Temporal patterns of picoplankton abundance and metabolism on the western coast of the equatorial Atlantic Ocean

Picoplankton are central global carbon (C) cycling players and often dominate the ocean plankton communities, especially in low latitudes. Therefore, evaluating picoplankton temporal dynamics is critical to understanding microbial stocks and C fluxes in tropical oceans. However, the lack of studies on low-latitude picoplankton communities translates into a common conception that there is an absence of seasonality. Herein, we studied the temporal variation in abundance (measured by flow cytometry), and carbon flux (taking bacterial production and respiration as proxies) of the picoplanktonic community for the first time, as well as their environmental drivers in a low-latitude (05° 59’ 20.7″S 035° 05’ 14.6″W) Atlantic coastal station. We performed monthly samplings between February 2013 and August 2016 in a novel microbial observatory – hereafter called the Equatorial Atlantic Microbial Observatory – established on the northeastern Brazilian Atlantic coast. Our results revealed stability in temporal dynamics of picoplankton, despite a considerable inter-annual variation, with some related to the El Niño (ENSO) event in 2015. However, weak environmental relationships found were not enough to explain the variation in picoplankton’s abundance, which suggests that other factors such as biological interactions may lead to picoplankton abundance variation over time. Heterotrophic bacteria dominated picoplankton during the entire study period and between photosynthetic counterparts, and Synechococcus showed greater relative importance than picoeukaryotes. These results bring a novel perspective that picoplankton may exhibit more pronounced fluctuations in the tropical region when considering inter-annual intervals, and is increasing prokaryotic contribution to carbon cycling towards the equator.Fil: Menezes, Maiara. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte; BrasilFil: Junger, Pedro C.. Universidade Federal do São Carlos; BrasilFil: Kavagutti, Vinicius S.. Universidade Federal do São Carlos; BrasilFil: Wanderley, Bruno. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte; BrasilFil: Cabral, Anderson de Souza. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Paranhos, Rodolfo. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Unrein, Fernando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Martin. Instituto Tecnologico de Chascomus. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - la Plata. Instituto Tecnologico de Chascomus.; ArgentinaFil: Amado, André M.. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte; Brasil. Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora; BrasilFil: Sarmento, Hugo. Universidade Federal do São Carlos; Brasi

Effects of Resistance Training on Oxidative Stress Markers and Muscle Damage in Spinal Cord Injured Rats

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a condition that affects the central nervous system, is characterized by motor and sensory impairments, and impacts individuals’ lives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of resistance training on oxidative stress and muscle damage in spinal cord injured rats. Methodology: Forty Wistar rats were selected and divided equally into five groups: Healthy Control (CON), Sham (SHAM) SCI Untrained group (SCI-U), SCI Trained group (SCI- T), SCI Active Trained group (SCI- AT). Animals in the trained groups were submitted to an incomplete SCI at T9. Thereafter, they performed a protocol of resistance training for four weeks. Results: Significant differences in muscle damage markers and oxidative stress in the trained groups, mainly in SCI- AT, were found. On the other hand, SCI- U group presented higher levels of oxidative stress and biomarkers of LDH and AST. Conclusion: The results highlight that resistance training promoted a decrease in oxidative stress and a significative response in muscle damage markers. Keywords: spinal cord injury; resistance training; oxidative stress; muscle damag

Concentrações De Nutrientes Nos Tecidos De Grãos De Soja, Influenciados Por Fontes E Doses Fosfatadas Em Solo De Alta Fertilidade E Em Cultivo No Cerrado

The soybean crop is of the main crops of Brazilian agribusiness, and may be limited by wrong fertilization in cerrado. With this study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of phosphate fertilizer, the use of fertilization sources and doses in soybean maintenance, on soil with high content of P, and checking the actual effectiveness of the use of triple superphosphate increased efficiency. The experiment was conducted in completely randomized block design with four replications in a factorial scheme 2x5, being the first factor sources of fertilizers (triple superphosphate and triple increased efficiency superphosphate) and second factor five doses of P2O5 (0, 40, 80, 120 and 240 kg ha-1). The experiment was conducted at the experimental area in Rio Verde, GO, seeking to evaluate the influences on the characteristics of production components and soybean yields, soil fertility, nutrient concentrations of harvested soybeans and the dynamics of P in the soil. The phosphorus fertilization influenced the contents of P, S, Cu and Fe in the soil and N and Fe concentrations in the grain harvested. For phosphate fertilizer, it is recommended the use of conventional triple superphosphate at dose of 75 kg ha-1 of P2O5.A cultura da soja é uma das principais culturas do agronegócio brasileiro, podendo ser limitada por adubações equivocadas em área de cerrado. Com o presente trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da adubação fosfatada, pelo uso de fontes e doses na adubação de manutenção da cultura da soja, na fertilidade do solo, em condições de solo com alto teor de P. O experimento foi realizado em delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial de 2x5, sendo o primeiro fator fontes de fertilizantes (superfosfato triplo e superfosfato triplo de eficiência aumentada) e segundo fator doses de P2O5 (0, 40, 80, 120 e 240 kg ha-1). O experimento foi conduzido em área experimental, em Rio Verde, GO, buscando-se avaliar as influências nas características de componentes de produção e produtividade da soja, na fertilidade do solo, concentrações nutricionais dos grãos de soja colhidos e a dinâmica do P no solo. Constatou-se que adubação fosfatada influenciou os teores de P, S, Cu e Fe do solo e nas concentrações de N e Fe dos grãos colhidos. Para a adubação fosfatada, recomenda-se o uso do Superfosfato triplo convencional na dose de 75 kg ha-1 de P2O5

Dinâmica Do Fósforo Em Solos De Alta Fertilidade: Fontes E Doses Fosfatadas Em Cultivo Da Cultura De Soja No Cerrado

The soybean crop is of the main crops of Brazilian agribusiness, and may be limited by wrong fertilization in cerrado. With this study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of phosphate fertilizer, the use of fertilization sources and doses in soybean maintenance, on soil with high content of P, and checking the actual effectiveness of the use of triple superphosphate increased efficiency. The experiment was conducted in completely randomized block design with four replications in a factorial scheme 2x5, being the first factor sources of fertilizers (triple superphosphate and triple increased efficiency superphosphate) and second factor five doses of P2O5 (0, 40, 80, 120 and 240 kg ha-1). The experiment was conducted at the experimental area in Rio Verde, GO, seeking to evaluate the influences on the characteristics of production components and soybean yields, soil fertility, nutrient concentrations of harvested soybeans and the dynamics of P in the soil. For phosphate fertilizer, it is recommended the use of conventional triple superphosphate at dose of 75 kg ha-1 of P2O5.A cultura da soja é uma das principais culturas do agronegócio brasileiro, podendo ser limitada por adubações equivocadas em área de cerrado. Com o presente trabalho, objetivou avaliar a dinâmica da adubação fosfatada, pelo uso de fontes e doses na adubação de manutenção da cultura da soja, em solo com alto teor de P, verificando a real eficácia do uso do superfosfato triplo de eficiência aumentada. O experimento foi realizado em delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial de 2x5, sendo o primeiro fator fontes de fertilizantes (superfosfato triplo e superfosfato triplo de eficiência aumentada) e segundo fator doses de P2O5 (0, 40, 80, 120 e 240 kg ha-1). O experimento foi conduzido em área experimental, em Rio Verde, GO, buscando-se avaliar as influências nas características de componentes de produção e produtividade da soja, bem como, na dinâmica do P no solo. Constatou-se que a cultura da soja não respondeu à adubação fosfatada, em solo com alto teor de P. O uso do Superfosfato triplo de eficiência aumentada não modifica a produtividade de grãos, mas, aumentou a exportação de P via grãos da cultura, em comparação ao Superfosfato Triplo convencional. Para a adubação fosfatada, recomenda-se o uso do Superfosfato triplo convencional na dose de 75 kg ha-1 de P2O5

Microbial community profile and water quality in a protected area of the caatinga biome

The Caatinga is a semi-arid biome in northeast Brazil. The Paraguaçú River is located in the Caatinga biome, and part of its course is protected by the National Park of Chapada Diamantina (PNCD). In this study we evaluated the effect of PNCD protection on the water quality and microbial community diversity of this river by analyzing water samples obtained from points located inside and outside the PNCD in both wet and dry seasons. Results of water quality analysis showed higher levels of silicate, ammonia, particulate organic carbon, and nitrite in samples from the unprotected area compared with those from protected areas. Pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA genes revealed that Burkholderiales was abundant in samples from all three sites during both seasons and was represented primarily by the genus Polynucleobacter and members of the Comamonadaceae family (e.g., genus Limnohabitans). During the dry season, the unprotected area showed a higher abundance of Flavobacterium sp. and Arthrobacter sp., which are frequently associated with the presence and/or degradation of arsenic and pesticide compounds. In addition, genes that appear to be related to agricultural impacts on the environment, as well as those involved in arsenic and cadmium resistance, copper homeostasis, and propanediol utilization, were detected in the unprotected areas by metagenomic sequencing. Although PNCD protection improves water quality, agricultural activities around the park may affect water quality within the park and may account for the presence of bacteria capable of pesticide degradation and assimilation, evidencing possible anthropogenic impacts on the Caatinga

Effects of 16 weeks of a physical exercise program on blood markers, functional autonomy and level of depression in elderly and old adults.

O objetivo foi analisar os efeitos de um programa de exerc?cio f?sico sobre marcadores sangu?neos, autonomia funcional e n?vel de depress?o. Um total de 112 sujeitos com doen?as metab?licas controladas por hipocolesterolemia e hipoglicemiantes distribu?dos em dois grupos participaram do estudo; grupo composto por 54 membros com idade m?dia de 62,11 anos e grupo controle (GC) com 58 indiv?duos com idade m?dia de 63,03 anos. Foi observado que a ur?ia, creatina e as vari?veis pot?ssio n?o apresentaram diferen?a interessante entre os dois momentos do estudo, enquanto TGP e s?dio obtiveram redu??es nos valores m?dios de 2,46 mg / dl e 10 mg / dl com grande efeito de ?p2 0,153, ?p2 0,43 e signific?ncia p <0,047 e p <0,039 ao comparar os dois momentos entre os grupos exerc?cio / controle. A qualidade da for?a entre os momentos pr? e p?s entre os grupos exerc?cio / controle mostrou um aumento de 2,53 kgf de pequeno efeito de ?p2,23 para o grupo exerc?cio, enquanto o controle reduziu. Tamb?m houve diferen?as entre o pr? e o p?s-treinamento nos indicadores de autonomia funcional dos grupos GC. O GE reduziu os n?veis de depress?o em rela??o ao GC. Concluiu-se que o treinamento f?sico realizado por 16 semanas foi eficaz na redu??o dos n?veis de s?dio, a vari?vel TGP, aumento dos n?veis de for?a dos membros superiores, al?m de favorecer a melhora da capacidade funcional e reduzir os n?veis de depress?o.The objective was to analyze the effects of a physical exercise program on blood markers, functional autonomy and level of depression. A total of 112 subjects with metabolic diseases controlled by hypocholesterolemia and hypoglycemics distributed in two groups participated in the study; group composed of 54 members with mean age of 62.11 years and control group (CG) with 58 individuals with a mean age of 63.03 years. It was observed that urea, creatine and potassium variables did not present an interesting difference between the two moments of the study, while TGP and sodium obtained reductions in mean values of 2.46 mg / dl and 10 mg / dl with a great effect of ?p2 0.153, ?p2 0.43 and significance p <0.047 and p <0.039 when comparing the two moments between the exercise / control groups. The quality of the force between the pre and post moments between the exercise / control groups showed an increase of 2.53 kgf of small effect of ?p2,23 for the exercise group, while the control reduced. There were also differences between pre and post-training in the functional autonomy indicators of the CG groups. The GE reduced the levels of depression compared to the CG. It was concluded that physical training performed for 16 weeks was effective in reducing sodium levels, the TGP variable, increased strength levels of the upper limbs, as well as improving functional capacity and reducing depression levels

Smartphone-based evaluation of static balance and mobility in long-lasting COVID-19 patients

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to a variety of persistent sequelae, collectively known as long COVID-19. Deficits in postural balance have been reported in patients several months after COVID-19 infection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the static balance and balance of individuals with long COVID-19 using inertial sensors in smartphones.MethodsA total of 73 participants were included in this study, of which 41 had long COVID-19 and 32 served as controls. All participants in the long COVID-19 group reported physical complaints for at least 7 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants were evaluated using a built-in inertial sensor of a smartphone attached to the low back, which recorded inertial signals during a static balance and mobility task (timed up and go test). The parameters of static balance and mobility obtained from both groups were compared.ResultsThe groups were matched for age and BMI. Of the 41 participants in the long COVID-19 group, 22 reported balance impairment and 33 had impaired balance in the Sharpened Romberg test. Static balance assessment revealed that the long COVID-19 group had greater postural instability with both eyes open and closed than the control group. In the TUG test, the long COVID-19 group showed greater acceleration during the sit-to-stand transition compared to the control group.ConclusionThe smartphone was feasible to identify losses in the balance motor control and mobility of patients with long-lasting symptomatic COVID-19 even after several months or years. Attention to the balance impairment experienced by these patients could help prevent falls and improve their quality of life, and the use of the smartphone can expand this monitoring for a broader population