Metallopeptidase inhibitors arrest vital biological processes in the fungal pathogen Scedosporium apiospermum

P>Scedosporium apiospermum is an emerging agent of opportunistic mycoses in humans. Previously, we showed that mycelia of S. apiospermum secreted metallopeptidases which were directly linked to the destruction of key host proteins. In this study, we analysed the effect of metallopeptidase inhibitors on S. apiospermum development. As germination of inhaled conidia is a crucial event in the infectious process of S. apiospermum, we studied the morphological transformation induced by the incubation of conidia in Sabouraud-dextrose medium at 37 degrees C. After 6 h, some conidia presented a small projection resembling a germ-tube. A significant increase, around sixfold, in the germ-tube length was found after 12 h, and hyphae were exclusively observed after 24 h. Three distinct metallopeptidase inhibitors were able to arrest the transformation of conidia into hyphae in different ways; for instance, 1,10-phenanthroline (PHEN) completely blocked this process at 10 mu mol l-1, while ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and ethylene glycol-bis (beta-aminoethyl ether; EGTA) only partially inhibited the differentiation at up to 10 mmol l-1. EGTA did not promote any significant reduction in the conidial growth, while PHEN and EDTA, both at 10 mmol l-1, inhibited the proliferation around 100% and 65%, respectively. The secretion of polypeptides into the extracellular environment and the metallopeptidase activity secreted by mycelia were completely inhibited by PHEN. These findings suggest that metallo-type enzymes could be potential targets for future therapeutic interventions against S. apiospermum.

Regression analysis of mean quality-adjusted survival time based on pseudo-observations

Regression models for the mean quality-adjusted survival time are specified from hazard functions of transitions between two states and the mean quality-adjusted survival time may be a complex function of covariates. We discuss a regression model for the mean quality-adjusted survival (QAS) time based on pseudo-observations, which has the advantage of directly modeling the effect of covariates in the QAS time. Both Monte Carlo Simulations and a real data set are studied. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Quality management for vital forest tree seedlings : Final report, Project no: P33854-1

The work concerns development of a prototype molecular tests to identify vitality status of conifer seedlings. The work is done by NSure, Holland, Dalarna University and SUAS. In case for spruce, a successful validation experiment has been performed to validate the identified frost tolerance and vitality genes. Multiple indicators were identified that can be used to either reinforce the existing ColdnSure test, but also for development of a vitality test. The identified frost tolerance and vitality genes for pine still need to be validated. NSure together with Dalarna University aim to perform a validation next season. Multiple LN indicators were identified in spruce that can be used to determine the effectiveness of a LN treatment, but they are not yet validated. In spruce and pine hardly any scientific research is performed to study the effect of a LN treatment, particularly not at molecular level. Therefore NSure together with Dalarna Research Station want to apply for a project. Within this project, we would be able to develop the tests further.

Effect of facilitation of local maternal-and-newborn stakeholder groups on neonatal mortality : cluster-randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Facilitation of local women's groups may reportedly reduce neonatal mortality. It is not known whether facilitation of groups composed of local health care staff and politicians can improve perinatal outcomes. We hypothesised that facilitation of local stakeholder groups would reduce neonatal mortality (primary outcome) and improve maternal, delivery, and newborn care indicators (secondary outcomes) in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam. METHODS AND FINDINGS: In a cluster-randomized design 44 communes were allocated to intervention and 46 to control. Laywomen facilitated monthly meetings during 3 years in groups composed of health care staff and key persons in the communes. A problem-solving approach was employed. Births and neonatal deaths were monitored, and interviews were performed in households of neonatal deaths and of randomly selected surviving infants. A latent period before effect is expected in this type of intervention, but this timeframe was not pre-specified. Neonatal mortality rate (NMR) from July 2008 to June 2011 was 16.5/1,000 (195 deaths per 11,818 live births) in the intervention communes and 18.4/1,000 (194 per 10,559 live births) in control communes (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.96 [95% CI 0.73-1.25]). There was a significant downward time trend of NMR in intervention communes (p = 0.003) but not in control communes (p = 0.184). No significant difference in NMR was observed during the first two years (July 2008 to June 2010) while the third year (July 2010 to June 2011) had significantly lower NMR in intervention arm: adjusted OR 0.51 (95% CI 0.30-0.89). Women in intervention communes more frequently attended antenatal care (adjusted OR 2.27 [95% CI 1.07-4.8]). CONCLUSIONS: A randomized facilitation intervention with local stakeholder groups composed of primary care staff and local politicians working for three years with a perinatal problem-solving approach resulted in increased attendance to antenatal care and reduced neonatal mortality after a latent period. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN44599712. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.

Effect of energy intake on performance and carcass composition of broiler chickens from two different genetic groups

In order to evaluate the effect of energy intake and broiler genotype on performance, carcass yield, and fat deposition, 600 one-day-old male chicks from two different genetic groups (AgRoss 308 - commercial line and PCLC - Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA) non-improved line) were fed diets with different metabolizable energy level (2950, 3200 and 3450 kcal/kg). A completely randomized experimental design in a 2X3 factorial arrangement with four replications of 25 birds per treatment was applied. In order to ensure different energy intake among treatments within each strain, feed intake was daily adjusted by pair-feeding schemes. AgRoss 308 broilers had better performance and carcass yield, and presented lower abdominal fat deposition rate. In both genetic groups, the highest dietary energy level increased weight gain, heart relative weight, and fat deposition. However, it reduced the difference between AgRoss 308 and PCLC for feed conversion ratio and carcass protein deposition. These findings allow concluding that genetic improvement had a significant effect on broiler energy metabolism, and that the highest performance differences between genetic groups are found when low-energy intake is imposed.

Effect of lactation length adjustment procedures on genetic parameter estimates for buffalo milk yield

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

EFFECT of TYPES of NOZZLES on SPRAY DEPOSITION on TWO SOYBEAN VARIETIES IN STAGE V3

The effect of application with different nozzle types and volume rates on spray deposition in the V3 stage of two soybean cultivars was evaluated. The experiments were conducted in the Facultad de Ciencias Agronomicas of the UNESP-Botucatu/SP. The nozzles evaluated were an air induced flat fan nozzle (Al 11015 at 150 L ha(-1), Al 11002 at 200 and 250 L ha(-1)), a twin flat fan nozzle (TJ 60 11002 at 150, 200 and 250 L ha(-1)), and a cone nozzle (TX 6 at 150 L ha(-1), TX 8 at 150 L ha(-1) and TX 10 at 250 L ha(-1)). To evaluate spray deposition on the plants, a tracer (Brilliant Blue FD&C-1) was added. The experimental design was random blocks with four replications. Deposition on plants was determined by absorbancy reading in 630 nm wavelength. The data were adjusted to a calibration curve and transformed into deposited spray volume in mL. The relationship deposition per unit of dry matter was adjusted to a regression curve (Gompertz model). In cultivar CD 208, the highest deposit was for the larger volumes and for the treatment TX 8 200 L ha(-1). The most uniform treatments were all the nozzles with the volume 150 L ha(-1) and the TJ60 nozzle for 200 1, ha(-1). In cultivar CD 216, the greatest spray depositions were achieved with the treatments Al at 200 and 250 L ha(-1) and TJ 60 at 250 L ha(-1), and the most uniform treatments were the TX 6 and TJ60 nozzles for the volume150 L ha(-1).

Effect of respiratory muscle training on pulmonary function in preoperative preparation of tobacco smokers

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da utilização de um programa de treinamento específico dos músculos respiratórios sobre a função pulmonar em indivíduos tabagistas. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 50 indivíduos tabagistas assintomáticos com idade superior a 30 anos, nos seguintes momentos: A0 - avaliação inicial seguida do protocolo de exercícios respiratórios; A1 - reavaliação após 10 minutos da aplicação do protocolo; e A2 -reavaliação final após duas semanas de treinamento utilizando o mesmo protocolo três vezes por semana. A avaliação foi realizada através das medidas de pressões respiratórias máximas (PImax. e PEmax.), picos de fluxo respiratórios (PFI e PFE), ventilação voluntária máxima (VVM), capacidade vital Forçada (CVF) e Volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1). RESULTADOS: Não houve melhora na CVF e VEF1 da avaliação inicial para a final. Houve aumento significativo das variáveis PFI, PFE, VVM e PImax nas avaliações A1 e A2. A variável PEmax. aumentou somente na avaliação A2. CONCLUSÃO: A aplicação de protocolo de exercícios respiratórios com e sem carga adicional em indivíduos tabagistas produziu melhora imediata na performance dos músculos respiratórios, mas esta melhora foi mais acentuada após duas semanas de exercício.

Geoprocessamento de dados meteo-oceonográficos (cor do oceano e temperatura da superfície do mar) aplicado ao monitoramento ambiental na costa setentrional do Rio Grande do Norte

Orbital remote sensing has been used as a beneficial tool in improving the knowledge on oceanographic and hydrodynamic aspects in northern portion of the continental shelf of Rio Grande do Norte, offshore Potiguar Basin. Aspects such as geography, temporal and spatial resolution combined with a consistent methodology and provide a substantial economic advantage compared to traditional methods of in situ data collecting. Images of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor onboard NASA's AQUA satellite were obtained to support systematic data collections related to the campaign of environmental monitoring and characterization of Potiguar Basin, held in May 2004. Images of Total Suspension Matter (TSM) and values of radiance standard were generated for the calculation of concentrations of total suspension matter (TSM), chlorophyll-a and sea surface temperature (SST). These data sets were used for statistical comparisons between measures in situ and satellite estimates looking validate algorithms or develop a comprehensive regional approach empirically. AQUA-MODIS images allowed the simultaneous comparison of two-dimensional water quality (total suspension matter), phytoplankton biomass (chlorophyll-a) variability and physical (temperature). For images of total suspension matter, the generated models showed a good correlation with the field data, allowing quantitative and qualitative analysis. The images of chlorophyll-a showed a consistent correlation with the in situ values of concentration. The algorithms adjusted for these images obtained a correlation coefficient fairly well with the data field in order that the sensor can be having an effect throughout the water column and not just the surface. This has led to a fit between the data of chlorophyll-the integration of the average sampling interval of the entire water column up to the level of the first optical depth, with the data generated from the images. This method resulted in higher values of chlorophyll concentration to greater depths, due to the fact that we are integrating more values of chlorophyll in the water column. Thus we can represent the biomass available in the water column. Images SST and SST measures in situ showed a mean difference DT (SST insitu - SST sat) around -0.14 ° C, considered low, making the results very good. The integration of total suspension matter, chlorophyll-a, the temperature of the sea surface (SST) and auxiliary data enabled the recognition of some of the main ways to fund the continental shelf. The main features highlighted were submerged canyons of rivers Apodi and Açu, some of the lines and beachrocks reefs, structural highs and the continental shelf break which occurs at depths around -60 m. The results confirmed the high potential for use of the AQUA-MODIS images to environmental monitoring of sea areas due to ease of detection of the field two-dimensional material in suspension on the sea surface, temperature and the concentration of chlorophyll-a

Effect of hormone therapy on postural balance in postmenopausal women

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effect of remifentanil on requirements for propofol administered by use of a target-controlled infusion system for maintaining anesthesia in dogs

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Constituents and antiulcer effect of Alchornea glandulosa: Activation of cell proliferation in gastric mucosa during the healing process

Alchornea glandulosa (Euphorbiaceae) is a plant used in folk medicine as an antiulcer agent. Rats pretreated with methanolic extract obtained from the leaves of A. glandulosa (AG) showed a dose-dependent effect and significant reduction of gastric ulcers induced by absolute ethanol at the doses of 500 (57%) and 1000 mg/kg (35%) in relation to the control group. Pretreatment of mice with AG (500, 1000 mg/kg, p.o.) showed dose-dependent activity and significantly decreased the severity of lesions caused by HCl/ethanol and by non steroidal anti inflammatory drug-induced gastric lesions. Pretreatment with AG also induced antisecretory action via local and systemic routes and a significant decrease in the total gastric acid content. The gastroprotective effects of AG involved the participation of nitric oxide and increased levels of endogenous sulfhydryl compounds, which are defensive mechanisms of the gastrointestinal mucosa against aggressive factors. The ability of AG to heal gastric ulcers was evaluated after 14 consecutive days of treatment. The results showed that single oral administrations of AG (250 mg/kg/once daily) potently stimulates gastric epithelial cell proliferation that contributes to the accelerated healing of gastric ulcers induced by acetic acid. In addition, no subacute toxicity (body weight gain, vital organs, and serum biochemical parameters) was observed during treatment with AG. Phytochemical investigation of AG led to the isolation of myricetin-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside, quercetin, amentoflavone, methyl gallate, gallic acid, and pterogynidine. We also established the phytochemical profile of AG with the quantification of total phenolic compounds. These compounds may contribute to the observed antiulcerogenic effects of AG.

The Effect of a Supragingival Plaque-Control Regimen on the Subgingival Microbiota in Smokers and Never-Smokers: Evaluation by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Effect of the passive recovery period on the lactate minimum speed in sprinters and endurance runners

The objective of this study was to verify the effect of the passive recovery time following a supramaximal sprint exercise and the incremental exercise test on the lactate minimum speed (LMS). Thirteen sprinters and 12 endurance runners performed the following tests: 1) a maximal 500 m sprint followed by a passive recovery to determine the time to reach the peak blood lactate concentration; 2) after the maximal 500 m sprint, the athletes rested eight mins, and then performed 6 x 800 m incremental test, in order to determine the speed corresponding to the lower blood lactate concentration (LMS1) and; 3) identical procedures of the LMS1, differing only in the passive rest time, that was performed in accordance with the time to peak lactate (LMS2). The time (min) to reach the peak blood lactate concentration was significantly higher in the sprinters (12.76+/-2.83) than in the endurance runners (10.25+/-3.01). There was no significant difference between LMS1 and LMS2, for both endurance (285.7+/-19.9; 283.9+/-17.8 m/min; r= 0.96) and sprint runners (238.0+/-14.1; 239.4+/-13.9 m/min; r= 0.93), respectively. We can conclude that the LMS is not influenced by a passive recovery period longer than eight mins (adjusted according with the time to peak blood lactate), although blood lactate concentration may differ at this speed. The predominant type of training (aerobic or anaerobic) of the athletes does not seem to influence the phenomenon previously described.

Effect of Supragingival plaque control in smokers and never-smokers: 6-month evaluation of patients with periodontitis

Background: the effect of supragingival plaque control on clinical signs of periodontitis is controversial, particularly when smoking habits are considered. This study evaluated the clinical effects of supragingival plaque control on clinical signs of periodontitis in smokers and never-smokers.Methods: the following data were collected for 25 never-smokers and 25 smokers at baseline and 30, 90, and 180 days: visible plaque index (VPI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL). After baseline examinations, supragingival scaling was performed. Oral hygiene practices were reinforced and reevaluated weekly during the experimental period. Linear models adjusted for clustering of observations within individuals were used for statistical analysis.Results: Reductions in VPI were significant for both groups, with no intergroup differences. GBI at baseline was similar between groups, and at 30, 90, and 180 days, smokers had a lower GBI than never-smokers. Significant reductions were observed in PD for shallow (1 to 3 mm), moderate (4 to 5 mm), and deep sites (>= 6 mm) in both groups. CAL was significantly greater in smokers throughout the study, but gains in attachment were similar for both groups (0.71 to 1.00 mm). BOP reductions were similar in both groups.Conclusions: Supragingival plaque control resulted in significant changes in clinical parameters associated with gingivitis and periodontitis. Smoking did not affect results, regardless of initial PD.