Microsatellites for the Amazonian Fish Hypophthalmus marginatus

We isolated 41 and characterized 17 microsatellite loci for evaluating the genetic structure of the Amazonian fish Hypophthalmus marginatus, from the Tocantins and Araguaia River in the Eastern Amazonia. Of the 17 selected microsatellite sequences, 15 were dinucleotide repeats, 9 of which were perfect (5–31 repetitions) and 6 were composite motifs. Among these 17 microsatellites, only two were polymorphic. The average number of alleles (Na) observed in the five examined populations ranged from 3.5 to 4.5, while the average observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranged from 0.3 to 0.6. The allelic frequency was less homogeneous at the locus Hm 5 than that for the Hm 13. Genetic diversity was measured in three upstream and two downstream populations under the influence of the Tucuruí Hydroelectric Dam. Our findings provide evidence for low levels of genetic diversity in H. marginatus of the Tocantis basin possibility related to the Dam construction. The Fst and Rst analysis fits well with migratory characteristics of H. marginatus, suggesting the existence of a gene flow mainly in the upstream or downstream directions. To test the hypothesis that the Dam was responsible for the detected reduction on this species genetic diversity, a large number of genetic markers are recommended, covering geographic distribution range of the fish species

Efecto de TBT en Acetilcolinesterasa de Perna Perna (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mytilidae)

La acetilcolineterasa (AChE) es uno de los biomarcadores más conocidos en los programas de monitoreo ecotoxicológico de los organofosforados y carbamatos. Sin embargo, algunos estudios plantean la posibilidad de que la acetilcolinesterasa también actúe como un biomarcador para otros xenobióticos. Con este enfoque hemos realizado pruebas de comparación de este biomarcador en dos ubicaciones en la ciudad de Arraial do Cabo � RJ, Brasil. La playa dos Anjos, una ensenada que alberga un puerto considerado como un entorno impactado por tributilestaño y una playa oceánica Praia Grande que se introdujo en nuestro estudio como un entorno de referencia. En dos muestras (03/04/2004 y 09/06/2005) las actividades específicas de la actividad de la acetilcolinesterasa en branquias de P perna fueron mayores en la playa dos Anjos, corroborando los experimentos de laboratorio realizados por otros autores. Estudios adicionales son importantes para la determinación del imposex asociado a la acetilcolinesterasa, y también puede integrar la función de los biomarcadores de exposición a tributilestaño en los moluscos.La acetilcolineterasa (AChE) es uno de los biomarcadores más conocidos en los programas de monitoreo ecotoxicológico de los organofosforados y carbamatos. Sin embargo, algunos estudios plantean la posibilidad de que la acetilcolinesterasa también actúe como un biomarcador para otros xenobióticos. Con este enfoque hemos realizado pruebas de comparación de este biomarcador en dos ubicaciones en la ciudad de Arraial do Cabo � RJ, Brasil. La playa dos Anjos, una ensenada que alberga un puerto considerado como un entorno impactado por tributilestaño y una playa oceánica Praia Grande que se introdujo en nuestro estudio como un entorno de referencia. En dos muestras (03/04/2004 y 09/06/2005) las actividades específicas de la actividad de la acetilcolinesterasa en branquias de P perna fueron mayores en la playa dos Anjos, corroborando los experimentos de laboratorio realizados por otros autores. Estudios adicionales son importantes para la determinación del imposex asociado a la acetilcolinesterasa, y también puede integrar la función de los biomarcadores de exposición a tributilestaño en los moluscos

Fabrication and antimicrobial performance of surfaces integrating graphene-based materials

Although graphene-based materials (GBMs) have been thoroughly explored, their use in antimicrobial surfaces is still a developing field. This review overviews the different methods for fabricating GBMs-containing surfaces (free-standing films, coatings or bulk composites) and their antibacterial properties. The difficulty in controlling the broad number of factors affecting interactions between GBMs and bacteria hampers the establishment of clear cause-effect relations. Nevertheless, it is clear that GBMs size, exposure, oxidation, as well as surface conductivity and roughness are the main surface features influencing the antimicrobial properties. Depending on the production method, GBMs basal planes and/or sharp edges are exposed, having a major impact on bacteria through electron transference, piercing of the membrane or pore formation, amongst others. Each of these effects leads to production of oxidative stress and/or bacterial membrane disruption and, consequently, to bacterial death. While oxidized graphene-containing surfaces are antimicrobial when either basal planes or sharp edges are exposed, graphene-containing surfaces are mainly effective when sharp edges are protruding, except for few studies showing effect due to graphene basal planes when coated over conductive materials. As such, this review enlightens and clarifies the surface features most strongly affecting bacteria, providing researchers the necessary tools to produce antibacterial GBMs-containing surfaces with tuned mechanisms of action

Pharmacodynamic modeling of cardiac biomarkers in breast cancer patients treated with anthracycline and trastuzumab regimens

Trastuzumab is associated with cardiotoxicity, manifesting as a decrease of the left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Administration of anthracyclines prior to trastuzumab increases risk of cardiotoxicity. High-sensitive troponin T and N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are molecular markers that may allow earlier detection of drug-induced cardiotoxicity. In this analysis we aimed to quantify the kinetics and exposure–response relationships of LVEF, troponin T and NT-proBNP measurements, in patients receiving anthracycline and trastuzumab. Repeated measurements of LVEF, troponin T and NT-proBNP and dosing records of anthracyclines and trastuzumab were available from a previously published clinical trial. This trial included 206 evaluable patients with early breast cancer. Exposure to anthracycline and trastuzumab was simulated based on available dosing records and by using a kinetic-pharmacodynamic (K-PD) and a fixed pharmacokinetic (PK) model from literature, respectively. The change from baseline troponin T was described with a direct effect model, affected by simulated anthracycline concentrations, representing myocyte damage. The relationship between trastuzumab and LVEF was described by an indirect effect compartment model. The EC50 for LVEF decline was significantly affected by the maximum troponin T concentration after anthracycline treatment, explaining 15.1% of inter-individual variability. In this cohort, NT-proBNP changes could not be demonstrated to be related to anthracycline or trastuzumab treatment. Pharmacodynamic models for troponin T and LVEF were successfully developed, identifying maximum troponin T concentration after anthracycline treatment as a significant determinant for trastuzumab-induced LVEF decline. These models can help identify patients at risk of drug-induced cardiotoxicity and optimize cardiac monitoring strategies

Pharmacodynamic modeling of cardiac biomarkers in breast cancer patients treated with anthracycline and trastuzumab regimens

Trastuzumab is associated with cardiotoxicity, manifesting as a decrease of the left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Administration of anthracyclines prior to trastuzumab increases risk of cardiotoxicity. High-sensitive troponin T and N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are molecular markers that may allow earlier detection of drug-induced cardiotoxicity. In this analysis we aimed to quantify the kinetics and exposure–response relationships of LVEF, troponin T and NT-proBNP measurements, in patients receiving anthracycline and trastuzumab. Repeated measurements of LVEF, troponin T and NT-proBNP and dosing records of anthracyclines and trastuzumab were available from a previously published clinical trial. This trial included 206 evaluable patients with early breast cancer. Exposure to anthracycline and trastuzumab was simulated based on available dosing records and by using a kinetic-pharmacodynamic (K-PD) and a fixed pharmacokinetic (PK) model from literature, respectively. The change from baseline troponin T was described with a direct effect model, affected by simulated anthracycline concentrations, representing myocyte damage. The relationship between trastuzumab and LVEF was described by an indirect effect compartment model. The EC50 for LVEF decline was significantly affected by the maximum troponin T concentration after anthracycline treatment, explaining 15.1% of inter-individual variability. In this cohort, NT-proBNP changes could not be demonstrated to be related to anthracycline or trastuzumab treatment. Pharmacodynamic models for troponin T and LVEF were successfully developed, identifying maximum troponin T concentration after anthracycline treatment as a significant determinant for trastuzumab-induced LVEF decline. These models can help identify patients at risk of drug-induced cardiotoxicity and optimize cardiac monitoring strategies

Comprehensive study on the most sustainable concrete design made of recycled concrete, glass and mineral wool from C&D wastes

This study focuses on formulating the most sustainable concrete by incorporating recycled concrete aggregates and other products retrieved from construction and demolition (C&D) activities. Both recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) and recycled fine aggregates (RFA) are firstly used to fully replace the natural coarse and fine aggregates in the concrete mix design. Later, the cement rich ultrafine particles, recycled glass powder and mineral fibres recovered from construction and demolition wastes (CDW) are further incorporated at a smaller rate either as cement substituent or as supplementary additives. Remarkable properties are noticed when the RCA (4–12 mm) and RFA (0.25–4 mm) are fully used to replace the natural aggregates in a new concrete mix. The addition of recycled cement rich ultrafines (RCU), Recycled glass ultrafines (RGU) and recycled mineral fibres (RMF) into recycled concrete improves the modulus of elasticity. The final concrete, which comprises more than 75% (wt.) of recycled components/materials, is believed to be the most sustainable and green concrete mix. Mechanical properties and durability of this concrete have been studied and found to be within acceptable limits, indicating the potential of recycled aggregates and other CDW components in shaping sustainable and circular construction practices.Resources & Recyclin

Exposure to an extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field only slightly modifies the proteome of Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472

Several studies of the physiological responses of different organisms exposed to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) have been described. In this work, we report the minimal effects of in situ exposure to ELF-EMF on the global protein expression of Chromobacterium violaceum using a gel-based proteomic approach. The protein expression profile was only slightly altered, with five differentially expressed proteins detected in the exposed cultures; two of these proteins (DNA-binding stress protein, Dps, and alcohol dehydrogenase) were identified by MS/MS. The enhanced expression of Dps possibly helped to prevent physical damage to DNA. Although small, the changes in protein expression observed here were probably beneficial in helping the bacteria to adapt to the stress generated by the electromagnetic field

Coated conductor technology for the beamscreen chamber of future high energy circular colliders

The surface resistance of state-of-the-art REBa2Cu3O7−x coated conductors has been measured at 8 GHz versus temperature and magnetic field. We show that the surface resistance of REBa2Cu3O7−x strongly depends on the microstructure of the material. We have compared our results to those determined by the rigid fluxon model. The model gives a very good qualitative description of our data, opening the door to unravel the effect of material microstructure and vortex interactions on the surface resistance of high temperature superconductors. Moreover, it provides a powerful tool to design the best coated conductor architecture that minimizes the infield surface resistance. We have found that the surface resistance of REBa2Cu3O7−x at 50 K and up to 9 T is lower than that of copper. This fact poses coated conductors as strong candidate to substitute copper as a beamscreen coating in CERN’s future circular collider. To this end we have also analyzed the secondary electron yield (SEY) of REBa2Cu3O7−x and found a compatible coating made of sputtered Ti and amorphous carbon that decreases the SEY close to unity, a mandatory requirement for the beamscreen chamber of a circular collider in order to prevent the electron-cloud phenomenon.Peer reviewe