265 research outputs found
COVID-19 and Liver Cirrhosis: Focus on the Nonclassical Renin-Angiotensin System and Implications for Therapy
TISSUE RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM IN THE KIDNEY OF ASCITIC CIRRHOSIS: AN INNOCENT BYSTANDER OR A PROTAGONIST?
Pharmacological Inhibition of FAK-Pyk2 Pathway Protects Against Organ Damage and Prolongs the Survival of Septic Mice
Genetic deletion of RAGE in Dbdb mice interferes with AGEs receptors and detoxifying systems in liver
Different impact of dietary fructose and galactose on metaflammation in rats: protective effects of prebiotic fructooligosaccharydes supplementation
WebGIS as boundary tools between scientific geoinformation and disaster risk reduction action in volcanic areas
As the amount of spatial data is growing, there is increased interest in
developing tools to explore, visualize and interpret them, with the final
aim of informing decision making efficiently. Within the European MIAVITA
project, we examined this issue in the case of volcanic areas, where
existing geospatial databases are particularly complex due to the number of
threats to be considered, including volcanic (e.g. lava flows, ash fall)
and non-volcanic hazards, such as landslides or tsunamis. We involved a
group of hazard and risk analysts and managers, civil security officers, GIS
analysts and system developers to design a Web-based geographical
information system (WebGIS). We tested the system at the Mount Cameroon
volcano, taking advantage of a complex hazard and risk geographical
database. This study enabled identifying key requirements for such tools in
volcanic areas, such as the need to manage user privileges differently
according to their profile and the status of the volcano. This work also
highlights that, in addition to the development of large geoinformation
clearinghouses, there is a need for site-specific information systems
focused on working procedures of users, in order to fill the last gap
between data producers and users
Frequency and Diversity of Nitrate Reductase Genes among Nitrate-Dissimilating Pseudomonas in the Rhizosphere of Perennial Grasses Grown in Field Conditions
A total of 1246 Pseudomonas strains were isolated from the rhizosphere of two perennial grasses (Lolium perenne and Molinia coerulea) with different nitrogen requirements. The plants were grown in their native soil under ambient and elevated atmospheric CO2 content (pCO2) at the Swiss FACE (Free Air CO2 Enrichment) facility. Root-, rhizosphere-, and non-rhizospheric soil-associated strains were characterized in terms of their ability to reduce nitrate during an in vitro assay and with respect to the genes encoding the membrane-bound (named NAR) and periplasmic (NAP) nitrate reductases so far described in the genus Pseudomonas. The diversity of corresponding genes was assessed by PCR-RFLP on narG and napA genes, which encode the catalytic subunit of nitrate reductases. The frequency of nitrate-dissimilating strains decreased with root proximity for both plants and was enhanced under elevated pCO2 in the rhizosphere of L. perenne. NAR (54% of strains) as well as NAP (49%) forms were present in nitrate-reducing strains, 15.5% of the 439 strains tested harbouring both genes. The relative proportions of narG and napA detected in Pseudomonas strains were different according to root proximity and for both pCO2 treatments: the NAR form was more abundant close to the root surface and for plants grown under elevated pCO2. Putative denitrifiers harbored mainly the membrane-bound (NAR) form of nitrate reductase. Finally, both narG and napA sequences displayed a high level of diversity. Anyway, this diversity was correlated neither with the root proximity nor with the pCO2 treatmen
Oxidative stress and kidney dysfunction due to ischemia/reperfusion in rat: attenuation by dehydroepiandrosterone.
Oxidative stress and kidney dysfunction due to ischemia/reperfusion in rat: Attenuation by dehydroepiandrosterone.BackgroundThe pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) involves generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. This in vivo study investigates the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a physiologic steroid with antioxidant properties, on oxidative balance and renal dysfunctions induced by monolateral I/R.MethodsNormal and DHEA-treated rats (4mg/day × 21 days, orally) were subjected to monolateral renal I/R (30 minutes/6 hours). The oxidative state was determined by measuring hydrogen peroxide level and activities of glutathione-peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nitric oxide production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels were also measured. Hydroxynonenal content was used to probe lipid peroxidation. Functional parameters determined were creatinine levels and Na/K-ATPase activity. Immunohistochemical and morphologic studies were also performed.ResultsA markedly pro-oxidant state was evident in the kidney of rats subjected to I/R. Both hydrogen peroxide and reactive nitrogen species (nitric oxide and iNOS) increased, whereas antioxidants decreased. Oxidant species induce TNF-α increase, which, in turn, produces lipoperoxidative processes, as documented by the increased hydroxynonenal (HNE) level. As final result, impaired renal functionality, hydropic degeneration, and vacuolization of proximal convolute tubules were observed in kidneys of I/R rats. DHEA pretreatment improved the parameters considered.ConclusionI/R induces oxidative stress and consequently damages the proximal convolute renal tubules. Rats supplemented with DHEA and subjected to I/R had reduced pro-oxidant state, oxidative damage, and improved renal functionality, indicating an attenuation of oxidative injury and dysfunctions mediated by I/R
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