Increased expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 correlates with improved outcome in canine cutaneous mast cell tumours

Canine mast cell tumour (MCT) is a biologically heterogeneous disease. The extracellular matrix degradation promoted by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has been studied in an attempt to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the biological behaviour of tumours. The aim of this study was to characterize the expression of MMP‐2 and ‐9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 and ‐2 in canine cutaneous MCTs and to evaluate their prognostic values. Immunohistochemical staining for MMP‐2, MMP‐9, TIMP‐2 and TIMP‐1 was performed in 46 canine cases of MCTs. TIMP‐1 expression showed an independent prognostic value for post‐surgical survival and disease‐related mortality. Dogs with MCTs showing less than 22.9% mast cell TIMP‐1 positivity were more prone to die because of the disease and had a shorter post‐surgical survival. This article suggests the involvement of TIMP‐1 in MCT progression, by contributing to a good outcome in patients with MCTs.     

Manganese (II) Removal from Aqueous Solutions by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus cereus</Emphasis>: an Optimization Study Using Experimental Design and Response Surface Methodology

The present study was carried out in order to investigate the removal of soluble Mn²⁺ from an aqueous solution using Bacillus cereus. A manganese aqueous solution at 50 mg L^?1 was treated, and the product was less than 1 mg L^?1 of residual concentration, which complied with environmental regulations. Before the optimization, B. cereus was able to remove Mn²⁺ ions from an aqueous solution; however, the residual content was around 2.5 mg L^?1. Screening experiments aiming at defining the effects of the growth medium composition indicated that both casamino acid-peptone and yeast extract contributed to manganese removal. These experiments also showed the interaction between these two components of the culture media, nevertheless the use of glucose did not prove significant. Considering these observations, the Doehlert design was used to generate a response surface. The model was significant with the p value lower than 0.05 and the lack-of-fit not significant (p > 0.05). The optimized composition of the growth medium was defined as 0.5 g L^?1 of casamino acid-peptone and 0.25 g L^?1 of yeast extract, whereas glucose could be removed from the original growth medium. When the optimized condition of the growth medium was used, the time required for manganese removal was reduced from 21 to 8 days. After optimization, B. cereus was capable of producing high manganese removal, reducing the residual concentration to levels below 1.0 mg L^?1.     

Cacao pod husks (Theobroma cacao L.): Composition and hot-water-soluble pectins

The composition of cacao pod husks (CPHs), the main waste product of cocoa production, and some of the characteristics of their water-soluble pectins were investigated. Milled and dried CPHs were submitted to hot aqueous extractions (50 and 100 ?C, 90 min, 1:25, w/v). The obtained fractions (labeled 50W and BW, respectively) yielded 7.5 and 12.6% pectins, respectively. The monosaccharide composition revealed the predominance of uronic acid, followed by galactose, rhamnose and arabinose, characteristic of pectins. Chemical and spectroscopic analyses (FT-IR and ¹³C NMR) showed that both fractions contained high acetyl contents (DA 29.0 and 19.2%, respectively) and are composed of low methoxyl homogalacturonans (DE 37.0 and 42.3%, respectively) with rhamnogalacturonan insertions carrying side chains containing mainly galactose. Rheological analyses were carried out with 50W and BW. Solutions of both fractions at 5% (w/v) had a non-Newtonian shear-thinning behavior, however that of 50W showed higher apparent viscosity than that of BW. Dynamic oscillatory analyses showed that 5% (w/w) 50W pectin had weak gel behavior whereas at the same concentration, BW pectin behaved as a concentrated solution. Although further investigations are required, CPH seems be a potential source of both pectins and other natural agents such as fibers and phenolics, and its use is particularly justified by growing environmental awareness.     

Effect of different culture conditions on the structural diversity of prokaryote communities in the sediment of earth ponds stocked with gilthead seabream Sparus aurata (Linnaeus, 1758)

In this study, we evaluate the use of polymerase chain reaction‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR‐DGGE) for monitoring the effect of different aquaculture practices on sediment prokaryote (Archaea and Bacteria) communities. The effect of initial fish (gilthead seabream Sparus aurata) stocking density on the structural diversity of prokaryote communities of earth ponds bottom sediments was evaluated using PCR‐DGGE after a 5 month grow‐out period. An identical approach was used to monitor the effect of supplying different fish feeds [commercial feed (CD) versus an ecofeed (ECO)]. One additional variable was the use of copper sulphate (CuSO₄) as an algicide in some of the experimental rearing tanks. The statistical analyses of prokaryote community profiles showed that the presence of fish in earth ponds significantly influenced the structure of sediment prokaryote communities, when compared with earth ponds without fish, independently of the stocking density. Our results also indicated that the structure of the prokaryote communities of earth ponds supplied with the ECO feed shared a strong similarity with that fed CD. Curiously, the use of CuSO₄ in ponds receiving the ECO feed promoted significant differences on the structural composition of the bacterial community, but not on the archaeal community. DGGE molecular fingerprints are suitable for fast evaluation of new management practices in food‐fish production on earth ponds by monitoring shifts on microbial communities in bottom sediments.     

Investigation of insecticidal activity of rye α-amylase inhibitor gene expressed in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) toward cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis)

Innumerable proteinaceous α-amylase inhibitors have been isolated and identified from different plant species. Among them, an α-amylase inhibitor gene with bioinsecticidal potential toward Anthonomus grandis (cotton boll weevil) was previously identified in rye seeds (Secale cereale). This cereal inhibitor was expressed in tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum) under control of phytohemaglutinin promoter by using Agrobacterium tumefasciens - mediated transformation. Presence of αBIII-rye gene and further protein expression were confirmed by PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Immunological assays indicated that the recombinant inhibitor was expressed in concentration range from 0.1% to 0.28% (w:w) of the total protein in tobacco seeds of R₀ plants. From 14 independent transformants, five plants with expression levels between 0.20% and 0.28% in seeds were in vitro assayed against A. grandis amylolytic enzymes causing clear inhibition. Moreover, bioassays using transgenic seed flour mixture for artificial diet produced 74% mortality in A. grandis first larval instar. These data suggest that rye inhibitor could be a promising biotechnological tool for produce transgenic cotton plants with an increased resistance to cotton boll weevil. Moreover, αBIII-rye gene should be considered a potential compound for a pyramiding strategy aiming to delay insect-resistance.     

Cardiopulmonary and isoflurane‐sparing effects of epidural or intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine in cats undergoing surgery with epidural lidocaine

ObjectiveTo compare the cardiorespiratory, anesthetic-sparing effects and quality of anesthetic recovery after epidural and constant rate intravenous (IV) infusion of dexmedetomidine (DEX) in cats given a low dose of epidural lidocaine under propofol-isoflurane anesthesia and submitted to elective ovariohysterectomy.Study designRandomized, blinded clinical trial.AnimalsTwenty-one adult female cats (mean body weight: 3.1 ± 0.4 kg).MethodsCats received DEX (4 μg kg^?1, IM). Fifteen minutes later, anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane. Cats were divided into three groups. In GI cats received epidural lidocaine (1 mg kg^?1, n = 7), in GII cats were given epidural lidocaine (1 mg kg^?1) + DEX (4 μg kg^?1, n = 7), and in GIII cats were given epidural lidocaine (1 mg kg^?1) + IV constant rate infusion (CRI) of DEX (0.25 μg kg^?1 minute^?1, n = 7). Variables evaluated included heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (f_R), systemic arterial pressures, rectal temperature (RT), end-tidal CO₂, end-tidal isoflurane concentration (e′ISO), arterial blood gases, and muscle tone. Anesthetic recovery was compared among groups by evaluation of times to recovery, HR, f_R, RT, and degree of analgesia. A paired t-test was used to evaluate pre-medication variables and blood gases within groups. anova was used to compare parametric data, whereas Friedman test was used to compare muscle relaxation.ResultsEpidural and CRI of DEX reduced HR during anesthesia maintenance. Mean ± SD e′ISO ranged from 0.86 ± 0.28% to 1.91 ± 0.63% in GI, from 0.70 ± 0.12% to 0.97 ± 0.20% in GII, and from 0.69 ± 0.12% to 1.17 ± 0.25% in GIII. Cats in GII and GIII had longer recovery periods than in GI.Conclusions and clinical relevanceEpidural and CRI of DEX significantly decreased isoflurane consumption and resulted in recovery of better quality and longer duration, despite bradycardia, without changes in systemic blood pressure.     

Atmospheric Impacts due to Anthropogenic Activities in Remote Areas: The Case Study of Admiralty Bay/King George Island/Antarctic Peninsula

The aim of the present work is to characterize the local atmospheric emissions levels and compare them to the component derived from global pollution in a remote site at South Hemisphere (Admiralty Bay located at King George Island in Antarctic Peninsula). Airborne particles, snow and soil/sediments samples were analyzed. Local-produced atmospheric aerosol dispersion was estimated for metals originated by fossil fuel burning from the permanent scientific stations using a simplified Gaussian model. Validation of atmospheric dispersion was established by in situ measurements. Soluble and insoluble particles deposited in freshly snow and airborne particles were analyzed by PIXE (Particle Induced X-Ray Emission) for the determination of the elemental mass concentration and to obtain the Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameter (MMAD). The results showed significant correlation between the concentration of atmospheric aerosol and the freshly deposited particles in the snow, and permitted an estimate of the atmospheric snow deposition factor for K, Cu, Zn, Fe, Pb, and Ti. Results of long-term aerosol data compilation suggest that besides the local aerosol sources, the continental atmospheric transport of airborne particles is not significantly affected by the airborne particles produced by local human impacts at King George Island.     

Micromorphological analysis to characterize structure modifications of soil samples submitted to wetting and drying cycles

The physical characteristics of the soil surface are of extreme importance in relation to energy and matter transfer processes between the atmosphere and the soil. Soil internal structure changes can be due to natural or artificial causes and one important natural process is the alternation of wetting and drying (W–D) processes, which induce swelling and shrinking of soil particles, causing modifications in pore size and shape. To study the consequence of these W–D events on possible modifications in pore size distribution, pore number, and pore shape of soil samples collected in metal rings pore image analysis was used. Samples were taken from profiles of three soils of different characteristics, named as Geric Ferralsol (GF), Eutric Nitosol (EN), and Rhodic Ferralsol (RF). Confined volumetric samples (50 cm³) were submitted to none (T₀), three (T₁), and nine (T₂) subsequent W–D cycles. Image cross sections of resin impregnated soil permitted the micrometric and macrometric characterization of changes in soil structure induced by sequences of W–D cycles. Duncan's statistical test indicated that there were significant differences (α = 0.05) among treatments for all soil samples. General conclusions indicate that total pore area increased for all soils after repeated W–D processes, specifically 19.0 to 28.9% for GF, 5.9 to 11.7% for EN, and 13.0 to 17.2% for RF. Main changes of pore diameter occurred in pores larger than 500 μm, and minor changes were observed in the total number of these pores. It is demonstrated that soil samples undergo important changes in their structures after repeated W–D cycles. The information presented here is very important for the evaluation of soil water retention curves and other soil hydric properties, because soil samples used in these procedures are collected in rings and frequently submitted to several W–D cycles.     

有机配体、竞争阳离子和pH对土壤中Zn分解的影响

A series of experiments were conducted to examine the interactive effects of an organic ligand, a competing cation, and pH on the dissolution of zinc （Zn） from three California soils, Maymen sandy loam, Merced clay, and Yolo clay loam. The concentrations of soluble Zn of the three soils were low in a background solution of Ca（NO3）2. Citric acid, a common organic ligand found in the rhizosphere, was effective in mobilizing Zn in these soils; its presence enhanced the concentration of Zn in soil solution by citrate forming a complex with Zn. The ability of Zn to form a complex with citric acid in the soil solution was dependent on the concentration of citric acid, pH, and the concentration of the competing cation Ca^2＋. The pH of the soil solution determined the extent of desorption of Zn in solid phase in the presence of citric acid. The amounts of Zn released from the solid phase were proportional to the concentration of citric acid and inversely proportional to the concentration of Ca（NO3）2 background solution, which supplied the competing cation Ca^2＋ for the formation of a complex with citrate. When the soil suspension was spiked with Zn, the adsorption of Zn by the soils was retarded by citric acid via the formation of the soluble Zn-citrate complex. The dissolution of Zn in the presence of citric acid was pH dependent in both adsorption and desorption processes.     

Index of geoaccumulation and spatial distribution of potentially toxic elements in the Serra Pelada gold mine

Journal of Soils and Sediments - The concentration and spatial distribution of many potentially toxic elements (PTEs) have not been studied in the mining areas of tropical soils in the Amazon. The...