The modified frailty index predicts postoperative morbidity in elective hernia repair patients: analysis of the national inpatient sample 2015-2019.

PURPOSE: Frailty has shown promise in predicting postoperative morbidity and mortality following hernia surgery. This study aims to evaluate the predictive capacity of the 11-item modified frailty index (mFI) in estimating postoperative outcomes following elective hernia surgery using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the NIS from 2015 to 2019 was performed including adult patients who underwent elective hernia repair. The mFI was used to stratify patients as either frail (mFI ≥ 0.27) or robust (mFI < 0.27). The primary outcomes were in-hospital postoperative morbidity and mortality. The secondary outcomes were system-specific morbidity, length of stay (LOS), total in-hospital healthcare cost, and discharge disposition. Univariable and multivariable regressions were utilized. RESULTS: In total, 14,125 robust patients and 1704 frail patients were included. Frailty was associated with an increased age (mean age 66.4 years vs. 52.6 years, p < 0.001) and prevalence of ventral hernias (51.9% vs. 44.4%, p < 0.001). Adjusted analyses demonstrated that frail patients had increased in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.89, 95% CI 1.50, 10.11, p = 0.005), postoperative overall morbidity (aOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.72, 2.29, p < 0.001), postoperative LOS (adjusted mean difference (aMD) 0.78 days, 95% CI 0.51, 1.06, p < 0.001), total in-hospital healthcare costs (aMD $7562 95% CI 3292, 11,832, p = 0.001), and were less likely to be discharged home (aOR 0.61, 95% CI 0.53, 0.69, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The mFI may be a reliable predictor of postoperative morbidity and mortality in elective hernia surgery. Utilizing this tool can aid in patient education and identifying high-risk patients who may benefit from tailored prehabilitation.

Ensino e pesquisa em saúde mental na atenção básica: Portfólio de Práticas Inspiradoras em Atenção Psicossocial / Mental Health teaching and research in primary care: Portfolio of Inspiring Practices in Psychosocial Care / Enseñanza e investigación en salud mental en atención primaria: Portafolio de Prácticas Inspiradoras en Atención Psicosocial

Resumo Neste artigo, discutimos o processo de trabalho da pesquisa, a metodologia participativa e colaborativa para a construção do site para uso ampliado na Atenção, Ensino e Pesquisa nos campos da Saúde Mental Atenção Básica, o qual intitulamos 'Portfólio de Práticas Inspiradoras em Atenção Psicossocial', bem como as ações em curso para sua gestão compartilhada. O conjunto da pesquisa analisou, sistematizou e categorizou práticas na atenção básica e espaços comunitários, construindo mecanismos de busca e disseminação científica para experiências inovadoras e inspiradoras em todo o país, no período de 2015 a 2020. O site dá visibilidade e relevância às abordagens psicossociais de acolhimento, cuidado e potencialização da vida presentes no Sistema Único de Saúde. Experiências alternativas ao modelo biomédico, base para uma perspectiva interdisciplinar e desinstitucionalizante de Saúde Mental na Atenção Básica.

Abstract In this article, we discuss the working process of the research, the participatory and collaborative methodology for the construction of the website for expanded use in Care, Teaching and Research in the fields of Mental Health Primary Care, which we titled 'Portfolio of Inspiring Practices in Psychosocial care', as well as the ongoing actions for its shared management. The whole research analyzed, systematized and categorized practices in primary care and community spaces, building search engines and scientific dissemination for innovative and inspiring experiences throughout the country, in the period from 2015 to 2020. The website gives visibility and relevance to the psychosocial approaches of reception, care and enhancement of life present in the Unified Health System. Alternative experiences to the biomedical model, the basis for an interdisciplinary and deinstitutionalizing perspective of Mental Health in Primary Care.

Resumen En este artículo discutimos el proceso de trabajo de la investigación, la metodología participativa y colaborativa para la construcción del site de uso ampliado en la Atención, Enseñanza e Investigación en los campos de la Atención Primaria de Salud Mental, que denominamos 'Portafolio de Prácticas Inspiradoras en Atención Psicosocial', así como las acciones en curso para su gestión compartida. El conjunto de investigación analizó, sistematizó y categorizó prácticas en la atención primaria y en los espacios comunitarios, construyendo mecanismos de búsqueda y divulgación científica de experiencias innovadoras e inspiradoras en todo el país, de 2015 a 2020. El site confere visibilidad y relevancia a los enfoques psicosociales de acogida, cuidado y potenciación de vida presentes en el Sistema Único de Salud. Experiencias alternativas al modelo biomédico, base para una perspectiva interdisciplinar y desinstitucionalizadora de la Salud Mental en Atención Primaria.

Urethral leiomyoma: combined vaginal and abdominal approach - a case report / Mioma uretral: abordagem combinada vaginal e abdominal - um relato de caso

Abstract Introduction: leiomyomas are benign mesenchymal tumors of smooth muscle origin that can develop in various locations. Urethral leiomyomas are rare, with approximately only 120 cases reported in the literature. These tumors often occur in the third and fourth decades of life but are rare in menopausal patients. In general, treatment involves surgery, only three recurrence reports in the literature. Description: a case report on a 56-year-old woman; the patient had type II diabetes mellitus and chronic high blood pressure, was overweight (body mass index, 27.1 kg/m2), and a smoker. Besides this, the patient presented symptoms of urinary obstruction and had a large urethral leiomyoma. The tumor was completely removed with no associated urethral lesions using a complex, combined abdominalvaginal surgical approach. Discussion: the management and treatment on urethral leiomyomas is challenging and have not been established yet due to the rarity of these tumors.

Resumo Introdução: os leiomiomas são tumores mesenquimais benignos de origem muscular lisa, podendo manifestar-se em diversas localizações. Os leiomiomas uretrais são raros, tendo apenas aproximadamente 120 casos relatados na literatura. São mais comuns na terceira e quarta décadas de vida, sendo raros em pacientes menopausadas. Em geral, são tratados cirurgicamente, com apenas três relatos de recidivas na literatura. Descrição: relato de caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino, 56 anos, portadora de diabetes mellitus do tipo II, hipertensão arterial crônica, sobrepeso (IMC 27,1Kg/m2) e tabagismo. Além disso, com quadro de sintomas obstrutivos urinários e portadora de um grande leiomioma uretral, este que foi completamente removido, através de uma desafiadora abordagem cirúrgica combinada (abdominal e vaginal), sem lesões uretrais associadas. Discussão: os leiomiomas uretrais são tumores raros e seu manejo é desafiador e ainda não foi estabelecido.

Quasinormal modes and shadow of noncommutative black hole.

In this paper we investigate quasinormal modes (QNM) for a scalar field around a noncommutative Schwarzschild black hole. We verify the effect of noncommutativity on quasinormal frequencies by applying two procedures widely used in the literature. The first is the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) approximation up to sixth order. In the second case we use the continuous fraction method developed by Leaver. Besides, we also show that due to noncommutativity, the shadow radius is reduced when we increase the noncommutative parameter. In addition, we find that the shadow radius is nonzero even at the zero mass limit for finite noncommutative parameter.

A música como agente terapêutico no tratamento da Doença de Alzheimer / Music as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease / La música como agente terapéutico en el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Alzheimer

A Doença de Alzheimer (DA), causa mais comum de demência (transtorno neurocognitivo maior), ocupa maior espaço na medida em que a sociedade envelhece. Estudos demonstram que o olhar biomédico e a utilização de fármacos, muitas vezes, não abarcam os problemas decorrentes da doença. E, a busca por alternativas outras que não o medicamento e exclusão do doente são promissoras. É nessa finalidade que o presente trabalho se propõe: discorrer acerca da influência da música como potencial terapêutico para pacientes com Alzheimer. Para tanto, objetivou-se revisar estudos mais recentes sobre a temática e propor possíveis reflexões que possam colaborar com o maior entendimento da terapêutica musical na DA.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia (major neurocognitive disorder), is taking up more space as society ages. Studies show that the biomedical view and the use of drugs often do not cover the problems arising from the disease, and the search for alternatives other than medication and exclusion of the patient is promising. It is for this purpose that the present work proposes: to discuss about the influence of music as a therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's patients. Thus, the aim was to review the latest studies on the subject and propose possible reflections that may contribute to a better understanding of music therapy in AD.

La enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA), la causa más común de demencia (trastorno neurocognitivo mayor), prevalece cada vez más a medida que la sociedad envejece. Los estudios demuestran que la visión biomédica y la utilización de fármacos a menudo no cubren los problemas derivados de la enfermedad y, la búsque da de alternativas distintas a la medicación y la exclusión del paciente son prometedoras. Es para este propósito que el presente trabajo propone: discutir sobre la influencia de la música como un potencial terapéutico para los pacientes con Alzheimer. Con este fin, el objetivo fue revisar los estudios recientes sobre el tema y proponer posibles reflexiones que puedan colaborar con una mayor comprensión de la terapia musical en EA.

Diffusive process under Lifshitz scaling and pandemic scenarios.

We here propose to model active and cumulative cases data from COVID-19 by a continuous effective model based on a modified diffusion equation under Lifshitz scaling with a dynamic diffusion coefficient. The proposed model is rich enough to capture different aspects of a complex virus diffusion as humanity has been recently facing. The model being continuous it is bound to be solved analytically and/or numerically. So, we investigate two possible models where the diffusion coefficient associated with possible types of contamination are captured by some specific profiles. The active cases curves here derived were able to successfully describe the pandemic behavior of Germany and Spain. Moreover, we also predict some scenarios for the evolution of COVID-19 in Brazil. Furthermore, we depicted the cumulative cases curves of COVID-19, reproducing the spreading of the pandemic between the cities of São Paulo and São José dos Campos, Brazil. The scenarios also unveil how the lockdown measures can flatten the contamination curves. We can find the best profile of the diffusion coefficient that better fit the real data of pandemic.

Derbid Planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Derbidae) Associated with Coconut and Oil Palm in Brazil.

We present surveys of derbid planthoppers associated with coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) collected in Northeastern (Sergipe) and North (Pará and Roraima) Brazil. The surveys were intended to contribute to our knowledge of possible vectors of phytoplasmas or other phloem-restricted plant pathogens. Eight derbid taxa were found, two in the subfamily Cedusinae, tribe Cedusini (Cedusa yipara Kramer and C. yowza Kramer) and six in the subfamily Derbinae, tribe Cenchreini: Herpis sp., Persis pugnax Stål, Omolicna anastomosa (Caldwell), O. nigripennis (Caldwell), and two new species in the genus Agoo Bahder & Bartlett are described here. Genus-level features between Omolicna and Agoo are discussed and a key to the species of Agoo is provided.

Occurrence in Brazil of Haplaxius crudus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae), Vector of Coconut Lethal Yellowing.

The lethal yellowing (LY) is a major phytoplasma causing disease seriously threatening coconut plantations worldwide, with imminent risk of entering Brazil. The LY phytoplasma is restricted to the phloem and transmitted by the planthopper Haplaxius crudus (Van Duzee) (Cixiidae). In this study, Auchenorrhyncha were collected on the leaves of Dwarf vs. Dwarf hybrids and Brazilian Green Dwarf Jiqui in the Brazilian northern state of Para using yellow adhesive traps in May of 2016. The planthopper H. crudus was found in coconut plantations of Brazilian Green Dwarf Jiqui, accounting for 87% of the individuals captured. This is the first report of vector H. crudus in Brazilian coconut plantations. These findings are of great scientific relevance since H. crudus could negatively impact the Brazilian coconut industry and this knowledge could be used in contingency measures in the case of LY be introduced in the country.

Internal quality control indicators in cervical cytopathology of a university laboratory.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the internal quality control indicators and quality management programme in a university cytopathology laboratory. METHODS: All results of conventional cervical smears tests (taken from the SISCAN, the Brazilian cervical cancer screening system) of women aged ≥15 years at the time of Papanicolaou smear specimen collection during January 2007-December 2014 were included. The final results of the cytopathology were classified in accordance with the Bethesda System. The variables included in the database were the woman's name, date of birth, and age at the time of sampling (15-30, 31-40 and older than 40 years). RESULTS: In this period, 50 286 cytopathology examinations were carried out. Of these, 44 386 (91.34%) were negative for malignancy or unsatisfactory and 4209 (8.66%) presented epithelial abnormalities. The percentage of the tests consistent with atypical squamous cells (ASC) between satisfactory examinations was 4.12%; the percentage of tests compatible with ASC among abnormal examinations was 47.87%; the ASC/squamous intraepithelial lesion) ratio was 0.97 and the percentage of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion among satisfactory tests was 2.21%, and the 5-year retrospective review identified 4.97% of false-negative results. CONCLUSION: All rates obtained were consistent over the years and within the recommended values by Federal Regulation of Brazil. This demonstrates the efficacy of our established internal quality monitoring and continuing education, reflecting the commitment of the team involved in the release of smear reports.

Isolation of human mesenchymal stem cells from amnion, chorion, placental decidua and umbilical cord: comparison of four enzymatic protocols.

OBJECTIVE: To compare four enzymatic protocols for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolation from amniotic (A-MSC) and chorionic (C-MSC) membranes, umbilical cord (UC-MSC) and placental decidua (D-MSC) in order to define a robust, practical and low-cost protocol for each tissue. RESULTS: A-MSCs and UC-MSCs could be isolated from all samples using trypsin/collagenase-based protocols; C-MSCs could be isolated from all samples with collagenase- and trypsin/collagenase-based protocols; D-MSCs were isolated from all samples exclusively with a collagenase-based protocol. CONCLUSIONS: The trypsin-only protocol was least efficient; the collagenase-only protocol was best for C-MSCs and D-MSCs; the combination of trypsin and collagenase was best for UC-MSCs and none of tested protocols was adequate for A-MSCs isolation.

Space variability of phenological indicators of common bean crop / Variabilidade espacial dos índices fenológicos da cultura do feijão

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) has a representative agricultural holding, not only for the economic value of its production, but also for the large area of growing in Brazil. In the harvest 2016/17, this work was conducted in a Quartzarenic Neosol in the municipality of Cassilândia, MS. The objective of this work was to characterize the structure and magnitude of the spatial distribution of phenological indices of the common bean crop and to map the phenological indices in order to visualize the spatial distribution and to evaluate the spatial correlation among common bean yield and plant variables: grain yield (YIE), mass of one hundred grains (MHG), number of grains per plant (NG), number of grains per pod (NGP), number of pods per plant (NP), dry matter (DM), plant length (PL) and stem diameter (SD), sampled in a grid of 117 georeferenced points (81 points of base grid and 36 points of higher density grid). Analysis of these data through statistical and geostatistical techniques made it possible to verify that the production and yield components presented spatial dependence. There was a positive spatial correlation among common bean yield and the mass of one hundred grains, number of grains per pod and plant length, demonstrating that they have a strong spatial dependence.

A cultura do feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) tem representativa exploração agrícola, não só pelo valor econômico de sua produção, como também pela grande área de cultivo no Brasil. No ano agrícola de 2016/17, este trabalho foi conduzido em um Neossolo Quartzarênico no município de Cassilândia, MS. O trabalho objetivou caracterizar a estrutura e a magnitude da distribuição espacial de índices fenológicos da planta em lavoura de feijão e realizar o mapeamento desses índices fenológicos, de forma a visualizar a distribuição espacial, e avaliar a correlação espacial existente entre a produtividade do feijoeiro e as variáveis da planta: produtividade de grãos (PG), massa de cem grãos (MC), número de grãos por uma planta (GP), número de grãos por uma vagem (GV), número de vagem por uma planta (VP), massa seca de uma planta (MS), comprimento da planta (CO), diâmetro do colmo (DC), amostrados em uma malha de 117 pontos georreferenciados (81 pontos da malha base e 36 pontos de malha com maior densidade). A análise destes dados por meio das técnicas estatísticas e da geoestatística possibilitaram constatar que os componentes de produção e produtividade do feijão apresentaram dependência espacial. Houve destaque na correlação espacial positiva entre a produtividade do feijoeiro e a massa de cem grãos, grãos por vagem e comprimento da planta, demonstrando que as mesmas possuem uma dependência espacial forte.

The experience of pregnancy resulting from Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment: A qualitative Brazilian study.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancies achieved through medical treatments following a period of infertility may demand extra emotional and practical investment from women. AIM: This paper aims at understanding the experience of pregnancy after Assisted Reproductive Technology, and exploring whether this experience is affected by previous failed infertility treatments. METHODS: This paper uses a qualitative approach. Participants were nineteen expectant first-time mothers from Brazil who conceived through Assisted Reproductive Technology treatment. During the third trimester of gestation, a semi-structured interview was administered to assess perceptions of and feelings about treatment and pregnancy. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis, and the sample was divided into two groups according to whether it was the participant's first treatment or not. FINDINGS: Themes identified include: tolerance of the demands of treatment and pregnancy, consideration of the mechanics of treatment and pregnancy, and emotionally painful aspects of treatment and pregnancy. Pregnancy itself was regarded as a reward or compensation for the difficulties undergone. Perspectives differed according to whether pregnancy followed the first Assisted Reproductive Technology treatment; those who had undergone previously unsuccessful treatments focused less on the mechanical aspects of the process but were more concerned about possible physical problems. CONCLUSION: The similarities and differences found according to number of treatments attempted should be taken into consideration when providing psychological support for expectant Assisted Reproductive Technology mothers.

Role of physical exercise on hepatic insulin, glucocorticoid and inflammatory signaling pathways in an animal model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

AIMS: Pro-inflammatory mediators, glucocorticoids and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß are implicated in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related insulin resistance. As physical activity is beneficial against NASH, we analyzed the voluntary physical activity (VPA) and endurance training (ET) (preventive and therapeutic strategies) effects on hepatic insulin, pro-inflammatory and glucocorticoid signaling regulators/mediators in high-fat (Lieber-DeCarli) diet (HFD)-induced NASH. MAIN METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided in standard diet (SD) or HFD, with sedentary, VPA and ET animals in both diet regimens. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were analyzed; plasma insulin sensitivity index (ISI) was calculated. Hepatic insulin, pro-inflammatory and glucocorticoid signaling regulators/mediators were evaluated by Western blot or reverse transcriptase-PCR. KEY FINDINGS: ET improved ISI in both diet regimens. HFD-feeding increased interleukin-1ß and induced a similar pattern on interleukin-6 and TGF-ß, which were globally reduced by physical exercise. ET decreased HFD leukemia inhibitory factor level, SD+VPA animals presenting higher values than HFD+VPA animals. HFD increased the ratio of IRS-1(Ser307)/total IRS-1, which was completely mitigated by physical exercise. Physical exercise reduced total ERK and JNK (total and activated) expression in HFD. In SD vs. HFD, VPA presented higher activated JNK and ET presented higher total JNK. Generally, in HFD, the ratio (activated/total) of AKT, and each separately, decreased with exercise and also for activated AKT in SD. Overall, in both diets, exercise reduced 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1. ET increased glucocorticoid receptor and reduced PTP1B in HFD. SIGNIFICANCE: Physical exercise mitigates the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and positively modulates insulin and glucocorticoid signaling in NASH.

Modulation of cardiac mitochondrial permeability transition and apoptotic signaling by endurance training and intermittent hypobaric hypoxia.

BACKGROUND: Modulation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) and inhibition of the apoptotic signaling are critically associated with the cardioprotective phenotypes afforded by both intermittent hypobaric-hypoxia (IHH) and endurance-training (ET). We recently proposed that IHH and ET improve cardiac function and basic mitochondrial capacity, although without showing addictive effects. Here we investigate whether a combination of IHH and ET alters cardiac mitochondrial vulnerability to MPTP and related apoptotic signaling. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into normoxic-sedentary (NS), normoxic-exercised (NE, 1h/day/5 week treadmill-running), hypoxic-sedentary (HS, 6000 m, 5h/day/5 weeks) and hypoxic-exercised (HE) to study susceptibility to calcium-induced cardiac MPTP opening. Mitochondrial cyclophilin D (CypD), adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT), Bax and Bcl-2 protein contents were semi-quantified by Western blotting. Cardiac caspase 3-, 8- and 9-like activities were measured. Mitochondrial aconitase and superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) and sulphydryl group (-SH) content were determined. RESULTS: Susceptibility to MPTP decreased in NE and HS vs. NS and even further in HE. The ANT content increased in HE vs. NS. Bcl-2/Bax ratio increased in NE and HS compared to NS. Decreased activities in tissue caspase 3-like (HE vs. NS) and caspase 9-like (HS and HE vs. NS) were observed. Mitochondrial aconitase increased in NE and HS vs. NS. No alterations between groups were observed for caspase 8-like activity, MnSOD, CypD, MDA and -SH. CONCLUSIONS: Data confirm that IHH and ET modulate cardiac mitochondria to a protective phenotype characterized by decreased MPTP induction and apoptotic signaling, although without visible addictive effects as initially hypothesized.

Produtividade da cana-de-açúcar: variabilidade linear e espacial entre componentes tecnológicos e da produção / Productivity of cane sugar: linear and spatial variability between components and technological production

Na atualidade, a cultura da cana-de-açúcar desempenha frente à realidade brasileira, sobretudo no aspecto relacionado às fontes energéticas alternativas, importantíssimo papel. No ano de 2009, no município de Suzanápolis (SP), no Cerrado Brasileiro, foi instalado um experimento com a cultura da cana-de-açúcar em um Argissolo Vermelho eutrófico, com o objetivo de selecionar, por meio de coeficientes de correlação de Pearson, da modelagem de regressões lineares simples e de múltiplas e da correlação espacial, os melhores componentes tecnológicos e os de produção, para explicar a variabilidade da produtividade da cana-de-açúcar. Foi instalada a malha geoestatística, para a coleta de dados, com 120 pontos amostrais, numa área de 14,53 ha. Para as regressões lineares simples, a população de plantas é o componente da produção que apresenta a melhor correlação quadrática com a produtividade da cana-de-açúcar, dada por: PRO = -0,553**xPOP2+16,14*xPOP-15,77. Entretanto, para as regressões lineares múltiplas, a equação PRO = - 21,11+4,92xPOP**+0,76xPUR** é a que melhor se apresenta para estimar a referida produtividade. Espacialmente, a melhor correlação com a produtividade da cana-de-açúcar é determinada, também, pelo componente da produção da população de plantas.

Nowadays, the culture of the sugarcane plays an important role regarding the Brazilian reality, especially in the aspect related to the alternative energy sources. In 2009, the municipality of Suzanápolis (SP), in the Brazilian Cerrado, an experiment was conducted with the culture of the sugarcane in a Red eutrophic, with the aim of selecting, using Pearson correlation coefficients, modeling, simple, linear and multiple regressions and spatial correlation, and also the best technological and productive components, to explain the variability of the productivity of the sugarcane. The geostatistical grid was installed in order to collect the data, with 120 sampling points, in an area of 14.53 ha. For the simple linear regressions, the plants population is the component of production that presents the best quadratic correlation with the productivity of the sugarcane, given by: PRO = -0.553**xPOP2+16.14*xPOP-15.77. However, for multiple linear regressions, the equation PRO = -21.11+4.92xPOP**+0.76xPUR** is the one that best presents in order to estimate that productivity. Spatially, the best correlation with yield of the sugarcane is also determined by the component of the production population of plants.

Synergistic impact of endurance training and intermittent hypobaric hypoxia on cardiac function and mitochondrial energetic and signaling.

BACKGROUND: Intermittent hypobaric-hypoxia (IHH) and endurance-training (ET) are cardioprotective strategies against stress-stimuli. Mitochondrial modulation appears to be an important step of the process. This study aimed to analyze whether a combination of these approaches provides additive or synergistic effects improving heart-mitochondrial and cardiac-function. METHODS: Two-sets of rats were divided into normoxic-sedentary (NS), normoxic-exercised (NE, 1 h/day/5 weeks treadmill-running), hypoxic-sedentary (HS, 6000 m, 5h/day/5 weeks) and hypoxic-exercised (HE) to study overall cardiac and mitochondrial function. In vitro cardiac mitochondrial oxygen consumption and transmembrane potential were evaluated. OXPHOS subunits and ANT protein content were semi-quantified by Western blotting. HIF-1α, VEGF, VEGF-R1 VEGF-R2, BNP, SERCA2a and PLB expressions were measured by qRT-PCR and cardiac function was characterized by echocardiography and hemodynamic parameters. RESULTS: Respiratory control ratio (RCR) increased in NE, HS and HE vs. NS. Susceptibility to anoxia/reoxygenation-induced dysfunction decreased in NE, HS and HE vs. NS. HS decreased mitochondrial complex-I and -II subunits; however HE completely reverted the decreased content in complex-II subunits. ANT increased in HE. HE presented normalized ventricular-arterial coupling (Ea) and BNP myocardial levels and significantly improved myocardial performance as evaluated by increased cardiac output and normalization of the Tei index vs. HS CONCLUSION: Data demonstrates that IHH and ET confer cardiac mitochondria with a more resistant phenotype although without visible addictive effects at least under basal conditions. It is suggested that the combination of both strategies, although not additive, results into improved cardiac function.

Mobility and ecological risk assessment of trace metals in polluted estuarine sediments using a sequential extraction scheme.

The three-stage sequential extraction procedure for the fractionation of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, proposed by the Commission of the European Communities Bureau of Reference, was applied to sediment five samples collected from the Sal estuary, Sergipe State, northeast Brazil, in September 2009. The method showed satisfactory recoveries, detection limits, and standard deviations for determinations of trace metals in the sediments. Cd and Pb were the metals most prevalent in the bioavailable fractions (carbonates, Fe and Mn oxides, organic matter, and sulfides), while Ni, Zn, Cu, and Cr showed higher percentages in the inert fraction. The order of mobility of the metals was Cd (66%) > Pb (65%) > Zn (59%) > Ni (57%) = Cr (57%) > Cu (56%). Possible toxicity related to these metals was examined using the risk assessment code, and by comparing the chemical data with sediment quality guideline ERL-ERM values. Results obtained using the two methods were in agreement, and showed low to medium risk for all metals, indicating that adverse effects on aquatic biota should rarely occur.

Endurance training and chronic intermittent hypoxia modulate in vitro salicylate-induced hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction.

Mitochondrial function is modulated by multiple approaches including physical activity, which can afford cross-tolerance against a variety of insults. We therefore aimed to analyze the effects of endurance-training (ET) and chronic-intermittent hypobaric-hypoxia (IHH) on liver mitochondrial bioenergetics and whether these effects translate into benefits against in vitro salicylate mitochondrial toxicity. Twenty-eight young-adult male rats were divided into normoxic-sedentary (NS), normoxic-exercised (NE), hypoxic-sedentary (HS) and hypoxic-exercised (HE). ET consisted of 1h/days of treadmill running and IHH of simulated atmospheric pressure of 49.3 kPa 5h/days during 5weeks. Liver mitochondrial oxygen consumption, transmembrane-electric potential (ΔΨ) and permeability transition pore induction (MPTP) were evaluated in the presence and absence of salicylate. Aconitase, MnSOD, caspase-3 and 8 activities, SH, MDA, SIRT3, Cyp D, HSP70, and OXPHOS subunit contents were assessed. ET and IHH decreased basal mitochondrial state-3 and state-4 respiration, although no alterations were observed in ΔΨ endpoints evaluated in control mitochondria. In the presence of salicylate, ET and IHH decreased state-4 and lag-phase of ADP-phosphorylation. Moreover, ADP-lag phase in hypoxic was further lower than in normoxic groups. Neither ET nor IHH altered the susceptibility to calcium-induced MPTP. IHH lowered MnSOD and increased aconitase activities. ET and IHH decreased caspase 8 activity whereas no effect was observed on caspase 3. The levels of SIRT3 increased with ET and IHH and Cyp D decreased with IHH. Data suggest that ET and IHH do not alter general basal liver mitochondrial function, but may attenuate some adverse effects of salicylate.

Produtividade de madeira do eucalipto correlacionada com atributos do solo visando ao mapeamento de zonas específicas de manejo / Eucalyptus wood productivity correlated with soil attributes aiming the mapping of management specifics regions

A correta intervenção espacial na administração da lavoura, decorrente das zonas específicas de manejo do solo, aumenta a produtividade e a lucratividade agrícola. No ano de 2010, em Selvíria, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil (20° 20' S lat.; 51° 24' W long.) foram empregadas correlações, espaciais e de Pearson, entre dados da planta de eucalipto e alguns atributos físico-químicos do solo, visando encontrar aquele que se correlacionasse bem com a produtividade de madeira. Para tanto, instalou-se uma rede geoestatística para a coleta de dados de solo e planta, com 120 pontos amostrais, num talhão de Eucalyptus camaldulensis de 2 anos. O solo foi um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico (Haplic Acrustox) com declive de 0,025m m-1. O diâmetro basal da copa e a densidade do solo, por resultarem estreitas correlações com o volume de madeira, evidenciaram zonas específicas de manejo do solo intimamente associadas à produção de madeira do eucalipto.

The perfect spatial intervention to manage the cultivation of the land, deriving from specific regions of the soil mapping, increases the agricultural productivity, as well as its clear gain. The relationships, spatial and Pearson, between eucalyptus data plant with some physical and chemical attributes of soil, in the growing season of 2011, in Selviria County, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil (20° 20' S lat.; 51° 24' W long.), were studied in order to obtain the one that could have the best relationship in order to improve the wood productivity. Thus, a geostatistical grid was installed for the soil and plant data collection, it contained 120 sample points, in plantation of Eucalyptus camaldulensis of 2 years old. The soil was a Dystrophic Red Latosol (Haplic Acrustox) whit slope of 0.025m m-1. Due to their excellent relationship with wood productivity, the basis diameter of the crown and the bulk density showed management specific regions of soil whit high relation to eucalyptus wood productivity.

In vitro salicylate does not further impair aging-induced brain mitochondrial dysfunction.

Aging and drug-induced side effects may contribute to the deterioration of mitochondrial bioenergetics in the brain. One hypothesis is that the combination of both deleterious stimuli accelerates the process of mitochondrial degradation, leading to progressive bioenergetic disruption. The hypothesis was tested by analyzing the isolated and combined effect of aging and salicylate, a vastly used anti-inflammatory drug, on isolated brain fractions in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided according to age in two groups: adult (n=8, 19 weeks of age) and aged (n=8, 106 weeks of age). In vitro endpoints of brain mitochondrial function including oxygen consumption and transmembrane electric potential (ΔΨ) were evaluated in the absence and in the presence of salicylate (0.5mM). Brain mitochondrial susceptibility to calcium-induced permeability transition pore (MPTP) was also assessed. Mitochondrial oxidative stress was determined by measuring aconitase and manganese-superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and content in sulfhydryl groups (SH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Mitochondrial content in apoptotic-related proteins Bax, Bcl-2 and cyclophilin D was determined by Western Blotting. Under basal, untreated, conditions, aging affected brain mitochondrial state 3 respiration, maximal ΔΨ developed, ADP phosphorylation lag phase and calcium-induced MPTP. Interestingly, MDA decreased and Mn-SOD activity increased in the aged group. Brain mitochondrial Bcl-2 content decreased and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio increased in aged group. Salicylate incubation for 20min increased lipid peroxidation in the aged group only and stimulated respiration during state 2, accompanied by decreased ΔΨ, although both effects were independent of the animal age. We confirmed that both aging and salicylate per se impaired brain mitochondrial bioenergetics, although the combination of both does not seem to worsen the mitochondrial end-points studied.