A glimpse on biological activities of tellurium compounds

Tellurium is a rare element which has been regarded as a toxic, non-essential trace element and its biological role is not clearly established to date. Besides of that, the biological effects of elemental tellurium and some of its inorganic and organic derivatives have been studied, leading to a set of interesting and promising applications. As an example, it can be highlighted the uses of alkali-metal tellurites and tellurates in microbiology, the antioxidant effects of organotellurides and diorganoditellurides and the immunomodulatory effects of the non-toxic inorganic tellurane, named AS-101, and the plethora of its uses. Inasmuch, the nascent applications of organic telluranes (organotelluranes) as protease inhibitors and its applications in disease models are the most recent contribution to the scenario of the biological effects and applications of tellurium and its compounds discussed in this manuscript.O telúrio é um elemento não-essencial raro que vem sendo considerado tóxico, e o seu papel biológico é ainda pouco esclarecido. Apesar disso, os efeitos biológicos do telúrio elementar e de alguns derivados inorgânicos e orgânicos que têm sido estudados revelam um conjunto de aplicações diversificadas interessantes e promissoras. Como exemplo, pode-se destacar os usos de teluritos e teluratos de metais alcalinos em microbiologia, o efeito antioxidante de teluretos e diteluretos orgânicos, os efeitos imunomodulatórios e a diversidade de usos correlacionados a este efeito de uma telurana inorgânica denominada AS-101. Ademais, as aplicações de teluranas orgânicas (organoteluranas) como inibidoras de proteases e as aplicações em modelos de doenças compõem a mais recente contribuição ao cenário dos efeitos e aplicações biológicas do telúrio e seus compostos discutidas neste manuscrito.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)UNIFESP Departamento de Ciências Exatas e da TerraUNIFESP Departamento de BiofísicaUNIFESP, Depto. de Ciências Exatas e da TerraUNIFESP, Depto. de BiofísicaSciEL

Altitude and temperature drive anuran community assembly in a Neotropical mountain region

Understanding the spatial variation in species richness and the mechanisms that limit species range sizes along geographical gradients belong to the central research issues in macroecology. Here, we aim to test the topographic and climatic effects on anuran species richness and community composition in mountainous regions in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome. We used Individual-Based Rarefaction Curve (interpolation and extrapolation), Generalized Additive Model (GAM), Midpoint method and Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) to analyze the topographic and climatic effects on anuran community composition, richness, and range sizes in a global biodiversity hotspot. Our results showed that altitude and annual mean temperature and temperature seasonality were the main drivers of species altitudinal range sizes and community assembly in mountainous regions. In conclusion, Anuran community richness peaked at intermediate altitudes following thus a hump-shaped pattern and corroborated the Rapoport's altitudinal rule as range sizes increased with altitude in mountainous regions from the Atlantic Forest biome. This study revealed new insights into the patterns and drivers of Neotropical anuran communities. Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.Peer reviewe

Structure-activity relationships of hypervalent organochalcogenanes as inhibitors of cysteine cathepsins V and S

A new series of organotelluranes were synthesized and investigated, and the structure-activity relationships in cysteine proteases inhibition were determinated. It was possible to identify the relevance of structural components linked to the reactivity of these compounds as inhibitors. for example, dibromo-organotelluranes showed to be more reactive than dichloro-organotelluranes towards cysteine cathepsins V and S. Besides, no remarkable enantio-selectivity was verified. in general the achiral organotelluranes were more reactive than the chiral congeners against cysteine cathepsins V and S. A reactivity order for organochalcogenanes and cysteine cathepsins was proposed after the comparison of the inhibitory potencies of organotelluranes with the related organoselenanes. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biofis, Escola Paulista Med, BR-04044200 São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Inst Quim, BR-05508900 São Paulo, BrazilUniv British Columbia, Dept Dent, Fac Dent, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, CanadaUniv British Columbia, UBC Ctr Blood Res, Fac Dent, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, CanadaUniv Fed ABC, CCNH, BR-09210580 Santo Andre, SP, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biofis, Escola Paulista Med, BR-04044200 São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Mortalidade, morbidade e categorização de risco para complicações perioperatórias em pacientes com câncer de pulmão

OBJECTIVE:To determine morbidity and mortality rates by risk category in accordance with the American College of Chest Physicians guidelines, to determine what role pulmonary function tests play in this categorization process, and to identify risk factors for perioperative complications (PCs).METHODS:This was a historical cohort study based on preoperative and postoperative data collected for cases of lung cancer diagnosed or suspected between 2001 and 2010.RESULTS:Of the 239 patients evaluated, only 13 (5.4%) were classified as being at high risk of PCs. Predicted postoperative FEV1 (FEV1ppo) was sufficient to define the risk level in 156 patients (65.3%); however, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was necessary for identifying those at high risk. Lung resection was performed in 145 patients. Overall morbidity and mortality rates were similar to those reported in other studies. However, morbidity and mortality rates for patients at an acceptable risk of PCs were 31.6% and 4.3%, respectively, whereas those for patients at high risk were 83.3% and 33.3%. Advanced age, COPD, lobe resection, and lower FEV1ppo were correlated with PCs.CONCLUSIONS:Although spirometry was sufficient for risk assessment in the majority of the population studied, CPET played a key role in the identification of high-risk patients, among whom the mortality rate was seven times higher than was that observed for those at an acceptable risk of PCs. The risk factors related to PCs coincided with those reported in previous studies.OBJETIVO:Determinar as taxas de morbidade e mortalidade por categoria de risco conforme as diretrizes do American College of Chest Physicians, verificar como exames funcionais participaram dessa categorização e identificar fatores de risco para complicações perioperatórias (CPOs).MÉTODOS:Estudo de coorte histórica a partir de avaliações pré e pós-operatórias de casos diagnosticados ou suspeitos de câncer de pulmão avaliados entre 2001 e 2010.RESULTADOS:Dos 239 pacientes avaliados, apenas 13 (5,4%) foram considerados como de alto risco para CPOs. O cálculo do VEF1 previsto para o pós-operatório (VEF1ppo) foi suficiente para a estratificação do risco em 156 pacientes (65,3%); entretanto, o teste de exercício cardiopulmonar (TECP) foi necessário para a identificação de alto risco. Foram operados 145 pacientes, e as taxas globais de morbidade e mortalidade encontradas foram semelhantes às de outros estudos. Entretanto, as taxas de morbidade e mortalidade para aqueles com risco aceitável foram de 31,6% e 4,3%, respectivamente, enquanto as taxas para aqueles com alto risco foram de 83,3% e 33,3%. Idade mais avançada, presença da DPOC, ressecção de um ou mais lobos e VEF1ppo mais baixo estiveram relacionados à ocorrência de CPOs.CONCLUSÕES:Embora a espirometria tenha sido suficiente para a determinação de risco na maioria da população estudada, o TECP teve papel fundamental na identificação de pacientes com risco alto, que apresentaram uma taxa de mortalidade sete vezes maior que os de risco aceitável. Os fatores de risco relacionados a CPOs coincidiram aos relatados em outros estudos.Federal University of São Paulo Department of MedicineArnaldo Vieira de Carvalho Cancer InstituteUNIFESP, Department of MedicineSciEL

Alternatives in bean fertilization to reduce the application of N-urea

As a result of the increasing use of chemical nitrogen fertilizers and their economic and environmental impacts, it is necessary to search for alternative methods to improve soil fertility, such as biological nitrogen fixation and/or alternative supplements of this nutrient. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of inoculation and application of seaweed extract, molybdenum and rock powder, as an alternative to the application of urea, in beans. A randomized blocks design, with three replications, was used. Two common bean cultivars (Pérola and FEPAGRO 26), as well as the following cultivation methods, were used: i) conventional; ii) inoculation with a mixture of three inoculants recommended for bean; iii) inoculation + complementation via seeds, with extracts of the Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed and mineral fertilizer containing rock powder and molybdenum; iv) inoculation + complementation via leaf, using products with extracts of the Ascophyllum nodosumseaweed and mineral fertilizer containing rock powder and molybdenum. The inoculation alone is not enough to reach grain yield levels similar to those reached using the conventional method. The cultivation method with inoculation + complementation via seeds maintains grain yield with the lowest cost, in relation to the conventional method

Effects of exercise modalities on decreased blood pressure in patients with hypertension

This study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of aerobic and resistance exercises on blood pressure and endothelial blood markers. We also correlated post-exercise blood pressure response with baseline cardiovascular parameters in middle-aged patients with hypertension. This cross-sectional study randomized 54 volunteers into the aerobic exercise group (AG, n = 27; 45.6 ± 7.7 years) or dynamic resistance exercise group (RG, n = 27; 45.8 ± 8.4 years). Blood marker evaluation, cardiopulmonary exercise tests, resting blood pressure monitoring, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), flow-mediated dilatation monitoring, and body composition evaluation were carried out. Exercise sessions were performed to evaluate post-exercise hypotension (PEH) and endothelial marker responses, in addition to post-exercise ABPM (ABPMex). This study is an arm of the study which was approved by the local ethics committee (No. 69373217.3.0000.5347) in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration and was registered at ClinicalTrials. gov (NCT03282942). The AG performed walking/running at 60% of the reserve heart rate, while the RG performed 10 exercises with two sets of 15–20 repetitions. The mean 24 h ABPM and ABPMex values showed no significant statistical differences. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure hypotension after aerobic and dynamic resistance were −10.59 ± 5.24/−6. 15 ± 6.41 mmHg and −5.56 ± 7.61/−6.20 ± 8.25 mmHg, respectively. For an up-to-7 h assessment of resting pressure, there was a positive effect in the aerobic group. The concentrations of nitrites/nitrates (NOx) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) did not change during hypotension. Moreover, PEH and ABPMex were significantly correlated with baseline health variables. Thus, when middle-aged patients with hypertension perform aerobic or resistance exercise, the NOx/ET1 pathway does not provide the best explanation for PEH. Finally, we found associations between baseline cardiovascular variables and endothelial vasoconstrictors with PEH

Cell culture and variations in the comet assay do not affect the genomic integrity of adipose-derived stem cells

The application of quality control tests, such as the comet assay, are essential when adipose-derived stem cells are cultured for therapeutic purposes. However, the steps involved in the development of this assay should be investigated, in order to reduce their influence on genomic damage in cells. The study aimed to evaluate if the cell culture process causes DNA damage, and if variations in the lysis time and pH of the electrophoresis buffer interfere in the genotoxicity results. Four different comet assay protocols were evaluated, and the effects of lysis time and pH conditions of the electrophoresis buffer solution were stated as follows: 2 hours and pH 12; 24 hours and pH 12; 2 hours and pH ≥ 13 and 24 hours and pH ≥ 13. The tail moment was analyzed, and results indicated that at the time cells were detached from the flasks, there was little damage to the DNA in the adipose-derived stem cells, which was confirmed by evaluation of the expression of mRNA genes involved in damage and repair processes of genetic material. Also, the tail moment values ​​did not show significant differences among the four evaluated protocols (p < 0.05), with no indication of damage when compared to the positive control (p < 0.05). Thus, any of the tested protocols can be applied in genotoxicity tests with adipose-derived stem cells, without causing damage to them

Avaliação de acessos de feijão para caracteres agronômicos para o uso em programa de melhoramento Evaluation of bean access to agronomic traits for use in breeding program

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar acessos da coleção de feijão do Banco de Germoplasma da Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária (FEPAGRO/BAFFE) para caracteres inerentes à nodulação e posterior utilização no programa de melhoramento de feijão. O experimento foi conduzido no ano agrícola de 2012/2013, na área experimental da FEPAGRO Litoral Norte, em Maquiné/RS. Foram semeados 25 genótipos de feijão, sendo 19 acessos e seis cultivares comerciais. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso com três repetições. Foram avaliados os caracteres número de nódulos, massa seca da parte aérea (g), massa seca da raiz (g) e comprimento da raiz (cm). Ficou evidenciado que existe variabilidade entre os genótipos de feijão para os caracteres número de nódulos, massa seca da parte aérea e massa seca da raiz. Os acessos BAG 47, BAG 61 e BAG 40 são promissores no melhoramento para incremento no número de nódulos, massa seca da parte aéra e massa seca da raiz, respectivamente.Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the Germplasm Bean Bank collection of the State Foundation for Agricultural Research (FEPAGRO/BAFFE) for characters involved in nodulation for later use in bean breeding program. The experiment was conducted in the agricultural year 2012/2013, in the experimental field of FEPAGRO North Coast, in Maquiné, in Rio Grande do Sul. It was seeded 25 bean genotypes, 19 accessions and six commercial cultivars. The experimental design was a randomized block design with three replications. The study evaluated the traits for nodule number, shoot dry weight (SDW), root dry weight (RDW) and root length (RL). It was demonstrated that there is variability among bean genotypes for the traits of nodule number, shoot dry weight and root dry weight. The accessions BAG 47, BAG 61 and BAG 40 are promising for the breeding concerning the increase in the nodule number, shoot dry weight and root dry weight, respectively

Plant Poisoning Containing Hydrocyanic Acid in Cattle in Southern Brazil

Background: Cyanogenic plants accumulate cyanogenic glycosides and release hydrocyanic acid (HCN). In Brazil, there have been reports of several plants that cause HCN poisoning in animals and lead to a fast death with few clinical signs and lesions on post-mortem examination. Some cultivars of Cynodon spp. grasses cause HCN poisoning in cattle in Brazil. The objectives of this work were to report the occurrence of deaths by HCN poisoning in cattle as diagnosed by the veterinary pathology laboratory, describe the quantity of HCN in some cultivars of Cynodon spp., as well as, to describe one cultivar of genus Cynodonnever reported as poisonous.Materials, Methods & Results: The archives of the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory (LPV) at the Concórdia Campus of the Instituto Federal Catarinense (IFC) were reviewed, seeking cases with a diagnosis of hydrocyanic acid poisoning in cattle after post mortem examination. The amount of HCN present in some cultivars of the Cynodon genus was quantified due to the high frequency of poisoning cases. From the 1,235 post mortem examinations of cattle 28 (2.27%) were diagnosed with spontaneous hydrocyanic acid poisoning, 17 cases (60.7%) due to ingestion of Prunus sp. or Manihot sp., and 11 cases (39.3%) of Cynodon dactylon ingestion. Most animals were found dead, normally having presented no clinical signs. Macroscopic evaluation mainly showed a severe amount of unchewed and undigested leaves or grass mixed in the ruminal content presenting a bitter almond odor. It was possible to infer that, among cultivars of the Cynodon genus, Florakirk showed the highest levels of HCN compared (P < 0.05) with Star of Puerto Rico, Tifton 68, Tifton 44, and Coast-Cross. Furthermore, Tifton 85 and Jiggs showed undetected levels of HCN. Leaves showed the highest HCN levels when comparing different parts of the plant. Regarding conservation methods, hay showed undetectable levels of HCN.Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first description of HCN poisoning in cattle due to ingestion of Cynodon dactylon cultivar Florakirk. This condition is described with a fast-clinical course, with animals found dead with no premonitory clinical signs. Poisoned animals did not develop macroscopic or microscopic specific lesions. Poisoning can be suspected when animals die suddenly, with absence of lesions under necropsy, and large amounts of unchewed and undigested leaves or grass inside their forestomaches. The diagnosis can be established performing the Picrosodic paper test, either in the pasture, or in the ruminal content. Occasionally however, HCN can go undetected when this chemical compound volatilizes between death and necropsy after several hours. Of all the Cynodon cultivars evaluated, Florakirk was the most dangerous for animals. In contrast, Tifton 85 and Jiggs released no HCN. Leaves were the part of the plant presenting the highest concentration of HCN. This is a defense mechanism that the plant develops against the ingestion by animals. This condition can cause great economic losses to farmers with the loss of animals and the need for prevention by using cultivars without HCN or hay, as 2.27% (28) of deaths diagnosed by the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory in the west of Santa Catarina, Brazil, were due to HCN poisoning. Notably, Florakirk cultivar was identified as the most dangerous cultivar tested, with higher levels compared with Tifton 68. The Star of Puerto Rico cultivar showed similar levels of HCN as Tifton 68. Both cultivars are commonly cultivated in many farms in the south of Brazil

Biochar in copper reduction in black beans and soil decontamination

When present in high concentrations in the soil, copper causes toxicity in plants, requiring the development of studies for the reduction or immobilization of this element. In this sense, biochar could be an alternative to immobilizing copper in the soil, aiming for lower levels of this element in the biomass and grains of black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) used for human consumption. However, there are variations in biochar reactivity due to its source material and pyrolysis time. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the effect of eucalyptus biochar on the availability of copper in the soil and on its contents in beans grown in contaminated soil. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement, with five doses of biochar (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0% mm-1 of dry soil), soil without and with the addition of copper (1,000 mg kg-1 of dry soil), and with eight repetitions. Thecopper content available in the soil, root, aerial part, and bean grain; the chlorophyll index; and the bioconcentration and translocation factors of copper in the plant were evaluated. Biochar derived from eucalyptus residues decreases copper availability in contaminated soil. The copper levels in the roots, aerial part, and grains of P. vulgaris are reduced with the application of biochar to the soil, remaining in the grains, from a dose of 1.66% mm-1, below the maximum limit tolerable by Brazilian legislation.O cobre em elevada concentração no solo, causa toxidez nas plantas, sendo necessário o desenvolvimento de estudos que reduzam, ou imobilizem esse elemento. Nesse sentido, o biocarvão poderia ser uma alternativa para a imobilização de cobre no solo, visando menores teores deste elemento na biomassa e nos grãos do feijão preto (Phaseolus vulgaris) utilizado para consumo humano. Contudo, há variações na reatividade do biocarvão em decorrência do seu material de origem e tempo de pirólise. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o efeito do biocarvão de eucalipto na disponibilidade de cobre no solo e nos teores em feijão cultivado em solo contaminado. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial 5 × 2, sendo cinco doses de biocarvão (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 e 2% mm-1 de solo seco), solo sem e com adição de cobre (1.000 mg kg-1 de solo seco), com oito repetições. Avaliou-se o teor de cobre disponível no solo, teor de cobre na raiz, na parte aérea e no grão do feijão; índice de clorofila e fatores de bioconcentração e de translocação de cobre na planta. O biocarvão derivado de resíduos de eucalipto diminui a disponibilidade de cobre em solo contaminado. Os teores de cobre na raiz, parte aérea e nos grãos de Phaseolus vulgaris são reduzidos com a aplicação de biocarvão no solo, mantendo-se nos grãos, a partir da dose 1,66% mm-1, abaixo do limite máximo tolerável pela legislação brasileira