Phylogenetic diversity and structure in moist and dry upland forests in the semi-arid region of Brazil.

Understanding the factors influencing variation in the diversity and structure of rich biological communities (e.g., Neotropical upland forests) is essential in the context of climate change. In this study, we examine how environmental filters (temperature, precipitation, and elevation) and distinct habitats (moist upland forests - MUF and dry upland forests - DHF) influence the phylogenetic diversity and structure of 54 tree communities (28 MHF and 26 DHF). We used the standardized effect size (ses) of the metrics phylogenetic diversity (ses.PD), mean pairwise distance (ses.MPD), and mean nearest neighbor distance (ses.MNTD) to quantify changes in tree community diversity and structure. Then, we assessed the relationships of the phylogenetic metrics with the environmental filters as predictors using generalized linear models (GLMs). Our results indicate that increasing temperature negatively affects the phylogenetic indices analyzed, leading to less diverse and more clustered communities. In contrast, increasing precipitation and elevation showed a significant positive relationship with the analyzed indices, directing communities towards greater phylogenetic diversity and random or overdispersed structure. Our findings also reveal that phylogenetic diversity and structure vary with habitat type. For example, while MUFs exhibit higher phylogenetic diversity and random structure, DUFs display lower phylogenetic diversity and clustered structure. In conclusion, our results suggest that the phylogenetic patterns exhibited by upland communities in the semiarid region are strongly related to climatic conditions and the habitat in which they are found. Therefore, if the predicted temperature increases and precipitation decreases in climate change scenarios for the semi-arid region materialize, these communities may face significant biodiversity loss.

Protective effect of C. sativa leaf extract against UV mediated-DNA damage in a human keratinocyte cell line.

Toxic effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on skin include protein and lipid oxidation, and DNA damage. The latter is known to play a major role in photocarcinogenesis and photoaging. Many plant extracts and natural compounds are emerging as photoprotective agents. Castanea sativa leaf extract is able to scavenge several reactive species that have been associated to UV-induced oxidative stress. The aim of this work was to analyze the protective effect of C. sativa extract (ECS) at different concentrations (0.001, 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 µg/mL) against the UV mediated-DNA damage in a human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). For this purpose, the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay was used. Elucidation of the protective mechanism was undertaken regarding UV absorption, influence on (1)O2 mediated effects or NRF2 activation. ECS presented a concentration-dependent protective effect against UV-mediated DNA damage in HaCaT cells. The maximum protection afforded (66.4%) was achieved with the concentration of 0.1 µg/mL. This effect was found to be related to a direct antioxidant effect (involving (1)O2) rather than activation of the endogenous antioxidant response coordinated by NRF2. Electrochemical studies showed that the good antioxidant capacity of the ECS can be ascribed to the presence of a pool of different phenolic antioxidants. No genotoxic or phototoxic effects were observed after incubation of HaCaT cells with ECS (up to 0.1 µg/mL). Taken together these results reinforce the putative application of this plant extract in the prevention/minimization of UV deleterious effects on skin.

Carbon and nitrogen stock and fluxes in coastal Atlantic Forest of southeast Brazil: potential impacts of climate change on biogeochemical functioning.

The Atlantic Forest is one of the most important biomes of Brazil. Originally covering approximately 1.5 million of km², today this area has been reduced to 12% of its original size. Climate changes may alter the structure and the functioning of this tropical forest. Here we explore how increases in temperature and changes in precipitation distribution could affect dynamics of carbon and nitrogen in coastal Atlantic Forest of the southeast region of Brazil The main conclusion of this article is that the coastal Atlantic Forest has high stocks of carbon and nitrogen above ground, and especially, below ground. An increase in temperature may transform these forests from important carbon sinks to carbon sources by increasing loss of carbon and nitrogen to the atmosphere. However, this conclusion should be viewed with caution because it is based on limited information. Therefore, more studies are urgently needed to enable us to make more accurate predictions.

Potential impacts of climate change on biogeochemical functioning of Cerrado ecosystems.

The Cerrado Domain comprises one of the most diverse savannas in the world and is undergoing a rapid loss of habitats due to changes in fire regimes and intense conversion of native areas to agriculture. We reviewed data on the biogeochemical functioning of Cerrado ecosystems and evaluated the potential impacts of regional climate changes. Variation in temperature extremes and in total amount of rainfall and altitude throughout the Cerrado determines marked differences in the composition of species. Cerrado ecosystems are controlled by interactions between water and nutrient availability. In general, nutrient cycles (N, P and base cations) are very conservative, while litter, microbial and plant biomass are important stocks. In terms of C cycling, root systems and especially the soil organic matter are the most important stocks. Typical cerrado ecosystems function as C sinks on an annual basis, although they work as source of C to the atmosphere close to the end of the dry season. Fire is an important factor altering stocks and fluxes of C and nutrients. Predicted changes in temperature, amount and distribution of precipitation vary according to Cerrado sub-regions with more marked changes in the northeastern part of the domain. Higher temperatures, decreases in rainfall with increase in length of the dry season could shift net ecosystem exchanges from C sink to source of C and might intensify burning, reducing nutrient stocks. Interactions between the heterogeneity in the composition and abundance of biological communities throughout the Cerrado Domain and current and future changes in land use make it difficult to project the impacts of future climate scenarios at different temporal and spatial scales and new modeling approaches are needed.

Nitrogen mass balance in the Brazilian Amazon: an update.

The main purpose of this study is to perform a nitrogen budget survey for the entire Brazilian Amazon region. The main inputs of nitrogen to the region are biological nitrogen fixation occurring in tropical forests (7.7 Tg.yr(-1)), and biological nitrogen fixation in agricultural lands mainly due to the cultivation of a large area with soybean, which is an important nitrogen-fixing crop (1.68 Tg.yr(-1)). The input due to the use of N fertilizers (0.48 Tg.yr(-1)) is still incipient compared to the other two inputs mentioned above. The major output flux is the riverine flux, equal to 2.80 Tg.yr(-1) and export related to foodstuff, mainly the transport of soybean and beef to other parts of the country. The continuous population growth and high rate of urbanization may pose new threats to the nitrogen cycle of the region through the burning of fossil fuel and dumping of raw domestic sewage in rivers and streams of the region.

Efeito das tinturas de café torrado e moído nos níveis séricos de colesterol, triglicerídeos e glicose em ratos diabéticos / Effect of tincture of ground roasted coffee on plasma levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose in diabetic rats

O consumo de café tem sido associado ao menor risco de diabetes tipo 2 (DM2). Evidências epidemiológicas sugerem que o alto consumo de café pode reduzir o risco de diabetes mellitus. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de tinturas de café torrado e moído nos níveis plasmáticos de colesterol, trigliceróis e glicose em ratos diabéticos. A indução do diabetes foi realizada através da administração intraperitoneal de aloxano e as tinturas foram elaboradas utilizando café torrado e moído. Após 30 dias de tratamento, foram realizadas determinações bioquímicas. As tinturas de café solúvel promoveram aumento nos níveis de colesterol e as percentagens de redução das concentrações de glicose e triacilglicerídeo variaram entre 20 e 24% e entre 51 a 57%, respectivamente. A partir dos resultados obtidos, concluiu-se que os tratamentos com o café solúvel sustentam a hipótese de que o café está associado ao menor risco de DM2.

The consumption of coffee has been associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes (DM). Epidemiological evidence suggests that high consumption of coffee may reduce the risk of diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a tincture (hydroethanolic extract) of roasted and ground coffee on plasma levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose in diabetic rats. The diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal administration of alloxan. The induced diabetic rats were then treated for 30 days by gavage with various doses of the coffee tincture. After the treatment, biochemical blood tests were carried out on the rats. The coffee tincture provoked moderately increased levels of cholesterol, but the concentrations of glucose and triglycerides were reduced by 20-24% and 51-57%, respectively. From these results, it was concluded that the treatment with coffee extract supports the hypothesis that coffee is associated with a lower risk of type 2 DM.

Iron-limited condition modulates biofilm formation and interaction with human epithelial cells of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC).

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of low iron availability on biofilm formation and adherence to HEp-2 cells of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) strains isolated from diarrhoea cases. METHODS AND RESULTS: The ability of EAEC to form biofilm on a plastic surface was evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively after 3 and 18 h of incubation of strains with or without the iron chelator 2,2-dipyridyl. When submitted to low iron conditions, prototype EAEC 042 strain showed a decrease in biofilm formation. Conversely, an increase in biofilm formation was observed for the clinical EAEC strains cultured in restricted iron condition. Moreover, the reduction of iron concentration inhibited the aggregative adherence to HEp-2 cells of all EAEC strains tested. However, all effects promoted by iron chelation were suppressed by thiourea. CONCLUSIONS: Low iron availability may modulate biofilm formation and adhesive properties of EAEC strains to HEp-2 cells. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The data obtained in this study provide useful insights on the influence of low iron conditions possibly associated with redox stress on the pathogenesis of EAEC strains.

Brown recluse spider venom: proteomic analysis and proposal of a putative mechanism of action.

Loxosceles intermedia spider venom was subjected to proteomic analysis through a MudPIT shot-gun approach to identify the protein composition. Were identified 39 proteins which seem to responsible by the lesion of different types of tissues, to some physiopathological actions and by the prevention of structural damage to the toxin structures.

The use of autologous blood and adjunctive 'face lift' bandage in the management of recurrent TMJ dislocation.

The use of a sclerosant in the management of recurrent dislocation of the temporomandibular joint has lost popularity in recent years, though it can, in selected cases, be valuable. We describe the technique of intra-articular injection of autologous blood, together with support from an elastic bandage of a type designed for use after a face lift, in a medically unfit 83-year-old woman.

Efeitos de bifosfonatos e estatinas na reparação de fraturas em tíbias de ratas com osteoporose induzidacom dexametasona / Effects of bisphosphonates and statins on tibial bone healing in rats with osteoporosis induced by dexamethasone treatment

A osteoporose é uma doença caracterizada por diminuição da massa óssea, com consequente aumento da incidência de fraturas, necessitando de métodos preventivos e de tratamentos eficazes. Alguns estudos demonstram que não somente a osteoporose, mas fármacos como alendronato, promovem a não consolidação de fraturas, presumivelmente pelo desequilíbrio de atividade osteoblástica e osteoclástica ocasionadas por esse fármaco. O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar, comparativamente, os efeitos de alendronato de sódio, risedronato sódico, atorvastatina cálcica e lovastatina na reparação de fraturas em ratas osteoporóticas induzidas com dexametasona. Os efeitos desses fármacos foram analisados pelos marcadores bioquímicos cálcio, fósforo, albumina, proteínas totais, fosfatase alcalina e exame histomorfométrico de densidade trabecular óssea. Além disso, foi realizada morfometria através das medidas de comprimento, espessura, diâmetro do calo ósseo e densidade das tíbias dos animais. Os resultados bioquímicos não apresentaram diferenças significativas. Através damorfometria e histomorfometria foi possível constatara indução da osteoporose com o glicocorticóide, assim como a melhoria na densidade óssea, densidade trabecular óssea e diâmetro do calo ósseo em todos os grupos tratados. Estas técnicas mostraram que a recuperação óssea foi equiparável ao do grupo normal, o que demonstra que os fármacos usados são eficazes em animais osteoporóticos submetidos à fratura, ressaltando que os melhores efeitos foram obtidos como alendronato.

Efeitos de alendronato de sódio, atorvastatina cálcica e ipriflavona sobre a osteoporose induzida com dexametasona em ratas / Effects of alendronate, atorvastatin and ipriflavone on dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis

O crescente aumento da prevalência da osteoporose tem sido considerado um grave problema de saúde pública no mundo. A osteoporose é uma doença caracterizada por diminuição da massa óssea, com conseqüente aumento do risco de fraturas, necessitando, portanto, de métodos preventivos e de tratamentos eficazes. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo verificar, comparativamente, os efeitos do bifosfonato alendronato de sódio, da estatina atorvastatina cálcica e do flavonóide ipriflavona sobre a osteoporose induzida pelo glicocorticóide dexametasona em ratas. Os efeitos desses fármacos foram avaliados pelos marcadores bioquímicos cálcio e fósforo sérico, fosfatase alcalina óssea e exame histomorfométrico. Os resultados obtidos a partir da análise dos marcadores bioquímicos não foram significativos, não fornecendo subsídios para o diagnóstico e acompanhamento do tratamento da osteoporose. No entanto, a avaliação histomorfométrica permitiu a análise estática e dinâmica, bem como detecção de alterações teciduais na unidade metabólica óssea, particularmente, no osso trabecular. Verificou-se que os tratamentos testados determinaram resultados significativos no aumento da densidade trabecular óssea, destacando-se o bifosfonato que apresentou o melhor resultado, alcançando níveis de densidade trabecular óssea semelhantes aos dos animais intactos. Além disso, a histomorfometria se mostrou válida na detecção da osteoporose, podendo servir de modelo para o estudo de drogas sobre este distúrbio ósteo-metabólico

Efeito de diferentes doses de rutina sobre proteínas totais, enzimas aspartato amino trasferase e alanina amino transferase no soro de coelhos / Effect of different doses of rutin on total proteins, enzimes aspartate amino transferase and alanine amino transferase in serum of rabbits

Modelos com animais são usados para se pesquisar a toxicidade de fármacos, alimentos e novas substâncias com propriedades farmacológicas. Tem sido considerado que o consumo de flavonóides em alimentos é da ordem de 1g proveniente de vegetais, como frutas, leguminosas, etc. Com este objetivo, o presente trabalho avaliou os efeitos da rutina em diferentes doses, através das concentrações de proteínas, enzimas aspartato amino transferase (AST) e alanina amino transferase (ALT) em soro de coelhos. Alterações que ocorreram nos níveis séricos de proteína não foram estatisticamente significativos nos grupos e tempos avaliados para os machos e para as fêmeas. A atividade da AST também não representou diferença estatisticamente significativa. Já para ALT, observou-se variação apenas com 20mg de rutina para os machos nos tempos 0 e 28 dias. Através dos resultados obtidos, pode-se concluir que a rutina não causou patologias hepáticas.

Efeito regulatório de flavonóides e de carmim nos níveis de lipídeos em ratos Wistar / Regulatory effect of flavonoids and carmim colorant dye on the lipid levels in Wistar rats

Estudou-se a açäo de biochanina A isolada e em associaçäo com os corantes naturais antocianina e carmin sobre o metabolismo lipídico de ratos. Foram dosados colesterol, colesterol-HDL e triacilgliceróis após administraçäo de duas doses dos compostos isoladamente e em misturas, sendo a primeira imediatamente após a administraçäo do triton e a segunda 20 horas depois. O sangue foi analisado 43 horas após a administraçäo do triton. Os resultados mostraram que a associaçäo biochanina A + antocianina e biochanina A + carmin apresentaram os melhores resultados para colesterol total e triacilglicerol

Morphological and positional asymmetries of young children with functional unilateral posterior crossbite.

This prospective clinical study evaluated the morphological and positional mandibular asymmetry of young patients with functional unilateral posterior crossbite. The sample included 9 girls and 6 boys (8.8 +/- 1.0 years of age), evaluated at the initiation of treatment and approximately 6 months after the retention phase (1.1 +/- 0.2 years after initiation of treatment). Each patient had a complete unilateral posterior crossbite involving 3 or more posterior teeth, a functional shift from centric relation-intercuspal position, and no signs or symptoms of temporomandibular disorder. A bonded palatal expansion appliance was used to rapidly expand the maxilla (1 month) and retain the treatment changes (6 months). Zonograms were used to assess articular joint spaces, and submental vertex radiographs were used to assess morphological and positional asymmetry. The results showed that the mandible was significantly longer on the noncrossbite side than it was on the crossbite side. The asymmetry was most evident for the ramus and involved both the condylar and the coronoid processes. The posterior and superior joint spaces were larger on the noncrossbite side than they were on the crossbite side. After treatment and retention, the mandible showed no significant morphological asymmetries. Mandibular growth was greater on the crossbite side than it was on the noncrossbite side, and the mandible had been repositioned; the crossbite side had rotated forward and medially toward the noncrossbite side. We concluded that unilateral posterior crossbites produce morphological and positional asymmetries of the mandible in young children, and that these asymmetries can be largely eliminated with early expansion therapy.

Changes in the masticatory cycle following treatment of posterior unilateral crossbite in children.

In a previous study, we established that young children with unilateral posterior crossbite have a longer mandibular ramus and more superiorly and posteriorly positioned condyles on the crossbite side. In this study, we evaluated chewing cycle shape and duration in 14 of the patients before treatment, and we looked for changes in cycle shape and duration 6 months after treatment with rapid palatal expansion. Mandibular kinematics was recorded while chewing gum using an optoelectric recording system at 100 Hz. Subjects were asked to chew normally for 20 cycles, chew on the crossbite side only for 20 cycles, and chew on the noncrossbite side only for 20 cycles. A special computer program selected the 10 most representative cycles from each series and computed an average duration and an average maximum excursion along 3 orthogonal axes. Multilevel linear models were used to generate an 8th-order polynomial describing average cycle shape and to test for statistically significant differences in shape between the patients and the controls and between the patients before and after treatment. Before treatment, the patients chewed more slowly than did the controls. Treatment shortened their cycle duration to equal control values. Before treatment, the patients also had larger maximum excursions than did the controls and exhibited a reverse-sequence cycle shape when chewing on the crossbite side. Treatment did not alter the patients' abnormal cycle shape. These results suggest that some features of the masticatory kinematics respond to orthodontic treatment alone, but others do not.

[Assessment of erectile dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease]. / Avaliação da disfunção erétil em pacientes com doença de Parkinson.

Thirty men having Parkinsons disease (PD) and 30 controls were studied prospectively by the use of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) to assess erectile dysfunction (ED). Of the patients with PD (mean age of 59 years), 46.66% referred to the practice of sexual activity. All of the parkinsonians were using antiparkinsonian medication. In the control group (mean age of 63 years), 76.66% referred to the practice of sexual activity, 46.60% to arterial hypertension and 6.66% to diabetes mellitus. The median score for the PD group according to the IIEF was 34, and that for the controls 50. The main differences between the two groups were in the erectile function, orgasmic function and satisfaction with the sexual relationship. The IIEF is a multidimensional scale widely accepted to assess the ED. The data obtained suggest that ED is more frequent among parkinsonians and points out to the role of DP in the genesis of ED.

[Hypocholesterolemic effect of naringin and rutin flavonoids]. / Efeito hipolipidêmico dos flavonóides naringina e rutina.

Flavonoids are pigments fenolics of plants that possess several biological activities, and many of these are associated with prevention of chronic diseases as cancer and hyperlipidemia. This work had as objective evaluates the effect of the flavonoids naringin and rutin on the metabolism lipidic of chicks hypercholesterolemic. In agreement with the results it can be observed that naringin and rutin reduced the levels of total cholesterol significantly, cholesterol-LDL, cholesterol-VLDL and triglycerols, not presenting, however, reductions in the levels of cholesterol-HDL.

effects of atropine and methylatropine on erythropoietin production and hypothalamic stimulation in rabbits

A atropina bloqeia parcialmente o aumento na produção de EPO em coelhos submetidos a hipóxia. Na tentativa de estudar a possibilidade do envolvimento de mecanismos colinérgicos no controle da eritropoiese, a metilatropina foi administrada a coelhos, que, em seguida, foram submetidos a hipóxia hipobárica ou a estimulação do hipotálamo posterior. A metilatropina não bloqueou o aumento na produção de EPO em resposta à hipóxia, nem o aumento na taxa de reticulócitos na circulação periférica. A antropina, que atravessa a barreira hematoencefálica, bloqueia tanto o aumento na produção de EPO, quanto o aumento no número de reticulócitos na circulação periférica

Clinical and radiographic assessment of Class II esthetic restorations in primary molars.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to access the clinical performance of two esthetic materials (Vitremer and Z100 + Scotchbond Multipurpose) when used as Class II restorations in primary molars, and compare them to amalgam controls. METHODS: A total of 102 restorations were placed in primary molars of 29 schoolchildren; 40 were of Vitremer, 38 of Z100 + Scotchbond Multipurpose, and 24 of amalgam (Dispersalloy). The restorations were evaluated clinically at baseline and after 6, 12, 18, 24 months, or until tooth exfoliation or patient drop-out, following the modified Cvar and Ryge criteria. Radiographs were taken at yearly intervals, and the radiograph of the last examination available was assessed and scored. RESULTS: The majority of the restorations examined clinically up to 18 months was good (Alpha according to Cvar and Ryge), and no statistically significant differences between the groups was observed. However, at the 19-24 months evaluation, Z100 rated better than Vitremer for surface appearance and color match. The prevalence of radiolucent defects at the cervical margin for the Z100 (47%) was significantly higher than for amalgam (11%) restorations (P = 0.002) and for Vitremer (13%) restorations (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: The three materials evaluated (Vitremer, Z100 and Dispersalloy) presented satisfactory clinical performance during the time evaluated (approximately 2 years). Approximately half of the composite resin restorations presented radiographic defects that might require replacement at a later date. In contrast, glass ionomer and amalgam restorations presented significantly less radiographic defects at the time of the final examination. This study suggests that composite resins are indicated for classII restorations in primary molars that are expected to exfoliate within two years.