Growth of seedlings Schizolobium amazonicum (Huber ex Ducke) on substrate fertilized with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium

The nutritional management of seedlings in the nursery is one of the most important practices that influence seedling quality. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on the development of Schizolobium amazonicum seedlings grown in 250 cm(3) containers with a commercial substrate in the North of Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized design with five treatments and five replications, each replication being represented by 24 seedlings. The treatments were: control (only commercial substrate); nitrogen fertilization (150 g m(-3) N using ammonium sulfate + 1.0 kg of ammonium sulfate dissolved in 100 L of water and applied in coverage); phosphorus fertilization (300 g P2O5 m(-3) using simple superphosphate); potassium fertilization (100 g m(-3) K2O using potassium chloride + 0.3 kg of potassium chloride dissolved in 100 L of water and applied in coverage) and; complete (a mixture of the three nutrients, 150, 300 and 100 g m(-3) N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively + 1.0 kg of ammonium sulfate + 0.3 kg of potassium chloride). The commercial substrate was composted milled pine bark plus vermiculite. Evaluations of the seedlings were performed at 90 days after sowing. The complete treatment (NPK) gave the highest values for biometric and best plant indices, which express the quality. When analyzing nutrients in isolation; potassium had the lowest effect. Based on these results it can be recommended to fertilize Schizolobium amazonicum seedlings in nurseries with 150, 300 and 100 g m(-3) of N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively, plus 1.0 kg of sulfate ammonium and 0.3 kg of potassium chloride applied in coverage.

Acrodermatitis due to zinc deficiency after combined vertical gastroplasty with jejunoileal bypass: case report

CONTEXT: Nutritional complications may occur after bariatric surgery, due to restriction of food intake and impaired digestion or absorption of nutrients. CASE REPORT: After undergoing vertical gastroplasty and jejunoileal bypass, a female patient presented marked weight loss and protein deficiency. Seven months after the bariatric surgery, she presented dermatological features compatible with acrodermatitis enteropathica, as seen from the plasma zinc levels, which were below the reference values (34.4 mg%). The skin lesions improved significantly after 1,000 mg/day of zinc sulfate supplementation for one week. CONCLUSIONS: The patient's evolution shows that the multidisciplinary team involved in surgical treatment of obesity should take nutritional deficiencies into consideration in the differential diagnosis of skin diseases, in order to institute early treatment.

Expanding the Clinical and Genetic Spectrum of Human CD40L Deficiency: The Occurrence of Paracoccidioidomycosis and Other Unusual Infections in Brazilian Patients

CD40 ligand (CD40L) deficiency or X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome (X-HIGM) is a well-described primary immunodeficiency in which Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia is a common clinical feature. We have identified an unusual high incidence of fungal infections and other not yet described infections in a cohort of 11 X-HIGM patients from nine unrelated Brazilian families. Among these, we describe the first case of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) in X-HIGM. The molecular genetic analysis of CD40L was performed by gene sequencing and evaluation of CD40L protein expression. Nine of these 11 patients (82%) had fungal infections. These included fungal species common to CD40L deficiency (P. jiroveci and Candida albicans) as well as Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. One patient presented with PCM at age 11 years and is now doing well at 18 years of age. Additionally, one patient presented with a simultaneous infection with Klebsiella and Acinetobacter, and one with condyloma caused by human papilloma virus. Molecular analysis revealed four previously described CD40L mutations, two novel missense mutations (c.433 T>G and c.476 G>C) resulting in the absence of CD40L protein expression by activated CD4(+) cells and one novel insertion (c.484_485insAA) within the TNFH domain leading to a frame shift and premature stop codon. These observations demonstrated that the susceptibility to fungal infections in X-HIGM extends beyond those typically associated with X-HIGM (P. jiroveci and C. albicans) and that these patients need to be monitored for those pathogens.

Parathyroid hormone and phosphorus overload in uremia: impact on cardiovascular system

Background. Cardiac remodeling in uremia is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy, interstitial fibrosis and microvascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in uremic patients, but coronary events alone are not the prevalent cause, sudden death and heart failure are. We studied the cardiac remodeling in experimental uremia, evaluating the isolated effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and phosphorus. Methods. Wistar rats were submitted to parathyroidectomy (PTx) and 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx); they also received vehicle (V) and PTH at normal (nPTH) or high (hPTH) doses. They were fed with a poor-phosphorus (pP) or rich-phosphorus (rP) diet and were divided into the following groups: 'Sham': G1 (V + normal-phosphorus diet (np)) and 'Nx + PTx': G2 (nPTH + pP), G3 (nPTH + rP), G4 (hPTH + pP) and G5 (hPTH + rP). After 8 weeks, biochemical analysis, myocardium morphometry and arteriolar morphological analysis were performed. In addition, using immunohistochemical analysis, we evaluated angiotensin II, alpha-actin, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and nitrotyrosine, as well as fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR-1) and runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx-2) expression. Results. Nx animals presented higher serum creatinine levels as well as arterial hypertension. Higher PTH levels were associated with myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis as well as a higher coronary lesion score. High PTH animals also presented a higher myocardial expression of TGF-beta, angiotensin II, FGF-23 and nitrotyrosine and a lower expression of alpha-actin. Phosphorus overload was associated with higher serum FGF-23 levels and Runx-2, as well as myocardial hypertrophy. FGFR-1 was positive in the cardiomyocytes of all groups as well as in calcified coronaries of G4 and G5 whereas Runx-2 was positive in G3, G4 and G5. Conclusion. In uremia, PTH and phosphorus overload are both independently associated with major changes related to the cardiac remodeling process, emphasizing the need for a better control of these factors in chronic kidney disease.

Growth hormone pharmacogenetics: the interactive effect of a microsatellite in the IGF1 promoter region with the GHR-exon 3 and-202 A/C IGFBP3 variants on treatment outcomes of children with severe GH deficiency

Insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF1) is a mediator of growth hormone (GH) action, and therefore, IGF1 is a candidate gene for recombinant human GH (rhGH) pharmacogenetics. Lower serum IGF1 levels were found in adults homozygous for 19 cytosine-adenosine (CA) repeats in the IGF1 promoter. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of (CA)n IGF1 polymorphism, alone or in combination with GH receptor (GHR)-exon 3 and -202 A/C insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) polymorphisms, on the growth response to rhGH therapy in GH-deficient (GHD) patients. Eighty-four severe GHD patients were genotyped for (CA) n IGF1, -202 A/C IGFBP3 and GHR-exon 3 polymorphisms. Multiple linear regressions were performed to estimate the effect of each genotype, after adjustment for other influential factors. We assessed the influence of genotypes on the first year growth velocity (1st y GV) (n = 84) and adult height standard deviation score (SDS) adjusted for target-height SDS (AH-TH SDS) after rhGH therapy (n = 37). Homozygosity for the IGF1 19CA repeat allele was negatively correlated with 1st y GV (P = 0.03) and AH-TH SDS (P = 0.002) in multiple linear regression analysis. In conjunction with clinical factors, IGF1 and IGFBP3 genotypes explain 29% of the 1st y GV variability, whereas IGF1 and GHR polymorphisms explain 59% of final height-target-height SDS variability. We conclude that homozygosity for IGF1 (CA) 19 allele is associated with less favorable short-and long-term growth outcomes after rhGH treatment in patients with severe GHD. Furthermore, this polymorphism exhibits a non-additive interaction with -202 A/C IGFBP3 genotype on the 1st y GV and with GHR-exon 3 genotype on adult height. The Pharmacogenomics Journal (2012) 12, 439-445; doi:10.1038/tpj.2011.13; published online 5 April 2011

Deletion of the RMGA and CHD2 genes in a child with epilepsy and mental deficiency

We describe a novel chromosome microdeletion at 15q26.1 detected by oligo-array-CGH in a 6-year-old girl presenting with global development delay, epilepsy, autistic behavior and facial dysmorphisms. Although these features are often present in Angelman syndrome, no alterations were present in the methylation pattern of the Prader-Willi-Angelman critical region. The deletion encompasses only 2 genes: CHD2, which is part of a gene family already involved in CHARGE syndrome, and RGMA which exerts a negative control on axon growth. Deletion of either or both genes could cause the phenotype of this patient. These results provide a further chromosome region requiring evaluation in patients presenting Angelman features. (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Evidence of zinc deficiency in competitive swimmers

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional zinc (Zn) status of elite swimmers during different training periods. Methods: A longitudinal paired study was performed at the University of Sao Paulo in eight male swimmers 18 to 25 y old who had been swimming competitively at the state and national levels for at least 5 y. The swimmers were evaluated over a total period of 14 wk: before the basic and specific preparatory period (BSPP-baseline), at the end of the basic and specific preparatory period (post-BSPP), and at the end of the polishing period (PP). Levels of Zn were determined in the plasma, erythrocyte, urine, and saliva by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Anthropometric measurements and a 3-d food record were also evaluated. Results: The median plasma Zn concentration was below the reference value in all training periods (BSPP-baseline 59 mu g/dL, post-BSPP 55.9 mu g/dL, after PP 58.8 mu g/dL, P > 0.05), as were threshold values for erythrocytes (BSPP-baseline 36.5 mu g of Zn/g of hemoglobin, post-BSPP 42 mu g of Zn/g of hemoglobin, after PP 40.7 mu g of Zn/g of hemoglobin, P > 0.05), urinary Zn (BSPP-baseline 280 mu g/24 h, post-BSPP 337 mu g/24 h, after PP 284 mu g/24 h, P > 0.05), and salivary Zn (BSPP-baseline 66.1 mu g/L, post-BSPP 54.1 mu g/L, after PP 79.7 mu g/L, > 0.05). Salivary Zn did not correlate with plasma and erythrocyte Zn levels. Conclusion: The results suggest that the elite swimmers studied presented a possible Zn deficiency and that salivary Zn was not adequate to evaluate the Zn nutritional status. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sequential extraction of phosphorus in an Oxisol amended with biosolids in a long-term field experiment in Brazil

The continued growth of large cities is producing increasing volumes of urban sewage sludge. Disposing of this waste without damaging the environment requires careful management. The application of large quantities of biosolids (treated sewage sludge) to agricultural lands for many years may result in the excessive accumulation of nutrients like phosphorus (P) and thereby raise risks of eutrophication in nearby water bodies. We evaluated the fractionation of P in samples of an Oxisol collected as part of a field experiment in which biosolids were added at three rates to a maize (Zea mays L) plantation over four consecutive years. The biosolids treatments were equivalent to one, two and four times the recommended N rate for maize crops. In a fourth treatment, mineral fertilizer was applied at the rate recommended for maize. Inorganic P forms were extracted with ammonium chloride to remove soluble and loosely bound P; P bound to aluminum oxide (P-Al) was extracted with ammonium fluoride; P bound to iron oxide (P-Fe) was extracted with sodium hydroxide; and P bound to calcium (P-Ca) was extracted with sulfuric acid. Organic P was calculated as the difference between total P and inorganic P. The predominant fraction of P was P-Fe, followed by P-Al and P-Ca. P fractions were positively correlated to the amounts of P applied, except for P-Ca. The low values of P-Ca were due to the advanced weathering processes to which the Oxisol have been subjected, under which forms of P-Ca are converted to P-Fe and P-Al. The fertilization with P via biosolids increased P availability for maize plants even when a large portion of P was converted to more stable forms. Phosphorus content in maize leaves and grains was positively correlated with P fractions in soils. From these results it can be concluded that the application of biosolids in highly weathered tropical clayey soils for many years, even above the recommended rate based on N requirements for maize, tend to be less potentially hazardous to the environment than in less weathered sandy soils because the non-readily P fractions are predominant after the addition of biosolids. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Phosphorus Is Associated with Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Preserved Renal Function

High serum phosphorus levels have been associated with mortality and cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease and in the general population. In addition, high phosphorus levels have been shown to induce vascular calcification and endothelial dysfunction in vitro. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation of phosphorus and coronary calcification and atherosclerosis in the setting of normal renal function. This was a cross-sectional study involving 290 patients with suspected coronary artery disease and undergoing elective coronary angiography, with a creatinine clearance >60 ml/min/1.73 m(2). Coronary artery obstruction was assessed by the Friesinger score and coronary artery calcification by multislice computed tomography. Serum phosphorus was higher in patients with an Agatston score >10 than in those with an Agatston score <= 10 (3.63 +/- 0.55 versus 3.49 +/- 0.52 mg/dl; p = 0.02). In the patients with Friesinger scores >4, serum phosphorus was higher (3.6 +/- 0.5 versus 3.5 +/- 0.6 mg/dl, p = 0.04) and median intact fibroblast growth factor 23 was lower (40.3 pg/ml versus 45.7 pg/ml, p = 0.01). Each 0.1-mg/dl higher serum phosphate was associated with a 7.4% higher odds of having a Friesinger score >4 (p = 0.03) and a 6.1% greater risk of having an Agatston score >10 (p = 0.01). Fibroblast growth factor 23 was a negative predictor of Friesinger score ( p = 0.002). In conclusion, phosphorus is positively associated with coronary artery calcification and obstruction in patients with suspected coronary artery disease and preserved renal function.

Patient with toxoplasmosis and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: a case report

Abstract Introduction Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic protozoal disease caused by toxoplasma gondii, is prevalent throughout the world, affecting a large proportion of persons who usually have no symptoms. Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, an X-linked inherited disorder, is present in over 400 million people world wide. It is more common in tropical and subtropical countries and is one of the important causes of hemolytic anemia. Case presentation This case report relates the occurrence of the two diseases simultaneously in a child of five years old. Conclusion Patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency are more susceptible to toxoplasmosis and this case report, reinforce the findings of this propensity and alert us for such possibility, what it is important, therefore, the treatment of toxoplasmosis can cause serious hemolysis in these patients.

Deficiency symptoms and uptake of micronutrients by castor bean grown in nutrient solution

Castor bean is a nutrient-demanding species, but there is still little information on its micronutrient requirements. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of levels of B (2.5, 12.5 and 25.0 µmol L-1), Cu (0.05, 0.25 and 0.50 µmol L-1), Mn (0.2, 1.0 and 2.0 µmol L-1) and Zn (0.2, 1.0 and 2.0 µmol L-1) in a nutrient solution on plant B, Cu, Mn and Zn concentrations and uptake, vegetative growth and fruit yield of castor bean "Iris", grown in greenhouse. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized block design with three replicates. The first deficiency symptoms were observed for B, followed by Zn, Cu and Mn. The main changes in the cell ultrastructure due to lack of B were thickening of the cell walls and middle lamellae, distorted chloroplasts and tightly stacked thylakoids, besides the absence of starch grains. The Mn, Zn and Cu deficiencies led to disruption of chloroplasts, disintegration of thylakoids and absence of amyloplasts. The concentration and uptake of B, Cu, Mn, and Zn in castor bean plants increased with micronutrient supply in the solution. Fruit yield was drastically reduced by B and Mn deficiencies. On the other hand, the dry matter yield of the shoot and root of castor bean plants was not. In the treatment with full nutrient solution, the leaves accumulated 56 and 48 % of the total B and Mn taken up by the plants, respectively, and the seeds and roots 85 and 61 % of the total Cu and Zn taken up, respectively. This shows the high demand of castor bean Iris for B and Mn for fruit yield.

Phosphite as phosphorus source to grain yield of common bean plants grown in soils under low or adequate phosphate availability

The effects of foliar and soil applied phosphite on grain yield in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown in a weathered soil under low and adequate phosphate availability were evaluated. In the first experiment, treatments were composed of a 2 x 7 + 2 factorial scheme, with 2 soil P levels supplied as phosphate (40 e 200 mg P dm-3 soil), 7 soil P levels supplied as phosphite (0-100 mg P dm-3 soil), and 2 additional treatments (without P supply in soil, and all P supplied as phosphite). In the second experiment, treatments were composed of a 2 x 3 x 2 factorial scheme, with 2 soil phosphate levels (40 e 200 mg P dm-3 soil), combined with 3 nutrient sources applied via foliar sprays (potassium phosphite, potassium phosphate, and potassium chloride as a control), and 2 foliar application numbers (single and two application). Additional treatments showed that phosphite is not P source for common bean nutrition. Phosphite supply in soil increased the P content in shoot (at full physiological maturity stage) and grains, but at the same time considerably decreased grain yield, regardless of the soil phosphate availability. Foliar sprays of phosphite decreased grain yield in plants grown under low soil phosphate availability, but no effect was observed in plants grown under adequate soil phosphate availability. In general, foliar sprays of phosphate did not satisfactorily improve grain yield of the common bean plants grown under low soil phosphate availability.

Hearing loss and acquired immune deficiency syndrome: systematic review

PURPOSE: To investigate the occurrence of hearing loss in individuals with HIV/AIDS and their characterization regarding type and degree. RESEARCH STRATEGY: It was conducted a systematic review of the literature found on the electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, ADOLEC, IBECS, Web of Science, Scopus, Lilacs and SciELO. SELECTION CRITERIA: The search strategy was directed by a specific question: "Is hearing loss part of the framework of HIV/AIDS manifestations?", and the selection criteria of the studies involved coherence with the proposed theme, evidence levels 1, 2 or 3, and language (Portuguese, English and Spanish). DATA ANALYSIS: We found 698 studies. After an analysis of the title and abstract, 91 were selected for full reading. Out of these, 38 met the proposed criteria and were included on the review. RESULTS: The studies reported presence of conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss, of variable degrees and audiometric configurations, in addition to tinnitus and vestibular disorders. The etiology can be attributed to opportunistic infections, ototoxic drugs or to the action of virus itself. The auditory evoked potentials have been used as markers of neurological alterations, even in patients with normal hearing. CONCLUSION: HIV/AIDS patients may present hearing loss. Thus, programs for prevention and treatment of AIDS must involve actions aimed at auditory health.

In pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis IL-10 deficiency leads to increased immunity and regressive infection without enhancing tissue pathology

BACKGROUND: Cellular immunity is the main defense mechanism in paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), the most important systemic mycosis in Latin America. Th1 immunity and IFN-γ activated macrophages are fundamental to immunoprotection that is antagonized by IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Both in human and experimental PCM, several evidences indicate that the suppressive effect of IL-10 causes detrimental effects to infected hosts. Because direct studies have not been performed, this study was aimed to characterize the function of IL-10 in pulmonary PCM. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Wild type (WT) and IL-10(-/-) C57BL/6 mice were used to characterize the role of IL-10 in the innate and adaptive immunity against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) infection. We verified that Pb-infected peritoneal macrophages from IL-10(-/-) mice presented higher phagocytic and fungicidal activities than WT macrophages, and these activities were associated with elevated production of IFN-γ, TNF-α, nitric oxide (NO) and MCP-1. For in vivo studies, IL-10(-/-) and WT mice were i.t. infected with 1×10(6) Pb yeasts and studied at several post-infection periods. Compared to WT mice, IL-10(-/-) mice showed increased resistance to P. brasiliensis infection as determined by the progressive control of pulmonary fungal loads and total clearance of fungal cells from dissemination organs. This behavior was accompanied by enhanced delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions, precocious humoral immunity and controlled tissue pathology resulting in increased survival times. In addition, IL-10(-/-) mice developed precocious T cell immunity mediated by increased numbers of lung infiltrating effector/memory CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. The inflammatory reactions and the production of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines were reduced at late phases of infection, paralleling the regressive infection of IL-10(-/-) mice. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our work demonstrates for the first time that IL-10 plays a detrimental effect to pulmonary PCM due to its suppressive effect on the innate and adaptive immunity resulting in progressive infection and precocious mortality of infected hosts.