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Mycobacterium chimaera is an environmental non-tuberculous mycobacterium belonging to Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). It has been widely known to be associated with disseminated infection after cardiac surgery, related to heater-cooler units used during these procedures. Although M. chimaera seems to be a less virulent species compared to M. avium and M. intracellulare among MAC, several cases of M. Chimaera lung infections have been reported in settings of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, malignancy, or immunosuppression. Here, we present an Italian case report in association with newly diagnosed COPD.

Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and management in special populations remain challenging. Data about TB and transgender individuals is scarce, and strategies aimed at reducing the TB burden in this at-risk group are needed. We conducted an observational monocentric study from a national reference center for TB, including transgender individuals with active TB in a low-TB burden country (Italy), over 34 years (1990-2023). Sixty-six transgender males and two transgender females (median age 30 years, interquartile range 26-38 years, 65 migrants) were included. Most patients (38/66, 57.6%) lived in poor social conditions. 65.2% (43/66) of patients were people living with HIV. Multidrug- and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis and isoniazid-resistant TB were diagnosed in five (7.6%) and three (4.5%) patients, respectively. The overall treatment success rate was 72.7% (48/66 patients), with differences observed according to social conditions. Our study highlights the need for a tailored approach to increase treatment success in this at-risk population.

Abstract Recent research suggests that embodiment sensations (sense of body ownership and sense of body agency) are altered in schizophrenia. Using a mirror box illusion setup, we tested if the anomalous embodiment experience depends on deficient processing of visuomotor synchrony, disrupted processing of movement mode, or both. The task required participants to press a lever with their index while looking at the image of the experimenter’s hand moving on a similar lever. The illusion of embodiment could arise because looking toward the direction of their own hand the participant saw the reflection of the experimenter’s hand visually superimposed to his own one through a mirror. During the illusion induction, we systematically varied visuomotor asynchrony (4 delays were imposed on the movement of the experimenter’s hand) and the mode of movement (the participant could perform active vs. passive movements). The strength of the illusion of embodiment of the external hand was assessed with explicit judgments of ownership and agency. Patients’ data showed an anomalous modulation of ownership with respect to visuomotor synchrony manipulation and an altered modulation of agency with respect to both visuomotor synchrony and movement mode manipulations. Results from the present study suggest that impairments affecting both the processing of temporal aspects of visuomotor signals and the processing of type of movement underlie anomalous embodiment sensations in schizophrenia. Hypotheses about potential deficits accounting for our results are proposed.

The pyrolysis of agricultural wastes process in an environment with absence or deficiency of oxygen has drawn much attention for generating products such as biochar with potential to act as soil conditioners. Characteristics of biochar reinforce its performance as soil conditioner, such as high porosity, aromatic structure and presence of acid functional groups, which result in accumulation and persistence of carbon in the soil, generation of electrical charges, and retention and availability of nutrients. Considering that the time of adopting a management system can influence the quantity of total organic carbon (TOC) contents, but this may not indicate differences between the treatments evaluated, some authors have proposed to fractionate TOC according to four decreasing degrees of oxidation, through the use of different concentrations of sulfuric acid. This method, called TOC fractionation by degrees of oxidation, allows the classification of soil carbon into the fractions F1, F2, F3 and F4. Fractions F1 and F2 are more labile and are more related to the availability of nutrients and the formation and stabilization of macroaggregates, while fractions F3 and F4 are related to compounds with greater chemical stability and molecular weight. This work aimed to evaluate the influence of doses of eucalyptus bark biochar on TOC content and oxidizable organic carbon fractions in dry-separated soil aggregate classes. The study conducted in the field consisted of the application at a Eucaliptus urograndis plantation of five doses of eucalyptus bark biochar (0; 0.25; 0.5; 1 and 2% v v, equivalent to 0; 2.5; 5; 10; 20 t ha-1) produced at two pyrolysis temperatures (350 °C and 600 °C). Two soil samples were taken (365 days and 730 days) at depths of 0.0-0.10 m and 0.10-0.30 m. Through regression analysis of the biochar produced at 350 ºC, we observed a linear increase in the content of the fraction F2, in the classes of aggregates 4.00-2.00 mm (p

Brazil has the largest area of planted forests in the world, about 9 million hectares, mostly composed of eucalyptus and pine. This large plantation area generates a large production of residues, estimated at 10 t ha-1 of eucalyptus bark per cultivation cycle. These residues have been reused for ground cover, heat and electricity production, and production of biochar through pyrolysis. Many characteristics of biochar make it attractive as a soil conditioner, such as its high porosity and specific surface area, associated with aromatic structure and acidic functional groups, which result in the accumulation and persistence of carbon in the soil, formation of electrical charges and nutrient retention and availability. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the pyrolysis temperature of eucalyptus bark biochar, for periods of 365 and 730 days after the use of doses of biochar in Eucaliptus urograndis plantations, on the total organic carbon (TOC) content and oxidizable carbon fractions in the classes of dry separated soil aggregates. The study was conducted in the experimental area of the Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo (Ifes) Alegre Campus, Alegre, Espírito Santo, Brazil. The soil of the area is classified as Red-Yellow Latosol with medium texture. The experiment was implemented in March 2018, where each treatment, in each block, was composed of a total of six E. urograndis plants, arranged in rows, previously formed in each block. The eucalyptus bark biochar was produced in a pyrolysis reactor (model SPPT V60) and then distributed, prior to planting, in a furrow with depth of 0.30 m and width of 0.40 m. Two slow pyrolysis temperatures (350 °C and 600 °C) were used in the production of biochar, and five doses of biochar (0; 0.25; 0.5; 1 and 2% v v, corresponding to 0; 2.5; 5; 10; 20 t ha-1, respectively). Two soil samplings were performed, at 365 days and 730 days after the start of the experiment, at depths of 0.0-0.10 m and 0.10-0.30 m for the evaluation of TOC content and oxidizable carbon fractions. The effects of treatments and evaluation times were compared by orthogonal contrasts. When contrasting the pyrolysis temperatures for the production of biochar (350 ºC and 600 ºC), it was not possible to observe great differences in the soil attributes evaluated. The exception was in the aggregate class 2.0-0.250 mm, where the biochar produced at 600 ºC produced a significant increase in TOC content (p

Mpox is traditionally considered a zoonotic disease with endemic circulation in Africa, but the 2022–2023 outbreak reached an unprecedented high number of cases in non-endemic countries, so that it was declared a public health emergency of international concern. The reasons for this extensive global spread, characterized by sexual transmission amongst men who have sex with men (MSM), have not been fully clarified. The existence of asymptomatic carriers with viable viral shedding might be an explanation and is under-debated after retrospective studies suggested that infection without symptoms might have a prevalence of 6.5%. We aimed to prospectively assess the presence of mpox infection in asymptomatic high-risk MSM using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and living with HIV. We selected individuals with no signs of active infection nor suggestive symptoms in the previous 21 days. Eligible individuals collected oral and anal swabs to undergo point-of-care testing for mpox and completed a 21-days follow-up. Seventy-two individuals were enrolled, and none tested positive for mpox infection nor developed symptoms during follow-up. We selected a high-risk population with a significant history of sexual exposure, but we failed to detect any asymptomatic infection. This observation might have important consequences in terms of contact management and epidemic control.

Abstract Vision disorders are one of the most serious complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) affecting the quality of life of patients and eventually cause blindness. The ocular lesions in diabetes mellitus are located mainly in the blood vessels and retina layers. Different retina lesions could be grouped under the umbrella term of diabetic retinopathies (DMRP). We propose that one of the main causes in the etiopathogenesis of the DMRP consists of a progressive loss of the selective permeability of blood retinal barriers (BRB). The loss of selective permeability of blood retinal barriers will cause a progressive autoimmune process. Prolonged autoimmune injures in the retinal territory will triggers and maintains a low-grade chronic inflammation process, microvascular alterations, glial proliferation and subsequent fibrosis and worse, progressive apoptosis of the photoreceptor neurons. Patients with long-standing DM disturbances in retinal BRBs suffer of alterations in the enzymatic pathways of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), increase release of free radicals and pro-inflammatory molecules and subsequently incremented levels of vascular endothelial growth factor. These facts can produce retinal edema and photoreceptor apoptosis. Experimental, clinical and epidemiological evidences showing that adequate metabolic and alimentary controls and constant practices of healthy life may avoid, retard or make less severe the appearance of DMRP. Considering the high demand for PUFAs ω3 by photoreceptor complexes of the retina, it seems advisable to take fish oil supplements (2 g per day). The cellular, subcellular and molecular basis of the propositions exposed above is developed in this article. Synthesizer drawings the most relevant findings of the ultrastructural pathology, as well as the main metabolic pathways of the PUFAs involved in balance and disbalanced conditions are provided.

Abstract Background Diabetic encephalopathy is a chronic complications of diabetes mellitus that affects the central nervous system. We evaluated the effect of ω3 and ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) supplementation plus the antioxidant agent nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) on the etiopathology of diabetic encephalopathy in eSS rats, a spontaneous model of type 2 diabetes. Methods One hundred twenty spontaneous diabetic eSS male rats and 38 non-diabetic Wistar, used as healthy control, received monthly by intraperitoneal route, ω3 or ω6 PUFA (6.25 mg/kg) alone or plus NDGA (1.19 mg/kg) for 12 months. Diabetic rats had a worse performance in behavioural Hole-Board test. Histopathological analysis confirmed lesions in diabetic rats brain tissues. We also detected low expression of synaptophysin, a protein linked to release of neurotransmitters, by immunohistochemically techniques in eSS rats brain. Biochemical and histopathological studies of brain were performed at 12th month. Biochemical analysis showed altered parameters related to metabolism. High levels of markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were detected in plasma and brain tissues. Data were analysed by ANOVA test and paired t test was used by comparison of measurements of the same parameter at different times. Results The data obtained in this work showed that behavioural, biochemical and morphological alterations observed in eSS rats are compatible with previously reported indices in diabetic encephalopathy and are associated with increased glucolipotoxicity, chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress burden. Experimental treatments assayed modulated the values of studied parameters. Conclusions The treatments tested with ω3 or ω3 plus NDGA showed improvement in the values of the studied parameters in eSS diabetic rats. These observations may form the basis to help in prevent and manage the diabetic encephalopathy.

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to prevent Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission. Bronchoscopy can play a primary role in pulmonary TB diagnosis, particularly for suspected patients with scarce sputum or sputum smear negativity, and with endobronchial disease. Bronchoscopic needle aspiration techniques are accurate and safe means adopted to investigate hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes in cases of suspected TB lymphadenopathy. Tracheobronchial stenosis represents the worst complication of endobronchial tuberculosis. Bronchoscopic procedures are less invasive therapeutic strategies than conventional surgery to be adopted in the management of TB-related stenosis.We conducted a non-systematic review aimed at describing the scientific literature on the role of bronchoscopic techniques in the diagnosis and therapy of patients with TB.We focused on three main areas of interventions: bronchoscopic diagnosis of smear negative/sputum scarce TB patients, endobronchial TB diagnosis and treatment and needle aspiration techniques for intrathoracic TB lymphadenopathy. We described experiences on bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial washing, and biopsy techniques for the diagnosis of patients with tracheobronchial and pulmonary TB; furthermore, we described the role played by conventional and ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in the diagnosis of suspected hilar and mediastinal TB adenopathy. Finally, we assessed the role of the bronchoscopic therapy in the treatment of endobronchial TB and its complications, focusing on dilation techniques (such as balloon dilation and airway stenting) and ablative procedures (both heat and cold therapies). Keywords: Bronchoscopy, Tuberculosis, Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration, Tracheobronchial stenosis

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease with a high frequency in older adults estimated at 30% of this stage of life. Being a systemic disease, it affects all organs and systems, especially the cardiovascular system, vision, kidney, peripheral and central nervous systems. Its management depends on the active participation of the affected person and their environment, for which diabetes education and participation in activities that help maintain physical condition and self-care are essential. For 6 years the extension program "Learning to Live" has been developed between the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the Universidad Nacional Córdoba and “Grupo de Amigos de los Diabéticos” Fundation of Villa Carlos Paz, in order to improve the quality of life of the older adults (AM) with and without diabetes. Goals: To evaluate the effects of the “Learning to Live” program on the psycho-affective health of a group of older adults during the isolation imposed by the SARS-COV 2 pandemic. Materials and methods: The group of participants in the "Learning to Live" program develops two sessions of physical activity adapted to older adults weekly and two psychological stimulation activities through the use of videoconferences. The physical activity sessions are 60 minutes long in which you work through Taekwon-do Harmony, a form adapted to the AM where the whole body is worked, focusing on the prevention of falls and fractures, visuo-spatial orientation, memory and cardiovascular function. During the virtual sessions, psychological activities are carried out, one associated with physical activity and the other independent, both in order to stimulate resilience. The sessions were aimed at accompanying the AM at this stage. They were carried out: a Vital Satisfaction Questionnaire (SWLS) to determine the selfperception of happiness and a reduced Yesavage test to evaluate the levels of depression (a score of 5 or more suggests depression) to the participants of the program “Learning to live”(n=14) and to a control group of older adults with similar socioeconomic characteristics (n=46). The significance of the results obtained was analyzed using the chi square test (p≥0.05).

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is characterized by being an inflammatory disease, with systemic, chronic, multimetabolic involvement. Its physiopathogenic mechanism is characterized by glyco-lipotoxicity, chronic oxidative stress, which cause hypoinsulinemia due to the death of beta cells or their transdifferentiation. Objective: To determine the effect of an enriched environment on metabolic markers and pancreatic histology in an experimental model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methodology: Metabolic markers were measured during the 16-month trial. In older adult Wistar rats at the end of the experiment, the animals were two years old. At the end of the experiment, the pancreas of the animals were studied histologically. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and paired t test (p≤0.05).

Knowledge of a carnivore’s foraging behaviour is essential to understand its ecology. The pine marten Martes martes is commonly defined as an opportunistic generalist predator since its diet in Europe includes mammals, fruits, birds and invertebrates. Based on faecal analyses, we evaluated spring feeding habits and trophic niche breadth of the pine marten in a Mediterranean landscape on the island of Sardinia (Central Italy). The most important source of food for the pine marten was small mammals (mainly Apodemus sylvaticus, Mus musculus and Eliomys quercinus), accounting for 52% of the percent mean volume. Important secondary foods were invertebrates (mainly beetles and insect larvae) and birds (almost exclusively passerines), whereas large mammals, lagomorphs, reptiles and fruits made little contribution to the diet. The diet composition and the Levins’ index value suggest that the pine marten in Sardinia behaves as a facultative specialist predator, with a specialization towards small mammals.

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a metal complex composed of a central cobalt ion bonded to six ligands. It is essential for major biological functions such as protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism, the maintenance of the central nervous system, and the formation of red blood cells. Since mammals cannot synthesize cobalamin, dietary intake represents the only natural source for humans. Dairy products can provide significant levels of cobalamin; moreover, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) panel has set the recommended intake at 4 μg/day for adults. Vitamin B12 content was determined in milk and several matrices related to the process of transformation of the residual whey from Parmigiano Reggiano cheese-making to obtain ricotta cheese. In addition, vitamin B12 degradation during ricotta cheese shelf-life was studied. The analyses were performed using an ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Results show that vitamin B12 amount in ricotta from dairy and experimental cheese-making brings respectively 1/8 to 1/4 of the adequate intake in adults established by EFSA. In addition, shelf-life experiment shows that cobalamine is fairly rapidly degraded in ricotta: light effect seems to be significant, even if the light exposure is short. The use of photoprotective packaging material increases B12 shelf-life in the early stage of storage.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a man-made compound, mainly used as a monomer to produce polycarbonate (PC), epoxy resins, non-polymer additives to other plastics, which have many food related applications, such as food storage containers, tableware and internal coating of cans, as well as non-food applications such as electronic equipment, construction materials and medical devices. BPA exposure can occur when the residual monomer migrates into packaged food and beverages. Moreover, due to the ubiquitous presence of this compound, the general population can be exposed to environmental sources such as water, air and soil. Many studies have investigated the potential health hazards associated with BPA, which can elicit toxic and cancerogenic effects on humans. According to the European Food Safety Authority opinion, diet is considered to be the main source of exposure, especially canned food; moreover, among non-canned food, meat and fish products have the highest levels of BPA contamination. This review focuses on BPA contamination in seafood, analysing worldwide literature (from January 2010 to October 2015) on BPA contamination of edible parts. The authors try to identify differences between canned and non-canned seafood in literature, and gaps in the state of art. The data evaluated underline that all concentrations for both canned and non-canned seafood were below the specific migration limit set by the European Community Directive for BPA in food. Moreover, the canned seafood is more contaminated than the non-canned one.

A pesquisa aqui apresentada teve como objetivo investigar a influência do estágio pós-doutoral sobre a produção científica e bibliográfica de pesquisadores/docentes atuantes em programas de pós-graduação da Universidade Federal Fluminense - UFF. Estudos sobre o fenômeno pós-doutoral são escassos na literatura e os poucos trabalhos encontrados na literatura internacional versam apenas sobre a realidade de uma única Instituição de Ensino Superior. O estudo busca a mensuração de variações da produção docente registrada em periódicos científicos em um panorama ex-ante e ex-post e busca ampliar o escopo dos estudos dessa área de investigação para abranger também a realidade de uma universidade federal. Com uma população de 278 doutores que realizaram o estágio pós-doutoral até 2008, os dados levantados apontam para um aumento expressivo da UFF na realização dos estágios pós-doutorais, especialmente, nos últimos dez anos, demonstrando o perfil institucional dos docentes que privilegiam e publicam maciçamente em anais de eventos, e como resultado mais relevante que a demanda ou oferta pela realização de estágios pós-doutorais é homogênea entre os diversos estratos da carreira docente, tendo os mesmos níveis percentuais entre docentes recém-doutores e seniores. Quando o foco é o desempenho, nesse caso específico a produtividade em pesquisa, as evidências demonstraram que docentes de pós-graduação na UFF, em geral, beneficiam-se da realidade pós-doutoral, em especial os docentes com maior tempo de conclusão do doutorado. Eles buscam, por meio da socialização, uma oportunidade de atualização e reciclagem de conhecimentos por intermédio da interação com um conhecimento gerado. No caso do pós-doutorado, isso ocorre por conectividade com outras universidades ou grupos de pesquisa.The following research had the objective of investigating the influence of the post-doctoral training program on the scientific and bibliographic literatures produced for researchers/professors involved in graduate programs at Universidade Federal Fluminense - UFF. Studies about the post-doctoral phenomenon are rare in literature and the few studies found in international literature only refer to the reality of a single Higher Education Institute. This paper intends to measure the changes in the professors' production registered in scientific journals under the perspectives ex-ante and ex-post, also looking to expand the scope of studies of this field of research and embracing the reality of a federal university. With a population of 278 doctors who performed their post-doctorate studies until 2008, the results point to a significant increase of the UFF post-doctoral training program, especially in the last ten years, evidencing the institutional profile of the professors who honor and publish massively in conferences. The most relevant result is that this university is homogeneous among the various teaching profession strata in its demand or supply for post-doctoral placements, having the same percentage levels among new professors and senior professors. When the performance is the focus, that is, the productivity in research, the evidences showed that the post-graduate professors at UFF, in general, take advantage of the post-doctoral reality, especially the older ones in doctoral completion. They seek, through socialization, an opportunity to update and recycle the knowledge through interaction with a recently generated knowledge. Regarding the post-doctorate this happens by connectivity with other universities or research groups.

Esta presentación se enmarca en el: UBACYT P423, 2008/10, Análisis de la práctica de la psicología jurídica en relación a los delitos contra la integridad sexual (ley 25087/99) y los derechos sexuales. Dimensiones institucional-organizacional, simbólico-imaginaria e histórico-genealógica. Dirección: Matilde de la Iglesia. Esta comunicación versa sobre el estudio de un caso de ablación de clítoris considerado como el primer antecedente en la Argentina de protección jurídica del placer. Se han tomado como documentos de referencia los fallos en 1º y 2º instancia de la causa judicial (1959-1961, respectivamente), y una glosa a los mismos realizada por el Prof. Ouviña publicada en el Tomo 110 de La Ley en 1963. Se trabajó desde una perspectiva biopolítica que incluyó el debate sobre los límites de los delitos contra la integridad sexual y los derechos sexuales, contemplando recientes desarrollos en temáticas concernientes al género.This communication forms part of the work of the research group UBACYT P423, 2008/10, Analysis of the practice on legal psychoanalysis in relation to crimes against sexual integrity (law 25087/99) and sexual rights: organisational-institutional, symbolic-imaginary and genealogical-historical dimensions. Director: Matilde de la Iglesia. It analyses a case on clitoris mutilation, the first antecedent in Argentina of the legal protection of pleasure. The sentences in First and Second Instances (1959- 1961, respectively), and the comment on them by Professor Ouviña published by La Ley Magazine in 1963 were taken as files of reference. A biopoltical approach was applied, including the debate on the limits of crimes against sexual integrity and sexual rights, and taking into account recent developments on gender studies.

Alimentación primaveral de la marta en Cerdeña, Italia El conocimiento del comportamiento de alimentación de un carnívoro es esencial para entender su ecología. La marta Martes martes se define comúnmente como un depredador generalista oportunista, porque su dieta en Europa incluye mamíferos, frutas, aves y invertebrados. A partir del análisis de las heces, hemos descrito los hábitos alimenticios en primavera y la amplitud del nicho trófico de la marta en ambiente mediterráneo en Cerdeña (Italia central). Los pequeños mamíferos (sobre todo Apodemus sylvaticus, Mus musculus y Eliomys quercinus) representan la fuente más importante de alimentación de la marta, ya que constituyen aproximadamente el 52% del volumen medio. Otra fuente importante de alimentos secundarios la constituyen los invertebrados (especialmente escarabajos y larvas de insectos) y las aves (paseriformes casi exclusivamente), mientras que los grandes mamíferos, los lagomorfos, los reptiles y las frutas están poco representados en la dieta. La composición de la dieta y el valor del índice de Levins indican que la marta en Cerdeña es un depredador especialista facultativo, con una especialización en la depredación de los micromamíferos.

Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic Chagas' disease agent, induces changes in protein pattern of the human placenta syncytiotrophoblast. The glucose transporter protein-1 (GLUT1) is the primary isoform involved in transplacental glucose transport. We carried out in vitro assays to determine if T. cruzi infection would induce changes in placental GLUT1 protein expression under normal and high concentration of glucose. Using Western blot and immunohistological techniques, GLUT1 expression was determined in normal placental villi cultured under normal or high concentrations of glucose, with or without in vitro T. cruzi infection, for 24 and 48 hours. High glucose media or T. cruzi infection alone reduced GLUT1 expression. A yet more accentuated reduction was observed when infection and high glucose condition took place together. We inform, for the first time, that T. cruzi infection may induce reduction of GLUT1 expression under normal and high glucose concentrations, and this effect is synergic to high glucose concentrations.

The aim of this work was: to assess the impact of diets enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids ω−3 and ω−6 families on the lipid profile of cell membrane and their effect on cycle regulation and apoptosis, evaluated by TP53 and Ki-67 expression in 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene (DMBA) induced tumor development in submandibular glands (SMG) in murine models. To generate tumorigenic changes, SMG mice in the experimental group were injected with 50 μl of 0.5% of DMBA. Both control (no DMBA) and experimental groups of BALB/c mice were fed with: chia oil (ChO), rich in ω−3 fatty acid; corn oil (CO), rich in ω−6/ω−3 fatty acid; and safflower (SO) oil, rich in ω−6fatty acid. Results demonstrate novel differential effects of ω−3 and ω−6 PUFAs on the regulation of early tumorigenesis events in murine SMG injected with DMBA. This knowledge may help to develop chemoprotective treatments, therapeutic agents and health promotion and prevention activities in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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BACKGROUND: Limited exercise tolerance is a cardinal clinical feature in COPD. Depression and COPD share some clinical features, such as reduced physical activity and impaired nutritional status. The aim of the present study was to evaluate maximum and daily physical activities and the nutritional status of COPD patients affected or not by depression. METHODS: In 70 COPD out-patients, daily and maximum physical activities were assessed by multisensor accelerometer armband, 6-min walk test, and cardiopulmonary exercise test. Mental status, metabolic/muscular status, and systemic inflammation were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and with regard to fibrinogen/C-reactive protein, respectively. RESULTS: Depressed subjects (27% of the sample) showed a similar level of respiratory functional impairment but a higher level of shortness of breath and a worse quality of life compared to non-depressed subjects (P < .05). Specifically, they displayed a physical activity impairment consisting of a reduced number of steps per day, a lower peak of oxygen consumption, an early anaerobic threshold, and a reduced distance in the 6-min walk test (P < .05) but the same nutritional status compared to non-depressed subjects. In the multivariate analysis, a reduced breathing reserve, obesity, and a higher level of shortness of breath, but not depression, were found to be independent factors associated with a reduced daily number of steps. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that depressed COPD patients have a reduced daily and maximum exercise capacity compared to non-depressed patients. This further suggests the potential utility of screening for depression in COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between the U(VI) and a sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS) micelle was studied for intensity and emission lifetime. The measurements of the uranyl ion were done in a 1M H3PO4 medium. The self quenching rate constant ( ksq) shows a larger value in micellar than in a SDS monomeric solution. This fact should be interpreted by micelles favoring the localized concentration of UO22+ species. Dynamic and static quenching was observed in the interaction between uranyl ion and the surfactant monomer before the induced critical micelle concentration ( icmc) (1 mM) yielding a value of KD = (134±2) . 10M-1 and KS= (16±2) . 102M-1 for the dynamic and static quenching constant, respectively. A quantitative description of the binding was obtained by monitoring the emission lifetime of the uranyl excited state as a function of the surfactant concentration (titration curve), assuming that the observed lifetime is related to a weighted fraction of rate constants for the bound and unbound species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]