Quantification of aluminium in soil of the Solimões Formation, Acre State, Brazil

The variety of soils in the State of Acre is wide and their chemical profiles are still not fully understood. The nature of the material of origin of these soils is indicated by the high aluminium (Al) content, commonly associated with high calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) contents. The study objective was to use different methods to quantify Al in soils from toposequences formed from material of a sedimentary nature originating from the Solimões Formation, in Acre, Brazil. Trenches were opened at three distinct points in the landscape: shoulder, backslope and footslope positions. Soil samples were collected for physical, chemical, mineralogical analyses. The Al content was quantified using different methods. High Al contents were found in most of these horizons, associated with high Ca and Mg levels, representing the predominant cations in the sum of exchangeable bases. The mineralogy indicates that the soils are still in a low weathering phase, with the presence of significant quantities of 2:1 minerals. Similar Al contents were determined by the methods of NaOH titration, xylenol orange spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. However, no consistent data were obtained by the pyrocatechol violet method. Extraction with KCl overestimated the exchangeable Al content due to its ability to extract the non-exchangeable Al present in the smectite interlayers. It was observed that high Al contents are related to the instability of the hydroxyl-Al smectite interlayers.

Perennial grasses for recovery of the aggregation capacity of a reconstructed soil in a coal mining area in southern Brazil

The construction of a soil after surface coal mining involves heavy machinery traffic during the topographic regeneration of the area, resulting in compaction of the relocated soil layers. This leads to problems with water infiltration and redistribution along the new profile, causing water erosion and consequently hampering the revegetation of the reconstructed soil. The planting of species useful in the process of soil decompaction is a promising strategy for the recovery of the soil structural quality. This study investigated the influence of different perennial grasses on the recovery of reconstructed soil aggregation in a coal mining area of the Companhia Riograndense de Mineração, located in Candiota-RS, which were planted in September/October 2007. The treatments consisted of planting: T1- Cynodon dactylon cv vaquero; T2 - Urochloa brizantha; T3 - Panicum maximun; T4 - Urochloa humidicola; T5 - Hemarthria altissima; T6 - Cynodon dactylon cv tifton 85. Bare reconstructed soil, adjacent to the experimental area, was used as control treatment (T7) and natural soil adjacent to the mining area covered with native vegetation was used as reference area (T8). Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected in October/2009 (layers 0.00-0.05 and 0.10-0.15 m) to determine the percentage of macro- and microaggregates, mean weight diameter (MWD) of aggregates, organic matter content, bulk density, and macro- and microporosity. The lower values of macroaggregates and MWD in the surface than in the subsurface layer of the reconstructed soil resulted from the high degree of compaction caused by the traffic of heavy machinery on the clay material. After 24 months, all experimental grass treatments showed improvements in soil aggregation compared to the bare reconstructed soil (control), mainly in the 0.00-0.05 m layer, particularly in the two Urochloa treatments (T2 and T4) and Hemarthria altissima (T5). However, the great differences between the treatments with grasses and natural soil (reference) indicate that the recovery of the pre-mining soil structure could take decades.

CD40 activation induces NREM sleep and modulates genes associated with sleep homeostasis.

The T-cell derived cytokine CD40 ligand is overexpressed in patients with autoimmune diseases. Through activation of its receptor, CD40 ligand leads to a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor 1 (TNFR1) dependent impairment of locomotor activity in mice. Here we report that this effect is explained through a promotion of sleep, which was specific to non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep while REM sleep was suppressed. The increase in NREM sleep was accompanied by a decrease in EEG delta power during NREM sleep and by a decrease in the expression of transcripts in the cerebral cortex known to be associated with homeostatic sleep drive, such as Homer1a, Early growth response 2, Neuronal pentraxin 2, and Fos-like antigen 2. The effect of CD40 activation was mimicked by peripheral TNF injection and prevented by the TNF blocker etanercept. Our study indicates that sleep-wake dysregulation in autoimmune diseases may result from CD40 induced TNF:TNFR1 mediated alterations of molecular pathways, which regulate sleep-wake behavior.

Fósforo orgânico em horizontes diagnósticos superficiais de diferentes classes de solo

Em solos tropicais, a disponibilidade de fósforo (P) pode ser regulada pela decomposição e mineralização da fração lábil de P orgânico (Po), tornando necessários estudos para saber a sua real contribuição no solo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o teor de Po total e lábil em horizontes superficiais de diferentes classes de solo e quais as propriedades do solo exercem controle na acumulação dessas frações de P. Foram estudadas amostras de diferentes horizontes diagnósticos superficiais, a saber: H e O hístico; A chernozêmico; e A húmicos, coletados em vários estados do Brasil. Para a determinação das frações totais de P inorgânico (Pi) e orgânico (Po), foi usado o método da extração-sequencial ácido-alcalina, e a fração lábil de P foi determinada pela extração com bicarbonato de sódio. A taxa de recuperação de Pi + Po em relação à extração nítrico-perclórica do P total (PT) variou de 46 a 99 %. O Po total variou entre 35 e 1077 mg kg-1, com uma média de 298 mg kg-1. Para a fração lábil do Po, os teores variaram entre 7,2 e 99,5 mg kg-1, com uma média de 27,1 mg kg-1. O Po variou, em média, de 36 a 46 % do P total extraído. Em relação ao P lábil, o Po representou mais de 70 % para todos os horizontes diagnósticos. O PT foi o principal atributo controlador da acumulação de Po nos solos pelas análises de correlação e regressão múltipla. Verificou-se que horizontes com baixa capacidade de adsorção de P proporcionaram alta labilidade de Po.

Organic Matter Fractions and Quality of the Surface Layer of a Constructed and Vegetated Soil After Coal Mining. I - Humic Substances and Chemical Characterization

After open coal mining, soils are “constructed”, which usually contain low levels and quality of organic matter (OM). Therefore, the use of plant species for revegetation and reclamation of degraded areas is essential. This study evaluated the distribution of carbon (C) in the chemical fractions as well as the chemical characteristics and humification degree of OM in a soil constructed after coal mining under cultivation of perennial grasses. The experiment was established in 2003 with the following treatments: Hemarthria altissima (T1), Paspalum notatum (T2), Cynodon dactilon (T3), Urochloa brizantha (T4), bare constructed soil (T5), and natural soil (T6). In 2009, soil samples were collected from the 0.00-0.03 m layer and the total organic carbon stock (TOC) and C stock in the chemical fractions: acid extract (CHCl), fulvic acid (CFA), humic acid (CHA), and humin (CHU) were determined. The humic acid (HA) fraction was characterized by infrared spectroscopy and the laser-induced fluorescence index (ILIF) of OM was also calculated. After six years, differences were only observed in the CHA stocks, which were highest in T1 (0.89 Mg ha-1) and T4 (1.06 Mg ha-1). The infrared spectra of HA in T1, T2 and T4 were similar to T6, with greater contribution of aliphatic organic compounds than in the other treatments. In this way, ILIF decreased in the sequence T5>T3>T4>T1>T2>T6, indicating higher OM humification in T3 and T5 and more labile OM in the other treatments. Consequently, the potential of OM quality recovery in the constructed soil was greatest in treatments T1 and T4.

Anisotropic fluid with SU(2) type structure in general relativity: A model of localized matter

A model of anisotropic fluid with three perfect fluid components in interaction is studied. Each fluid component obeys the stiff matter equation of state and is irrotational. The interaction is chosen to reproduce an integrable system of equations similar to the one associated to self-dual SU(2) gauge fields. An extension of the BelinskyZakharov version of the inverse scattering transform is presented and used to find soliton solutions to the coupled Einstein equations. A particular class of solutions that can be interpreted as lumps of matter propagating in empty space-time is examined.

Lymphome surrénalien primaire bilatéral [Primary bilateral adrenal lymphoma]

When abdominal imaging reveals the existence of unsuspected adrenal masses, a diagnostic strategy is necessary. We report the case of a woman presenting with pulmonary embolism, in whom abdominal ultrasound revealed voluminous masses in both adrenals without clinical or biological signs of hormone hypersecretion, but with mild primary adrenal failure. From a CT scan-directed needle biopsy of the right adrenal mass and subsequent staging we were able to diagnose a primary bilateral adrenal lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell type (REAL/WHO). On CHOP chemotherapy both adrenal masses decreased dramatically and the patient is in remission 18 months later. Primary adrenal lymphoma is a rare condition, since 65 cases have been reported to date. Histological diagnosis is nevertheless important, in view of the excellent response to specific therapy observed in some cases.

Treatment of Recurrent Hepatitis C after Liver Transplantation with PEG-Interferon and Ribavirin.

Background and aim: Recurrent hepati tis C is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after li ver transpl ant ati on (LT), and optimal treatm ent algorithms have yet to be defined. Here, we present our experience of 22 patients with recurrent hepatitis C treated in our institution .Patients and methods: Twenty-two patients with hi stology-proven recurrent hepati tis Cafter LT were treated since 2003. Treatment was ini ti ated with pegylated interferon-a2a 135 IIg per week and ribavirin 400 mg per day in the majority of patients, and subsequent doses were adapted individllally based on on-treatment virologieal responses and c1inical and/or biochemical si de effeets.Results: On an intention-to-treat basis, ustained virological re ponse(SVR) was achieved in 12/21 (54.5%) patie nts (5/12 [41 .6%], 2/3 [67%], 4/5 [80%] and 1/2 [50%] of patients infected with genotypes 1,2,3 and 4, respectively). Two patients experieneed relap e and 6 did not respond to treatm ent (NR). Treatment duration ranged from 24 to 90 weeks. It was stopped prematurely due to adverse events in 6/22 (27.2%) patients (with SVR achieved in 2 patients, NR in 2 patients, and death of 2 patients: one patient awaiting retransplantation and a second patient with HCV-HJV co-infection and fibrosing cholestat ic hepatiti s, nine months after transplantation). Of note, SVR was achi eved in a patient \Vi th combined liver and kidney transplantation. Importantly, SVR \Vas ach ieved in some patients despite the lack ofan early virological response or HCV RNA negativity at week 24. Darbepoetin a and fil ~,'rasti m were used in 36% and 18%, respectively.Conclusion: Individually adapted treatment of recurrent hepatitis C canachieve SVR in a substantial proponion ofLT patients. Conventional stopping rules do not apply in this setting so that prolonged therapy may be useful in selected patients.

Lateglacial evolution of the Brenno glacier (Southern Swiss Alps) : preliminary results

The Lateglacial evolution of the Ticino glacier and tributaries is poorly known because of the lack of research by Quaternary geomorphologists during the last decades. In spite of the interest for the cryosphere reactions during the Lateglacial climate warming, only few scientific studies were carried out about the history of the northern valleys of the Ticino Alps during the deglaciation (e.g. Seiffert 1953, Renner 1982, Hantke 1983). Within the framework of geomorphological investigations on the Lateglacial and Holocene glacier/permafrost evolution in the Ticino Alps, the history of the Brenno glacier (Blenio Valley, Eastern Ticino Alps) during the end of the Pleistocene has been studied. The deglaciation sequence of the Blenio Valley is still not complete (Scapozza et al. 2009). Only the first glacial stadial of the Brenno glacier and the last Lateglacial stadials of the Greina region (northern Blenio valley, see Fontana et al. 2008) and of the upper Malvaglia Valley (eastern Blenio Valley, see Scapozza et al. 2008) have been unequivocally defined. For every stadial, the surface of the palaeoglacier and the depression of the Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA) have been reconstructed on the base of geomorphological mapping. The first individual glacial stadial of the Brenno glacier corresponds to the Biasca stadial of the Ticino glacier defined by Hantke (1983). The ELA depression of 1100-1200 meters and its morphological and glaciological characteristics allow us to correlate this stadial with the Weissbad stadial defined by Keller (1988). In the Greina region, three stadials corresponding to the end of the Lateglacial have been identified, with an ELA depression of 110, 210 and 310-350 meters (Fontana et al. 2008). In the upper Malvaglia Valley, three stadials corresponding to the end of the Oldest Dryas and the Younger Dryas have been identified for the Orino glacier, with an ELA depression of 290, 400-420 and 470-560 meters (Scapozza et al. 2008). If we consider the other (fragmentary) glacial deposits of the Blenio Valley, it is possible to define a regression sequence of the Brenno glacier with 8 stadials, from the Biasca stadial to the end of the Younger Dryas. An attempt of correlation with the model "Gothard" developed by Renner (1982) and Hantke (1983) and with the model "Eastern Swiss Alps" developed by Maisch (1982) is proposed in Table 1. The following chronological conclusions are, therefore, proposed: (1) the Biasca stadial is probably the first stadial after the transition Pleniglacial - Lateglacial; (2) the stadials BRE 7 to BRE 3 are positioned between the beginning of the Lateglacial and the Bølling-Allerød interstadial; (3) the stadials BRE 2 and BRE 1 are assumed to be related to the Younger Dryas event.

Transplantation hépatique : introduction en Suisse d'un nouveau système d'allocation des organes [Liver transplantation: new organ allocation system in Switzerland]

This article describes the new organ allocation system for liver transplantation introduced in Switzerland on July 1, 2007. In its newly adopted transplantation law, Switzerland chose the MELD score (Model for end-stage liver disease), based on three laboratory values: total bilirubin, serum creatinine and INR. Advantages and limitations of the MELD score are discussed. Finally the West Switzerland joint liver transplantation program is briefly introduced. Cet article décrit le nouveau système d'allocation des organes pour la transplantation hépatique, qui a été introduit en Suisse depuis le 1er juillet 2007. En se dotant d'une nouvelle loi sur la transplantation en 2007, la Suisse a en effet opté pour le score MELD (Model for end-stage liver disease), c'est-à-dire un score calculable à partir de trois valeurs de laboratoire : bilirubine totale, créatinine et INR. Les avantages du MELD, mais aussi quelques inconvénients potentiels, sont brièvement décrits. Afin de clarifier le parcours du patient pour lequel une évaluation prétransplantation hépatique spécialisée est indiquée, une brève description du programme romand de transplantation hépatique est présentée.

CYP3A7, CYP3A5, CYP3A4, and ABCB1 genetic polymorphisms, cyclosporine concentration, and dose requirement in transplant recipients.

Cyclosporine is a substrate of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A and of the transporter ABCB1, for which polymorphisms have been described. In particular, CYP3A5 *3/*3 genotype results in the absence of CYP3A5 activity, whereas CYP3A7 *1/*1C genotype results in high CYP3A7 expression in adults. Log-transformed dose-adjusted cyclosporine trough concentration and daily dose per weight were compared 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation between CYP3A and ABCB1 genotypes in 73 renal (n = 64) or lung (n = 9) transplant recipients. CYP3A5 expressors (*1/*3 genotype; n = 8-10) presented significantly lower dose-adjusted cyclosporine trough concentrations (P < 0.05) and required significantly higher daily doses per weight (P < 0.01) than the nonexpressors (*3/*3 genotype; n = 55-59) 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation. In addition, 7 days after transplantation, more CYP3A5 expressors had uncorrected trough cyclosporine concentration below the target concentration of 200 ng/mL than the nonexpressors (odds ratio = 7.2; 95% confidence interval = 1.4-37.3; P = 0.009). CYP3A4 rs4646437C>T influenced cyclosporine kinetics, the T carriers requiring higher cyclosporine dose. CYP3A7*1C carriers required a 1.4-fold to 1.6-fold higher cyclosporine daily dose during the first year after transplantation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and CYP3A7 polymorphisms affect cyclosporine metabolism, and therefore, their genotyping could be useful, in association with therapeutic drug monitoring, to prospectively optimize cyclosporine prescription in transplant recipients. The administration of a CYP3A genotype-dependent cyclosporine starting dose should therefore be tested prospectively in a randomized controlled clinical trial to assess whether it leads to an improvement of the patients outcome after transplantation, with adequate immunosuppression and decreased toxicity.