Sorção do herbicida acetochlor em amostras de solo, ácidos húmicos e huminas de argissolo submetido à semeadura direta e ao preparo convencional

A sorção de herbicidas no solo é um dos processos determinantes na sua dinâmica no ambiente. Para compostos fracamente polares, como é caso do acetochlor, a matéria orgânica do solo constitui o principal sorvente. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a sorção de acetochlor em amostras de solo, de ácidos húmicos e de huminas de um Argissolo Vermelho distrófico (PVd) submetido à semeadura direta e ao preparo convencional. Isotermas de sorção foram obtidas em temperatura ambiente e a concentração do herbicida foi determinada por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. As amostras de solo foram caracterizadas pelos teores de C orgânico e de substâncias húmicas; os ácidos húmicos e huminas foram caracterizados por análise elementar. A capacidade de sorção de acetochlor foi superior no solo de semeadura direta (Kd = 1,22 ± 0,11 L kg-1, K OC = 116 ± 10 L kg-1 C) em relação ao preparo convencional (Kd = 0,76 ± 0,08 L kg-1, K OC = 86 ± 8 L kg-1 C). Este comportamento foi relacionado, em parte, com o maior teor de C no solo tratado com semeadura direta. Nos ácidos húmicos de preparo convencional, a sorção (Kd = 178 ± 18,9 L kg-1, K OC = 352 ± 37 L kg-1C) foi similar à verificada nos ácidos húmicos de semeadura direta (Kd = 158 ± 14,6 L kg-1, K OC = 321 ± 30 L kg-1 C); situação semelhante foi observada com as huminas. Dentre as frações húmicas avaliadas, as huminas apresentaram maior capacidade de sorção (Kd = 1.028 e 1.183 L kg-1, K OC = 2.691 e 2.892 L kg-1 C).

[Lettre autographe signée de Giuseppe Verdi adressée à Escudier, Naples, 3 février 1873]

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Discordant increases in CD4+ T cells in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients experiencing virologic treatment failure: role of changes in thymic output and T cell death.

Some patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who are experiencing antiretroviral treatment failure have persistent improvement in CD4+ T cell counts despite high plasma viremia. To explore the mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon, 2 parameters influencing the dynamics of CD4+ T cells were evaluated: death of mature CD4+ T cells and replenishment of the CD4+ T cell pool by the thymus. The improvement in CD4+ T cells observed in patients with treatment failure was not correlated with spontaneous, Fas ligand-induced, or activation-induced T cell death. In contrast, a significant correlation between the improvement in CD4+ T cell counts and thymic output, as assessed by measurement of T cell receptor excision circles, was observed. These observations suggest that increased thymic output contributes to the dissociation between CD4+ T cell counts and viremia in patients failing antiretroviral therapy and support a model in which drug-resistant HIV strains may have reduced replication rates and pathogenicity in the thymus.

Validated prediction of clinical outcome in sarcomas and multiple types of cancer on the basis of a gene expression signature related to genome complexity.

Sarcomas are heterogeneous and aggressive mesenchymal tumors. Histological grading has so far been the best predictor for metastasis-free survival, but it has several limitations, such as moderate reproducibility and poor prognostic value for some histological types. To improve patient grading, we performed genomic and expression profiling in a training set of 183 sarcomas and established a prognostic gene expression signature, complexity index in sarcomas (CINSARC), composed of 67 genes related to mitosis and chromosome management. In a multivariate analysis, CINSARC predicts metastasis outcome in the training set and in an independent 127 sarcomas validation set. It is superior to the Fédération Francaise des Centres de Lutte Contre le Cancer grading system in determining metastatic outcome for sarcoma patients. Furthermore, it also predicts outcome for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), breast carcinomas and lymphomas. Application of the signature will permit more selective use of adjuvant therapies for people with sarcomas, leading to decreased iatrogenic morbidity and improved outcomes for such individuals.

Ly49D engagement on T lymphocytes induces TCR-independent activation and CD8 effector functions that control tumor growth.

Recent data showing expression of activating NK receptors (NKR) by conventional T lymphocytes raise the question of their role in the triggering of TCR-independent responses that could be damaging for the host. Transgenic mice expressing the activating receptor Ly49D/DAP12 offer the opportunity to better understand the relevance of ITAM signaling in the biology of T cells. In vitro experiments showed that Ly49D engagement on T lymphocytes by a cognate MHC class I ligand expressed by Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells or by specific Ab triggered cellular activation of both CD4 and CD8 populations with modulation of activation markers and cytokine production. The forced expression of the ITAM signaling chain DAP12 is mandatory for Ly49D-transgenic T cell activation. In addition, Ly49D stimulation induced T lymphocyte proliferation, which was much stronger for CD8 T cells. Phenotypic analysis of anti-Ly49D-stimulated CD8 T cells and their ability to produce high levels of IFN-gamma and to kill target cells indicate that Ly49D ligation generates effector cytotoxic CD8 T cells. Ly49D engagement by itself also triggered cytotoxic activity of activated CD8 T cells. Adoptive transfer experiments confirmed that Ly49D-transgenic CD8 T cells are able to control growth of CHO tumor cells or RMA cells transfected with Hm1-C4, the Ly49D ligand normally expressed by CHO. In conclusion, Ly49D engagement on T cells leads to T cell activation and to a full range of TCR-independent effector functions of CD8 T cells.

Effect of collection and preprocessing methods on neutrophil elastase plasma concentrations.

OBJECTIVES: Elevated plasma levels of the elastase alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor complex (E-alpha 1 PI) have been proposed as a marker of bacterial infection and neutrophil activation. Liberation of elastase from neutrophils after collection of blood may cause falsely elevated results. Collection methods have not been validated for critically ill neonates and children. We evaluated the influence of preanalytical methods on E-alpha 1 PI results including the recommended collection into EDTA tubes. DESIGN AND METHODS: First, we compared varying acceleration speeds and centrifugation times. Centrifugation at 1550 g for 3 min resulted in reliable preparation of leukocyte free plasma. Second, we evaluated all collection tubes under consideration for absorption of E-alpha 1 PI. Finally, 12 sets of samples from healthy adults and 42 sets obtained from critically ill neonates and children were distributed into the various sampling tubes. Samples were centrifuged within 15 min of collection and analyzed with a new turbidimetric assay adapted to routine laboratory analyzers. RESULTS: One of the two tubes containing a plasma-cell separation gel absorbed 22.1% of the E-alpha 1 PI content. In the remaining tubes without absorption of E-alpha 1 PI no differences were observed for samples from healthy adult patients. However, in samples from critically ill neonates or children, significantly higher results were obtained for plain Li-heparin tubes (mean = 183 micrograms/L), EDTA tubes (mean = 93 micrograms/L), and citrate tubes (mean = 88.5 micrograms/L) than for the Li-hep tube with cell-plasma separation gel and no absorption of E-alpha 1 PI (mean = 62.4 micrograms/L, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Contrary to healthy adults, E-alpha 1 PI results in plasma samples from critically ill neonates and children depend on the type of collection tube.

Genetic diversity and ecological success of Staphylococcus aureus strains colonizing humans.

The genetic determinants and phenotypic traits which make a Staphylococcus aureus strain a successful colonizer are largely unknown. The genetic diversity and population structure of 133 S. aureus isolates from healthy, generally risk-free adult carriers were investigated using four different typing methods: multilocus sequence typing (MLST), amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis (AFLP), double-locus sequence typing (DLST), and spa typing were compared. Carriage isolates displayed great genetic diversity which could only be revealed fully by DLST. Results of AFLP and MLST were highly concordant in the delineation of genotypic clusters of closely related isolates, roughly equivalent to clonal complexes. spa typing and DLST provided considerably less phylogenetic information. The resolution of spa typing was similar to that of AFLP and inferior to that of DLST. AFLP proved to be the most universal method, combining a phylogeny-building capacity similar to that of MLST with a much higher resolution. However, it had a lower reproducibility than sequencing-based MLST, DLST, and spa typing. We found two cases of methicillin-resistant S. aureus colonization, both of which were most likely associated with employment at a health service. Of 21 genotypic clusters detected, 2 were most prevalent: cluster 45 and cluster 30 each colonized 24% of the carrier population. The number of bacteria found in nasal samples varied significantly among the clusters, but the most prevalent clusters were not particularly numerous in the nasal samples. We did not find much evidence that genotypic clusters were associated with different carrier characteristics, such as age, sex, medical conditions, or antibiotic use. This may provide empirical support for the idea that genetic clusters in bacteria are maintained in the absence of adaptation to different niches. Alternatively, carrier characteristics other than those evaluated here or factors other than human hosts may exert selective pressure maintaining genotypic clusters.

Programme latin de don d'organes: les intensivistes se mettent en réseau [Latin program for organ donation: the intensivists are networking]

The new Swiss federal law on organ and transplantation strengthens the responsibilities of the intensive care units. In Italian and French speaking parts of Switzerland, the Programme Latin pour le Don d'Organe (PLDO) has been launched to foster a wider collaboration between intensivists and donation coordinators. The PLDO aims at optimising knowledge and expertise in organ donation through improvements in identification, notification and management of organ donors and their next of kin. The PLDO dispenses education to all professionals involved. Such organisation should allow increasing the number of organs available, while improving healthcare professionals experience and next of kin emotion throughout the donation process.

Effect of antiviral therapy on circulating cytokeratin-18 fragments in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Hepatocellular apoptosis plays a major role in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C. It can be measured noninvasively by determining the circulating levels of cytokeratin-18 fragments. We hypothesized that the effect of antiviral therapy on this parameter will be different in patients with a sustained virological response, relapse (REL) and nonresponse (NR). We quantified cytokeratin-18 fragments in plasma of patients participating in the Swiss Hepatitis C cohort, who received antiviral therapy without stopping because of sides effects. A total of 315 patients were included, 183 with a sustained response, 64 with NR and 68 who relapsed. Mean levels ±SD of circulating cytokeratin-18 fragments before therapy were 174 ± 172 U/L for responsders, 188 ± 145 for nonresponders and 269 ± 158 U/L for patients who relapsed. The values were significantly higher in the REL group (ANOVA P < 0.006). A sustained response was associated with a significant improvement of the plasma levels (94 ± 92 U/L, paired test P < 0.000001), whereas there was no improvement in the nonresponder group (183 ± 158 U/L) and in the relapser group (158 ± 148 U/L). There was a weak correlation between alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and cytokeratin-18 fragment levels (r² = 0.35, P < 0.000001) before therapy but not after therapy and none with hepatitis C virus (HCV) viremia. Successful antiviral therapy results in a significant decrease in circulating levels of cytokeratin-18 fragments arguing for a reduction in hepatocellular apoptosis after clearance of the HCV. Baseline cytokeratin-18 fragment levels are higher in relapsers. Correlations with ALT are weak, suggesting that these two tests measure different but related processes.

Protein kinase C-zeta mediates retinal degeneration in response to TNF.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) has been implicated in retinal ganglion cells (RGC) degeneration in glaucoma. Atypical protein kinase C (PKC) zeta is involved in cell protection against various stresses. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential proapoptotic effects of intravitreal injections of TNF with or without PKCzeta specific inhibitor on the rat retina. TNF was injected in the vitreous of rat eyes alone or in combination with specific PKCzeta inhibitor. PKCzeta and NF-kappaB were studied by immunohistochemistry and western-blotting analysis on retina, and apoptosis quantified by the TUNEL assay. While low basal PKCzeta was observed in the control eyes, TNF induced intense expression of PKCzeta mostly in bipolar cells processes. PKCzeta staining became nuclear when TNF was coinjected with PKCzeta inhibitor. TNF alone did not induce apoptosis in the retina. Coinjection of the PKCzeta-specific inhibitor and TNF, however, induced apoptosis in the inner nuclear and ganglion cell layers. The PKCzeta-specific inhibitor unmasks retinal cells to TNF cytotoxicity showing a link between the proapoptotic effects of TNF and the antiapoptotic PKCzeta signaling pathway.

Fracture ostéoporotique chez les femmes ménopausées: l'alendronate réduit le risque. [Osteoporotic fracture in menopausal women: alendronate reduces the risk]

Cette rubrique présente les résultats d'une revue systématique publiée par la Collaboration Cochrane dans la Cochrane Library au premier trimestre 2008 (www.cochrane.org/). Volontairement limité à un champ de recherche circonscrit, cet article reflète l'état actuel des connaissances de ce domaine. Il ne s'agit donc pas de recommandations pour guider la prise en charge d'une problématique clinique considérée dans sa globalité (guidelines).

Acúmulo de ácido oxálico e cristais de cálcio em ectomicorrizas de eucalipto.: I- produção de ácido oxálico e concentração de nutrientes em raízes laterais finas colonizadas por fungos ectomicorrízicos

O eucalipto apresenta ótimo crescimento em solo com baixa fertilidade, mas pouco se sabe sobre a participação das ectomicorrizas e de ácidos orgânicos na aquisição e no acúmulo de nutrientes pela planta em campo. A produção de ácido oxálico e sua relação com as concentrações de P, Ca, Mg e K foram avaliadas em ectomicorrizas e raízes laterais finas de híbrido de Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla, de 2,5 anos de idade, na região de Viçosa, MG. A área de estudo apresenta topografia típica em meia laranja, de vertente côncavo-convexa. Foram também avaliadas as concentrações desse composto no solo rizosférico, não rizosférico e ectomicorrizosférico. As maiores percentagens de colonização micorrízica foram observadas na área de encosta, onde havia limitada disponibilidade de nutrientes e alta saturação de Al. As concentrações de ácido oxálico + oxalato corresponderam, em mg kg-1: folhas, 324,6; ectomicorrizas, 208,3; raízes laterais finas não colonizadas, 183,1. Já no solo, as concentrações foram maiores no solo ectomicorrizosférico, com 183,7 mg kg-1, seguido pelo solo rizosférico, com 134,3 mg kg-1, e pelo solo não rizosférico, com 76,0 mg kg-1. As maiores concentrações de ácido oxálico e P (p < 0,05) nas ectomicorrizas da área do topo, 117,3 mg kg-1 e 6,3 g kg-1, respectivamente, sugerem que as populações de fungos ectomicorrízicos nesta área têm papel importante na solubilização e disponibilização de nutrientes para o hospedeiro. Não foram observadas correlações positivas significativas entre a produção de ácido oxálico e as concentrações de Ca nas raízes laterais finas e nas ectomicorrizas de eucalipto.