Recent advances in positron emission particle tracking: a comparative review.

Positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) is a technique which allows the high-resolution, three-dimensional imaging of particulate and multiphase systems, including systems which are large, dense, and/or optically opaque, and thus difficult to study using other methodologies. In this work, we bring together researchers from the world's foremost PEPT facilities not only to give a balanced and detailed overview and review of the technique but, for the first time, provide a rigorous, direct, quantitative assessment of the relative strengths and weaknesses of all contemporary PEPT methodologies. We provide detailed explanations of the methodologies explored, including also interactive code examples allowing the reader to actively explore, edit and apply the algorithms discussed. The suite of benchmarking tests performed and described within the document is made available in an open-source repository for future researchers.

Collective vibrations of a hydrodynamic active lattice.

Recent experiments show that quasi-one-dimensional lattices of self-propelled droplets exhibit collective instabilities in the form of out-of-phase oscillations and solitary-like waves. This hydrodynamic lattice is driven by the external forcing of a vertically vibrating fluid bath, which invokes a field of subcritical Faraday waves on the bath surface, mediating the spatio-temporal droplet coupling. By modelling the droplet lattice as a memory-endowed system with spatially non-local coupling, we herein rationalize the form and onset of instability in this new class of dynamical oscillator. We identify the memory-driven instability of the lattice as a function of the number of droplets, and determine equispaced lattice configurations precluded by geometrical constraints. Each memory-driven instability is then classified as either a super- or subcritical Hopf bifurcation via a systematic weakly nonlinear analysis, rationalizing experimental observations. We further discover a previously unreported symmetry-breaking instability, manifest as an oscillatory-rotary motion of the lattice. Numerical simulations support our findings and prompt further investigations of this nonlinear dynamical system.

Predictors of nurses' turnover intention at one and five years' time.

AIM: This study examined the role of job dimensions, job satisfaction, psychological stress and job burnout in predicting turnover intention at one and five years' time among professional nurses in the Philippines. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was utilized in the study using a convenience sample of 549 registered nurses from six hospitals in the Central Philippines during the period of October 2018 to January 2019. Five self-report scales were used in this study. RESULTS: Overall, 46.1% (n = 253) and 78.9% (n = 433) of nurses reported planning to leave the organization at one and five years' time, respectively. The type of hospital, job satisfaction and job burnout explained variances for turnover intention at one and five years' time. Separately, hospital bed capacity and job stress predicted turnover intention at five years' time. None of the job dimensions accurately predicted turnover intention in nurses. CONCLUSION: Higher turnover intention results at one and five years' time were dependent on nurses' psychological stress, job burnout and job satisfaction. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE AND POLICY: Organizational measures aimed at reducing stress and burnout and increasing job satisfaction in nurses are critically important to enhance the retention of nurses and ensure continued quality of nursing care.

Interhospital Transfers of a Mobile Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Team for Maastricht III Donations.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to describe the donations made with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a method of preservation to meet the characteristics of the donors and the transplants obtained. METHODS: This was a retrospective descriptive study, using the donation registration data made at Virgen de las Nieves Hospital from 2010 to February 2018. RESULTS: A total of 11 transfers occurred: 2 to the province of Jaen (Jaen Hospital, 92 km from Virgen de las Nieves Hospital; San Agustín Hospital, Linares, 136 km), 1 to Santa Ana Hospital, Motril (68 km), 1 to Poniente Hospital, El Ejido, Almeria (137 km), and 7 trips within the city of Granada. From these donations, a total of 21 kidneys, 3 livers, 10 corneal transplants, 4 extractions of osteotendinous tissue, and 1 extraction of vascular tissue were obtained. CONCLUSION: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation mobile teams can enable donation in controlled donation after circulatory death with normothermic preservation in hospitals without these resources, which increases the donor group and optimizes graft results.

Contagious agalactia: costs and control revisited.

The economic costs of contagious agalactia (CA) to the small ruminant dairy industry are not well known but include losses due to mortality, lowered milk production, spoiled products, abortions and animal welfare problems, as well as diagnosis and treatment. This paper reports financial estimates made in southern Europe, including a study on small- and large-scale farming systems in Italy, indicating that the financial losses are high and underestimated. Furthermore, the current control strategies, including chemotherapy and vaccination, in selected countries in Europe are described. In some countries, disease control is hampered by excessively strict veterinary legislation which discourages farmers and private veterinarians from notifying outbreaks because it leads to the prohibition of milk sales and can result in delays in lifting restrictions. In addition, new European Union legislation may downgrade the importance of CA, which will have implications for international research efforts. Finally, a series of recommendations are provided that cover the proper notification and handling of CA outbreaks, including movement control, current diagnostics, treatment, vaccination and disinfection.

Si le coût économique exact de l'agalaxie contagieuse pour le secteur ovin et caprin de production laitière n'est pas connu, on sait néanmoins qu'il recouvre les pertes dues à la mortalité dans les cheptels, à une chute de la production de lait, aux produits altérés, aux avortements et aux problèmes de bien-être animal, en plus des coûts du diagnostic et des traitements. Les auteurs font état d'estimations financières réalisées en Europe méridionale, dont une étude sur les exploitations familiales et les élevages de grande taille en Italie, qui coïncident dans le constat de pertes financières à la fois importantes et sous-estimées. Les auteurs décrivent également les stratégies de lutte mises en place actuellement par plusieurs pays d'Europe, en particulier l'antibiothérapie et la vaccination. Dans certains pays, les efforts de lutte sont entravés par une législation vétérinaire excessivement rigoureuse qui dissuade les éleveurs et les vétérinaires privés de notifier les foyers car cela entraîne l'interdiction de vendre le lait issu des troupeaux infectés et retarde la levée des mesures de restriction. En outre, la nouvelle réglementation de l'Union européenne risque d'abaisser l'importance de l'agalaxie contagieuse, ce qui aura des conséquences sur les efforts mobilisés par la recherche au niveau international. Pour conclure, les auteurs formulent plusieurs recommandations en vue d'une notification et gestion appropriées des foyers d'agalaxie contagieuse, notamment pour ce qui concerne le contrôle des mouvements d'animaux, les méthodes actuelles de diagnostic, le traitement, la vaccination et la désinfection.

Aunque no se conocen bien los costos económicos que la agalaxia contagiosa inflige a la industria lechera de pequeños rumiantes, se sabe que las pérdidas por mortalidad, mengua de la producción lechera, productos echados a perder, abortos y problemas de bienestar animal son un factor importante, sin olvidar los gastos de diagnóstico y tratamiento. Los autores dan cuenta de cálculos económicos realizados en Europa meridional, en particular a raíz de un estudio de pequeñas y grandes explotaciones ganaderas de Italia, que llevaron a la conclusión de que las pérdidas económicas son cuantiosas y están subestimadas. Además, los autores describen los métodos de lucha aplicados actualmente en determinados países de Europa, que incluyen tratamiento medicamentoso y vacunaciones. En algunos países la lucha contra la enfermedad se ve lastrada por una legislación veterinaria demasiado estricta, que no alienta a productores y veterinarios privados a notificar brotes porque ello conduce a la prohibición de las ventas de leche y puede demorar el levantamiento de las restricciones. Por otra parte, hay nuevos textos legislativos de la Unión Europea que quizá vengan a restar importancia a la agalaxia contagiosa, lo que repercutiría en las actividades internacionales de investigación. Por último, los autores formulan una serie de recomendaciones referidas a cuestiones que van desde la correcta notificación y gestión de los brotes de agalaxia contagiosa hasta el control de los desplazamientos, pasando por los procedimientos vigentes de diagnóstico o los métodos de tratamiento, vacunación y desinfección.

Modulación de marcadores de inflamación y estrés oxidativo en pacientes con diabetes tipo 1 y sobrepeso que participan en un programa de cambio de estilo de vida / Modulation of Inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in overweight type 1 Diabetes patients participating in a lifestyle change program

Introduction: Reduction in the expression of inflammatory markers and oxidative stress associated with exercise will protect against cardiovascular complications in Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Aim: The aim of this study was evaluated cardiovascular fitness (VO2 Max), interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemo-attractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and serum lipid peroxidation (TBARS) in overweight patients with Type-1 diabetes (T1DM) participating in a lifestyle-change program. Results: 20 T1DM overweight patients (43.3 ± 13.8 years), with BMI= 29.6 ± 3.5 kg/m2 , initial HbA1c 7.9 ± 0.91% and treated with multiple insulin injections, were included in this work. The lifestyle-change program consisted of: a) walking 10,000 steps/day, b) sequence of exercises of 24 minutes, 3-5 times/week, c) ¨healthy-plate¨ (and counting carbohydrates, and d) prandial insulin as blood-glucose levels. VO2 max, HbA1c, TBARS, IL6, MCP-1 were determined before starting the lifestyle-change program. Six months of adherence later, participants showed an average number of steps of 8242 ± 1834, a significant increase in VO2 max, (33.4 ±1.3 vs 36.2 ±1.5 ml.Kg-1.min-1 p= 0.008), a significant decrease in serum MCP-1 (314 ±42 vs 235 ±43 MFI p= 0.02), and less TBARS (3.01 ±0.44 vs 2.12 ±0.22 µmol/mL p= 0.015). IL-6 and HbA1c showed no significant decrease. Conclusion: Our results showed that a 6-month systemized and simple exercise plan improves cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 max), and reduces both circulating oxidative stress and inflammation markers in overweight patients with T1DM.

Introducción: La reducción en la expresión de marcadores inflamatorios y de estrés oxidativo asociado con el ejercicio podría proteger contra las complicaciones cardiovasculares de la diabetes mellitus (DM). Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar en pacientes con DM tipo1 (DMT1) y sobrepeso, la capacidad cardiorespiratoria (VO2 Max), la expresión sérica de marcadores inflamatorios (IL-6 y MCP-1) y la peroxidación lipídica sérica (TBARS), luego de participar por 6 meses de un programa de cambios de estilo de vida. Resultados: Veinte pacientes adultos (43.3 ± 13.8 años), de ambos sexos, con un Índice de Masa Corporal de 29.6 ± 3.5 kg/m2 , HbA1c inicial de 7,9% ± 0,91, en tratamiento con inyecciones múltiples de insulina participaron del estudio. Se indicó: 1) caminar 10.000 pasos/día, 2) realizar en domicilio una secuencia de ejercicios de 20 minutos, 3-5 veces/semana, 3) plato saludable (consumo de 1 fruta antes de las 3 comidas principales), 4) Insulina prandial según glucemia y conteo de carbohidratos. Se registraron parámetros antropométricos, presión arterial, se determinó VO2 max, y se midieron los niveles séricos de HbA1c, IL6, MCP-1 y TBARs. Luego de seis meses, los participantes alcanzaron un número promedio de pasos de 8242 ± 1834 y mostraron un aumento significativo en VO2 max, (33.4 ±1.3 vs 36.2 ±1.5 ml.Kg-1.min-1 p= 0.008). Además, se encontró una disminución significativa de MCP-1 (314 ±42 vs 235 ±43 MFI p=0.02) y TBARs (3.01 ±0.44 vs 2.12 ±0.22 µmol/mL p= 0.015) en comparación con el día 0. No se observaron modificaciones en los niveles de IL-6 y HbA1c. Conclusión: Nuestros resultados demuestran que el ejercicio, implementado como un plan accesible y acompañado, es adecuado para reducir los riesgos de inflamación y estado pro-oxidativo en pacientes con DM tipo1.

Enfermedad orbitaria relacionada con Ig-G4 / IgG4-related orbital disease

CASO CLÍNICO: Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 64 años con tumefacción palpebral, dacrioadenitis bilateral y exoftalmos, e historia de rinitis crónica y asma bronquial. Se evidenció aumento de IgG4 sérica y se realizó biopsia incisional de glándulas lagrimales que demostró fibrosis e infiltrado linfoplasmocitario con células productoras de IgG4. Discusión: El compromiso orbitario en enfermedad relacionada con IgG4 es frecuente. La dacrioadenitis bilateral es la manifestación más común. La histopatología es esencial para el diagnóstico de la enfermedad y excluir malignidad

CASE REPORT: The case is presented of a 64-year-old woman with bilateral palpebral swelling and dacryoadenitis, exophthalmos, and a history of chronic rhinitis and asthma. An increase in serum IgG4 was observed, and an incisional biopsy of lacrimal glands was performed, which showed fibrosis and a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate with IgG4 producing cells. DISCUSSION: Orbital involvement in IgG4-related disease is frequent. Bilateral dacryoadenitis is the most common manifestation. Histopathology is essential for the diagnosis and to exclude malignancy

IgG4-related orbital disease. / Enfermedad orbitaria relacionada con Ig-G4.

CASE REPORT: The case is presented of a 64-year-old woman with bilateral palpebral swelling and dacryoadenitis, exophthalmos, and a history of chronic rhinitis and asthma. An increase in serum IgG4 was observed, and an incisional biopsy of lacrimal glands was performed, which showed fibrosis and a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate with IgG4 producing cells. DISCUSSION: Orbital involvement in IgG4-related disease is frequent. Bilateral dacryoadenitis is the most common manifestation. Histopathology is essential for the diagnosis and to exclude malignancy.

Desplazamientos interhospitalarios de un equipo móvil para preservación de órganos con oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea en donantes en asistolia controlada / Interhospital transfers of a mobile team for organ preservation with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in controlled donors after circulatory death

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Transcriptomic changes in Cucurbita pepo fruit after cold storage: differential response between two cultivars contrasting in chilling sensitivity.

BACKGROUND: Zucchini fruit is susceptible to chilling injury (CI), but the response to low storage temperature is cultivar dependent. Previous reports about the response of zucchini fruit to chilling storage have been focused on the physiology and biochemistry of this process, with little information about the molecular mechanisms underlying it. In this work, we present a comprehensive analysis of transcriptomic changes that take place after cold storage in zucchini fruit of two commercial cultivars with contrasting response to chilling stress. RESULTS: RNA-Seq analysis was conducted in exocarp of fruit at harvest and after 14 days of storage at 4 and 20 °C. Differential expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained comparing fruit stored at 4 °C with their control at 20 °C, and then specific and common up and down-regulated DEGs of each cultivar were identified. Functional analysis of these DEGs identified similarities between the response of zucchini fruit to low temperature and other stresses, with an important number of GO terms related to biotic and abiotic stresses overrepresented in both cultivars. This study also revealed several molecular mechanisms that could be related to chilling tolerance, since they were up-regulated in cv. Natura (CI tolerant) or down-regulated in cv. Sinatra (CI sensitive). These mechanisms were mainly those related to carbohydrate and energy metabolism, transcription, signal transduction, and protein transport and degradation. Among DEGs belonging to these pathways, we selected candidate genes that could regulate or promote chilling tolerance in zucchini fruit including the transcription factors MYB76-like, ZAT10-like, DELLA protein GAIP, and AP2/ERF domain-containing protein. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a broader understanding of the important mechanisms and processes related to coping with low temperature stress in zucchini fruit and allowed the identification of some candidate genes that may be involved in the acquisition of chilling tolerance in this crop. These genes will be the basis of future studies aimed to identify markers involved in cold tolerance and aid in zucchini breeding programs.

Comparison of different NAT assays for the detection of microorganisms belonging to the class Mollicutes.

BACKGROUND: Mollicutes detection can be cumbersome due to their slow growth in vitro. For this reason, the use of DNA based on generic molecular tests represents an alternative for rapid, sensitive and specific detection of these microorganism. For this reason, six previously described nucleic acid testing assays were compared to evaluate their ability to detect microorganisms belonging to the class Mollicutes. METHODS: A panel of 61 mollicutes, including representatives from the Mycoplasma, Acholeplasma, Mesoplasma, Spiroplasma and Ureaplasma genus, were selected to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of these assays. A total of 21 non-mollicutes, including closely related non-mollicutes species, were used to evaluate specificity. Limits of detection were calculated to determine the analytical sensitivity of the assays. The two best performing assays were subsequently adapted into real-time PCR format, followed by melting curve analysis. RESULTS: Both assays performed satisfactorily, with a 100% specificity described for both assays. The detection limits were found to be between 10-4 and 10-5 dilutions, equivalent to 15 to 150 genome copies approximately. Based on our work, both van Kuppeveld and Botes real-time PCR assays were found to be the best performing tests in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, Botes real-time PCR assay could detect phytoplasmas as well. CONCLUSIONS: These assays can be very useful for the rapid, specific and sensitive screening cell line contaminants, clinical samples as well as detecting non-culturable, unknown species of mollicutes or mollicutes whose growth is slow or difficult.

Search for OIE-listed ruminant mycoplasma diseases in Afghanistan.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the occurrence of important diseases of ruminants in Afghanistan because of the conflict affecting the country over the last 40 years. To address this discrepancy, ruminant herds in Afghanistan were screened for OIE-listed mycoplasma diseases, contagious bovine (CBPP) and caprine pleuropneumonias (CCPP). RESULTS: Of the 825 samples from 24 provinces tested for serological evidence of CBPP caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp.mycoides, 20 (3.4%) had ELISA values greater than the positive threshold of 50% though all were less than 55%. Repeat testing of these suspect sera gave values below 50. A smaller number of sera (330) from cattle in nine provinces were also tested by the rapid latex agglutination test (LAT) for CBPP, 10 of which were considered suspect. However, no positive bands were seen when immunoblotting was carried out on all sera that gave suspect results. Serological evidence of Mycoplasma bovis was detected in half of 28 herds in eight provinces. The cause of CCPP, M. capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae was not detected in any of the 107 nasal swabs and lung tissue collected from goats in seven provinces though sample handling and storage were not optimal. However, strong serological evidence was detected in goat herds in several villages near Kabul some of which were over 50% seropositive by LAT and ELISAs for CCPP; immunoblotting confirmed positive results on a selection of these sera. CONCLUSIONS: The data presented here provide a first assessment of the occurrence of the two OIE listed mycoplasma diseases in Afghanistan. From the results of the testing bovine sera from the majority of provinces there is no evidence of the presence of CBPP in Afghanistan. However the samples tested represented only 0.03% of the cattle population so a larger survey is required to confirm these findings. Serological, but not bacterial, evidence was produced during this investigation to show that CCPP is highly likely to be present in parts of Afghanistan.

Striatal dysfunction in X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism is associated with disease progression.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism (XDP) is an inherited neurodegenerative adult-onset movement disorder associated with striatal atrophy. As the dopaminergic system has not yet been systemically studied in this basal ganglia model disease, it is unclear whether nigrostriatal dysfunction contributes to parkinsonism in XDP. METHODS: Pre- and post-synaptic dopaminergic function was assessed in XDP. A total of 10 123 jod-benzamide (IBZM) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images were obtained for nine patients aged 42.3 ± 9.5 years (SD; range 30-52) and one asymptomatic mutation carrier (38 years), and four ioflupane (FP-CIT) SPECT images were obtained for four patients, aged 41.5 ± 11.6 years (range 30-52 years). Structural magnetic resonance imaging was also performed for all mutation carriers and 10 matched healthy controls. RESULTS: All patients were men who suffered from severe, disabling segmental or generalized dystonia and had varying degrees of parkinsonism. IBZM SPECT images were pathological in 8/9 symptomatic patients with distinct reduced post-synaptic tracer uptake in the caudate nucleus and putamen, and unremarkable in the asymptomatic mutation carrier. Longer disease duration was correlated with lower IBZM binding ratios. All subjects exhibited slightly reduced FP-CIT uptake values compared to controls for each analyzed region (-37% to -41%) which may be linked to basal ganglia volume loss. Visual inspection revealed physiological FP-CIT uptake in 1/4 patients. CONCLUSIONS: This nuclear imaging study provides evidence that the functional decline of post-synaptic dopaminergic neurotransmission is related to disease duration and ongoing neurodegeneration. Given the severe striatal cell loss which could be verified with post-synaptic nuclear imaging, both parkinsonism and dystonia in XDP are probably mainly due to striatal dysfunction.

Reproductive behavior of crossbred dairy cows grazing an intensive silvopastoral system under tropical dry forest conditions / Comportamento reprodutivo de vacas leiteiras mestiças pastando um sistema silvipastoril intensivo em condições de floresta tropical seca

It is widely accepted that selection for high milk yield in dairy cows has negatively affected their reproductive performance. After calving, dairy cows experience a nutritional imbalance due to an asynchrony in the occurrence of the lactation and dry matter intake peaks. In the tropics, this situation is exacerbated due to poor quality and/ or availability of the diet. A study was carried out to describe the nutritional and reproductive behavior of two-to-four parturition crossbred cows (Gyr (Bos indicus) x Holstein (Bos taurus)) divided in two groups according to their calving to first service interval (CFSI): Group 1: ≤50 days CFSI, n=7; Group 2: ≥50 days CFSI, n=8. Animals were grazing in an intensive silvopastoral system (ISS) based on Leucaena leucocephala and Cynodon plectostachyus and also received protein, energy and mineral supplementation. Dry matter (DMI) and nutrient intake were individually estimated and correlations between reproductive and nutritional parameters were performed. Additionally, serum progesterone concentration was monitored. Group 2 had greater forage and total DMI and milk production than Group 1 (P<0.05). Hence, Group 2 had greater nutrient intake from forages than Group 1 (P<0.05). Group 1 had a positive nutritional balance and an optimum reproductive performance compared to Group 2, which had a negative energy balance and lengthier days with open intervals (P<0.05). It was corroborated that protein and energy are required in adequate levels, to ensure that uterus undergoes involution correctly and ovarian activity starts soon in the postpartum period.(AU)

É amplamente aceito que a seleção para alta produção de leite em vacas leiteiras tem interferido no seu desempenho reprodutivo. Depois do parto, um extraordinário desafio nutritivo é experimentado pelas vacas leiteiras, devido a uma assincronia entre a ocorrência do pico de lactação e a do pico de consumo de matéria seca. Este estudo foi realizado para descrever o comportamento reprodutivo de vacas mestiças de dois a quatro partos (Gyr (Bos indicus) x Holstein (Bos taurus)), divididos em dois grupos, de acordo com seu intervalo parto ao primeiro serviço (IPPS): grupo 1: ≤ 50 dias IPPS, n = 7; grupo 2: ≥50 IPPS dias, n = 8. Os animais pastaram em um sistema silvipastoril intensivo (SSI), com base em Leucaena leucocephala e Cynodon plectostachyus, e receberam também suplementação de proteína, energia e mineral. Matéria seca (CMS) e ingestão de nutrientes foram estimadas individualmente e correlações entre parâmetros reprodutivos e nutricionais foram realizadas. Além disso, a concentração de progesterona em soro foi monitorizada. Vacas do grupo 2 apresentaram maior ingestão de forragem, de dieta total e de produção total de leite do que vacas do grupo 1 (P<0,05). Dessa forma, vacas do grupo 2 apresentaram maior consumo de nutrientes de forrageiras do que os animais do grupo 1 (P<0,05). Vacas do grupo 1 tinham um equilíbrio nutricional positivo e um ótimo desempenho reprodutivo em relação ao grupo 2, que teve um balanço energético negativo e mais longos intervalos de dias abertos (P<0,05). Foi corroborado que a proteína e a energia são necessárias em níveis adequados, assim o útero sofre involução corretamente e a atividade ovariana começa logo no período pós-parto.(AU)

Evaluation of the protective effect of thiamine pyrophosphate based on the biochemical analysis of rabbit foetuses at 30 days of gestation.

This study evaluated the effects of thiamine pyrophosphate (PPT) on the biochemical profiles of full-term rabbit foetuses that were subjected to experimental ischemia followed by 24h reperfusion. A total of 16 gestating rabbit dams were divided into two groups, one of which was treated by administering PPT and subjected to a process ischemia. During this interval, fetal blood samples were drawn from each dam (in the ischemia group) at 0, 15 and 45min. Ischemia for 15 and 45min was not associated with changes in lactate levels of the Ischemia group foetuses. However, in the foetuses in the reperfusion groups without PPT lactate levels were significantly higher after 15 and 45min of arterial occlusion compared to time zero. These results demonstrate that PTT alters some acute and some longer-term biochemical outcomes of uterine ischemia perhaps important in preserving energy metabolism under hypoxic conditions.

Obesity decreases the oxidant stress induced by tobacco smoke in a rat model.

Obesity and emphysema are associated with low-grade systemic inflammation and oxidant stress. Assuming that the oxidant stress induced by emphysema would be decreased by obesity, we analyzed the oxidant/antioxidant state in a rat model combining both diseases simultaneously. Obesity was induced using sucrose, while emphysema by exposure to tobacco smoke. End-points evaluated were: body weight, abdominal fat, plasma dyslipidemia and malondialdehyde (MDA), insulin and glucose AUC, activities of Mn-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx); lung MnSOD and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) immunostaining, and expression of αV and ß6 integrin subunits. In rats with obesity, the body weight, abdominal fat, plasma triglyceride levels, glucose AUC, insulin levels, GST activity, and αV and ß6 integrin expressions were amplified. The rats with emphysema had lower values of body weight, abdominal fat, plasma insulin, triglycerides and glucose AUC but higher values of plasma MDA, GPx activity, and the lung expression of the αV and ß6 integrins. The combination of obesity and emphysema compared to either condition alone led to diminished body weight, abdominal fat, plasma insulin MDA levels, GPx and GST activities, and αV and ß6 integrin expressions; these parameters were all previously increased by obesity. Immunostaining for MnSOD augmented in all experimental groups, but the staining for 3-NT only increased in rats treated with tobacco alone or combined with sucrose. Results showed that obesity reduces oxidant stress and integrin expression, increasing antioxidant enzyme activities; these changes seem to partly contribute to a protective mechanism of obesity against emphysema development.