Levels Of Po Research Articles

Phosphorus lability in a Ferralsol as affected by land-use change in the Brazilian Cerrado

ABSTRACT Low availability of phosphorus (P) is a constraint to agricultural development in tropical soils, owing to the high fixation of P in the soil matrix. Land-use change can modify soil P dynamics. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of land-use change on P fractions in a Ferralsol under different systems of use and management. Inorganic (Pi) and organic soil P (Po) fractions were assessed by sequential fractionation using H2O, NaHCO3, NaOH, hot concentrated HCl and H2SO4-H2O2 as extractants. The systems in the study were as follows: pasture (PAST), no-tillage system (NT), organic cultivation (ORG) with 2, 6, 8 and 10 years of organic management, and conventional continuous cropping tillage (CT). A native Cerrado forest (F) area was used as reference. In general, Po forms predominated over Pi, with exception of the CT soil, where Pi represented 41% of the total P. On average, conversion of F into the CT system reduced levels of Po in the soil by up to 72%. The soil P resilience index showed that P inputs in the CT and NT systems were insufficient at recovering P availability after the land-use change. On the other hand, the most recent ORG systems demonstrated the greatest efficiency at restoring the equilibrium of the soil P state. The hypothesis that less intensive agricultural systems increase the soil labile P pool, enhancing available P levels, was confirmed. Agricultural systems that used organic inputs and reduced soil disturbance were found to be more efficient at recovering and maintaining soil P availability.

Reduction of enteric methane production with palm oil: Responses in dry matter intake, rumen fermentation and apparent digestibility in sheep

The aim of the trial was to assess the effect of palm oil (PO; Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) in a basal ration of low-quality Pennisetum purpureum grass on DMI, enteric CH4 emissions, rumen fermentation and apparent digestibility in hair sheep. Eight non-castrated male Pelibuey sheep with an average live weight (LW) of 28 ± 1.1 kg housed in metabolic crates inside respiration chambers, were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Each period lasted 18 days (13 days for adaptation to handling and rations, and 5 days for measurements of response variables). A control (CON) ration and three PO levels were evaluated: 20, 40 and 60 g/kg as a percentage of dry matter (DM) in the ration. The basal ration had a 70:30 forage:concentrate ratio (DM basis). Individual DMI was measured daily. Measurement of apparent digestibilities of nutrients was carried out by total collection of feces. Samples of rumen liquor were taken postprandial from sheep, subsequently, the molar proportion of VFA was determined. Enteric CH4 production (L/d) was measured using head boxes. Average intakes of DM per day (855 g/d), DM/kgW0.75 (64 g/d), organic matter (OM; 809 g/d) and crude protein (CP; 106 g/d) were not affected by treatment (P > 0.05). Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and crude fat (CF) intake were reduced linearly (P < 0.05) as the percentage of PO in the ration was increased. Apparent digestibilities of DM, OM and NDF were not affected by the inclusion of PO (P > 0.05). Molar proportion of propionic acid in the rumen increased linearly as the level of PO inclusion in the ration was augmented (P < 0.05). The acetic:propionic acid ratio decreased linearly (P < 0.01) from 2.02 for the control ration to 1.66 for the ration with 60 g/kg PO. Enteric CH4 emissions decreased with increasing levels of PO in the ration (P < 0.01). Energy loss (MJ/d) as CH4 was reduced (P < 0.01), as well as methane energy loss as a proportion of gross energy intake (Ym; P < 0.01) and CH4 emission per year (EF; P < 0.01). Results demonstrate that PO is a promising by-product for mitigating CH4 emissions in hair sheep fed low-quality tropical grasses, with reductions of up to 14.1 %, without negative effects on DMI, nutrient intake and ration digestibility.

Assessment of circulating fibrotic proteins (periostin and tenascin -C) In Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with and without retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision impairment. Surging diabetic population and poor visual care raises the need for better diagnostic tools. Hence, it is worthwhile to look for biomarkers associated with the disease pathogenesis. Periostin and tenascin-C are matricellular proteins mediating fibrillogenesis in retinopathy. Their serum levels and association with the presence and severity of retinopathy in diabetics is of importance to be explored. The study involved two groups of type 2 diabetes patients, 38 controls without retinopathy and 38 cases with retinopathy. We obtained serum sample and performed biochemical autoanalysis for routine parameters. Special parameters periostin, tenascin-C, and C-peptide were estimated by ELISA. Periostin and tenascin-C were significantly elevated in the retinopathy group. Periostin progressively increased among subgroups. C-peptide decreased significantly in retinopathy group and had a negative correlation with duration of DM, duration of retinopathy, HbA1c and tenascin-C. We observed a positive correlation for periostin and tenascin-C with duration of diabetes. The AUC for C-peptide was the highest (0.750) amongst our parameters. HOMA 2 (%B) index was significantly lower in retinopathy group. Serum Levels of PO and TnC increased in retinopathy. As the disease advances, periostin level increases, indicating continuing fibrosis and fibrovascular membrane formation. Periostin and tenascin-C increase with duration of retinopathy whereas levels of C-peptide decrease. C-peptide has a better differentiating potential for DR from DM. Reduced insulin production as indicated by declined HOMA 2-%BETA in retinopathy favors hyperglycemia and chronic inflammatory state for the disease progression.

Significance of serum palmitoleic acid levels in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), are chronic intestinal diseases of unknown etiology that present with variable disease extents and outcomes. The use of biomarkers for the diagnosis and management of IBDs is considered beneficial. Palmitoleic acid (PO) is an adipose tissue-derived mono-unsaturated free fatty acid that potentially serves as a lipokine in metabolic and inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the significance of PO levels in the serum of patients with UC and CD. The study included patients with UC (n = 22), patients with CD (n = 35), and controls (n = 22). The levels of serum PO were analyzed using gas chromatography. The association of serum PO levels with the clinical features and disease outcomes in IBD was examined. Serum PO levels were significantly higher in patients with CD than in controls, whereas no difference in these levels was observed between patients with UC and controls. Serum PO levels were significantly associated with the CD activity index. Additionally, high serum PO levels were associated with an increased risk of surgical intervention requirement during follow-up. In a pilot study with a few patients, high PO levels were observed in the mesenteric tissue in the active disease site of patients with CD (n = 7) compared with those with colon cancer (n = 6). Elevated serum PO levels might serve as a marker for local inflammation and prognosis in patients with CD.

The Timing of Parathyroid Hormone Measurement as an Early Predictor of Postoperative Hypocalcemia Post Total Thyroidectomy: A Prospective Study

Abstract Background: Serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level is an early marker of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. However, lack of methodological standardization to define timing and cut-off points of iPTH measurement limit its clinical applicability. Here, we evaluated the relationship between two distinct postoperative time sampling and iPTH accuracy on predicting hypocalcemia. Aim of Study: This study was aimed to evaluate the accuracy of iPTH measured after total thyroidectomy to predict postoperative hypocalcemia and to identify patients at risk of postoperative hypocalcaemia who require supplementation treatment, and those not at risk who can be safely discharged without any supplementation treatment. Moreover, combining postoperative PTH and serum calcium levels could result in an accurate prediction of the risk of postoperative hypocal-caemia. Patients and Methods: iPTH was measured within 24h after surgery (iPTH 24h) and on the morning of the 3rd postoperative day (iPTH 3rd PO). Hypocalcemia was defined by levels of total calcium corrected by serum albumin £8.0mg/dL and/or by the presence of symptoms or signs. The most accurate iPTH cut-off point for hypocalcemia prediction was established from a ROC curve comparing both time-points. Results: The study included 40 patients. The mean age was 46.23±9.03 years, 34 were women (85%) and all patients underwent total thyroidectomy. Hypocalcemia occurred in 8 patients (20%), of whom 5 were symptomatic. Lower levels of iPTH 24h and iPTH 3rd PO were associated with postop-erative hypocalcaemia (p < 0.05). Using the ROC curve, the optimal cut-off points were 14.8pg/mL and 14pg/mL for iPTH 24h and iPTH 3rd PO, respectively. The comparison of the AUC showed no significant difference between these two points of evaluation with 98% accuracy for both time points. Conclusions: Serum iPTH levels measured within 24h or on the 3rd morning after surgery are predictors of postoperative hypocalcemia. Notably, both time-points have the same accuracy to predict postoperative hypocalcemia (with different cutoff points).

Dietary Haematococcus pluvialis powder supplementation affect carotenoid content, astaxanthin isomer, antioxidant capacity and immune‐related gene expression in Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Haematococcus pluvialis powder on astaxanthin content and isomer composition, antioxidant ability and immunity of Litopenaeus vannamei after short-term feedings. Experimental diets include a commercial diet (control) and diets containing H. pluvialis powder (HP-35 and HP-70, 35 and 70 mg of carotenoids kg−1). After feeding for 15 days, the content of astaxanthin in the muscle, cephalothorax and shell of shrimp increased significantly with increasing addition of H. pluvialis powder (p < 0.05). Dietary addition of H. pluvialis powder significantly increased the activity of total antioxygenic capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) as well as the relative mRNA levels of immune-related genes, Toll, MyD88, IMD, Crustin, PO and Lysozyme in hepatopancreas (p < 0.05). The proportion of astaxanthin isomers in different body parts was different, whereas it has no significant difference between same body parts of different groups. This indicated that the accumulation of astaxanthin among body parts may be accompanied with selection and isomerization. In conclusion, feeding with H. pluvialis powder diets containing 35 and 70 mg of carotenoids kg−1 can enhance the carotenoid and astaxanthin content, antioxidant and immune capacity of L. vannamei.

Impact of no-tillage on water purification and retention functions of soil

There are still uncertainties regarding the long-term impact of no-tillage farming practices on separate soil functions in the United Kingdom. This paper aimed to evaluate the chemical and physical processes in two different agricultural soils under no-tillage and conventional management practices to determine their impact on water related soil functions at field scale in the United Kingdom. The field-scale monitoring compares two neighboring farms with similar soil and topographic characteristics—one of the farms implemented no-tillage practices in 2013, while the second farm is under conventional soil management with moldboard plowing. Two soil types were evaluated under each farming practice: (1) a free-draining porous limestone, and (2) a lime-rich loamy soil with high silt and clay content. Field monitoring was undertaken over a two-year period and included nutrient analysis of surface and subsurface soil samples, bulk density, soil moisture, infiltration capacity, surface runoff, and analysis of phosphorus (P) and suspended solids in watercourses in close proximity to the test fields. The conversion to no-tillage changed the soil structure, leading to a higher bulk density and soil organic matter content and thereby increasing the soil moisture levels. These changes impacted the denitrification rates, reducing the soil nitrate (NO₃) levels. The increased plant material cover under no-tillage increased the levels of soil phosphate (PO₄^3–) and PO₄^3– leaching. The extent to which soil functions were altered by farming practice was influenced by the soil type, with the free-draining porous limestone providing greater benefits under no-tillage in this study. The importance of including soils of different characteristics, texture, and mineralogy in the assessment and monitoring of farming practice is emphasized, and additionally the between field and in-field spatial variability (both across the field and with depth) highlighted the importance of a robust sampling strategy that encompasses a large enough sample to effectively reveal the impact of the farming practice.

The role of copper and zinc accumulation in defense against bacterial pathogen in the fujian oyster (Crassostrea angulata)

Cu and Zn are hyper-accumulated in oysters, and the accumulation of these metals increases host resistance to pathogens. However, the role of Cu/Zn in oyster immune defense remains unclear. In this study, Crassostrea angulata with different levels of Cu and Zn were obtained through metal exposure or selective breeding. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that oysters accumulating more Cu/Zn exhibited stronger antibacterial abilities. Vibrio harveyi infection significantly promoted the metal redistribution in oysters: Cu and Zn concentrations decreased in the mantle, but increased in the plasma and hemocytes. This redistribution was accompanied by changes in the expression levels of Cu and Zn transporter genes (CTR1, ATP7A, ZIP1, and ZNT2), suggesting that the Cu/Zn burst observed in the hemocytes was likely due to the transfer of heavy metals from plasma (mediated by the metal importer proteins) or released from intracellular stores. The degree to which Cu/Zn concentration increased in the plasma and hemocytes was more dramatic in oysters with high levels of Cu/Zn accumulation. In vitro, Cu and Zn both inhibited the growth of V. harveyi, while Cu plus H2O2 was lethal to the bacteria. The strength of the growth-inhibition and lethal effects depended on the metal dose. In addition to these effects, increases in Cu concentration increased the activity levels of PO in the oyster plasma and hemocytes in vivo and in vitro. However, SOD activity was not affected by Cu or Zn accumulation. Thus, our results suggested that the Cu/Zn burst in the hemolymph was an important factor in the oyster immune reaction, creating a toxic internal environment for the pathogen, as well as catalyzing inorganic or enzymatic reactions to strengthen bacteriostasis. By determining the extent of Cu/Zn burst in the immune response, Cu/Zn accumulated levels could affect the resistance of oysters to pathogens.

A preliminary Rancimat-based kinetic approach of detecting olive oil adulteration

Temperature coefficients (TC and Q10 number) and the parameters of Arrhenius equation (frequency factor, A, and activation energy, Ea) and activated complex theory (enthalpy, ΔH++, and entropy, ΔS++) based on the oxidative stability indices (OSI, by Rancimat test at 100–130 °C) were used to detect the adulteration of olive (Zard and Roghani cultivars) oils with 10–30% of palm olein, PO, and sunflower oil, SO. An adulteration index, AI (h2), which encompassed the more pervasive parameters of maximum sensitivity to the presence of adulterating oils, comprised of the OSI at 100 °C and the values of A and Ea was developed. The AI for the unblended Zard and Roghani oils was calculated to be 18.9 and 26.5 h2, respectively. These quantities increased quite remarkably by adding the different levels of PO (Zard: 180–2247%, Roghani: 185–2146%) and SO (Zard: 1229–9343%, Roghani: 542–1401%).

Influence of power output on pedalling biomechanical parameters in cyclists of different competitive levels

Introduction Cycling performance depends on several physiological and biomechanical parameters (Faria et al. 2005). The influence of biomechanical factors such as pedalling technique is still an issue of debate (Leirdal and Ettema 2011). Several studies demonstrated that pedal force effectiveness (FE, %, ratio of the force perpendicular to the crank and the total force applied to the pedal) has also been used as a gold standard measure of pedalling technique in cycling. However, FE depends on several constraints such as power output (PO, W), pedalling cadence, body position, fatigue, and cycling experience (Bini et al. 2013). Studies showed that large increase in PO (i.e. from 60% to 98% of the maximal aerobic power [MAP]) led to higher FE. Additionally, a recent study showed that professional cyclists have better pedalling technique than elite or club cyclists (Garcia-Lopez et al. 2016). The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of PO on pedalling technique in cyclists of different competitive levels using FE as a performance clue.  Methods 37 male road cyclists of different competitive levels (elite [19] and professional [18]) performed all testing sessions on a Bikefitting ergometer (Shimano, Pedal Analyzer, Dynamics Lab, Sittard, Netherland) that has been used to assess FE in seated position. Firstly, the personal bike position of each cyclist was reported on the ergometer. Then, the cyclists were required to perform exercises at four level of PO (55, 70, 85 and 100% of MAP). In order to keep an individual combination between muscular force and pedalling cadence, the cyclists were asked to keep their preferred pedalling cadence during each level of PO. The main parameter measured was FE whereas the balance between propulsive and resistive forces (%) was also measured as a secondary parameter. A two-way ANOVA was used to analyse the influence of both the PO and the competitive level on FE.  Results The figure 1 shows an increase in FE with PO (+26.4% from 55 to 100% of MAP, p < 0.001). Even if the competitive level did not influence FE, the increase of FE according to PO was higher (+36.1%) in professional cyclists than elite cyclists (+19.1%). Additionally, the coefficient of variation (CV, %) decreased with PO (CV55% = 16.2 %, CV70% = 15.0 %, CV85% =  12.8 % and CV100% = 11.0%). For all PO and competitive levels, FE was correlated with both PO (r = 0.47, p < 0.001) and the balance between propulsive and resistive forces (r = 0.82, p  < 0.001). Finally, the resistive forces were significantly (p < 0.001) decreased from 15.8 to 5% between 55 and 100% of MAP during the upstroke.  Conclusions The main findings of this study show that FE was influenced by the level of PO and was independent of the competitive level. Yet, professional cyclists increased faster FE with the level of PO suggesting that their pedalling technique was further improved in high levels of PO as compared with elite cyclists. Previous studies showed that an increase in PO induced an increase in FE (Zameziati et al. 2006). In this study, for a given PO, the increase in FE was due to a lower resistive force. Concerning the effect of competitive level, previous studies have shown no difference in FE between cyclists of different competitive levels (Sanderson et al. 2000) whereas another study (Garcia-Lopez et al. 2016) demonstrated that professional cyclists had better pedalling technique than elite cyclists. Finally, it appears that with the increase of PO, the professional cyclists improve their pedalling efficiency both by increasing FE and decreasing the resistive force during the upstroke of the pedalling cycle.

Exposure to a heat wave under food limitation makes an agricultural insecticide lethal: a mechanistic laboratory experiment.

Extreme temperatures and exposure to agricultural pesticides are becoming more frequent and intense under global change. Their combination may be especially problematic when animals suffer food limitation. We exposed Coenagrion puella damselfly larvae to a simulated heat wave combined with food limitation and subsequently to a widespread agricultural pesticide (chlorpyrifos) in an indoor laboratory experiment designed to obtain mechanistic insights in the direct effects of these stressors in isolation and when combined. The heat wave reduced immune function (activity of phenoloxidase, PO) and metabolic rate (activity of the electron transport system, ETS). Starvation had both immediate and delayed negative sublethal effects on growth rate and physiology (reductions in Hsp70 levels, total fat content, and activity levels of PO and ETS). Exposure to chlorpyrifos negatively affected all response variables. While the immediate effects of the heat wave were subtle, our results indicate the importance of delayed effects in shaping the total fitness impact of a heat wave when followed by pesticide exposure. Firstly, the combination of delayed negative effects of the heat wave and starvation, and the immediate negative effect of chlorpyrifos considerably (71%) reduced larval growth rate. Secondly and more strikingly, chlorpyrifos only caused considerable (ca. 48%) mortality in larvae that were previously exposed to the combination of the heat wave and starvation. This strong delayed synergism for mortality could be explained by the cumulative metabolic depression caused by each of these stressors. Further studies with increased realism are needed to evaluate the consequences of the here-identified delayed synergisms at the level of populations and communities. This is especially important as this synergism provides a novel explanation for the poorly understood potential of heat waves and of sublethal pesticide concentrations to cause mass mortality.

Thrombin-activatable Fibrinolysis Inhibitor (TAFI) as a Novel Prognostic Factor After Orthotropic Liver Transplantation: A Pilot Study

BackgroundThrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), a liver-produced coagulation factor, has been associated with higher mortality in cirrhotic patients, but there has not been any description of its role in perioperative care in liver transplantation cases. MethodsA total of 21 patients were included. Serum TAFI levels were determined at 3 time points: preoperatively (TAFI pre), immediately postoperative (TAFI PO), and 24 hours postoperatively (TAFI 24 h). The main outcome was the physiological pattern of TAFI in the perioperative period of liver transplantation. The secondary outcomes were the association between TAFI and early allograft dysfunction (EAD) as well as that of TAFI and 6-month mortality. ResultsTAFI levels increased at the 24-hour time point, compared to the other 2 time points (TAFI pre, P = .007; TAFI PO, P = .0001). Early allograft dysfunction occurred in 2 of 21 patients, both demonstrating lower TAFI 24 h levels compared to those who did not develop this complication (3.0 ± 0.2 vs 1.5 ± 0.3; P = .0001). Three patients who died all demonstrated lower levels of TAFI pre (1.3 ± 0.1 vs 2.5 ± 0.5; P = .001) and TAFI PO (1.2 ± 0.1 vs 2.4 ± 0.4; P = .001) compared to the survivors. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the determination of TAFI levels—both pre- and postoperatively—may be of clinical relevance in liver transplant recipients.

Time-Trend Analysis of Pulmonary and Diaphragmatic Functionality in Patients with Diaphragmatic Palsy or with Chronic Diaphragmatic Hernia after Surgical Treatment.

Background The aim of this study was to assess long-term pulmonary and diaphragmatic function in two cohorts of patients: the first one affected by diaphragmatic palsy (DP) who underwent plication reinforced by rib-fixed mesh and the second one affected by chronic diaphragmatic hernia (TDH) who underwent surgical reduction and direct suture. Materials and Methods From 1996 to 2011, 10 patients with unilateral DP and 6 patients with TDH underwent elective surgery. Preoperative and long-term (12 months) follow-up assessments were completed in all patients, including pulmonary function tests (PFTs) with diffusion of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), measure of maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) assessed both in standing and in supine positions, blood gas analysis, chest computed tomographic (CT) scan, and dyspnea score. The Pearson chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and Student t-test were applied when indicated. Results At long-term (12 months) postoperative follow-up, patients operated for DP showed a significant improvement in terms of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1%) (+ 18.2%, p < 0.001), forced vital capacity (FVC%) (+ 12.8%, p < 0.001), DLCO% (+ 8.3%, p = 0.04), and Po 2 (+ 9.86 mm Hg, p < 0.001) when compared with baseline values. Conversely, when considering the TDH group, only the levels of Po 2 were found to be significantly higher in the postoperative assessment (+ 8.3 mm Hg, p = 0.04). Although MIP increased in both the groups after surgery, a persistent and significant decrease of MIP was detected in TDH group when comparing the levels assessed in supine position with those measured in the standing position (p < 0.001). Medical Research Council dyspnea scale improved in the DP group by a factor of 0.80 (p < 0.001) and in the TDH group by a factor of 0.33 (p = 0.175). Conclusion In patients who underwent surgery for DP, good long-term results may be predicted in terms of pulmonary flows, volumes, and DLCO. Conversely, in patients who underwent elective surgery for chronic TDH, a persistent overall restrictive pattern, lower MIP values in supine position, and paradoxical motion could be expected.

Soil Phosphorus Dynamics of Wheat-Based Cropping Systems in the Semiarid Region of Argentina

The dynamics of soil P forms and particle size fractions was studied under three wheat-based cropping sequences in production systems of Argentina. The whole soil and its coarse (100–2000 µm) and fine (0–100 µm) fractions were analyzed to determine Bray-Kurtz extractable (Pe), organic (Po), inorganic (Pi), and total (Pte) phosphorus. The reference soil was determined at time 0 and compared to a four-year period (time 9 to 12) in three crop sequences: wheat (Triticum aestivumL.)-cattle grazing on natural grasses (WG), continuous wheat (WW), and wheat-legume (WL). Levels of Pe showed differences over time, from 10 to 16 µg g−1in WG, in line with agriculture and cattle grazing alternate sequences. In WW, P level increased with time, while in WL systems a significant decrease in P from 33.7 to 10.4 µg P g−1was found during the legume period. Soil P values varied between reference soil and soil samples in year nine and between treatments. Pi was significantly lower in WW, and its concentration increased with time. The coarse fraction of the reference plots had significantly higher levels of Po and Pi than the cultivated treatments, probably a consequence of the particulate organic matter decomposition and coarse mineral particle weathering. The observed changes in Pi content could be attributed to differences in occluded P equilibrium under different soil environments (mainly pH) and crop-tillage-climatic interaction.

Attenuating brain inflammation, ischemia, and oxidative damage by hyperbaric oxygen in diabetic rats after heat stroke

Alternating hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis mechanisms would lead to multiple organs dysfunction or failure. Herein, we attempt to assess whether hypothalamic inflammation and ischemic and oxidative damage that occurred during heatstroke (HS) can be affected by hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) therapy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. In this study, anesthetized diabetic rats, immediately after the onset of HS, were divided into two major groups and given the normobaric air (21% O₂ at 1.0 atmospheres absolute) or HBO₂ (100% O₂ at 2.0 atmospheres absolute). HS was induced by exposing the animals to heat stress (43°C). Another group of anesthetized diabetic rats was kept at normothermic state and used as controls. The survival time values for the HBO2-treated HS-diabetic rats increased form the control values of 78-82 minutes to new values of 184-208 minutes. HBO₂ therapy caused a reduction of HS-induced cellular ischemia (e.g., increased cellular levels of glutamate and lactate/pyruvate ratio), hypoxia (e.g., decreased cellular levels of PO₂), inflammation (e.g., increased cellular levels of interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and myeloperoxidase), and oxidative damage (e.g., increased values of nitric oxide, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, glycerol, and neuronal damage score) in the hypothalamus of the diabetic rats. Our results suggest that, in diabetic animals, HBO2 therapy may improve outcomes of HS in part by reducing heat-induced activated inflammation and ischemic and oxidative damage in the hypothalamus and other brain regions.

Exceptional cardiac anoxia tolerance in tilapia (Oreochromis hybrid)

Anoxic survival requires the matching of cardiac ATP supply (i.e. maximum glycolytic potential, MGP) and demand (i.e. cardiac power output, PO). We examined the idea that the previously observed in vivo downregulation of cardiac function during exposure to severe hypoxia in tilapia (Oreochromis hybrid) represents a physiological strategy to reduce routine PO to within the heart's MGP. The MGP of the ectothermic vertebrate heart has previously been suggested to be ∼70 nmol ATP s(-1) g(-1), sustaining a PO of ∼0.7 mW g(-1) at 15°C. We developed an in situ perfused heart preparation for tilapia (Oreochromis hybrid) and characterized the routine and maximum cardiac performance under both normoxic (>20 kPa O(2)) and severely hypoxic perfusion conditions (<0.20 kPa O(2)) at pH 7.75 and 22°C. The additive effects of acidosis (pH 7.25) and chemical anoxia (1 mmol l(-1) NaCN) on cardiac performance in severe hypoxia were also examined. Under normoxic conditions, cardiac performance and myocardial oxygen consumption rate were comparable to those of other teleosts. The tilapia heart maintained a routine normoxic cardiac output (Q) and PO under all hypoxic conditions, a result that contrasts with the hypoxic cardiac downregulation previously observed in vivo under less severe conditions. Thus, we conclude that the in vivo downregulation of routine cardiac performance in hypoxia is not needed in tilapia to balance cardiac energy supply and demand. Indeed, the MGP of the tilapia heart proved to be quite exceptional. Measurements of myocardial lactate efflux during severe hypoxia were used to calculate the MGP of the tilapia heart. The MGP was estimated to be 172 nmol ATP s(-1) g(-1) at 22°C, and allowed the heart to generate a PO(max) of at least ∼3.1 mW g(-1), which is only 30% lower than the PO(max) observed with normoxia. Even with this MGP, the additional challenge of acidosis during severe hypoxia decreased maximum ATP turnover rate and PO(max) by 30% compared with severe hypoxia alone, suggesting that there are probably direct effects of acidosis on cardiac contractility. We conclude that the high maximum glycolytic ATP turnover rate and levels of PO, which exceed those measured in other ectothermic vertebrate hearts, probably convey a previously unreported anoxia tolerance of the tilapia heart, but a tolerance that may be tempered in vivo by the accumulation of acidotic waste during anoxia.

Evaluating the feasibility of induced host resistance by endophytic isolate Penicillium citrinum BTF08 as a control mechanism for Fusarium wilt in banana plantlets

Penicillium citrinum BTF08 was evaluated for its biocontrol potential against the pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 4 (FocR4) in banana plantlets via induction of host resistance. Disease assessments were recorded weekly and their biochemical markers (peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase) assayed. Results showed colonization of P. citrinum BTF08 resulted in significant levels of PO and PPO that were detected in plantlets pre-treated with P. citrinum BTF08. These levels of 98.35unitsg−1 tissues and 57.25unitsg−1 tissues were higher compared to levels assayed from plantlets infected with only pathogenic FocR4 with 63.7unitsg−1 tissues and 45.80unitsg−1 tissues, for PO and PPO, respectively. The elevated levels of PO and PPO suggest the occurrence of induced host resistance in P. citrinum BTF08-treated plantlets, and this benefited the plantlets, as they recorded lower percentages of disease incidence and severity, and delayed symptom progression. However, at the end of 28days, all plantlets succumbed to Fusarium wilt with 80% disease incidence and 42% disease severity. Our study is the first to document the induction of host resistance by P. citrinum BTF08 and their efficacy to suppress wilt incidence.

New Plasma Separation Glucose Oxidase-based Glucometer in Monitoring of Blood With Different PO 2 Levels

The PalmLab glucometer is a newly designed plasma separation glucose oxidase (GO)-based glucometer. Past studies have shown that the accuracy of GO-based glucometers is compromised when measurements are taken in patients with high PO(2) levels. We performed a two-arm study comparing the fitness of the PalmLab blood glucometer with that of a standard glucose analyzer in monitoring blood glucose levels in pediatric patients, especially when arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PO(2)) was high. In the first arm of the study, arterial blood samples from pediatric patients were measured by the PalmLab blood glucometer and the YSI 2302 Plus Glucose/Lactate analyzer. In the second arm of the study, venous blood samples from adult volunteers were spiked with glucose water to prepare three different levels of glucose (65, 150, and 300mg/dL) and then oxygenated to six levels of PO(2) (range, 40-400mmHg). The biases of the PalmLab glucometer were calculated. A total of 162 samples were collected in the first arm of the study. Results of linear regression showed that the coefficient of determination (R(2)) between PalmLab glucometer and standard glucose analyzer was 0.9864. Error grid analysis revealed that all the results were within Zone A (clinically accurate estimate zone). The biases between the two systems were low at different PO(2) levels. In the second arm of the study, the results were also unaffected by changes in PO(2). The PalmLab glucometer provides accurate results in samples with high PO(2) and is suitable for measuring arterial glucose levels in pediatric patients.

Assessment of matrix-dependent analyte stability and volatility during open-vessel sample dissolution for arsenic, cadmium, mercury and selenium

The effects of calcium and magnesium (as nitrates) and phosphorous (as hydrogen phosphate) were investigated on the stability of As, Cd, Hg, and Se during open-vessel dissolution in Teflon vessels. Samples of mainly inorganic and biological matrices were dissolved in screw-capped Teflon tubes in HNO(3) only or in a mixture of HNO(3)-HF. The caps were then removed and the solutions were simultaneously evaporated at 120 °C to near dryness without drying the contents (Method I) or to complete dryness with extended heating for 20 min at dryness (Method II). ICP-MS analysis indicated that the stabilities of Se and Hg were highly influenced by Ca, Mg and PO(4) content in the sample. Arsenic (As) and Cd did not show any significant instability or volatility. Selenium was lost in Method II from biological samples containing trace levels of Ca, Mg and PO(4). Mercury was unstable during heating in all samples, except bone ash for which no significant loss was detected in Method I. Losses observed for Hg and Se were consistent with Ca, Mg and PO(4) deficiency in the samples and hence indicated that nitrate and hydrogen phosphate salts of these matrix elements do improve stability of the relatively volatile elements during open-vessel dissolution in teflon vessels. While Se was effectively stabilized with sub-per cent levels of Ca, Mg and PO(4), Hg due its high volatility required significantly higher levels of Ca and PO(4) in the bone ash.

Dietary Adherence in Hispanic Patients Receiving Hemodialysis

The study objective was to identify the factors that influence dietary adherence in Hispanic patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis and to determine the differences in dietary adherence between Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients. We performed a cross-sectional study using a descriptive-comparative design. The study took place at hemodialysis centers at Winthrop-University Hospital, New York. The participants were adult patients of Hispanic descent receiving maintenance hemodialysis three times per week for 3 months or more and an equal number of age- and sex-matched non-Hispanic patients. Information was obtained by a questionnaire about knowledge of the diet, preferred language for education, consumption of potassium- (K(+)) and phosphorus- (PO(4)) containing foods, and adherence attitudes and behaviors. Serum albumin (SAlb), K(+), and PO(4) for the past 3 months were obtained from medical records and evaluated to assess dietary adherence. The main outcome measure was a mean SAlb of 3.2g/dL or greater, K(+) of 5.5 mEq/L or less, and PO(4) of 5.5 mg/dL or less. A total of 17 Hispanic and 17 comparison patients were included. Both groups were adherent to the diet because their mean levels of SAlb, K(+), and PO(4) were within acceptable limits. Dietary adherence was observed in 76% of the Hispanic patients for SAlb, 88% for K(+), and 65% for PO(4), whereas the rate of adherence was 59%, 88%, and 76%, respectively, for the comparison group. Both groups were adherent to the restrictions of the renal diet. More patients from both groups were adherent to K(+) than to PO(4) restrictions. Among the factors that probably influenced dietary adherence to the renal diet in this dialysis facility are knowledge of the renal diet, language, food frequency consumption, socioeconomic status, family support, and attitudes toward the renal diet. Patient education provided in Spanish with family involvement is an important element for promoting adherence among Hispanic patients receiving dialysis.