Ultrathin nanocapacitor assembled via atomic layer deposition.

We fabricated ultrathin metal - oxide - semiconductor (MOS) nanocapacitors using atomic layer deposition. The capacitors consist of a bilayer of Al2O3 and Y2O3 with a total thickness of ~10 nm, deposited on silicon substrate. The presence of the two materials, each slab being ~5 nm thick and uniform over a large area, was confirmed with Transmission Electron Microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The capacitance in accumulation varied from 1.6 nF (at 1MHz) to ~2.8 nF (at 10 kHz), which is one to two orders of magnitude higher than other nanocapacitors. This high capacitance is attributed to the synergy between the dielectric properties of ultrathin Al2O3 and Y2O3 layers. The electrical properties of the nanocapacitor are stable within a wide range of temperatures, from 25 °C to 150 °C, as indicated by capacitance-voltage (C - V). Since the thickness-to-area ratio is negligible, the nanocapacitor could be simulated as a single parallel plate capacitor in COMSOL Multiphysics, with good agreement between experimental and simulation data. As a proof-of-concept we simulated a MOSFET device with the nanocapacitor gate dielectric, whose drain current is sufficiently high for micro and nanoelectronics integrated circuits, including for applications in sensing.

TBS correlates with bone density and microstructure at trabecular and cortical bone evaluated by HR-pQCT.

INTRODUCTION: Trabecular bone score (TBS) estimates bone microstructure, which is directly measured by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT). We evaluated the correlation between these methods and TBS influence on fracture risk assessed by FRAX. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 129 individuals (82 women, 43 postmenopausal) 20 to 82.3 years without prevalent clinical or non-clinical morphometric vertebral fractures, using DXA (spine and hip), HR-pQCT at distal radius (R) and tibia (T) and TBS which classifies bone microarchitecture as normal (TBS ≥ 1.350), partially degraded (1.200 < TBS < 1.350), or degraded (TBS ≤ 1.200). RESULTS: Spine and hip BMD and HR-pQCT parameters at cortical bone: area (T), density (R,T) thickness (T) and trabecular bone: density (R,T), number (T) and thickness (R) were significantly better in the 78 individuals with normal TBS (group 1) versus the 51 classified as partially degraded (n = 42) or degraded microarchitecture (n = 9) altogether (group 2). TBS values correlated with age (r = - 0.55), positively with spine and hip BMD and all cortical and trabecular bone density and microstructure parameters evaluated, p < 0.05 all tests. Binary logistic regression defined age (p = 0.008) and cortical thickness (p = 0.018) as main influences on TBS, while ANCOVA demonstrated that HR-pQCT data corrected for age were not different between TBS groups 1 and 2. TBS adjustment increased FRAX risk for major osteoporotic fractures and hip fractures. CONCLUSION: We describe significant association between TBS and both trabecular and cortical bone parameters measured by HR-pQCT, consistent with TBS influence on fracture risk estimation by FRAX, including hip fractures, where cortical bone predominates.

Geomicrobiological characterization of the evaporitic ecosystem in the hypersaline lake Laguna Verde (Andean Puna, Northwestern Argentina).

Laguna Verde's dome-shaped structures are distinctive formations within the Central Andes, displaying unique geomicrobiological features. This study represents a pioneering investigation into these structures, assessing their formation, associated taxa, and ecological significance. Through a multifaceted approach that includes chemical analysis of the water body, multiscale characterization of the domes, and analysis of the associated microorganisms, we reveal the complex interplay between geology and biology in this extreme environment. The lake's alkaline waters that are rich in dissolved cations and anions such as chloride, sodium sulfate, and potassium, coupled with its location at the margin of the Antofalla salt flat, fed by alluvial fans and hydrothermal input, provide favorable conditions for mineral precipitation and support for the microorganism's activity. Laguna Verde's dome-shaped structures are mainly composed of gypsum and halite, displaying an internal heterogeneous mesostructure consisting of three zones: microcrystalline, organic (orange and green layers), and crystalline. The green layer of the organic zone is predominantly composed of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Cyanobacteria, while the orange layer is mostly inhabited by Cyanobacteria. The results of the study suggest that oxygenic photosynthesis performed by Cyanobacteria is the main carbon fixation pathway in the microbial community, supported by carbon isotopic ratios of specific biomarkers. This finding highlights the important role played by Cyanobacteria in this ecosystem.

Altered apoptosis and proliferation in milk cells and PBMc from BLV-infected bovines with different proviral loads: Possible role of the BCL-2 family proteins, TNF-alpha, and receptors.

Bovines infected by bovine leukemia virus (BLV) are characterized by presenting low proviral load (LPL) or high proviral load (HPL). It is reported that animals with HPL in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) present a decrease in apoptosis, an increase in viability and the proliferation rate, while animals that maintain an LPL have an intrinsic ability to control the infection, presenting an increased apoptosis rate of their PBMCs. However, there is little information on the effect of BLV on these mechanisms when the virus infects somatic milk cells (SC). This study investigates the mechanisms underlying apoptosis in milk and blood from BLV-infected animals with HPL and LPL. Relative levels of mRNA of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), TNF receptor 1 (TNF-RI), TNF receptor 2 (TNF-RII), anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 protein (Bcl-2), and pro-apoptotic Bcl-2-like protein 4 (Bax) were measured in SC and PBMCs using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay. A significant decrease in the expression of TNF-α in SC from HPL animals vs non-infected bovines was observed, but the infection in SC with BLV did not show a modulation on the expression of TNF receptors. A significant increase in TNF-RI expression in PBMCs from HPL bovines compared to LPL bovines was observed. No significant differences in PBMCs between HPL and LPL compared to non-infected animals concerning TNF-α, TNF-RI, and TNF-RII expression were found. There was a significant increase of both Bcl-2 and Bax in SC from LPL compared to non-infected bovines, but the Bcl-2/Bax ratio showed an anti-apoptotic profile in LPL and HPL bovines compared to non-infected ones. Reduced mRNA expression levels of Bax were determined in the PBMCs from HPL compared to LPL subjects. In contrast, BLV-infected bovines did not differ significantly in the mRNA expression of Bax compared to non-infected bovines. Our data suggest that the increased mRNA expression of Bax corresponds to the late lactation state of bovine evaluated and the exacerbated increase of mRNA expression of Bcl-2 may be one of the mechanisms for the negative apoptosis regulation in the mammary gland induced by BLV infection. These results provide new insights into the mechanism of mammary cell death in HPL and LPL BLV-infected bovine mammary gland cells during lactation.

Expression of hes, iha, and tpsA codified in locus of adhesion and autoaggregation and their involvement in the capability of shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains to adhere to epithelial cells.

OBJECTIVES: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains LAA-positive are important cause of human infection. The capability to adhere to epithelial cells is a key virulence trait, and genes codified in LAA pathogenicity island could be involved in the adhesion during the pathogenesis of LAA-positive STEC strains. Thus, our objectives were to compare hes-negative and hes-positive STEC strains in their adherence capability to epithelial cells (HEp-2) and to evaluate the expression levels of the hes, iha, and tpsA in the bacteria adhered and non-adhered to HEp-2 cells. These genes are encoded in LAA, and are virulence factors that participate in adhesion and autoaggregation. RESULTS: We could not observe differences between the adhesion of strains but also in the expression level of of hes, iha, and tpsA. Genes encoded in LAA contribute to the adhesion phenotype though the expression of STEC adhesins is a coordinated event that depends not only the strain but also on the environment as well as its genetic background. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that LAA ,the most prevalent PAI among LEE-negative STEC strains, plays a role in pathogenesis.

Hyperphosphatemia is associated with cardiac valve calcification in chronic hypoparathyroidism.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between metabolic abnormalities and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism (HPP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients 18 years and older, glomerular filtration > 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and no documented coronary artery disease were selected. Serum calcium, phosphorus, glucose, lipids, PTH, 25(OH)D and FGF23 were measured. Cardiovascular risk was estimated by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) calculator. Transthoracic echocardiogram and carotid ultrasound were performed to detect carotid plaques (CP), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), cardiac valve calcification (CVC), and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (94.6% female), aged 56.0 ± 13.5 years and HPP duration 7.0 (4.0; 11.3) years, were included. Fifteen were classified as low cardiovascular risk, 9 as intermediate risk, 9 as high risk and none as very high risk. The prevalence of CP, CVC and LVH was 24.3%, 24.3% and 13.5%, respectively. IMT values were within normal ranges in all cohort. FGF23 were not associated with CP, IMT, CVC or LVH. After logistic regression, phosphorus was the only significant metabolic variable impacting CVC in univariate analysis (OR 2.795; 95% CI 1.132-6.905; p = 0.026), as well as in the multivariate analysis (OR 3.572; 95% CI 1.094-11.665; p = 0.035). Analysis by ROC curve showed serum phosphorus > 5.05 mg/dL (AUC 0.748; CI 0.584-0.877; p = 0.05) as the best cutoff point associated with valve heart calcification (sensitivity 78%; negative predictive value 91.3%). CONCLUSION: Hyperphosphatemia was associated with CVC in HPP patients. Further studies are needed to investigate whether the control of hyperphosphatemia may reduce cardiovascular risk in this population.

Infection by bovine alphaherpesvirus types 1 and 5 induces IFN-λ3 expression in neuronal-type cells and bovine neural tissues.

Type III interferons (IFNs) are components of the innate immunity, with IFN lambda- (λ)3 having the most potent bioactivity in humans. IFN-λ has a predominant role in epithelial cells. However, antiviral function in certain infections of the central nervous system has also been demonstrated. IFN-λ3 expression in neural tissues of cattle has not been investigated. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze whether an antiviral IFN-λ3 response is mounted after infection with bovine alphaherpesviruses (BoHV-1 and BoHV-5) in vitro, in neuronal-type cells, and in neural tissues from experimentally-infected calves. This study demonstrated that there is a strong IFN-λ3 response early after BoHV-1infection of undifferentiated neuroblastoma cells. During acute BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 infection of calves, low levels of IFN-λ3 expression were detected in the brain, which would favor virus spread within this tissue. Striking differences in the transcriptional levels of IFN-λ3 were observed in trigeminal ganglion, particularly in BoHV-1-acutely- and latently-infected calves. During reactivation, IFN-λ3 expression was down-regulated, which may be a requirement for virus replication and spread. Overall, different patterns of IFN-λ3 expression were detected during BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 infection, particularly during latency.

Hyperextension-distraction fractures in ankylosing and spondylotic spines: injury profile and treatment results.

STUDY DESIGN: Case series study. PURPOSE: To describe demographic metrics, and clinical and radiographical outcomes of surgical treatment in patients with ankylosed spine (ASP) such as diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) or ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non-ankylosed spines (NAS) suffering from hyperextension-distraction spine fractures. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with hyperextension-distraction fractures between 2012 and 2020 were identified. A retrospective analysis of clinical and surgical data was performed. Similarities between patients with ASP and NAS were evaluated by Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Of the 22 patients, 13 had ASP (10 patients with DISH, 3 AS) and nine NAS. Most of these injuries involved the thoracolumbar spine (45.4%). All patients with NAS presented some sign of spondylosis: facet joint degeneration, intervertebral osteochondrosis, and anterolateral osteophytes. None of the patients with NAS and 30.7% with ASP suffered low-energy mechanisms (p = .11). All the patients with NAS and 61% of the patients with ASP had associated injuries (p = .04). On average, the instrumented levels were four (range, 2-6), achieving a fusion rate of 94.7% in all groups. Most of the ASP and NAS presented post-operative complications respectively (p = .65). CONCLUSION: Hyperextension-distraction spine fractures are not unique in ASP. In patients with spondylosis and high-energy accidents, we should suspect those fractures and rule out associated injuries, fractures in other vertebral segments, and acute spinal cord injury. The four-level instrumentation achieved an effective fusion rate in all patients.

Gas exchange and growth of soursop under salt stress and H2O2 application methods / Trocas gasosas e crescimento de graviola sob estresse salino e métodos de aplicação de H2O2

The production of soursop seedlings in the Northeast region of Brazil has faced limitations due to the high concentrations of salts in the water, so it is necessary to use techniques that enable its cultivation, and the application of hydrogen peroxide to minimize the deleterious effects of salt stress stands out. In this context, the objective was to evaluate forms of application of hydrogen peroxide as an attenuator of salt stress on the gas exchange and growth of soursop seedlings cv. Morada Nova. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions, in an Regolithic Neosol of sandy loam texture, from the municipality of Lagoa Seca - PB. A completely randomized design was used in a 5 × 4 factorial arrangement, whose treatments resulted from the combination of five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water - ECw (0.6 - control, 1.2, 1.8, 2.4 and 3.0 dS m-1) and four forms of hydrogen peroxide application (M1 - without H2O2 application, M2 - application by seed soaking, M3 - application by foliar spraying, and M4 - application by seed soaking + foliar spraying), with four replicates and two plants per experimental unit, totaling 160 plants. The concentration of H2O2 used in the different forms of application was 20 µM. Irrigation water salinity from 0.6 dS m-1 reduced the gas exchange and growth of soursop. The method of H2O2 application by foliar spraying minimized the effects of salt stress on gas exchange. The method of H2O2 application by seed soaking reduced the effect of salt stress on the growth of soursop at 85 days after sowing.

A produção de mudas de gravioleira na região semiárida do Brasil tem enfrentado limitações devido às elevadas concentrações de sais nas águas, sendo necessário o uso de técnicas que viabilizem seu cultivo, destacando-se a aplicação do peróxido de hidrogênio. Neste contexto, objetivou-se avaliar as formas de aplicação do peróxido de hidrogênio como atenuante do estresse salino nas trocas gasosas e no crescimento de mudas de gravioleira cv. Morada Nova. O estudo foi conduzido sob condições de casa de vegetação, em um Neossolo Regolítico de textura franco-arenosa, utilizando-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, no arranjo fatorial 5 × 4, cujos tratamentos resultaram da combinação de cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação - CEa (0,6 - testemunha; 1,2; 1,8; 2,4 e 3,0 dS m-1) e quatro formas de aplicação de peróxido de hidrogênio (M1- sem aplicação de H2O2, M2 - aplicação via embebição das sementes, M3 -aplicação por pulverização foliar e M4 - aplicação via embebição das sementes + pulverização foliar), com quatro repetições e duas plantas por unidade experimental, perfazendo o total de 160 plantas. A concentração de H2O2 utilizada nas diferentes formas de aplicação foi de 20 µM. A salinidade da água de irrigação a partir de 0,6 dS m-1 diminuiu as trocas gasosas e o crescimento das plantas de gravioleira. O método de aplicação do H2O2 via pulverização foliar minimizou o efeito do estresse salino sobre as trocas gasosas. O método de aplicação do H2O2 via embebição das sementes diminuiu o estresse salino no crescimento de gravioleira aos 85 dias após o semeio.

Different Calcium Levels and Two Limestone Granulometries in the Diet of Laying Hens: Performance and Bone Characteristics

The effect of different calcium levels and two limestone granulometries on performance, egg quality, biometry of digestive organs and bone characteristics of light laying hens were evaluated. A total of 270 laying hens were used during 112 days, distributed in a completely randomized design in a 3 x 2 factorial scheme, with 3 levels of calcium (3.8, 4.0 and 4.2%) and 2 limestone granulometries (0.222 and 1.922 mm), totaling 6 treatments with 5 repetitions each. The parameters evaluated were: feed intake, egg production, egg weight and mass, feed conversion per mass and per dozen eggs, albumen, yolk and shell percentage, specific gravity of eggs and shell thickness. In addition, the relative weight of the heart, proventricle, gizzard, liver, pancreas, intestine weight and length, and bone characteristics were also evaluated. A significant interaction was observed for tibia mineral matter. Egg production was influenced by the limestone granulometry, presenting greater value in the treatments which contained fine granulometry limestone. Higher calcium levels of 4.0 and 4.2% provide greater specific density of eggs. Biometric variables and bone characteristics were not influenced by the treatments. In conclusion, it is recommended to use fine-grained limestone (0.222 mm) and a 4% calcium level in diets for light commercial hens, as they improve performance and quality of eggs, without interfering in biometrics of digestive organs and bone characteristics.(AU)

Grass pollen sensitization in dogs in Paraná, Brazil: comparison between percutaneous and intradermal testing / [Sensibilização a polens em cães no Paraná, Brasil: comparação entre o teste percutâneo e o teste intradérmico]

Canine atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory, genetic, pruritic and chronic dermatosis that affects between 10 and 30% of dogs and one of the most important allergens is grass pollen. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitization to grass pollen allergens in dogs with canine atopic dermatitis and to compare intradermal skin test (IDT) with percutaneous test (PT). For this study, ten healthy dogs and 39 dogs with atopic dermatitis were tested. Dogs were submitted to IDT and PT for Lolium multiflorum, Cynodon dactylon and Paspalum notatum. The IDT and PT tests were compared using the Proportion Test. All healthy dogs were negative to both tests. Ten atopic dogs (25.6%) responded positively to the PT and none were positive in IDT. C. dactylon, L. multiflorum and P. notatum were responsible for positive reactions in 70%, 70% and 30% of positive dogs, respectively. The number of positive reactions in PT were statistically higher than IDT (P<0.05). In conclusion, grass pollen can be important source of allergens for dogs in Paraná state (Brazil) and the PT showed higher sensitization to grass pollen in dogs with atopic dermatitis than IDT.(AU)

A dermatite atópica canina é uma dermatose inflamatória, genética, prurítica e crônica que afeta entre 10% e 30% dos cães, e um dos alérgenos mais importantes são os polens de gramíneas. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a sensibilização a alérgenos de polens de gramíneas em cães com dermatite atópica e comparar o teste intradérmico (TID) com o teste percutâneo (TP). Para o estudo, 10 cães hígidos e 39 cães com dermatite atópica foram testados. Estes foram submetidos ao TID e ao TP para Lolium multiflorum, Cynodon dactylon e Paspalum notatum. TID e TP foram comparados usando-se o teste de proporção. Todos os cães hígidos foram negativos em ambos os testes. Dez cães atópicos (25,6%) responderam positivamente ao TP e nenhum ao TID. C. dactylon, L. multiflorum e P. notatum foram responsáveis por reações positivas de 70%, 70% e 30% dos cães positivos, respectivamente. O número de reações positivas no TP foi estatisticamente maior que no TID (P<0,05). Foi concluído que os polens de gramíneas podem ser importantes fontes de alérgenos para cães no estado do Paraná (Brasil) e que o TP mostrou maior sensibilização a polens em cães com dermatite atópica que o TID.(AU)

Genetic analysis of a possible case of canine X-linked ectodermal dysplasia.

In the present report, we describe targeted next-generation sequencing of the EDA gene of a male poodle with a clinical and histopathological diagnosis of X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. The result was compared with the reference sequence and with the result of the sequencing of a normal dog's EDA gene. No point variant, small deletion or insertion were found in the exons and splice sites, but a transition and a transversion were found in the intron 6' and 3' UTR, respectively. The cause of the dysplasia of the affected dog in this study is neither a point variant nor a small deletion or insertion in the exons and splice sites of the EDA gene. Therefore, patients with phenotype of XLHED may have other types of variants in the EDA gene or variants in other genes of the EDA signalling pathway.

Microarchitectural parameters and bone mineral density in patients with tumour-induced osteomalacia by HR-pQCT and DXA.

INTRODUCTION: Tumour-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic condition characterised by decreased tubular phosphate reabsorption. The purpose of this study is to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) and microarchitecture in six TIO patients, compared with 18 healthy controls. METHODS: Volumetric BMD and microarchitecture were evaluated by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), and areal BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Differences between groups were significant for p < .05. RESULTS: All TIO subjects were healthy until the development of diffuse bone pain and multiple skeletal fractures and deformities. At baseline, sPi and TmPi/GFR were low and patients were on vitamin D and phosphate replacement at the study. Compared with controls, TIO patients had lower aBMD at lumbar spine and hip, and lower vBMD at trabecular, cortical and entire bone, at distal radius (R) and distal tibia (T): trabecular vBMD (R = 118.3 × 177.1; T = 72.3 × 161.3 gHA/cm3 ); cortical vBMD (R = 782.3 × 866.5; T = 789.1 × 900.9 gHA/cm3 ); total region vBMD (R = 234.5 × 317; T = 167.1 × 295.8 gHA/cm3 ). Bone microarchitecture was very heterogeneous among patients and significantly different from controls: lower cortical thickness (R = 0.59 × 0.80; T = 0.90 × 1.31 mm), bone volume-to-total volume ratio (R = 0.09 × 0.14; T = 0.06 × 0.13) and Tb.N (R = 1.46 × 2.10; T = 0.93 × 1.96 mm-1 ) and also higher Tb.Sp (R = 0.70 × 0.41; T = 1.28 × 0.45 mm) and Tb.1/N.SD (R = 0.42 × 0.18; T = 0.87 × 0.20 mm). CONCLUSION: In this original study of TIO patients, DXA and HR-pQCT evaluation identified lower areal and volumetric BMD and severely impaired microarchitecture at cortical and trabecular bones, which probably contribute to bone fragility and fractures.

Evaluation of sensitization to the crude extract of Dermatophagoides farinae and its derived allergens, Der f 2 and Zen 1, in dogs with atopic dermatitis in Southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis is associated with the production of IgE antibodies against environmental allergens and allergens of the house dust miteDermatophagoides farinae are frequently implicated in the disease. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to observe the allergen-specific IgE against crudeD. farinae, Der f 2 and Zen 1 in dogs with atopic dermatitis and report if these dogs are in contact with material that could shelter mite allergens. METHODS: 100 dogs with clinical diagnosis of atopic dermatitis were included after exclusion of other forms of pruritic skin disease and dogs that already received specific or non-specific immunotherapy. These dogs were of different breeds and ages and they were presented at a veterinary teaching hospital and a private service of veterinary dermatology, both located in Curitiba, Southern Brazil. At the time of anamnesis, some questions were applied to know the possibility of these dogs having had contact with furniture and textile material which could shelter house dust mites. Sera samples were obtained and further analyzed by ELISA assay to measure serum IgE levels against these allergens with an established cut-off of 0.200 IgE optical density. RESULTS: The allergen-specific IgE positivity against crudeD. farinae (92 %) and Zen 1 (77 %) was higher than Der f 2 (56 %). There was a correlation in sensitization to crude D. farinae and Zen 1 that was not observed between crude D. farinae and Der f 2 and Der f 2 and Zen 1. The sensitization to D. farinae and its allergens was associated with an unrestricted exposition to furniture and textile material. CONCLUSION & CLINICAL RELEVANCE: dogs with atopic dermatitis are frequently sensitized to D. farinae and its allergens, Der f 2 and Zen 1, may be considered major allergens in these dogs. Zen 1 may be the main allergen responsible for the sensitization to crude D. farinae.

Phosphate-Arsenic Interactions in Halophilic Microorganisms of the Microbial Mat from Laguna Tebenquiche: from the Microenvironment to the Genomes.

Arsenic (As) is a metalloid present in the earth's crust and widely distributed in the environment. Due to its high concentrations in the Andean valleys and its chemical similarity with phosphorus (P), its biological role in Andean Microbial Ecosystems (AMEs) has begun to be studied. The AMEs are home to extremophilic microbial communities that form microbial mats, evaporites, and microbialites inhabiting Andean lakes, puquios, or salt flats. In this work, we characterize the biological role of As and the effect of phosphate in AMEs from the Laguna Tebenquiche (Atacama Desert, Chile). Using micro X-ray fluorescence, the distribution of As in microbial mat samples was mapped. Taxonomic and inferred functional profiles were obtained from enriched cultures of microbial mats incubated under As stress and different phosphate conditions. Additionally, representative microorganisms highly resistant to As and able to grow under low phosphate concentration were isolated and studied physiologically. Finally, the genomes of the isolated Salicola sp. and Halorubrum sp. were sequenced to analyze genes related to both phosphate metabolism and As resistance. The results revealed As as a key component of the microbial mat ecosystem: (i) As was distributed across all sections of the microbial mat and represented a significant weight percentage of the mat (0.17 %) in comparison with P (0.40%); (ii) Low phosphate concentration drastically changed the microbial community in microbial mat samples incubated under high salinity and high As concentrations; (iii) Archaea and Bacteria isolated from the microbial mat were highly resistant to arsenate (up to 500 mM), even under low phosphate concentration; (iv) The genomes of the two isolates were predicted to contain key genes in As metabolism (aioAB and arsC/acr3) and the genes predicted to encode the phosphate-specific transport operon (pstSCAB-phoU) are next to the arsC gene, suggesting a functional relationship between these two elements.

Cortisol level after dexamethasone suppression test in patients with non-functioning adrenal incidentaloma is positively associated with the duration of reactive hyperemia response on microvascular bed.

PURPOSE: Data on endothelial derangements in patients with non-functioning adrenal incidentaloma (NFAI) are scarce. METHODS: We investigated if NFAI patients present clinical, biochemical and endothelial alterations compared to individuals without an adrenal lesion and also the associations among these variables. Forty-two NFAI and 40 controls were evaluated. NFAI diagnosis and controls were defined according to the current guidelines and based on a normal adrenal imaging exam, respectively. Body composition was evaluated by dual emission X-ray absorptiometry. Endothelial reactivity was assessed by two methods: tonometry (Endo-PAT®) and laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI). RESULTS: There were no differences between groups regarding age, gender, ethnicity, smoking status, and statin use. The frequency of metabolic syndrome according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria was 69% and 57.9%, respectively in NFAI and controls (p = 0.36), whereas the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk was 63.4% and 66.7% (p = 0.81). The clinical, laboratory, and anthropometric characteristics, as well as body composition, were similar between the groups. Additionally, any differences between groups were observed on endothelial reactivity tests. Nevertheless, we noted an association between cortisol levels after 1 mg-dexamethosone suppression test (1 mg-DST) and the duration of post-occlusive reactive hyperemia tested on microcirculation (r = 0.30; p = 0.03). NFAI patients require more antihypertensive drugs to achieve blood pressure control (p = 0.04). The number of antihypertensive drugs used to control blood pressure correlated with cortisol levels after 1 mg-DST (r = 0.29; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Since both groups herein investigated had a high frequency of metabolic syndrome and ASCVD risk, it might explain similarities observed on endothelial reactivity. Nevertheless, prolonged reactive hyperemia response on microcirculation was correlated with cortisol levels under suppression.

Persistent inflammation, immunosuppression and catabolism syndrome (PICS) in critically ill children is associated with clinical outcomes: a prospective longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Persistent inflammation, immunosuppression and catabolism syndrome (PICS) has been described in critically ill adults and may contribute to unfavourable outcomes. The present study aimed to describe and characterise PICS in critically ill children (PICS-ped) and to verify its association with clinical outcomes. METHODS: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with children aged between 3 months and 15 years. PICS-ped, based on adult definition, was described. PICS-ped was defined as PICU length of stay >14 days; C-reactive protein > 10.0 mg L-1 ; lymphocytes <25%; and any reduction of mid-upper arm circumference Z-score. Clinical, demographic, nutritional status, nutrition therapy parameters and clinical outcomes were assessed. Statistical analysis comprised Mann-Whitney and Fisher's chi-squared tests, as well as logistic and Cox regression. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In total, 153 children were included, with a median age of 51.7 months (interquartile range 15.6-123.4 months), and 60.8% male. The mortality rate was 10.5%. The prevalence of PICS-ped was 4.6%. Days using vasoactive drugs and days using antibiotics were associated with PICS-ped. PICS-ped was associated with mortality in crude (odds ratio = 6.67; P = 0.013) and adjusted analysis (odds ratio = 7.14; P = 0.017). PICS-ped was also associated with PICU and hospital length of stay, as well as duration of mechanical ventilation. Similar results were found in a subset of critically ill children who required mechanical ventilation for more than 48 h. CONCLUSIONS: Children with PICS-ped required antibiotics or vasoactive drugs for a longer period. PICS-ped was associated with poor clinical outcomes in critically ill children. More studies are needed to properly define PICS-ped for this population.

Superdosing Phytases in the Diets of Light Laying Hens: Productive Performance and Bone Quality

Two experiments were carried out with the objective of evaluating the effect of superdosing of two phytases on performance, egg quality, digestive organ biometry and bone quality of light hens in the first (58 weeks) and second (87 weeks) productive cycle. In the first cycle, 270 light hens were used, in which a completely randomized design was adopted in a 2 x 2 + 1 factorial scheme (bacterial phytase or fungal phytase x 450 FTUs or 900 FTUs + control diet). In the second cycle, 270 hens were used, following the same design as the previous experiment. The performance and quality of the eggs were evaluated in both cycles, and the biometry of the digestive organs and bone characteristics were also evaluated in the first experiment. There was no effect in the comparison between the means for the performance and egg quality (in both experiments), or for the biometric variables and bone characteristics (first experiment). There was no significant interaction between the factors for any of the variables in the two experiments. In the first experiment, egg production was higher with bacterial phytase and egg weight with fungal phytase. The mineral matter showed greater value with 450 FTUs. It is recommended to use bacterial phytase produced from Escherichia coli as it improves the performance of light laying hens. The dosage of 450 FTUs improves the mineral content of light laying hens and the use of phytase in the laying hen diet implies a lower feed cost.

Superdosing Phytases in the Diets of Light Laying Hens: Productive Performance and Bone Quality

Two experiments were carried out with the objective of evaluating the effect of superdosing of two phytases on performance, egg quality, digestive organ biometry and bone quality of light hens in the first (58 weeks) and second (87 weeks) productive cycle. In the first cycle, 270 light hens were used, in which a completely randomized design was adopted in a 2 x 2 + 1 factorial scheme (bacterial phytase or fungal phytase x 450 FTUs or 900 FTUs + control diet). In the second cycle, 270 hens were used, following the same design as the previous experiment. The performance and quality of the eggs were evaluated in both cycles, and the biometry of the digestive organs and bone characteristics were also evaluated in the first experiment. There was no effect in the comparison between the means for the performance and egg quality (in both experiments), or for the biometric variables and bone characteristics (first experiment). There was no significant interaction between the factors for any of the variables in the two experiments. In the first experiment, egg production was higher with bacterial phytase and egg weight with fungal phytase. The mineral matter showed greater value with 450 FTUs. It is recommended to use bacterial phytase produced from Escherichia coli as it improves the performance of light laying hens. The dosage of 450 FTUs improves the mineral content of light laying hens and the use of phytase in the laying hen diet implies a lower feed cost.(AU)