Efeito do NO2 atmosférico em Phaseolus vulgaris (Fabaceae/Papilionoideae) no Campus do Vale da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul

The vehicles are responsible for significant emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Among them, NO2 has a huge importance in the formation of the atmospherics’ reactions that cause the photochemical smog, and can become hazard to the health, agriculture and materials in general, when they are in high concentrations. The objective of present work was to investigate the effect produced by the environmental concentrations of NO2 in Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Iraí, through the possible relation between the activity of the Nitrate Reductase (NR) enzyme and the atmospherical concentrations of NO2. The plants were exposed in three sample places, located at increasing distances of a very intense urban traffic way. The concentration of NO2 in the air was determined by the Griess-Saltzman method. The nearest point to the avenue presented the highest concentration (40.3g m-3). In the 20, 50 and 70 days of exposition, the plants were analyzed by the activity of their NR enzyme, total biomass, leaf area, photosynthetic activity (A/Ci response) and chlorophyll a and total. The concentrations of atmospheric NO2 found did not present a significant effect over the analyzed parameters.Os veículos automotores são responsáveis por emissões significativas de óxidos de nitrogênio (NOx). Dentre estes, o NO2 tem um papel importante na formação de reações na atmosfera causadoras de smog fotoquímico, podendo ser prejudicial à saúde, agricultura e materiais, quando em concentrações elevadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar o efeito produzido pelas concentrações ambientais de NO2 em Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Iraí, por meio da possível relação entre a atividade da enzima Nitrato Redutase (NR) e as concentrações atmosféricas do NO2. As plantas foram expostas em três locais de amostragem, situados a distâncias crescentes de uma via de tráfego urbano intenso. A concentração de NO2 no ar foi determinada através do método de Griess-Saltzman. O ponto mais próximo da avenida apresentou a concentração mais elevada (40,3g m-3). Aos 20, 50 e 70 dias de exposição, as plantas foram analisadas quanto à atividade da enzima NR, biomassa total, área foliar, atividade fotossintética (curva de resposta à pressão parcial de CO2) e clorofila a e total. As concentrações encontradas de NO2 atmosférico não apresentaram efeito significativo sobre os parâmetros analisados

An Immunochemical Approach to Detect the Quorum Sensing-Regulated Virulence Factor 2-Heptyl-4-Quinoline N-Oxide (HQNO) Produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Isolates

Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Quorum sensing; VirulencePseudomonas aeruginosa; Detecció de quòrum; VirulènciaPseudomonas aeruginosa; Detección de quórum; VirulenciaUnderstanding quorum sensing (QS) and its role in the development of pathogenesis may provide new avenues for diagnosing, surveillance, and treatment of infectious diseases. For this purpose, the availability of reliable and efficient analytical diagnostic tools suitable to specifically detect and quantify these essential QS small molecules and QS regulated virulence factors is crucial. Here, we reported the development and evaluation of antibodies and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for HQNO (2-heptyl-4-quinoline N-oxide), a QS product of the PqsR system, which has been found to act as a major virulence factor that interferes with the growth of other microorganisms. Despite the nonimmunogenic character of HQNO, the antibodies produced showed high avidity and the microplate-based ELISA developed could detect HQNO in the low nM range. Hence, a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.60 ± 0.13 nM had been reached in Müeller Hinton (MH) broth, which was below previously reported levels using sophisticated equipment based on liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The HQNO profile of release of different Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates analyzed using this ELISA showed significant differences depending on whether the clinical isolates belonged to patients with acute or chronic infections. These data point to the possibility of using HQNO as a specific biomarker to diagnose P. aeruginosa infections and for patient surveillance. Considering the role of HQNO in inhibiting the growth of coinfecting bacteria, the present ELISA will allow the investigation of these complex bacterial interactions underlying infections. IMPORTANCE Bacteria use quorum sensing (QS) as a communication mechanism that releases small signaling molecules which allow synchronizing a series of activities involved in the pathogenesis, such as the biosynthesis of virulence factors or the regulation of growth of other bacterial species. HQNO is a metabolite of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa-specific QS signaling molecule PQS (Pseudomonas quinolone signal). In this work, the development of highly specific antibodies and an immunochemical diagnostic technology (ELISA) for the detection and quantification of HQNO was reported. The ELISA allowed profiling of the release of HQNO by clinical bacterial isolates, showing its potential value for diagnosing and surveillance of P. aeruginosa infections. Moreover, the antibodies and the ELISA reported here may contribute to the knowledge of other underlying conditions related to the pathology, such as the role of the interactions with other bacteria of a particular microbiota environment.This work has been funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation (SAF2015-67476-R and RTI2018-096278-B-C21) and Fundación Marató de TV3 (TV32018-201825-30-31). The Nb4D group is a consolidated research group (Grup de Recerca) of the Generalitat de Catalunya and has support from the Departament d’Universitats, Recerca i Societat de la Informació de la Generalitat de Catalunya (expedient: 2017 SGR 1441). CIBER-BBN is an initiative funded by the Spanish National Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation from 2013 to 2016, Iniciativa Ingenio 2010, Consolider Program, and CIBER Actions were financed by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III with assistance from the European Regional Development Fund. Enrique J. Montagut and Juan Raya wish to thank the FPI fellowship (BES-2016-076496 and PRE2019-087542, respectively) from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. The Custom Antibody Service (CAbS) is acknowledged for its assistance and support in the production of HQNO antibodies

Bivalve distribution in hydrographic regions in South America: historical overview and conservation

Based on literature review and malacological collections, 168 native freshwater bivalve and five invasive species have been recorded for 52 hydrographic regions in South America. The higher species richness has been detected in the South Atlantic, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Amazon Brazilian hydrographic regions. Presence or absence data were analysed by Principal Coordinate for Phylogeny-Weighted. The lineage Veneroida was more representative in hydrographic regions that are poorer in species and located West of South America. The Mycetopodidae and Hyriidae lineages were predominant in regions that are richest in species toward the East of the continent. The distribution of invasive species Limnoperna fortunei is not related to species richness in different hydrographic regions there. The species richness and its distribution patterns are closely associated with the geological history of the continent. The hydrographic regions present distinct phylogenetic and species composition regardless of the level of richness. Therefore, not only should the richness be considered to be a criterion for prioritizing areas for conservation, but also the phylogenetic diversity of communities engaged in services and functional aspects relevant to ecosystem maintenance. A plan to the management of this fauna according to particular ecological characteristics and human uses of hydrographic regions is needed.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

Albiglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (Harmony Outcomes): a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial

Background: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists differ in chemical structure, duration of action, and in their effects on clinical outcomes. The cardiovascular effects of once-weekly albiglutide in type 2 diabetes are unknown. We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of albiglutide in preventing cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Methods: We did a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial in 610 sites across 28 countries. We randomly assigned patients aged 40 years and older with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (at a 1:1 ratio) to groups that either received a subcutaneous injection of albiglutide (30–50 mg, based on glycaemic response and tolerability) or of a matched volume of placebo once a week, in addition to their standard care. Investigators used an interactive voice or web response system to obtain treatment assignment, and patients and all study investigators were masked to their treatment allocation. We hypothesised that albiglutide would be non-inferior to placebo for the primary outcome of the first occurrence of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke, which was assessed in the intention-to-treat population. If non-inferiority was confirmed by an upper limit of the 95% CI for a hazard ratio of less than 1·30, closed testing for superiority was prespecified. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02465515. Findings: Patients were screened between July 1, 2015, and Nov 24, 2016. 10 793 patients were screened and 9463 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to groups: 4731 patients were assigned to receive albiglutide and 4732 patients to receive placebo. On Nov 8, 2017, it was determined that 611 primary endpoints and a median follow-up of at least 1·5 years had accrued, and participants returned for a final visit and discontinuation from study treatment; the last patient visit was on March 12, 2018. These 9463 patients, the intention-to-treat population, were evaluated for a median duration of 1·6 years and were assessed for the primary outcome. The primary composite outcome occurred in 338 (7%) of 4731 patients at an incidence rate of 4·6 events per 100 person-years in the albiglutide group and in 428 (9%) of 4732 patients at an incidence rate of 5·9 events per 100 person-years in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·78, 95% CI 0·68–0·90), which indicated that albiglutide was superior to placebo (p<0·0001 for non-inferiority; p=0·0006 for superiority). The incidence of acute pancreatitis (ten patients in the albiglutide group and seven patients in the placebo group), pancreatic cancer (six patients in the albiglutide group and five patients in the placebo group), medullary thyroid carcinoma (zero patients in both groups), and other serious adverse events did not differ between the two groups. There were three (<1%) deaths in the placebo group that were assessed by investigators, who were masked to study drug assignment, to be treatment-related and two (<1%) deaths in the albiglutide group. Interpretation: In patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, albiglutide was superior to placebo with respect to major adverse cardiovascular events. Evidence-based glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists should therefore be considered as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes. Funding: GlaxoSmithKline

The global retinoblastoma outcome study : a prospective, cluster-based analysis of 4064 patients from 149 countries

DATA SHARING : The study data will become available online once all analyses are complete.BACKGROUND : Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular cancer worldwide. There is some evidence to suggest that major differences exist in treatment outcomes for children with retinoblastoma from different regions, but these differences have not been assessed on a global scale. We aimed to report 3-year outcomes for children with retinoblastoma globally and to investigate factors associated with survival. METHODS : We did a prospective cluster-based analysis of treatment-naive patients with retinoblastoma who were diagnosed between Jan 1, 2017, and Dec 31, 2017, then treated and followed up for 3 years. Patients were recruited from 260 specialised treatment centres worldwide. Data were obtained from participating centres on primary and additional treatments, duration of follow-up, metastasis, eye globe salvage, and survival outcome. We analysed time to death and time to enucleation with Cox regression models. FINDINGS : The cohort included 4064 children from 149 countries. The median age at diagnosis was 23·2 months (IQR 11·0–36·5). Extraocular tumour spread (cT4 of the cTNMH classification) at diagnosis was reported in five (0·8%) of 636 children from high-income countries, 55 (5·4%) of 1027 children from upper-middle-income countries, 342 (19·7%) of 1738 children from lower-middle-income countries, and 196 (42·9%) of 457 children from low-income countries. Enucleation surgery was available for all children and intravenous chemotherapy was available for 4014 (98·8%) of 4064 children. The 3-year survival rate was 99·5% (95% CI 98·8–100·0) for children from high-income countries, 91·2% (89·5–93·0) for children from upper-middle-income countries, 80·3% (78·3–82·3) for children from lower-middle-income countries, and 57·3% (52·1-63·0) for children from low-income countries. On analysis, independent factors for worse survival were residence in low-income countries compared to high-income countries (hazard ratio 16·67; 95% CI 4·76–50·00), cT4 advanced tumour compared to cT1 (8·98; 4·44–18·18), and older age at diagnosis in children up to 3 years (1·38 per year; 1·23–1·56). For children aged 3–7 years, the mortality risk decreased slightly (p=0·0104 for the change in slope). INTERPRETATION : This study, estimated to include approximately half of all new retinoblastoma cases worldwide in 2017, shows profound inequity in survival of children depending on the national income level of their country of residence. In high-income countries, death from retinoblastoma is rare, whereas in low-income countries estimated 3-year survival is just over 50%. Although essential treatments are available in nearly all countries, early diagnosis and treatment in low-income countries are key to improving survival outcomes.The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust and the Wellcome Trust.https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/homeam2023Paediatrics and Child Healt

Environmental impact assessment of photographical, graphical and radiological effluents in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

O presente estudo tem o objetivo de dimensionar a geração e o impacto ambiental dos efluentes fotográficos, gráficos e radiológicos na cidade de Porto Alegre, RS – Brasil. Foram avaliadas as quantidades de filmes e de insumos químicos consumidos mensalmente e as quantidades dos efluentes gerados a partir deste consumo. Foram realizados ensaios ecotoxicológicos com a Ceriodaphnia dúbia, onde comprovou-se a toxicidade aguda e crônica deste efluente, relacionando-a com a presença da prata nos efluentes gerados. Com a análise destes dados fica evidenciada a necessidade de orientação aos serviços radiológicos, gráficos e fotográficos, no sentido da diminuição dos custos de seus processos pelo reaproveitamento do metal, tendo como conseqüência uma redução na quantidade do efluente gerado.The present study aims at sizing the generation and the environmental impact of photographical effluents in the city of Porto Alegre, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Films and chemical products quantities were evaluated in its monthly consumed and the effluents quantities generated on this consumption. Besides the quantification of generated effluents there were also accomplished ecotoxicological trials on silver with the Ceriodaphnia dúbia where acute and chronic toxicity was proved relating these to the presence of silver Analyzing these data, it is possible to establish a relation of quantities that may be and should be recycled. Analyzing these consumption data as well the evaluation impact on the effluent it becomes evident the need for orientation to the radiological, graphics and photographic services in order to decrease proceedings costs having as a result a reduction in the quantity of effluents generated