Elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide effects on soybean and sorghum gas exchange in conventional and no-tillage systems.

Increasing atmospheric CO(2) concentration has led to concerns about potential effects on production agriculture. In the fall of 1997, a study was initiated to compare the response of two crop management systems (conventional tillage and no-tillage) to elevated CO(2). The study used a split-plot design replicated three times with two management systems as main plots and two atmospheric CO(2) levels (ambient and twice ambient) as split plots using open-top chambers on a Decatur silt loam soil (clayey, kaolinitic, thermic Rhodic Paleudults). The conventional system was a grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.] and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation with winter fallow and spring tillage practices. In the no-tillage system, sorghum and soybean were rotated, and three cover crops were used [crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)]. Over multiple growing seasons, the effect of management and CO(2) concentration on leaf-level gas exchange during row crop (soybean in 1999, 2001, and 2003; sorghum in 2000, 2002, and 2004) reproductive growth were evaluated. Treatment effects were fairly consistent across years. In general, higher photosynthetic rates were observed under CO(2) enrichment (more so with soybean) regardless of residue management practice. Elevated CO(2) led to decreases in stomatal conductance and transpiration, which resulted in increased water use efficiency. The effects of management system on gas exchange measurements were infrequently significant, as were interactions of CO(2) and management. These results suggest that better soil moisture conservation and high rates of photosynthesis can occur in both tillage systems in CO(2)-enriched environments during reproductive growth.

Ultrasonic treatment of water contaminated with ibuprofen.

The application of ultrasound (US) waves for remediation of wastewater is an area of increasing interest and promising results. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the influence of several parameters of the US process on the degradation of ibuprofen (IBP), a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory recalcitrant drug found in water. Applied US power, dissolved gas, pH and initial concentration of IBP were the parameters investigated under sonication (300 kHz). Ultrasound increased the degradation of IBP from 30 to 98% in 30 min. Initial rate of IBP degradation was evaluated in the range of 1.35 and 6.1 micromolL(-1)min(-1) for initial concentrations of 2 to 21 mgL(-1) or 9.7 micromolL(-1) to 101 micromolL(-1), respectively. Under air and oxygen the degradation rate of IBP was 4 micromolL(-1)min(-1) being higher than that when argon was used. The most favorable degradation pH was acidic media. Complete removal of IBP was achieved but some dissolved organic carbon (DOC) remained in solution showing that long-lived intermediates were recalcitrant to the US irradiation. However, chemical and biological oxygen demands (COD and BOD(5)) indicated that the process oxidize the ibuprofen compound to biodegradable substances removable in a subsequent biological step.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in adult patients.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is still not well characterized. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and risk factors for the development of AIHA, as well as its prognosis and response to treatment in a series of patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT at a single institution. Between 1996 and 2004, 272 adult patients with a variety of malignant hematopoietic disorders underwent allogeneic HSCT. Direct antiglobulin testing was performed in routine pretransfusion compatibility testing or after clinical suspicion of AIHA. Twelve patients developed AIHA after HSCT at a median time of 147 days (range, 41-170). The 3-year cumulative incidence of AIHA was 4.44%. Eight cold antibodies and four warm antibodies were detected. Multivariate analysis shows that HSCT from unrelated donors (P=0.02) and the development of chronic extensive graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (P=0.0004) were the only independent factors associated with AIHA. Two patients are still alive. AIHA was never the primary cause of death but added morbidity in patients with other concomitant complications. Patients undergoing HSCT from unrelated donors and those who develop chronic extensive GVHD are especially predisposed for this complication.

The sleep of dysthymic patients: a comparison with normal controls.

All-night electroencephalographic (EEG) sleep recordings were compared in dysthymic patients and normal controls. Patients were selected according to DSM-III and underwent 2 weeks of treatment with placebo before the sleep evaluation, which also included self-assessments of sleep quality. As compared with normals, dysthymic patients demonstrated fragmented and superficial sleep with no changes in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. In addition to sleep continuity disturbances, dysthymics had a higher percentage of stage 1 and a reduction of slow wave sleep (SWS), mainly due to a diminished percentage of stage 4. Other differences were related to a higher incidence of some EEG events, and it is suggested that the analysis of sleep microstructure is a useful approach to study sleep physiology in psychiatric patients. The classification of minor forms of depression is a controversial issue and therefore the nosological implications of our findings are discussed.

Effects of ritanserin on sleep disturbances of dysthymic patients.

Ritanserin, a selective and potent serotonin-2 antagonist, is effective in the treatment of a variety of syndromes related to anxiety and depression, including dysthymic disorder. In animals and healthy volunteers, ritanserin specifically increases slow-wave sleep and the hypothesis arises that this effect on sleep may contribute to its therapeutic properties. Therefore, we studied the effects of ritanserin on sleep in a group of dysthymic patients (DSM-III). Polygraphic recording as well as subjective evaluations of the quality of sleep were performed before and at the end of a 4-week period of double-blind medication with either ritanserin (10 mg o.d. in the morning) or placebo. At baseline, patients showed at fragmented and superficial sleep, with low amounts of slow wave sleep. Ritanserin significantly increased Slow Wave Sleep and changed the frequency and distribution of some stage transitions during the night. No other sleep parameters were modified by ritanserin treatment.

Sleep phasic events in dysthymic patients: a comparative study with normal controls.

Among psychiatric entities, dysthymic patients provide a good model for studies on minor disturbances in sleep organization because they present borderline abnormalities in their night sleep that concern mainly slow wave sleep. A study on sleep phasic events was performed to evaluate abnormalities in sleep microstructure. Therefore, for all subjects--normal controls and dysthymic patients--the following phasic activities were scored: K-complexes, vertex sharp transients, posterior occipital transients, delta paroxysms, theta bursts, microarousals, and awakenings. Furthermore, other sleep EEG patterns, such as REM with spindles, and intermediate stages, were assessed. The following results were obtained: 1) dysthymic patients have less K-complexes and vertex sharp transients, with lower densities of these events; 2) they have a reduced number of microarousals, with an increased rate of awakenings; 3) patients present a higher incidence of other events such as theta bursts, POSTs, REM with spindles, and intermediate stages. These results suggest that the analysis of phasic events is useful for the discrimination between normal and pathologic sleep, even when there are only minor differences in terms of macrostructure.

Diagnostic relevance of sleep complaints in anxiety and mood disorders.

Clinical assessments of sleep and subjective state upon waking were performed in normal controls and patients with generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, primary dysthymia and major depression. Subjects were selected according to DSM-III-R criteria. As compared to normal controls, patients with generalised anxiety, dysthymia and major depression exhibit pervasive and intense complaints of insomnia, and no clear distinctions can be drawn among these groups. Patients with panic disorder do not differ from normal controls, whereas obsessive compulsive patients present limited sleep symptoms. These findings suggest that subjective sleep variables are relevant for the diagnostic discrimination of panic and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

[The use of cryopreserved homografts in reconstructing the right ventricular outflow tract in congenital cardiopathies]. / La utilización de homoinjertos crioconservados en la reconstrucción del tracto de salida del ventrículo derecho en cardiopatías congénitas.

In recent years the use of cryopreserved allograft valves has become very popular. Homograft valves have been used for aortic valve replacement and for reconstruction of the outflow tract of the right ventricle for more than 30 years with very good results. Recently the method of cryopreservation has made possible the creation of valve banks. The use of this cryopreserved valves has obtained very good short and medium term results. We present our experience with the use of cryopreserved allograft valves in the reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract in the treatment of complex cardiac malformations. We have operated 15 children. Six were diagnosed of different types of transpositions of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary atresia or stenosis. There were 2 deaths not related to the use of the allograft valves. Nine other patients were diagnosed of different types of complex cardiac malformations. One patient with a univentricular heart and pulmonary stenosis and a neonate presenting with a truncus arteriosus communis died after the operation; again the deaths were not related to the use of the homograft conduits. Our technique of cryopreservation consists in the procurement of aortic and pulmonary valves from multiorgan donor patients. The valves are sterilized in antibiotics for 48 hours. Then the process of freezing is began with a period of progressive cooling down to -40 degrees C and second phase of storage in liquid nitrogen to a temperature of -178 degrees C. The short and medium term results are very satisfactory. We have not seen late important complications.

[Sleep, depression, and antidepressive treatments (1)]. / Sono, depressão e tratamentos antidepressivos (1a. parte).

Sleep research in depressive disorders has advanced considerably in the last two decades. In this review we highlight the different facets of this research, including neurophysiological descriptions of sleep disturbances in depression and data regarding the effects of antidepressant treatments on sleep. The available information is discussed taking into consideration a possible pathogenic role of certain sleep changes in depression, as assumed by several theoretical models. The scope of these models and their explanatory power are briefly analysed. Some comments are made on conceptual and methodological problems in the field of sleep research in psychiatric disorders.

[Sleep, depression and antidepressive treatments (2)]. / Sono, depressão e tratamentos antidepressivos (2a. parte).

Sleep research in depressive disorders has advanced considerably in the last two decades. In this review we highlight the different facets of this research, including neurophysiological descriptions of sleep disturbances in depression and data regarding the effects of antidepressant treatments on sleep. The available information is discussed taking into consideration a possible pathogenic role of certain sleep changes in depression, as assumed by several theoretical models. The scope of these models and their explanatory power are briefly analysed. Some comments are made on conceptual and methodological problems in the field of sleep research in psychiatric disorders.

[Sleep disturbances in patients with generalized anxiety: a clinical and EEG sleep study]. / Perturbações do sono em doentes com ansiedade generalizada: estudo clínico e poligráfico.

All night EEG sleep recordings and clinical evaluations of sleep were performed in order to compare patients with generalized anxiety and normal controls. Patients were selected according to DSM III-R criteria and went through a two weeks phase treatment with placebo before the sleep evaluation. As compared to normals, anxious patients showed a fragmented and superficial sleep with no changes of REM sleep features. Further to disturbances of sleep continuity and duration, they had a higher percentage of wake and stage 2, as well as a reduction of slow wave sleep (SWS) mainly due to a diminished percentage of stage 4. Several EEG sleep measures--related both with the amounts of SWS and sleep duration and continuity--are significantly correlated with symptoms severity. The pathogenic significance of sleep disturbances in generalized anxiety is discussed.

[The concept of dysthymia. Its clinical usefulness and nosological status]. / Conceito de distimia. Utilidade clínica e estatuto nosológico.

Dysthymia is currently conceived as an independent diagnostic category in the area of mood disorders, but the concept is controversial, both from a theoretical and clinical point of view. This article reviews the concept of dysthymia as well as its history. The clinical usefulness and validity are examined, taking into special consideration the influential classificatory notions of DSM-IV.

[The applications of sleep studies in psychiatry]. / Aplicações dos estudos do sono em psiquiatria.

In the last two decades considerable progress has been made in defining sleep changes in mental disorders, as well as in studying the relationship between sleep and psychiatric treatments. The pathophysiological significance of those changes has also been investigated, with some theoretical models of mental disorders indicating a direct role of sleep. In psychiatric research, sleep studies have contributed to the clarification of a variety of issues in relation to taxonomy, aetiology, pathogenesis and treatment. Furthermore, clinical and EEG aspects of sleep have proven useful for practical diagnostic and treatment purposes. This article aims to provide a systematic and critical review of current applications of sleep studies in psychiatry, both in research and clinical fields.

[Research in psychogeriatrics. Various theoretical and methodologic aspects]. / Investigação em psicogeriatria. Alguns aspectos teóricos e metodológicos.

The rapid increase in individuals aged 65 years old and more in the general population has directed attention to geriatrics, a medical specialty concerned with the study, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions in the aged. Among these conditions, frequent psychiatric disturbances occur and therefore it is widely recognized the increasing role of psychogeriatrics. A comprehensive review of theoretical and methodological issues related with research in psychogeriatrics is presented. In a short introduction, the state of the art in some main areas is analyzed. It is pointed out that controversial and unsolved problems still influence the ongoing research in this field. The use of different theoretical models is discussed, taking into consideration their specific scope and drawbacks. Psychopathological phenomena in the elderly are under the influence of a variety of etiologic and pathogenic factors and the conclusion arises that an adequate conceptual framework can be provided by systemic and multifactorial models. However, in order to preserve their explicatory power, they require valid and reliable definitions of all variables involved--not only independent and dependent variables, but also mediating variables--as well as clear hypothesis on their relationships. Different approaches for the fulfillment of these requirements are discussed.

[Anticipation and quality of life in depression: 2 cognitive concepts?]. / Antecipação e qualidade de vida na depressão: dois conceitos cognitivos?

This study purports to investigate the relation between negative predictions and quality of life occurring in dysthymia and non-melancholic depression according DSM-IV, in the absence of any personality disorders. The relation between anticipation and quality of life (QoL) is also examined. The results suggest that both anticipatory cognitions and the QoL discriminate the two depressive entities and may have some nosological prediction potential. It is curious to observe the similar behaviour of the two concepts, anticipation and QoL, when implemented with the chosen scales. Moreover, their strong mutual correlation suggests a conceptual proximity or even a concurrent criteria validity. In conclusion, the possibility that both concepts belong to a cognitive sphere should not be ruled out.

Mineralization enhancement of a recalcitrant pharmaceutical pollutant in water by advanced oxidation hybrid processes.

Degradation of the biorecalcitrant pharmaceutical micropollutant ibuprofen (IBP) was carried out by means of several advanced oxidation hybrid configurations. TiO(2) photocatalysis, photo-Fenton and sonolysis - all of them under solar simulated illumination - were tested in the hybrid systems: sonophoto-Fenton (FS), sonophotocatalysis (TS) and TiO(2)/Fe(2+)/sonolysis (TFS). In the case of the sonophoto-Fenton process, the IBP degradation (95%) and mineralization (60%) were attained with photo-Fenton (FH). The presence of ultrasonic irradiation slightly improves the iron catalytic activity. On the other hand, total removal of IBP and elimination of more than 50% of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were observed by photocatalysis with TiO(2) in the presence of ultrasound irradiation (TS). In contrast only 26% of mineralization was observed by photocatalysis with H(2)O(2) (TH) in the absence of ultrasound irradiation. Additional results showed that, in the TFS system, 92% of DOC removal and complete degradation of IBP were obtained within 240 min of treatment. The advanced oxidation hybrid systems seems to be a promising alternative for full elimination/mineralization for the recalcitrant micro-contaminant IBP.

Clinical and EEG sleep changes in primary dysthymia and generalized anxiety: a comparison with normal controls.

All night EEG sleep recordings and clinical assessments of sleep quality were performed in normal controls, patients with generalized anxiety disorder and primary dysthymia. Patients were selected according to DSM-III R. Changes of sleep architecture, namely a reduction of slow wave sleep, are similar in generalized anxiety and dysthymia. Also the two groups do not exhibit the REM sleep disturbances usually observed in affective illness. Duration and continuity measures are unchanged in dysthymics, but anxious patients show some features of insomnia. The analysis of subjective aspects of sleep showed no relevant differences between the two groups of patients. Using a conventional set of EEG sleep parameters, primary dysthymia seems closer to anxiety disorders than to affective illness. However, the reduction of slow wave sleep in dysthymics and anxious patients may have different pathogenic meanings and the analysis of nonconventional sleep parameters may prove useful in this regard.