32mg dL -1 above normal values for goats (P< 0.05) was detected. The inclusion of flaxseed in the diet of male goats improved sperm production and quality. However, one should consider the possible effects of the levels above 4% of flaxseed on the metabolic profile of the animals.(AU)

Farmacopuntura utilizando os acupontos Hou Hai e Bai Hui em protocolos de sincronização de estro em cabras / Pharmacopuncture using acupoints Hou Hai and Bai Hui in estrous synchronization protocols in goats

Avaliou-se a eficiência da administração de subdoses de eCG nos acupontos Bai Hui e Hou Hai em protocolos de sincronização de estro em cabras. Na primeira etapa, 57 cabras foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em quatro tratamentos: T1- 300UI de eCG intramuscular (IM); T2- 60UI de eCG no acuponto Hou Hai; T3- 60UI de eCG no acuponto Bai Hui e T4- 60UI de eCG IM; e na segunda etapa, 28 cabras foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em três tratamentos: T1- 300UI de eCG IM; T2- 30UI de eCG no acuponto Bai Hui e T3- 30UI de eCG IM. Ao final do tratamento hormonal, as cabras foram monitoradas para detecção do estro, realização das coberturas e avaliação do comportamento reprodutivo. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de normalidade, seguida dos testes estatísticos adequados para cada variável. Na primeira etapa experimental, obteve-se maior duração de estro nas cabras do T1 (P=0,009). Na segunda etapa experimental, obteve-se maior número de animais em estros no T1 (P=0,03). As demais variáveis para ambas as etapas não sofreram influência dos tratamentos (P>0,05), demonstrando que a administração de subdoses de eCG nos acupontos Bai Hui e Hou Hai foi eficiente para sincronizar o estro.(AU)

The efficiency of administration of subdoses of eCG in the Bai Hui and Hou Hai acupoints in oestrus synchronization protocols in goats was evaluated. In the first stage, 57 goats were randomly assigned to four treatments: T1- 300UI of intramuscular eCG (IM); T2- 60UI of eCG in acupoint Hou Hai; T3- 60UI of eCG in the Bai Hui acupoint and T4- 60UI of eCG IM; and in the second stage, 28 goats were randomly assigned to three treatments: T1-300UI of eCG IM; T2-30UI of eCG in the Bai Hui acupoint and T3- 30UI of eCG IM. At the end of the hormonal treatment the goats were monitored for estrus detection, and evaluation of reproductive behavior. The data were submitted to normality analysis, followed by appropriate statistical tests for each variable. In the first experimental stage, a longer duration of estrus in the T1 goats (P= 0.009) was obtained. In the second experimental stage, a greater number of animals were obtained in estrus at T1 (P= 0.03). The other variables for both experiments were not influenced by the treatments (P> 0.05), demonstrating that administration of eCG subdoses in the Bai Hui and Hou Hai acupoints was efficient to synchronize the estrus.(AU)

Carbon accumulation and storage capacity in mangrove sediments three decades after deforestation within a eutrophic bay.

A dated sediment core from an eutrophic mangrove area presented non-significant differences in carbon accumulation rates before (55.7±10.2gm-2yr-1) and after three decades of deforestation (59.7±7.2gm-2yr-1). Although eutrophication effects appear to compensate the loss of mangrove organic matter input, the results in this work show a threefold lower carbon accumulation than the global averages estimated for mangrove sediments. The effects of increasing eutrophication and enhanced sediment dry bulk density observed after deforestation (~30% higher) did not result in higher carbon stocks. Moreover, the lower TOC:OP (<400) and C:N (~20) molar ratios, as well as increased nutrient accumulation, reflect the dominance of phytoplankton-derived organic matter after deforestation, resulting in less-efficient sedimentary carbon sinks. These results indicate that the organic material deposited from eutrophication may not compensate mangrove deforestation losses on carbon accumulation in mangrove ecosystems.

Óleo de peixe associado ao ácido ascórbico no diluidor para criopreservação de sêmen caprino / Fish oil associated to ascorbic acid in diluter for cryopreservation goat semen

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da inclusão de óleo de peixe associado ao ácido ascórbico no diluidor para criopreservação de sêmen caprino. Dois machos da raça Boer foram submetidos à coleta de sêmen pelo método de vagina artificial, sendo os ejaculados avaliados quanto aos aspectos físicos e morfológicos. Após avaliação, formou-se um pool, seguido do fracionamento em cinco grupos: G1 - diluidor citrato-gema e G2, G3, G4 e G5 - diluidor citrato-gema acrescido de 1,0; 2,0; 3,0 e 4,0% de óleo de peixe e 0,05% de ácido ascórbico, respectivamente. Após descongelamento, foram realizadas avaliações físicas do sêmen e os testes complementares de termorresistência lento (TTR), hiposmótico (HO), integridade acrossomal e compactação da cromatina espermática. Houve comportamento linear crescente (P<0,05) para motilidade pós-descongelamento. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) para vigor pós-descongelamento (2,00±0,24). No TTR não houve diferença (P>0,05) para motilidade e vigor espermáticos entre os tempos cinco e 180min, com médias inicial e final de 62,17±12,13 e 14,29±10,55 para motilidade e de 2,00±0,52 e 0,49±0,44 para vigor. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) para o HO, com porcentagem média de espermatozoides reativos de 23,5±5,96%. Houve comportamento linear crescente para acrossoma íntegro e decrescente para acrossoma irregular (P<0,05). Não houve diferença (P>0,05) na compactação da cromatina, com 97,06±1,17% de cromatina íntegra. A inclusão até 4% de óleo de peixe acrescido de ácido ascórbico no diluidor melhorou motilidade e integridade de acrossoma após a criopreservação.(AU)

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of fish oil inclusion associated with ascorbic acid in the thinner for goat semen cryopreservation. Two male Boers underwent semen collection through the artificial vagina method, ejaculates being then assessed for physical and morphological aspects. After evaluation, a pool was formed, followed by the split into five groups: G1 - yolk-citrate extender and G2, G3, G4 and G5 - yolk-citrate extender plus 1.0; 2.0; 3.0 and 4.0% fish oil and 0.05% ascorbic acid, respectively. After thawing, physical evaluations of semen were assessed and additional testing slow heat resistance (TTR), hiposmotic (HO), acrosome integrity and compression of sperm chromatin. There was linear increase (P<0.05) post-thaw motility. No difference was obtained for post-thaw vigor and there was no influence of the association of fish oil and ascorbic acid in TTR. Plasma membrane integrity, by hyposmotic test (HO), presented a mean of reactive spermatozoa of 23.5±5.96% (P>0.05). There was linear increase for intact acrosome and decreasing acrosome irregular (P<0.05). In the analysis of the chromatin compaction, approximately 3% of damages (P>0.05) were observed. The inclusion of 4% fish oil plus ascorbic acid in diluter improved motility and acrosome integrity after cryopreservation.(AU)

Using a tiered approach based on ecotoxicological techniques to assess the ecological risks of contamination in a subtropical estuarine protected area.

This study sought to assess the ecological risks of sediments from the northern portion of an estuarine protected area (Cananéia-Iguape-Peruíbe Protected Area--CIP-PA). The CIP-PA is located on the southern coast of São Paulo State, Brazil and is influenced by former mining activities along the Ribeira de Iguape River (RIR). We used a tiered approach based on multiple lines of evidence (geochemical analyses, toxicity tests, and whole sediment toxicity identification and evaluation) in order to assess environmental quality. The sediments presented a heterogeneous composition, but the samples collected close to the RIR exhibited higher concentrations of metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb) and toxicity. Multivariate analysis showed that toxicity was associated with metals, mud, organic matter, and CaCO3 quantities. The whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation approach indicated that ammonia and metals were responsible for sediment toxicity. Overall, we concluded that the sediments collected at depositional areas from the northern portion of the CIP-PA presented high levels of metals, which originated from former mining areas located in the upper RIR basin, and that this contamination had toxic effects on aquatic invertebrates. The tiered approach was useful for identifying the degradation of sediment quality and also for indicating the causes of toxicity. Because the CIP-PA is an important estuarine protected area that is ecologically at risk, large-scale measures are required to control the sources of contamination.

Periodontitis increases vascular cyclooxygenase-2: potential effect on vascular tone.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: It has been demonstrated that periodontitis induces a systemic inflammation, which may impair endothelial function. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an important enzyme in the inflammatory process and is responsible for prostacyclin production. We hypothesised that in periodontitis, an increase in vascular COX-2 expression may occur, which in turn may have a role in vascular homeostasis. Thus, we evaluated the vascular effects of COX-2 inhibition in an experimental rat model of periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experimental periodontitis was induced in rats by placing a cotton ligature around the cervix of both sides of the mandibular first molars and maxillary second molars. Sham-operated rats had the ligature removed immediately after the procedure. Mesenteric vessels were obtained for the study of COX-2 expression, and blood samples were collected for nitric oxide quantification. In another set of experiments, animals received etoricoxib (10 mg/kg/d, v.o.) or vehicle, and alveolar bone loss and cardiovascular parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: We observed an increase in COX-2 expression in mesenteric vessels harvested from animals with periodontitis, which was accompanied by a reduction in nitric oxide content. Etoricoxib treatment impaired the endothelium-dependent reduction in blood pressure in rats with periodontitis. CONCLUSION: Periodontitis increases vascular COX-2 expression, which is important in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis in this model. Despite the limitations of an animal study, these findings may have important implications regarding the safety of using selective COX-2 inhibitors in patients with periodontitis.

The effect of simvastatin on systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction induced by periodontitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: It has been demonstrated that periodontitis induces systemic inflammation, which may impair endothelial function leading to increased cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of simvastatin on systemic inflammatory markers and endothelial dysfunction induced by periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Wistar rats were subjected to ligature-induced experimental periodontitis. Eight days after the procedure, the ligature and sham groups were randomly assigned to receive simvastatin or vehicle once a day until the 14th day, when the effects of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside on blood pressure were evaluated. Blood samples were collected and evaluated for plasma interleukin-6C, -reactive protein and lipids. The maxilla and mandible were removed for bone loss analysis. RESULTS: Simvastatin treatment reduced systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction induced by periodontitis. Furthermore, simvastatin improved the blood lipid profile and reduced alveolar bone loss. CONCLUSION: Simvastatin treatment, in addition to the improvement on serum lipid profile, may reduce other predictors of cardiovascular events associated with periodontitis.

Trace metal pyritization variability in response to mangrove soil aerobic and anaerobic oxidation processes.

The degree of iron pyritization (DOP) and degree of trace metal pyritization (DTMP) were evaluated in mangrove soil profiles from an estuarine area located in Rio de Janeiro (SE Brazil). The soil pH was negatively correlated with redox potential (Eh) and positively correlated with DOP and DTMP of some elements (Mn, Cu and Pb), suggesting that pyrite oxidation generated acidity and can affect the importance of pyrite as a trace metal-binding phase, mainly in response to spatial variability in tidal flooding. Besides these aerobic oxidation effects, results from a sequential extraction analyses of reactive phases evidenced that Mn oxidized phase consumption in reaction with pyrite can be also important to determine the pyritization of trace elements. Cumulative effects of these aerobic and anaerobic oxidation processes were evidenced as factors affecting the capacity of mangrove soils to act as a sink for trace metals through pyritization processes.

Radiotracer estimates of benthic activity effects on trace metal diffusion into mangrove sediments.

Potential influences of the whole benthic organisms' activity (i.e., coupled faunal and microbial effects) on (58)Co, (51)Cr and (65)Zn diffusion into surface mangrove sediment layers (0-6 cm depth) were evaluated in 36 h experiments. Benthic activity indices (BAI) were proposed, calculated as the relative percent difference between untreated sediments and formaldehyde-treated sediments data in relation to untreated sediments data. Benthic activity was estimated as responsible for 32%-44% of total inventories within sediments, being the chromate anion spiked the less affected radiotracer, while (65)Zn was the most sensitive. Benthic activity was quantitatively evidenced as a control on trace metal diffusion into the sediments, contributing to determine the sediment role as a metal sink. This influence can also affect metal potential bioavailability, considering that recently diffused metals can be more readily available to biological uptake.

[Improvement of fecal incontinence with silicone implants in patients with internal anal sphincter injury: First report in North America]. / Mejoría de la incontinencia fecal con implantes de silicón en pacientes con lesiones del esfínter anal interno: primer informe en Norteamérica.

The injection of bulking agents has been described as a useful treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence. Among them, silicone implants have shown benefits in patients with internal anal sphincter (IAS) injury. We describe two patients with a history of hemorrhoidectomy and IAS injuries, which underwent placement of silicone implants. The implants were inserted into the intersphincteric space and the IAS under ultrasound guidance. The Wexner continente score fell from 17 and 19 before treatment, to 6 and 8 at six months follow up, respectively. Patients had no postoperative complications or implants migration. In our patients, injection of silicone implants improved fecal continence score, without postoperative complications or implants migration at six month follow up.

Structural, electronic, and vibrational properties of amino-adamantane and rimantadine isomers.

We performed a first principles total energy investigation on the structural, electronic, and vibrational properties of adamantane molecules, functionalized with amine and ethanamine groups. We computed the vibrational signatures of amantadine and rimantadine isomers with the functional groups bonded to different carbon sites. By comparing our results with recent infrared and Raman spectroscopic data, we discuss the possible presence of different isomers in experimental samples.

Crystal engineering using functionalized adamantane.

We performed a first-principles investigation on the structural, electronic and optical properties of crystals made of chemically functionalized adamantane molecules. Several molecular building blocks, formed by boron and nitrogen substitutional functionalizations, were considered to build zinc blende and wurtzite crystals, and the resulting structures presented large bulk moduli and cohesive energies, wide and direct bandgaps, and low dielectric constants (low-κ materials). Those properties provide stability for such structures up to room temperature, superior to those of typical molecular crystals. This indicates a possible road map for crystal engineering using functionalized diamondoids, with potential applications ranging from space filling between conducting wires in nanodevices to nano-electromechanical systems.