Introduction of exogenous AMF species alters the biological diversity and functionality of AMF communities associated with cowpea

The salinity in arid and semi-arid areas of the world is rapidly expanding due to climate change and anthropogenic activities. The use of inoculants containing beneficial microbes (e.g. arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and rhizobia) is a promising alternative to improve plant production in these regions. Here, we investigated the effect of common agricultural practices such as the use of beneficial microbes as inoculum and crop rotation on cowpea growth and on its association with soil microbes under non- and salt-stressed conditions. Plant experiments were carried out using non-sterilized soil (supplemented or not with NaCl) under greenhouse conditions. Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense BR 3267 strain and a commercial mixture of AMF (Endoplant Riego) were used as inoculants. In parallel, we assessed cowpea growth following succession of buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris) with or without prior soil disturbance. Plant and symbiotic parameters, nutrient content in leaves and AMF and root nodule communities through DNA metabarcoding were evaluated. Under non-stressed conditions, inoculation with AMF and/or BR 3267 strain led to significant increase of cowpea biomass production and higher N or P content in leaves. The imposed saline condition affected the cowpea growth although without significantly affecting the symbiotic parameters. Moreover, the increase of AMF propagules available in the soil at buffelgrass sowing through the inoculation of commercial AMF was a determining factor to mitigate the effects of soil tillage and salinity on cowpea growth. The bacterial communities in the root nodules were affected by AMF communities rather by rhizobia inoculation. Benefits of commercial AMF could be explained by changes in the biological and functionality of the AMF communities associated with cowpea. This study reveals that microbial inoculation and crop rotation are effective practices for improvement of cowpea growth and on mitigating the harmful effects of salt

Dupla inoculação (rizóbio e fungos micorrízicos arbusculares) mitigam efeitos nocivos da salinidade no crescimento do feijão-caupi

A salinidade em áreas áridas e semiáridas do mundo está a expandir rapidamente devido às alterações climáticas e atividades humanas. O uso de inóculos contendo microrganismos benéficos, como fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMA) e bactérias simbióticas fixadoras de azoto, aliado ao manejo adequado do solo e das culturas, é uma alternativa promissora para melhorar a produção vegetal nessas regiões. Aqui, investigámos o efeito de práticas agrícolas comuns, nomeadamente a utilização de microrganismos benéficos como inóculo e a perturbação do solo entre a rotação de culturas, no crescimento do feijão-caupi e na sua associação com micróbios do solo sob condições salinas e não salinas. A estirpe Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense BR 3267, e uma mistura comercial de FMA (Endoplant Riego) foram utilizados como inóculos. Paralelamente, avaliámos o crescimento do feijão-caupi, após sucessão ao capim-buffel com ou sem perturbação prévia do solo. Ensaios de plantas em solo não-esterilizado (suplementado ou não com NaCl) foram realizados em dois ciclos de 75 dias em estufa. Parâmetros vegetais e simbióticos e o teor de nutrientes nas folhas foram determinados, bem como a diversidade bacteriana e de FMA em raízes e nódulos de feijão-caupi por meio de sequenciamento DNA metabarcode. Os nossos dados revelaram que os parâmetros simbióticos (número de nódulos e/ou taxa de colonização) foram melhorados no feijão-caupi inoculado com Bradyrhizobium e/ou FMA comercial, o que consequentemente resultou em maior teor de N ou P nas folhas. A salinidade imposta afetou negativamente o crescimento do feijão, porém sem afetar significativamente os parâmetros simbióticos analisados. O aumento de propágulos de FMA disponíveis no solo através da inoculação de FMA comercial foi um fator determinante para mitigar os efeitos do manejo do solo no crescimento do feijão. A perturbação do solo mostrou impacto negativo nos parâmetros vegetais e simbióticos, exceto para o número de nódulos. Além disso, os efeitos positivos do uso de FMA comercial no crescimento do feijão-caupi, em condições controlo ou de salinidade podem ser explicados pelas mudanças na funcionalidade das comunidades de FMA associadas ao feijão-caupi. Por outro lado, as comunidades bacterianas em nódulos ou raízes do feijão não foram afetadas pela inoculação de FMA ou de rizóbios. Este estudo revela que a dupla inoculação (mistura de rizóbio e FMA) e a rotação de culturas, sem a perturbação do solo, são práticas eficazes para melhorar o crescimento do feijão-caupi e mitigar os efeitos nocivos do sal no seu crescimento. Mais, estes resultados também sugerem que os efeitos sinérgicos entre rizóbios e FMA dependem principalmente de um estabelecimento bem-sucedido da simbiose entre FMA e a planta hospedeira e não da comunidade de FMA em si

Evaluation of fluoride release from experimental TiF4 and NaF varnishes in vitro

Fluoride varnishes play an important role in the prevention of dental caries, promoting the inhibition of demineralization and the increase of remineralization. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the amount of fluoride released into water and artificial saliva from experimental TiF(4 )and NaF varnishes, with different concentrations, for 12 h. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fluoride varnishes were applied on acrylic blocks and then immersed in 10 ml of deionized water and artificial saliva in polystyrene bottles. The acrylic blocks were divided in seven groups (n=10): 1.55% TiF(4 )varnish (0.95% F, pH 1.0); 3.10% TiF(4 )varnish (1.90% F, pH 1.0); 3.10% and 4% TiF(4 )varnish (2.45% F, pH 1.0); 2.10% NaF varnish (0.95% F, pH 5.0); 4.20% NaF varnish (1.90% F, pH 5.0); 5.42% NaF varnish (2.45% F, pH 5.0) and control (no treatment, n=5). The fluoride release was analyzed after 1/2, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 h of exposure. The analysis was performed using an ion-specific electrode coupled to a potentiometer. Two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's test were applied for the statistical analysis (p<0.05). RESULTS: TiF(4 )varnishes released larger amounts of fluoride than NaF varnishes during the first 1/2 h, regardless of their concentration; 4% TiF(4) varnish released more fluoride than NaF varnishes for the first 6 h. The peak of fluoride release occurred at 3 h. There was a better dose-response relationship among the varnishes exposed to water than to artificial saliva. CONCLUSIONS: The 3.10% and 4% TiF(4 )-based varnishes have greater ability to release fluoride into water and artificial saliva compared to NaF varnish; however, more studies must be conducted to elucidate the mechanism of action of TiF(4 )varnish on tooth surface

Sentimientos de adolescentes con Diabetes Mellitus delante del proceso de vivir con la enfermedad

Qualitative research conducted in a diabetes service in the countryside of the state of Ceará, Brazil, with 11 teenagers with diabetes mellitus. The study aimed to understand the experience of adolescents facing the process of living with diabetes. Data were collected in 2007 May and June, through semi-structured interviews. It was observed that the teenager faces difficulties since the moment of diagnosis, especially because their food habits and lifestyles need to change, triggering feelings like fear, insecurity and anger. Over time, they incorporate the necessary changes to treatment and care, and begin to see the disease as normal. One concludes that it is necessary to understand teenagers, their behaviors, fears and desires and support them in the different areas of this experience.Investigación cualitativa, llevada a cabo en un servicio de diabetes del interior del estado de Ceará, Brasil, con 11 adolescentes con diabetes mellitus. El objetivo fue comprender la experiencia del adolescente delante del proceso de vivir con diabetes. Los datos fueron recolectados entre mayo y junio de 2007 a través de entrevistas semi estructuradas. Se observó que el adolescente enfrenta dificultades desde el momento del diagnóstico, sobre todo en el plan alimentar y cambios en el estilo de vida, desencadenando sentimientos como miedo, inseguridad e ira. Con el tiempo, incorporan los cambios necesarios al tratamiento y atención, y llegan a ver la enfermedad como algo normal. En conclusión, que es necesario entender los adolescentes, sus comportamientos, miedos y deseos, y apoyarlos en las diferentes áreas de esta experiencia.Pesquisa de natureza qualitativa, realizada em um serviço de diabetes do interior do Ceará com 11 adolescentes portadores de diabetes mellitus. O estudo objetivou compreender a experiência do adolescente frente ao processo de viver com o diabetes. Os dados foram coletados nos meses de maio e junho de 2007 por meio de entrevista semiestruturada. Constatou-se que o adolescente enfrenta dificuldades desde o momento do diagnóstico, principalmente no plano alimentar e nas mudanças no estilo de vida, desencadeando sentimentos como medo, insegurança e revolta. Com o passar do tempo, incorporam as mudanças necessárias ao tratamento e cuidados; e passam a ver a doença de forma normal. Conclui-se que é necessário compreender os adolescentes, seus comportamentos, medos e anseios e apoiá-los nos diversos âmbitos dessa experiência.Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Pio IX-PI Programa de Saúde da FamíliaUniversidade Federal do Ceará Faculdade de Farmácia Odontologia e Enfermagem Departamento de EnfermagemUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde ColetivaUNIFESP, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde ColetivaSciEL

Effectiveness of the bucco-lingual technique within a school-based supervised toothbrushing program on preventing caries: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Supervised toothbrushing programs using fluoride dentifrice have reduced caries increment. However there is no information about the effectiveness of the professional cross-brushing technique within a community intervention. The aim was to assess if the bucco-lingual technique can increase the effectiveness of a school-based supervised toothbrushing program on preventing caries. Methods A randomized double-blinded controlled community intervention trial to be analyzed at an individual level was conducted in a Brazilian low-income fluoridated area. Six preschools were randomly assigned to the test and control groups and 284 five-year-old children presenting at least one permanent molar with emerged/sound occlusal surface participated. In control group, oral health education and dental plaque dying followed by toothbrushing with fluoride dentifrice supervised directly by a dental assistant, was developed four times per year. At the remaining school days the children brushed their teeth under indirect supervising of the teachers. In test group, children also underwent a professional cross-brushing on surfaces of first permanent molar rendered by a specially trained dental assistant five times per year. Enamel and dentin caries were recorded on buccal, occlusal and lingual surfaces of permanent molars during 18-month follow-up. Exposure time of surfaces was calculated and incidence density ratio was estimated using Poisson regression model. Results Difference of 21.6 lesions per 1,000 children between control and test groups was observed. Among boys whose caries risk was higher compared to girls, incidence density was 50% lower in test group (p = 0.016). Conclusion Modified program was effective among the boys. It is licit to project a relevant effect in a larger period suggesting in a broader population substantial reduction of dental care needs. Trial registration ISRCTN18548869

Therapeutic communication between health workers and patients concerning diabetes mellitus care

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to analyze therapeutic communication techniques used by health workers with patients under care for diabetes mellitus. Data were collected in 2010 in a public facility in the interior of Ceará, Brazil using video camera equipment and direct observation. Results showed that the most frequently used techniques within the "expression" group were: asking questions, voicing interest, and using descriptive phrases. The most frequently used technique within the "clarification" group was: asking the patient to specify the agent of action. Finally, in regard to the "validation" group, only the technique "summarizing content of the interaction" was employed. The conclusion is that despite the use of communication techniques on the part of professionals, there is still an alarming gap concerning communication skills. Such skills should be allied with technical expertise to enable the delivery of qualified care to individuals with diabetes mellitus.Este estudio transversal tuvo como objetivo analizar las técnicas de comunicación terapéutica entre profesionales y pacientes en la atención en diabetes mellitus. Los datos se recogieron en una institución pública de Ceará-Brasil, en 2010, con equipos de video y observación directa. Los resultados mostraron que las técnicas del grupo de expresión más utilizadas fueron: hacer preguntas, expresar interés y usar frases descriptivas. Con relación a las del grupo de clarificación sobresalió solicitar al paciente que necesite el agente de la acción. Con relación a las de validación, apenas se utilizó las de organizar el contenido de la interacción. Se concluye que a pesar del uso de técnicas de comunicación por los profesionales, aun es preocupante la laguna con relación a la habilidad en comunicación, que debe ser aliada a la capacidad técnica, para así propiciar el cuidado calificado a las personas con diabetes mellitus.Objetivou-se, por este estudo transversal, analisar as técnicas de comunicação terapêutica entre profissionais e pacientes na atenção em diabetes mellitus. Os dados foram coletados em uma instituição pública de um município no interior do Ceará, Brasil, em 2010, por meio de equipamentos de vídeo e observação direta. Os resultados mostraram que as técnicas do grupo de expressão mais utilizadas foram: fazer perguntas, verbalizar interesse e usar frases descritivas. Quanto às do grupo de clarificação, sobressaiu solicitar ao paciente que precise o agente da ação. Em relação às de validação, apenas foi utilizada a técnica de sumarizar o conteúdo da interação. Conclui-se que, apesar do emprego de técnicas comunicacionais pelos profissionais, ainda é preocupante a lacuna referente à habilidade em comunicação, a qual deve ser aliada à competência técnica, para assim propiciar o cuidado qualificado às pessoas com diabetes mellitus

Contribution of limbic norepinephrine to cannabinoid-induced aversion

RATIONALE: The cannabinoid system has risen to the forefront in the development of novel treatments for a number of pathophysiological processes. However, significant side effects have been observed in clinical trials raising concerns regarding the potential clinical utility of cannabinoid-based agents. Understanding the neural circuits and neurochemical substrates impacted by cannabinoids will provide a better means of gaging their actions within the central nervous system that may contribute to the expression of unwanted side effects. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we investigated whether norepinephrine (NE) in the limbic forebrain is a critical determinant of cannabinoid receptor agonist-induced aversion and anxiety in rats. METHODS: An immunotoxin lesion approach was combined with behavioral analysis using a place conditioning paradigm and the elevated zero maze. RESULTS: Our results show that the non-selective CB1/CB2 receptor agonist, WIN 55,212-2, produced a significant place aversion in rats. Further, NE in the nucleus accumbens was critical for WIN 55,212-2-induced aversion but did not affect anxiety-like behaviors. Depletion of NE from the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis was ineffective in altering WIN 55,212-2-induced aversion and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that limbic, specifically accumbal, NE is required for cannabinoid-induced aversion but is not essential to cannabinoid-induced anxiety.This works was supported by PHS grant DA 020129. Ana Franky Carvalho was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (SFRH/BD/33236/2007)

Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in elderly patients – analysis of outcome and complications

BACKGROUND: There is an ongoing discussion about age limits for deep brain stimulation (DBS). Current indications for DBS are tremor-dominant disorders, Parkinson's disease, and dystonia. Electrode implantation for DBS with analgesia and sedation makes surgery more comfortable, especially for elderly patients. However, the value of DBS in terms of benefit-risk ratio in this patient population is still uncertain. METHODS: Bilateral electrode implantation into the subthalamic nucleus (STN) was performed in a total of 73 patients suffering from Parkinson's disease. Patients were analyzed retrospectively. For this study they were divided into two age groups: group I (age <65 years, n = 37) and group II (age ≥ 65 years, n = 36). Examinations were performed preoperatively and at 6-month follow-up intervals for 24 months postoperatively. Age, UPDRS motor score (part III) on/off, Hoehn & Yahr score, Activity of Daily Living (ADL), L-dopa medication, and complications were determined. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in overall performance determined as ADL scores (group I: 48/71 points, group II: 41/62 points [preoperatively/6-month postoperatively]) and in the rate of complications (group I: 4 transient psychosis, 4 infections in a total of 8 patients, group II: 2 deaths [unrelated to surgery], 1 intracerebral hemorrhage, 7 transient psychosis, 3 infections, 2 pneumonia in a total of 13 patients), (p < 0.05). Interestingly, changes in UPDRS scores, Hoehn & Yahr scores, and L-dopa medication were not statistically different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: DBS of the STN is clinically as effective in elderly patients as it is in younger ones. However, a more careful selection and follow-up of the elderly patients are required because elderly patients have a higher risk of surgery-related complications and a higher morbidity rate