ABSTRACT
Abstract The main objective of the present study was to promote some adaptations to the standard methodology used in the analysis of Cladocera subfossils. The samples used in this study were collected at Lagoa dos Coutos, a temporary lake located on an outcrop with iron-rich duricrust in the Serra do Gandarela (Minas Gerais, Brazil). The sediment from this pond, typical of temporary ecosystems in the region, is characterized by rigid concretions that are difficult to dissolve in aqueous media, making it difficult to visualize and analyze subfossils taxa. Sediment samples were prepared according to the standard methodology used in paleolimological studies and the methodological adaptations proposed in the present study, which included the addition of 1 mg of Kochia scoparia, a palynological marker used to estimate subfossil density, as well as the addition of hydrofluoric acid (HF) to oxidize silicate materials. The samples prepared according to the new methodological procedure improved Cladocera subfossil visualization, facilitating the taxonomic analysis of the species. The samples submitted to the standard methodological procedure had a significantly higher mean of sediment particles (mean of 84.2 sediment particles) and 70% more residues compared to the samples prepared with the newly proposed methodology (mean of 22.1 sediment particles). Absolute data on the temporal variation of the density of Cladocera subfossils was obtained by using the palinological marker K. scoparia, which showed higher densities of subfossils in more recent, humid periods (112,000 subfossils/cm3 at 5 cm, equivalent to 3,500 years BP). The results indicate that the new methodology can contribute to advances in paleolimnological studies of temporary aquatic ecosystems, whose lake histories are rarely investigated, despite their ecological relevance as ecosystems that indicate environmental and climatic changes.
Resumo O principal objetivo do presente estudo foi promover algumas adaptações na metodologia padrão utilizadas para a análise de subfósseis de Cladocera. As amostras utilizadas nessa pesquisa foram coletadas na Lagoa dos Coutos, uma lagoa temporária encontrada em solo de afloramento ferruginoso na Serra do Gandarela (Minas Gerais, Brasil). O sedimento desta lagoa, típico de ecossistemas temporários da região, caracteriza-se por apresentar concreções rígidas de difícil dissolução em meio aquoso, que dificultam a visualização e análise taxonômica dos subfósseis. Amostras de sedimento foram preparadas de acordo com a metodologia padrão utilizada em estudos paleolimnológicos e as adaptações metodológicas propostas no presente estudo, que incluíram a adição de 1 mg de Kochia scoparia, um marcador palinológico utilizado para estimar a densidade de subfósseis, além da adição de ácido fluorídrico (HF) para oxidação de materiais silicáticos. As amostras preparadas de acordo com o novo procedimento metodológico apresentaram melhor visualização dos subfósseis de Cladocera, facilitando a análise taxonômica das espécies. As amostras submetidas ao procedimento metodológico padrão apresentaram uma média significativamente maior de partículas de sedimentos (média de 84,2 partículas de sedimento) e 70% mais resíduos em comparação com as amostras preparadas com a nova metodologia proposta (média de 22,1 partículas de sedimento). Dados absolutos sobre a variação temporal da densidade dos subfósseis de Cladocera foram obtidos a partir do uso do marcador palinológico K. scoparia, revelando densidades mais elevadas de subfósseis nos períodos recentes (112.000 subfósseis/cm3 nos 5 cm iniciais, equivalentes a 3.500 anos BP). Os resultados obtidos indicam que a nova metodologia pode contribuir para avanços em estudos paleolimnológicos de ecossistemas aquáticos temporários, raramente contemplados na reconstrução da história de lagos, apesar de sua relevância ecológica como ecossistemas sinalizadores de mudanças ambientais e climáticas.
Subject(s)
Animals , Cladocera , Brazil , Lakes , Ecosystem , Geologic Sediments , EcologyABSTRACT
The main objective of the present study was to promote some adaptations to the standard methodology used in the analysis of Cladocera subfossils. The samples used in this study were collected at Lagoa dos Coutos, a temporary lake located on an outcrop with iron-rich duricrust in the Serra do Gandarela (Minas Gerais, Brazil). The sediment from this pond, typical of temporary ecosystems in the region, is characterized by rigid concretions that are difficult to dissolve in aqueous media, making it difficult to visualize and analyze subfossils taxa. Sediment samples were prepared according to the standard methodology used in paleolimological studies and the methodological adaptations proposed in the present study, which included the addition of 1 mg of Kochia scoparia, a palynological marker used to estimate subfossil density, as well as the addition of hydrofluoric acid (HF) to oxidize silicate materials. The samples prepared according to the new methodological procedure improved Cladocera subfossil visualization, facilitating the taxonomic analysis of the species. The samples submitted to the standard methodological procedure had a significantly higher mean of sediment particles (mean of 84.2 sediment particles) and 70% more residues compared to the samples prepared with the newly proposed methodology (mean of 22.1 sediment particles). Absolute data on the temporal variation of the density of Cladocera subfossils was obtained by using the palinological marker K. scoparia, which showed higher densities of subfossils in more recent, humid periods (112,000 subfossils/cm3 at 5 cm, equivalent to 3,500 years BP). The results indicate that the new methodology can contribute to advances in paleolimnological studies of temporary aquatic ecosystems, whose lake histories are rarely investigated, despite their ecological relevance as ecosystems that indicate environmental and climatic changes.
Subject(s)
Cladocera , Animals , Brazil , Ecology , Ecosystem , Geologic Sediments , LakesABSTRACT
Abstract The main objective of the present study was to promote some adaptations to the standard methodology used in the analysis of Cladocera subfossils. The samples used in this study were collected at Lagoa dos Coutos, a temporary lake located on an outcrop with iron-rich duricrust in the Serra do Gandarela (Minas Gerais, Brazil). The sediment from this pond, typical of temporary ecosystems in the region, is characterized by rigid concretions that are difficult to dissolve in aqueous media, making it difficult to visualize and analyze subfossils taxa. Sediment samples were prepared according to the standard methodology used in paleolimological studies and the methodological adaptations proposed in the present study, which included the addition of 1 mg of Kochia scoparia, a palynological marker used to estimate subfossil density, as well as the addition of hydrofluoric acid (HF) to oxidize silicate materials. The samples prepared according to the new methodological procedure improved Cladocera subfossil visualization, facilitating the taxonomic analysis of the species. The samples submitted to the standard methodological procedure had a significantly higher mean of sediment particles (mean of 84.2 sediment particles) and 70% more residues compared to the samples prepared with the newly proposed methodology (mean of 22.1 sediment particles). Absolute data on the temporal variation of the density of Cladocera subfossils was obtained by using the palinological marker K. scoparia, which showed higher densities of subfossils in more recent, humid periods (112,000 subfossils/cm3 at 5 cm, equivalent to 3,500 years BP). The results indicate that the new methodology can contribute to advances in paleolimnological studies of temporary aquatic ecosystems, whose lake histories are rarely investigated, despite their ecological relevance as ecosystems that indicate environmental and climatic changes.
Resumo O principal objetivo do presente estudo foi promover algumas adaptações na metodologia padrão utilizadas para a análise de subfósseis de Cladocera. As amostras utilizadas nessa pesquisa foram coletadas na Lagoa dos Coutos, uma lagoa temporária encontrada em solo de afloramento ferruginoso na Serra do Gandarela (Minas Gerais, Brasil). O sedimento desta lagoa, típico de ecossistemas temporários da região, caracteriza-se por apresentar concreções rígidas de difícil dissolução em meio aquoso, que dificultam a visualização e análise taxonômica dos subfósseis. Amostras de sedimento foram preparadas de acordo com a metodologia padrão utilizada em estudos paleolimnológicos e as adaptações metodológicas propostas no presente estudo, que incluíram a adição de 1 mg de Kochia scoparia, um marcador palinológico utilizado para estimar a densidade de subfósseis, além da adição de ácido fluorídrico (HF) para oxidação de materiais silicáticos. As amostras preparadas de acordo com o novo procedimento metodológico apresentaram melhor visualização dos subfósseis de Cladocera, facilitando a análise taxonômica das espécies. As amostras submetidas ao procedimento metodológico padrão apresentaram uma média significativamente maior de partículas de sedimentos (média de 84,2 partículas de sedimento) e 70% mais resíduos em comparação com as amostras preparadas com a nova metodologia proposta (média de 22,1 partículas de sedimento). Dados absolutos sobre a variação temporal da densidade dos subfósseis de Cladocera foram obtidos a partir do uso do marcador palinológico K. scoparia, revelando densidades mais elevadas de subfósseis nos períodos recentes (112.000 subfósseis/cm3 nos 5 cm iniciais, equivalentes a 3.500 anos BP). Os resultados obtidos indicam que a nova metodologia pode contribuir para avanços em estudos paleolimnológicos de ecossistemas aquáticos temporários, raramente contemplados na reconstrução da história de lagos, apesar de sua relevância ecológica como ecossistemas sinalizadores de mudanças ambientais e climáticas.
ABSTRACT
AIM: Aim of the study was to demonstrate the effectiveness, in the management of recalcitrant wounds, of a hyperoxidized oil-based gel with film-forming and protective functions. METHODS: The study involved 50 patients with recalcitrant not infected and/or necrotic chronic ulcers. All patients had 0.7 minimum ABPI value; terminal and/or cancer and/or under immunosuppressive therapy patients were excluded. The dressing consisted in a uniform gel layer applied on the lesion, after cleansing with a 0.05% sodium hypochlorite chloroxidating solution. The dressing was changed every 48 hours (or every 24 hours, in case of hyperexuding wound). The effectiveness was assessed by the evaluation of the WBP score changes and area reduction (via the Visitrak™ Digital System) after an observation period of 4 weeks. RESULTS: All patients achieved area improvement; WBP score improved in more than 90% of the B score patients; pain reduction was reported by all patients: more than 55% of the total number of patients limited the use of analgesic drugs and in 6 cases (12%) they discontinued the antalgic therapy. CONCLUSION: The dressing showed an actual effectiveness, promoting granulation and accelerating epithelialization; no patient suffered from allergy/intolerance and all of them reported a decrease in pain, until complete relief.
Subject(s)
Dermatologic Agents/administration & dosage , Occlusive Dressings , Oils/administration & dosage , Oxidants/administration & dosage , Skin Ulcer/therapy , Adult , Chronic Disease , Female , Gels , Humans , Male , Time Factors , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
AIM: The aims of this study were to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of an antibedsore overlay in 3D structure of new conception towards an overlay of common use. Evaluation parameters: wound area reduction, healing, safety and comfort. METHODS: Open randomized multicenter study comparing the two overlays for the treatment and prevention of pressure sores. Patients were recruited in long-term carewards. Recruitment and randomization systems were made using envelopes, with goal of 70 patients with pressure ulcers from I to IV degree. Observation period was extended for 12 weeks. Data collection was made using paper CRF. RESULTS: We enrolled 72 patients: 35 in the study group and 37 in the control. The two groups were similar. Mortality during the observation period was 13.8% (unrelated events). Approximately 50% of patients withdrew from the study before the end (trend in favor of the overlay three-dimensional). The resolution of the lesions occurred in 8 cases (11.1%), 3 cases in the overlay 3D and 5 in the gel group (P=NS). The reduction of the area was in favor of the three-dimensional overlay (P<0.005%), data with significance were obtained also in patient comfort (P=0.08) and ease of care (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The first objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative antibedsore overlay versus a commonly used one. The data obtained showed a better performance, both in terms of treatment of lesions and in terms of comfort for the patients and the operators.
Subject(s)
Gels/therapeutic use , Occlusive Dressings , Pressure Ulcer/therapy , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Case-Control Studies , Equipment Design , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Italy , Male , Pressure Ulcer/mortality , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the topical application of an amino acid dressing, Vulnamin, aids the management of chronic wounds. METHOD: A total of 160 patients with non-infected cutaneous chronic wounds were recruited. Before treatment, wound size was assessed using digital planimetry. Treatment lasted for a maximum of six weeks. Wound area measurements were repeated two and six weeks after starting treatment. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in the mean wound area after two weeks (7.4 +/- 8.7cm2) and six weeks (4.6 +/- 6.3cm2) of treatment, when compared with baseline (11.2 +/- 12.1cm2, p<0.01). At the final follow up, 23% of patients (n=36) healed and 34% (n=54) achieved a greater than 60% reduction in wound size. Seventy-six per cent (n=120) achieved positive outcomes (defined as a greater than 40% reduction in the ulcer size). CONCLUSION: Although further investigations on the potential effects of this product on chronic wound healing are required, these data suggest it may promote healing in venous, pressure and diabetic ulcers.
Subject(s)
Amino Acids/administration & dosage , Bandages , Skin Ulcer/therapy , Administration, Topical , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Amino Acids/economics , Bandages/economics , Chronic Disease , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Female , Health Care Costs , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Skin Ulcer/economics , Wound HealingABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: to evaluate whether oral supplementation with zinc or zinc/arginine increases the antibody response to influenza vaccine or modulates the lymphocyte phenotype in elderly subjects. DESIGN: a randomized controlled trial with two supplemented groups and one control group. SETTING: a community nursing home. PARTICIPANTS: 384 subjects aged 64-100 (mean age 82 years) examined in three separate studies. INTERVENTION: oral supplementation with zinc (400 mg/day) or zinc plus arginine (4 g/day) for 60 days starting 15 days before influenza vaccination. The control groups received vaccine only. MEASUREMENTS: haematological and nutritional indices, antibody titre against influenza viral antigens, lymphocyte phenotype. RESULTS: supplementation with zinc or zinc plus arginine increased zinc plasma concentrations restoring the age-related impairment in zinc concentrations to values found in younger people. The antibody titre against influenza viral antigens was not increased in zinc or zinc/arginine supplemented groups in comparison with subjects receiving vaccine alone. The number of CD3, CD4 or CD8 lymphocytes was not affected by zinc or zinc/arginine supplementation. CONCLUSION: prolonged supplementation with zinc or zinc/arginine restores zinc plasma concentrations but is ineffective in inducing or ameliorating the antibody response after influenza vaccination in elderly subjects.
Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral/immunology , Arginine/pharmacology , Dietary Supplements , Influenza Vaccines/immunology , Lymphocyte Subsets/drug effects , Zinc/pharmacology , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Arginine/administration & dosage , Arginine/blood , CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology , Female , Hematology , Humans , Immunophenotyping , Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology , Male , Middle Aged , Nutritional Status , Vaccination , Zinc/administration & dosage , Zinc/bloodABSTRACT
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the commonest cause of chronic obstruction lung disease within the first three decades of life. Because patients suffer from repeated pulmonary infections, we were interested in studying the nonspecific antibacterial mechanisms of the lungs of CF children. Fifteen CF children, 13 nontuberculous pulmonary-infected (I) children and 4 noninfected (N-I) children, who were diagnosed as having a foreign body in the air passages, were submitted to a bronchopulmonary washing. The absolute number, viability, and differential count of the cells were determined, and the phagocytic assay using the Lehrer's technique was carried out on the harvested cells. The materials obtained from CF and I patients were mucopurulent, whereas the ones from the N-I patients were not mucopurulent. The number of cells retrieved from CF and I patients was higher than that from the N-I patients. This was attributed to an increase in the absolute number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The phagocytic capacity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes was not different for the three groups studied, whereas that of alveolar macrophages was higher for the CF and the I patients than for the N-I ones. Inasmuch as there was no significant difference between the CF and the I patients, we conclude that the nonspecific phagocytic behavior of alveolar macrophages and pulmonary polymorphonuclear leukocytes of CF patients might be similar to the one coming from other bacterial infectious states of the lung.
