Relationships between organic carbon fractions and physical properties of an Argentine soil under three tillage systems

Um ensaio de campo foi feito com monocultura de milho em um solo Argiudoll típico em Córdoba, Argentina. Avaliaram-se os efeitos de três sistemas de cultivo: plantio direto (PD), cultivo reduzido (CR) e cultivo convencional com arado de aiveca (CC) sobre o carbono orgânico total (CO), carbono da biomassa microbiana (CBM), estabilidade estrutural, densidade de agregados e porcentagem de agregados maiores que 2 mm. O CO foi mais alto e significativamente diferente, nas parcelas sob PD. Foi também o único sistema que apresentou diferenças significativas com a profundidade. O CBM apresentou uma tendência similar ao CO, embora o decréscimo tenha sido maior em CR e CC que em PD. A maior estabilidade estrutural foi apresentada por PD, e a mais baixa por CC. O decréscimo em estabilidade estrutural (em porcentagem) foi maior que o decréscimo em CO e CBM. A densidade de agregados não apresentou diferenças entre os sistemas de cultivo nas amostras superficiais. Os valores mais altos foram achados sempre em profundidade. Uma maior porcentagem de macroagregados foi achada em PD nas duas profundidades. Quando o conteúdo de CBM foi considerado quanto ao total da profundidade de amostragem (0-15 cm), foi achada uma alta correlação com a porcentagem de macroagregados.A field trial was carried out on a Typic Argiudoll soil cropped to corn, located at Córdoba, Argentina. The effect of three tillage systems: direct drilling (DD), reduced tillage (RT) and conventional tillage (CT), on organic carbon (OC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), structural stability, aggregates density and percentage of macroaggregates greater than 2 mm was studied. OC was significantly higher in DD plots. Also, DD was the only system that presented significant differences in depth. MBC showed a similar trend to OC, but the decrease of its contents in RT and CT were greater than DD. The highest soil structural stability was obtained in DD and the lowest in CT. The decrease in structural stability (in percentage) was greater than the decrease in OC and MBC. Aggregates density did not show differences between tillage systems for the surface samples. All the tillage systems presented the highest values of aggregates density at 5-15 cm. A greater percentage of macroaggregates was found in DD for both sampling depths. When MBC content was considered throughout the sampling depth, a high correlation with macroaggregates percentage was found

Efecto de diferentes fertilizantes sobre el carbono de biomasa microbiana, respiración y rendimiento bajo cultivo de lechuga

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of two fertilizers on microbial biomass carbon, soil respiration and yield components of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). A field trial was carried out on a typic Hapludult soil located at Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. On a completely randomized block design the effect of two fertilizers, urea and vermicomposting were analyzed, each one at three levels with all the possible combinations. The variables studied were microbial biomass carbon (MBC), soil respiration, qCO2 and dry matter yield. Seven samplings were performed during the crop cycle, from one month before transplanting to a few days after harvest. MBC and respiration values were higher during the first month following the manure incorporation and in plots where the highest levels of fertilizer were applied. These differences are observed during the first samplings, but later, they became practically insignificant. Probably, fertilizer losses were important. No differences were found in relation to the incorporation of vermicomposting. During the first three samplings organic carbon content was assessed. At the time of fertilizers incorporation, the highest values were obtained, but at the following sampling, their values decreased. The highest urea levels, the greatest yield. MBC contents are correlated with the aerial dry matter.El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de dos fertilizantes sobre el carbono de la biomasa microbiana, la respiración y los componentes del rendimiento de la lechuga. Fue realizado un experimento a campo en un suelo Hapludult típico en el Estado de Río de Janeiro, Brasil. El esquema experimental fue en bloques al azar donde se analizó en factorial el efecto de los abonos (urea y lombricompuesto) en tres dosis. Los parámetros analizados fueron carbono de biomasa microbiana (CBM), respiración del suelo, qCO2 y rendimiento de materia seca de la lechuga. Se realizaron siete muestreos, desde un mes antes del transplante hasta postcosecha. Los valores de CBM y respiración fueron más altos durante el primer mes que siguió a la incorporación de los abonos, y también en las parcelas en que se aplicaron las dosis más altas de estos. Estas diferencias se manifestaron solamente en los primeros muestreos para tornarse luego insignificantes. Es probable que las pérdidas de fertilizante hayan sido muy altas. No se encontró diferencia significativa de la respiración del suelo en relación a la adición de lombricompuesto. Durante los primeros tres muestreos se determinó el contenido de carbono orgánico de las parcelas. En el momento de adición de los abonos se obtuvieron los valores más altos, disminuyendo en el muestreo siguiente. La producción de lechuga fue mayor con la aplicación de las dosis más altas de urea. El contenido de CBM correlacionó con la producción de materia seca.El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de dos fertilizantes sobre el carbono de la biomasa microbiana, la respiración y los componentes del rendimiento de la lechuga. Fue realizado un experimento a campo en un suelo Hapludult típico en el Estado de Río de Janeiro, Brasil. El esquema experimental fue en bloques al azar donde se analizó en factorial el efecto de los abonos (urea y lombricompuesto) en tres dosis. Los parámetros analizados fueron carbono de biomasa microbiana (CBM), respiración del suelo, qCO2 y rendimiento de materia seca de la lechuga. Se realizaron siete muestreos, desde un mes antes del transplante hasta postcosecha. Los valores de CBM y respiración fueron más altos durante el primer mes que siguió a la incorporación de los abonos, y también en las parcelas en que se aplicaron las dosis más altas de estos. Estas diferencias se manifestaron solamente en los primeros muestreos para tornarse luego insignificantes. Es probable que las pérdidas de fertilizante hayan sido muy altas. No se encontró diferencia significativa de la respiración del suelo en relación a la adición de lombricompuesto. Durante los primeros tres muestreos se determinó el contenido de carbono orgánico de las parcelas. En el momento de adición de los abonos se obtuvieron los valores más altos, disminuyendo en el muestreo siguiente. La producción de lechuga fue mayor con la aplicación de las dosis más altas de urea. El contenido de CBM correlacionó con la producción de materia seca

Efecto de diferentes fertilizantes sobre el carbono de biomasa microbiana, respiración y rendimiento bajo cultivo de lechuga

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of two fertilizers on microbial biomass carbon, soil respiration and yield components of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). A field trial was carried out on a typic Hapludult soil located at Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. On a completely randomized block design the effect of two fertilizers, urea and vermicomposting were analyzed, each one at three levels with all the possible combinations. The variables studied were microbial biomass carbon (MBC), soil respiration, qCO2 and dry matter yield. Seven samplings were performed during the crop cycle, from one month before transplanting to a few days after harvest. MBC and respiration values were higher during the first month following the manure incorporation and in plots where the highest levels of fertilizer were applied. These differences are observed during the first samplings, but later, they became practically insignificant. Probably, fertilizer losses were important. No differences were found in relation to the incorporation of vermicomposting. During the first three samplings organic carbon content was assessed. At the time of fertilizers incorporation, the highest values were obtained, but at the following sampling, their values decreased. The highest urea levels, the greatest yield. MBC contents are correlated with the aerial dry matter.El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de dos fertilizantes sobre el carbono de la biomasa microbiana, la respiración y los componentes del rendimiento de la lechuga. Fue realizado un experimento a campo en un suelo Hapludult típico en el Estado de Río de Janeiro, Brasil. El esquema experimental fue en bloques al azar donde se analizó en factorial el efecto de los abonos (urea y lombricompuesto) en tres dosis. Los parámetros analizados fueron carbono de biomasa microbiana (CBM), respiración del suelo, qCO2 y rendimiento de materia seca de la lechuga. Se realizaron siete muestreos, desde un mes antes del transplante hasta postcosecha. Los valores de CBM y respiración fueron más altos durante el primer mes que siguió a la incorporación de los abonos, y también en las parcelas en que se aplicaron las dosis más altas de estos. Estas diferencias se manifestaron solamente en los primeros muestreos para tornarse luego insignificantes. Es probable que las pérdidas de fertilizante hayan sido muy altas. No se encontró diferencia significativa de la respiración del suelo en relación a la adición de lombricompuesto. Durante los primeros tres muestreos se determinó el contenido de carbono orgánico de las parcelas. En el momento de adición de los abonos se obtuvieron los valores más altos, disminuyendo en el muestreo siguiente. La producción de lechuga fue mayor con la aplicación de las dosis más altas de urea. El contenido de CBM correlacionó con la producción de materia seca.El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de dos fertilizantes sobre el carbono de la biomasa microbiana, la respiración y los componentes del rendimiento de la lechuga. Fue realizado un experimento a campo en un suelo Hapludult típico en el Estado de Río de Janeiro, Brasil. El esquema experimental fue en bloques al azar donde se analizó en factorial el efecto de los abonos (urea y lombricompuesto) en tres dosis. Los parámetros analizados fueron carbono de biomasa microbiana (CBM), respiración del suelo, qCO2 y rendimiento de materia seca de la lechuga. Se realizaron siete muestreos, desde un mes antes del transplante hasta postcosecha. Los valores de CBM y respiración fueron más altos durante el primer mes que siguió a la incorporación de los abonos, y también en las parcelas en que se aplicaron las dosis más altas de estos. Estas diferencias se manifestaron solamente en los primeros muestreos para tornarse luego insignificantes. Es probable que las pérdidas de fertilizante hayan sido muy altas. No se encontró diferencia significativa de la respiración del suelo en relación a la adición de lombricompuesto. Durante los primeros tres muestreos se determinó el contenido de carbono orgánico de las parcelas. En el momento de adición de los abonos se obtuvieron los valores más altos, disminuyendo en el muestreo siguiente. La producción de lechuga fue mayor con la aplicación de las dosis más altas de urea. El contenido de CBM correlacionó con la producción de materia seca

Helicobacter pylori-derived neutrophil-activating protein increases the lifespan of monocytes and neutrophils

P>An invariable feature of Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric mucosa is the persistent infiltration of inflammatory cells. The neutrophil-activating protein (HP-NAP) has a pivotal role in triggering and orchestrating the phlogistic process associated with H. pylori infection. Aim of this study was to address whether HP-NAP might further contribute to the inflammation by increasing the lifespan of inflammatory cells. We report that HP-NAP is able to prolong the lifespan of monocytes, in parallel with the induction of the anti-apoptotic proteins A1, Mcl-1, Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L). This effect does not result from a direct action on the apoptotic machinery, but rather it requires the release of endogenous pro-survival factors, such as interleukin-1 beta, which probably acts in synergy with other unidentified mediators. We also report that HP-NAP promotes the survival of Ficoll-purified neutrophils in a monocyte-dependent fashion: indeed, mononuclear cell depletion of Ficoll-purified neutrophils completely abolished the pro-survival effect by HP-NAP. In conclusion, our data reinforce the notion that HP-NAP has a pivotal role in sustaining a prolonged activation of myeloid cells

Valutare la comprensione lessicale in et\ue0 prescolare: Un confronto tra la BVL_4-12 e il PPVT-R

l presente lavoro di ricerca mira a valutare l\u2019efficacia della prova di Comprensione Lessicale in Et\ue0 Prescolare della Batteria per la Valutazione del Linguaggio in Bambini dai 4 ai 12 anni (BVL_4-12; Marini et al., 2015) confrontando la prestazione di un gruppo di bambini a questo test con quella ottenuta somministrando una prova, il Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test \u2013 Revised (PPVT-R; Dunn & Dunn, 1981, versione italiana a cura di Stella, Pizzoli & Tressoldi, 2001) per bambini dai 3 ai 12 anni di et\ue0, di consolidato uso nella pratica clinica. La differenza pi\uf9 evidente tra i due test risiede nella maggiore rapidit\ue0 di somministrazione del test della BVL_4-12 e nella sua maggiore semplicit\ue0 di scoring. Per questo studio sono stati reclutati 20 bambini frequentanti il primo anno della scuola dell\u2019infanzia. Di questi, 15 bambini erano caratterizzati da uno sviluppo tipico del linguaggio, mentre i rimanenti 5 erano sottoposti a trattamento logopedico. I risultati di analisi quantitative e qualitative confermano che i due test forniscono informazioni equivalenti in bambini in et\ue0 prescolare

Discriminatory Value of Adiponectin to Leptin Ratio for COVID-19 Pneumonia

12siPurpose. Obesity is a risk factor for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Circulating adipokines have been associated with iflammatory burden and amplified or dysregulated immune responses. This study aimed to evaluate the discriminatory ability of adipokines to identify COVID-19 pneumonia and to assess disease severity. Methods. We conducted an observational case-control study, with a prospective design, and recruited patients with diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia (n = 48) and healthy controls (n = 36), who were matched by age, sex, and BMI. Leptin, adiponectin, IL-6, and TNF-a were measured by ELISA. Results. Patients with COVID-19 pneumonia had higher levels of leptin, lower adiponectin/leptin (Adpn/Lep) ratio, and higher expression of IL-6. Leptin had an acceptable discriminatory accuracy for COVID-19 pneumonia in patients with BMI >30 (AUC 0.74 [0.58,0.90]) with a cuto¡ of 7852 pg/mL and it was associated with maximum respiratory support. By contrast, Adpn/Lep had an excellent discriminatory accuracy for OVID-19 pneumonia in patients with BMI 2.23) in lean patients is consistent with a state of good health, which decreases in case of inflammatory states, ranging from adipose tissue dysfunction with low-grade iflammation to COVID-19 pneumonia.openopenTonon, Federica; Di Bella, Stefano; Giudici, Fabiola; Zerbato, Verena; Segat, Ludovica; Koncan, Raffaella; Misin, Andrea; Toffoli, Barbara; D’Agaro, Pierlanfranco; Luzzati, Roberto; Fabris, Bruno; Bernardi, StellaTonon, Federica; Di Bella, Stefano; Giudici, Fabiola; Zerbato, Verena; Segat, Ludovica; Koncan, Raffaella; Misin, Andrea; Toffoli, Barbara; D’Agaro, Pierlanfranco; Luzzati, Roberto; Fabris, Bruno; Bernardi, Stell

Relationships between EGFR Signaling–competent and Endocytosis-competent Membrane Microdomains

Membrane microdomains, the so-called lipid rafts, function as platforms to concentrate receptors and assemble the signal transduction machinery. Internalization, in most cases, is carried out by different specialized structures, the clathrin-coated pits. Here, we show that several endocytic proteins are efficiently recruited to morphologically identified plasma membrane lipid rafts, upon activation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR), a receptor tyrosine kinase. Analysis of detergent-resistant membrane fractions revealed that the EGF-dependent association of endocytic proteins with rafts is as efficient as that of signaling effector molecules, such as Grb2 or Shc. Finally, the EGFR, but not the nonsignaling transferrin receptor, could be localized in nascent coated pits that almost invariably contained raft membranes. Thus, specialized membrane microdomains have the ability to assemble both the molecular machineries necessary for intracellular propagation of EGFR effector signals and for receptor internalization

Enhanced recovery pathways in thoracic surgery from Italian VATS Group: Perioperative analgesia protocols

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive technique that allows a faster recovery after thoracic surgery. Although enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) principles seem reasonably applicable to thoracic surgery, there is little literature on the application of such a strategy in this context. In regard to pain management, ERAS pathways promote the adoption of a multimodal strategy, tailored to the patients. This approach is based on combining systemic and loco-regional analgesia to favour opioid-sparing strategies. Thoracic paravertebral block is considered the first-line loco-regional technique for VATS. Other techniques include intercostal nerve block and serratus anterior plane block. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and paracetamol are essential part of the multimodal treatment of pain. Also, adjuvant drugs can be useful as opioid-sparing agents. Nevertheless, the treatment of postoperative pain must take into account opioid agents too, if necessary. All above is useful for careful planning and execution of a multimodal analgesic treatment to enhance the recovery of patients. This article summarizes the most recent evidences from literature and authors' experiences on perioperative multimodal analgesia principles for implementing an ERAS program after VATS lobectomy

A combined role for low vitamin D and low albumin circulating levels as strong predictors of worse outcome in COVID-19 patients

Purpose We aimed to assess the combined role of vitamin D and albumin serum levels as predictors of COVID-19 disease progression. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study on adult patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia (March-September 2020). Vitamin D and albumin serum levels were measured on admission. These variables were categorized in albumin < 3.5 or >= 3.5 g/dL and vitamin D < 30 ng/mL or >= 30 ng/mL. We excluded patients with known bone diseases, renal failure, hypercalcemia and/or treated with antiepileptic drugs and steroids, and patients who received previous vitamin D supplementation. A composite outcome including any ventilatory support, PaO2/FiO(2) ratio, and 60-day mortality was defined. Results Sixty-nine patients were enrolled, of whom 50% received non-invasive (NIV) or invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), 10% died, whereas 89% and 66% presented low albumin and low vitamin D serum levels, respectively. No correlation between vitamin D and albumin levels was found. In multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for sex and age-corrected comorbidities, patients having albumin < 3.5 g/dL and vitamin D < 30 ng/mL showed a significant increased risk for all study outcomes, namely NIV/IMV (OR 3.815; 95% CI 1.122-12.966; p = 0.032), NIV/IMV or death (OR 3.173; 95% CI 1.002-10.043; p = 0.049) and PaO2/FIO2 <= 100 (OR 3.410; 95% CI 1.138-10.219; p = 0.029). Conclusion The measurement of both vitamin D and serum albumin levels on COVID-19 patients' admission, and their combined evaluation, provides a simple prognostic tool that could be employed to guide prompt clinical decisions

Reactivation of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) Detected on Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid (BALF) Samples in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients Undergoing Invasive Mechanical Ventilation: Preliminary Results from Two Italian Centers

27noReactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) has been described in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. In the present two-center retrospective experience, we primarily aimed to assess the cumulative risk of HSV-1 reactivation detected on bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF) samples in invasively ventilated COVID-19 patients with worsening respiratory function. The secondary objectives were the identification of predictors for HSV-1 reactivation and the assessment of its possible prognostic impact. Overall, 41 patients met the study inclusion criteria, and 12/41 patients developed HSV-1 reactivation (29%). No independent predictors of HSV-1 reactivation were identified in the present study. No association was found between HSV-1 reactivation and mortality. Eleven out of 12 patients with HSV-1 reactivation received antiviral therapy with intravenous acyclovir. In conclusion, HSV-1 reactivation is frequently detected in intubated patients with COVID-19. An antiviral treatment in COVID-19 patients with HSV-1 reactivation and worsening respiratory function might be considered.openopenGiacobbe, Daniele Roberto; Di Bella, Stefano Di; Dettori, Silvia; Brucci, Giorgia; Zerbato, Verena; Pol, Riccardo; Segat, Ludovica; D’Agaro, Pierlanfranco; Roman-Pognuz, Erik; Friso, Federica; Principe, Luigi; Lucangelo, Umberto; Ball, Lorenzo; Robba, Chiara; Battaglini, Denise; De Maria, Andrea De; Brunetti, Iole; Patroniti, Nicolò; Briano, Federica; Bruzzone, Bianca; Guarona, Giulia; Magnasco, Laura; Dentone, Chiara; Icardi, Giancarlo; Pelosi, Paolo; Luzzati, Roberto; Bassetti, MatteoGiacobbe, Daniele Roberto; Di Bella, Stefano Di; Dettori, Silvia; Brucci, Giorgia; Zerbato, Verena; Pol, Riccardo; Segat, Ludovica; D’Agaro, Pierlanfranco; Roman-Pognuz, Erik; Friso, Federica; Principe, Luigi; Lucangelo, Umberto; Ball, Lorenzo; Robba, Chiara; Battaglini, Denise; De Maria, Andrea De; Brunetti, Iole; Patroniti, Nicolò; Briano, Federica; Bruzzone, Bianca; Guarona, Giulia; Magnasco, Laura; Dentone, Chiara; Icardi, Giancarlo; Pelosi, Paolo; Luzzati, Roberto; Bassetti, Matte