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• After a colorectal surgery for endometriosis in an expert center, 70% of patients had left the operating room with a prophylactic abdominal drainage. • Nine percent of the patients experienced a severe postoperative complication (Clavien Dindo ≥ II). • After propensity score matching, the presence of an abdominal drainage was significantly associated with a longer hospital stay. • After propensity score matching, the presence of an abdominal drainage was significantly associated with a higher rate of postoperative complications. To assess the benefit of prophylactic abdominal drainage (AD) after colorectal surgery for endometriosis. We conducted a retrospective study of 215 patients who underwent colorectal surgery for endometriosis using a mini-invasive approach in our center from February 2019 to July 2023. A propensity score matched (PSM) analysis (1:1 ratio) identified two groups of patients with similar characteristics. Postoperative outcomes were then compared. In the unmatched cohort, 151 patients (70 %) had AD at the end of surgery and 64 (30 %) did not. Clinical characteristics and surgical procedures were comparable between the groups after PSM. After PSM, AD was associated with a longer hospital stay (p < 0.001) and a greater number of postoperative complications (p = 0.03). There were no differences for readmission, repeat surgery, or severe postoperative complications. In this retrospective cohort of patients undergoing colorectal resection for endometriosis using a mini-invasive approach, prophylactic AD was not found to be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rise in mental health problems in the population directly or indirectly because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a major concern. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare independent predictors of symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Brazilians one month after the implementation of measures of social distancing.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed using a web-based survey. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) were the outcomes. Data were gathered regarding demographics, social distancing, economic problems, exposure to the news of the pandemic, psychiatric history, sleep disturbances, traumatic situations, and substance use. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption (AUDIT-C) was also administered. The predictors of the symptoms were investigated using hierarchical multiple linear regression.Results: Of a sample of 3587 participants, approximately two-thirds considered that their mental health worsened after the beginning of the social restriction measures. The most important predictors of the symptoms investigated were the intensity of the distress related to the news of the pandemic, younger age, current psychiatric diagnosis, trouble sleeping, emotional abuse or violence, and economic problems.Conclusions: These results confirmed the hypothesis that the pandemic impacted the mental health of the population and indicated that the level of distress related to the news was the most important predictor of psychological suffering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online monitoring of the solid phase in industrial processes of sugar crystallization is still a challenge. Laser backscattering is one of the most promising techniques; however, the measured chord length distribution (CLD) does not have a physical meaning of crystal size. This work converted sucrose CLD measured by an online sensor into particle size distribution (PSD) using an artificial neural network (ANN). CLD and suspension concentration of 116 experiments were the input to the ANN and PSD was its output. The trained ANN exhibited a coefficient of variation between experimental and calculated PSD of 0.998. Data of experimental sucrose crystallization was used to validate the model, resulting in a maximum deviation of 0.090 mm in mean size and 6.16% in the coefficient of variation of distribution. This model may be used to improve both industrial processes (process optimization and control) and laboratory studies (kinetics determination). [Display omitted] • Real-time monitoring of particle size distribution in sugar suspension. • Laser-backscattering use is limited to a particle size of 0.85 mm. • For sucrose particles, the limit is 0.159 mm. • Absolute deviation in mean size of 0.013 mm and 0.02% in coefficient of variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The model was fitted to six soybean cultivars used in the State of Rondônia. • First-ever systematic use of soil, crop and climate data in SCRO region. • Model accurately simulates vegetative and reproductive stages, and crop yield. Agricultural models are useful tools for predicting phenology, biomass, and crop yield under different environmental conditions during the growth period. Notwithstanding their use in the Southern Cone of Rondônia (southern Amazon, Brazil) is still limited. Thus, the objective in this work was to calibrate and validate the CROPGRO-Soybean model with soybean data collected in harvests of 2017 to 2019, being the data from the first growing period devoted to model calibration, and crop data from 2018/2019 to model validation. Six soybean cultivars were planted at the municipality of Vilhena, State of Rondônia, Brazil. The model was parameterized using climatic, hydric and physical soil properties, and growth data of the evaluated soybean cultivars. To evaluate the accuracy of model prediction we used the coefficient of determination (r2), percentage difference (Pd), root mean square error (RMSE), and Willmott's index of agreement (d-value). The model accurately simulates the vegetative and reproductive stages, and the yields of the soybean cultivars under the climatic conditions of the Southern Cone of Rondônia. However, the CROPGRO-Soybean model tended to overestimate soil moisture content especially in upper soil layer (0.0–0.1 m depth). Taking the observed data, as the baseline, the model predicted the time to flowering, first pod, seeding, and physiological maturity, with a discrepancy of just one to seven days. In most of the soybean cultivars (five of the six cultivar evaluated), the differences between observed and simulated yields (growing cycle of 2018/2019 – validation harvest) ranged from –6 % to (underestimation) to 27 % (overestimation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • MIC-DV was proposed for food digestion and fluorine determination by ISE. • LOQ values for F after MIC-DV were lower than the AOAC method. • F-ISE determination was carried out directly in the absorbing solution without dilution. • MIC-DV was whiter than MIC and AOAC methods according to WAC principles. This work presents the first report of the application of microwave-induced combustion in disposable vessels (MIC-DV) as a simple and fast sample preparation step for fluoride determination by ion-selective electrode (ISE) in leguminous seeds and oilseeds samples. Several experimental conditions of MIC-DV were evaluated, such as sample mass, absorbing solution, volume of combustion igniter, purging time with oxygen, and the use of successive combustion cycles. The accuracy of MIC-DV/ISE method was evaluated by comparing the results obtained by microwave-induced combustion and determination by ion chromatography, with agreements ranged from 94 to 106%. The method allowed to achieve relatively low limits of quantification (8.3 to 16 µg g−1) comparing to AOAC method (40 µg g−1), besides the use of small amounts of reagents, less handling of digests, making the method greener and with portable features comparing to other methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Corynebacterium diphtheriae species complex comprises seven bacterial species, including Corynebacterium ulcerans , a zoonotic pathogen from multiple animal species. In this work, we characterise phenotypically and genotypically isolates belonging to two C. ulcerans lineages. Results from phylogenetic analyses, in silico DNA–DNA hybridization (DDH) and MALDI-TOF spectra differentiate lineage 2 from C. ulcerans lineage 1, which, together with their distinct transmission dynamics (probable human-to-human vs animal-to-human), indicates that lineage 2 is a separate Corynebacterium species, which we propose to name Corynebacterium ramonii. This species is of particular medical interest considering that its human-to-human transmission is likely, and that some C. ramonii isolates carry the diphtheria toxin gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neonicotinoid imidacloprid was promoted in the market because of widespread resistance to other insecticides, plus its low mammalian impact and higher specific toxicity towards insects. This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of imidacloprid on macrophages. RAW 264.7 cells were incubated to 0–4000 mg/L of imidacloprid for 24 and 96 h. Imidacloprid presented a concentration-dependent cytotoxicity after 24 h and 96 h incubation for MTT reduction (3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)− 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (EC 50 519.6 and 324.6 mg/L, respectively) and Neutral Red (3-amino-7-dimethylamino-2-methylphenazine hydrochloride) assays (EC 50 1139.0 and 324.2 mg/L, respectively). Moreover, imidacloprid decreased the cells' inflammatory response and promoted a mitochondrial depolarization. The complex II and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activities in RAW 264.7 cells incubated with imidacloprid increased more at 24 h. These results suggest that imidacloprid exerts an immunomodulatory effect and mitochondria can act as regulator of innate immune responses in the cytotoxicity mediated by the insecticide in RAW 264.7 cells. [Display omitted] • A commercial formulation of imidacloprid impaired the inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 cells; • The immunotoxic effects were associated with long term exposure to imidacloprid; • The mitochondria is a primary target of imidacloprid cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La pseudo-polyarthrite rhizomélique (PPR) est une maladie inflammatoire dont le diagnostic est parfois difficile et la tomographie par émissions de positrons au 18-fluorine fluorodésoxyglucose couplée à un scanner (18F-FDG-TEP/TDM) pourrait être utile. Nous avons voulu analyser l'utilité de la 18F-FDG-TEP/TDM pour le diagnostic de la PPR. Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective, observationnelle, de personnes atteintes de PPR qui ont eu une 18F-FDG-TEP/TDM. Un groupe témoin a également été analysé. Nous avons évalué les caractéristiques cliniques et la 18F-FDG-TEP/TDM. Seize sites ont été étudiés. Le nombre de sites présentant une captation significative de FDG, la valeur maximale moyenne de captation standardisée (SUVmax) et la SUVmax la plus élevée ont été évalués pour chaque patient. Les données de 123 patients atteints de PPR (37 sous corticostéroïdes (CST)) ont été analysées. Parmi eux, 85 patients présentaient un premier épisode de PPR. Par rapport aux 75 témoins, les patients atteints de PPR nouvellement diagnostiquée présentaient un nombre moyen ± SD plus élevé de sites avec une captation FDG significative (11,3 ± 3,3 contre 0,9 ± 1,1, p < 0,001) et des scores SUVmax plus élevés (p < 0,001). Une valeur seuil de 5 sites hypermétaboliques a donné une sensibilité de 96,5 % et une spécificité de 100 %. Pour le score SUVmax total, une valeur seuil de 3 présentait la meilleure sensibilité (92,6 %) et spécificité (86,1 %). Les patients PPR naïfs de CST avaient des niveaux de CRP (p < 0,001), un nombre de sites avec une captation FDG significative (p < 0,001) et un score SUVmax (p < 0,01) significativement plus élevés. En revanche, l'artérite à cellules géantes (ACG) était plus souvent observée chez les patients recevant une corticothérapie que chez les patients naïfs de CST (27 % vs 8 %, p < 0,01). Nos résultats montrent que le nombre de sites hypermétaboliques ou la quantification du SUVmax pourraient être utiles pour le diagnostic de PPR, et que la corticothérapie pourrait affecter les résultats de la 18F-FDG-TEP/TDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caloric restriction (CR) improves health and life span in animal models. Although CR effects in adult life are well described, little is known about effects on offspring when applied during gestation. Pregnancy is a remarkable period of life, alterations in this stage lead to lifelong consequences, some of which, associated to redox unbalance. Furthermore, gestational overweight is a growing issue that can lead to detrimental outcomes. To address this issue, we divided pregnant rats into control (ad libitum food) and CR groups, which received 20% less food than control. Micronutrients consumption was equalized between groups by oral gavage. Cerebellum, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus were evaluated on post-natal day (PND) 0, 7, 21, and 60. We observed increased oxidants content on PND0 in all brain structures, except for the cerebellum. Key enzymatic antioxidant defenses showed decreased activity on PND0. Interestingly, on PND60, we observed a positive modulation of most antioxidant enzymes, especially on the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses were decreased at birth and increased during development and adult age. Lipid peroxidation was increased at birth on most structures, and the effect was abolished thereafter. In the prefrontal cortex, lipid peroxidation was unaltered at birth and diminished thereafter, while protein oxidation was increased on PND0 and decreased on PND60. Protein oxidation was also decreased in the cerebellum at adult age. Our results shown controlled gestational CR to improve antioxidant defenses and protect offspring's brain from oxidative stress, especially in adulthood, as a result of developmental metabolic programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We investigated the involvement of nitrergic neurotransmission within the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) in modulation of local neuronal activation, autonomic and neuroendocrine responses and behavioral consequences of acute restraint stress in rats. Bilateral microinjections of the selective neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthase (nNOS) inhibitor Nw-Propyl-L-arginine (NPLA) or the NO scavenger carboxy-PTIO into the PVN reduced arterial pressure and heart rate increases, as well as the fall in cutaneous tail temperature induced by restraint stress. PVN injection of either NPLA or carboxy-PTIO also inhibited restraint-induced increases in anxiety-related behaviors in the elevated plus-maze 24 h later. Local microinjection of NPLA or carboxy-PTIO into the PVN reduced the number of c-fos-immunoreactive neurons in the dorsal parvocellular, ventromedial, medial parvocellular and lateral magnocelllular portions of the PVN in animals subjected to restraint stress. However, neither NPLA nor carboxy-PTIO into the PVN affected restraint-induced increases in plasma corticosterone concentration. The present results indicate that PVN nitrergic neurotransmission acting via nNOS activation has a facilitatory influence on autonomic responses to acute restraint and the delayed emotional consequences of restraint stress. Our results also provide evidence of a prominent role of local nitrergic neurotransmission in PVN neuronal activation during stress. Highlights • nNOS inhibition in the PVN reduced local neuronal activation. • nNOS inhibition in the PVN decreased restraint-evoked increases in MAP and HR. • nNOS inhibition in the PVN decreased restraint-evoked cutaneous vasoconstriction. • nNOS inhibition in the PVN did not affect the corticosterone response to restraint. • nNOS inhibition in the PVN inhibited anxiogenic effects of restraint on behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Frugivores select their food in a hierarchical way, from plants to individual fruits, to meet their nutritional requirements. According to the optimal diet theory, finding, handling, and digesting fruits is costly, thus plant species that increase attractiveness and reward are usually preferred by frugivores. The same should be expected for individual plants of the same population, which differ from one another in traits related to frugivore attraction. We tested the hypothesis that plant traits that increase attractiveness and reward to frugivores would be strongly selected by birds in a population of Henriettea succosa (Melastomataceae). In 20 h of focal observation in 19 individual trees (380 h in total), we measured plant and fruit traits known to influence frugivore attraction and reward: plant height, fruit size, and fruit sugar content. In addition, we recorded bird behaviour during fruit consumption. We built two weighted networks of birds and individual plants: one monolayer network and a multilayer network with four layers, one for each type of behaviour. First, we evaluated three weighted descriptors of network structure: nestedness, modularity, and specialization. Then, we calculated metrics of centrality and correlated them with plant traits. We recorded 271 visits by 22 bird species of eight families. The network is modular and specialized, showing that subgroups of H. succosa trees with different trait combinations attract different subsets of bird species, in a way that specialist trees are not connected to a subset of the bird species that visit generalist trees. We also found that centrality metrics reached higher scores in plants with lower height, larger fruits, and intermediate sucrose content. Fruit handling was the predominant foraging behaviour in the multilayer network and represented 90 percent of the interactions. Downscaling a plant-frugivore network to its individual trees showed that the structure of the system is influenced by interindividual variations in the tree population, in which individuals with the best combination of traits occupied central positions in the network. Highlights • We evaluated whether fruit selection by birds was influenced by plant traits. • Bird species interact with different subsets of individual trees. • Generalism observed results from the interactions made by a few central individuals. • Trees with a specific trait combination occupied central positions in the network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Distinct contextual behaviors caused by non-aggressive/aggressive social encounters. • Social defeat increased self-grooming in animals re-exposed to the context in which the interaction occurred. • Non-aggressive interaction reduced SAP in animals re-exposed to the context where the interaction occurred. Abstract Aggressive interactions between conspecific animals have been used as a social stressor with ethological characteristics to study how social interactions can modulate animal's behavior. Here, a new protocol based on aggressive and non-aggressive interactions was developed to study how different social interactions can alter the behavioral profile of animals re-exposed to the context in which the interaction occurred. We used factor analysis to trace the behavioral profile of socially defeated and non-defeated mice when they were re-exposed to the apparatus [three interconnected chambers: home chamber, tunnel and surface area]; we also compared the behavior presented before (habituation) and 24 h after (re-exposure) the non-aggressive or aggressive interactions. A final factor analysis from defeated animals yielded 4 factors that represented 72.09% of total variance; whereas non-defeated animal's analysis was loaded with 5 factors that represented 85.46% of total variance. A 5-min non-aggressive interaction reduced the frequency of stretched attend behavior in the tunnel, whereas a single social defeat reduced time in the tunnel and increased time spent performing self-grooming in the home chamber without conditioning any other spatio-temporal and complementary measures. Together, these results suggest that different social interactions may modulate distinct behavioral profiles in animals when re-exposed to the context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are massively used as the central processing control units in industrial automation solutions. Unfortunately, the lack of performance of these controllers requires coupling specific drivers to the PLCs to enable deterministic response in time-sensitive real-time applications, thus reducing the importance of the PLCs in the entire automation systems. Current solutions do not focus on PLC performance, and it is, therefore, safer to use the design pattern with these specific drivers when required. This situation does not give PLC users of those solutions full control of the provided automation and, consequently, it increases the price of the entire system, as well as the need for spare parts. To put PLCs back as central processing units of industrial automation technology and to reduce the need for specific drivers, this work proposes a novel architecture with enhanced improvements based mainly on the concepts of data flow computation and memoization technique to boost PLC performance. Evaluations made on the proposed design demonstrate a reduction of 95% in the proposed architecture’s scan time and show significant performance boost even in small-scale, didactic and straightforward examples. Moreover, the experimental evaluations also have demonstrated the potential for continued performance improvement with the increase of the program size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound of Cannabis sativa with relevant therapeutic potential in several neuropsychiatric disorders including depression. CBD treatment has shown significant antidepressant-like effects in different rodent preclinical models. However, the mechanisms involved in CBD-induced antidepressant effects are still poorly understood. Therefore, this work aimed at investigating the participation of serotonin (5-HT) and/or noradrenaline (NA) in CBD-induced antidepressant-like effects in the forced swimming test (FST) by: 1) testing if CBD co-administration with serotonergic (fluoxetine, FLX) or noradrenergic (desipramine, DES) antidepressants would have synergistic effects; and 2) investigating if 5-HT or NA depletion would impair CBD-induced behavioral effects. Results showed that CBD (10 mg/kg), FLX (10 mg/kg) and DES (5 mg/kg) induced antidepressant-like effects in mice submitted to FST. Ineffective doses of CBD (7 mg/kg), when co-administered with ineffective doses of FLX (5 mg/kg) or DES (2.5 mg/kg) resulted in significant antidepressant-like effects, thus implicating synergistic and/or additive mechanisms. Pretreatment with PCPA (an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis: 150 mg/kg, i.p., once per day for 4 days), but not DSP-4 (a noradrenergic neurotoxin: 1 μg/μl, i.c.v., 24 h before the test), reduced monoamine levels in the brain. However, only PCPA treatment abolished CBD-induced behavioral effects in FST, indicating the participation of serotonergic mechanisms. None of the treatments induced locomotor effects. Our results suggest that the antidepressant-like effect induced by CBD in the FST is dependent on serotonin levels in the central nervous system (CNS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forage species tolerate varying degrees of shading. In agrosilvopastoral systems, forage plants are able to adjust and partially compensate growth reduction under light stress. These adjustments change morphological proportions and composition along the vertical profile of the sward. Sward morphological composition is directly related to animal intake behavior and performance. One objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different tree shading levels on sward vertical structure of Piatã palisadegrass cultivated in a crop-livestock-forestry integration area. Another objective was to identify the relationship between sward vertical structure and herbage intake by cattle ( Boss pp .). Three experiments were conducted simultaneously to evaluate three shading levels: 1. Full sunlight (FS); 2. Moderate shade (MS; 338 trees.ha −1 ); and Intense shade (IS; 714 trees.ha −1 ). Evaluation was performed during three periods in which total rainfall during the experimental period corresponded to 86, 12 and 2% (periods 1, 2 and 3, respectively). Pastures were rotationally stocked and grazed at 95% canopy light interception (LI) during regrowth (95% LI). Two strategies for taking the reference readings of LI were tested in IS paddocks: LI reading inside (under the tree canopy) and outside (under full natural light) the experimental area. The IS had greatest forage height and proportion of stems, both pre- grazing and post-grazing. Consequently, animals under IS had decreased bite mass and intake rate, pre- and post-grazing except for period 3. There was an effect of shading level on herbage crude protein (CP) concentration. Greatest CP concentrations were observed on IS areas. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) did not vary with shading levels. Herbage dry matter digestibility varied with evaluation period, and lowest values were recorded during period 3. Greater herbage intake was observed on FS and MS relative to IS, due to greater leaf proportion in sward herbage mass. Moderate shading is not so detrimental to system's productivity, highlighting the importance of adequate choice of tree species, plant density and arrangement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although sucrose solubility has been widely studied, the presence of impurities, which is invariably true in sucrose industrial crystallization, affects its solubility and the extent of this influence is not fully addressed in the literature. This study aimed to obtain experimental data of sucrose solubility in aqueous pure and impure solutions from 10 to 100 °C and evaluate prediction ability of SLE models. Experimental data shows that impurities in sugarcane juice, i.e. reducing sugars and salts, in levels studied (with 92.8% of sucrose up to pure solutions) increase sucrose solubility. Evaluating existing models for SLE showed that they generally provide poor prediction. However, a proposed modification in the Nývlt Equation of solubility provides a small mean deviation (2.54%) between experimental and calculated data in pure and impure aqueous solutions, making this SLE model useful for solubility calculation in crystallization studies, especially when syrups containing typical impurities of sugarcane juice are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To present 10 consecutive, standardized, and reproducible surgical steps for laparoscopic sclerotherapy of an endometrioma.Design: Step-by-step video demonstration of the technique. Local institutional review board approval was not required for this video because patients cannot be identified.Setting: Endometriosis Center.Patient(s): Women with an endometrioma >50 mm with deep endometriosis lesions, symptomatic, and wishing to conceive.Intervention(s): Ethanol sclerotherapy for an endometrioma may be performed following 10 steps. Step 1 takes place preoperatively and consists of a rigorous selection of the patient to eliminate malignant tumors. Step 2 consists of the preparation of the material by preparing the required volume of alcohol. Step 3 consists of an exploration of the peritoneal cavity to eliminate the presence of peritoneal carcinosis. Step 4 is the puncture of the cyst, which may be direct via a 5 mm trocar or after the intraabdominal opening of the cyst; then aspiration of its contents in Step 5. Step 6 is flushing the cyst with a Ringer's lactate solution. In Step 7, the surgeon fills the cavity with a 96% alcohol solution. Step 8 consists of exposure for 10 to 15 minutes while the surgeon continues to operate. In Step 9, the surgeon extracts out all the alcohol from the cyst and cleans the peritoneal cavity. Step 10 consists of removal of the area not exposed to alcohol to treat this portion and obtain a histologic diagnosis.Main Outcome Measure(s): Description of 10 successive surgical steps.Result(s): A video presenting 10 surgical steps to perform sclerotherapy of an endometrioma during endometriosis surgery.Conclusion(s): Laparoscopic sclerotherapy for an endometrioma is a rapid and accessible method. The standardization of this technique by this 10-step video should allow the surgeon to consider it as an alternative to cystectomy to preserve the ovarian reserve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotional stress has been recognized as a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Adolescence has been proposed as a developmental period of vulnerability to stress. This idea has been mainly supported by experimental research in animals demonstrating a higher impact of chronic emotional stress in adolescents compared with adults. Adolescent vulnerability is also based on evidence that stress during this developmental period affects development, so that enduring changes are found in adult animals that experienced stress during adolescence. The purpose of the present review is to discuss experimental research in rodent models that investigated the impact of long-term exposure to stressful events during adolescence on cardiovascular function. The development of cardiovascular function and autonomic activity in rodents is initially reviewed. Then, a discussion of an adolescent vulnerability to cardiovascular effects of chronic stress is presented. From the reviewed literature, perspective for future research is proposed to better elucidate adolescent vulnerability to cardiovascular complications evoked by chronic emotional stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diverse techniques have been developed to analyze antibody-mediated responses to infections. However, the most common tests, i.e., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, require separate reactions for each antigen and consequently necessitate large sample volumes. Luminex technology allows the detection of multiple antibodies in a single experiment, but nonspecific binding can impair the results. Therefore, we examined the use of Escherichia coli lysates to reduce nonspecific binding and improve the results of liquid microarrays based on Luminex technology. Anti -bacteria antibodies were detected in human serum samples, as evidenced by high median fluorescence intensity (MFI) in assays performed with paramagnetic microspheres coupled with E. coli lysates. Moreover, the addition of an E. coli lysate as a blocker reduced the nonspecific binding of antigens produced by E. coli in a concentration-dependent manner. Tris-HCl reduced MFI values in negative samples, but did not affect MFI for positive samples. For microspheres coupled with different antigens, an E. coli lysate blocker significantly improved the fluorescence signals from positive samples. The addition of Tris-HCl and the E. coli lysate induced antigen-specific differences in MFI. This combination of the E. coli lysate blocker and Tris-HCl yielded a statistically significant improvement in MFI in the assays for Chagas disease and hepatitis C virus samples. However, for the Treponema pallidum p47 antigen improvement in MFI was only observed for the preparation with the E. coli blocker at a concentration of 3%. In conclusion, the addition of an E. coli lysate and Tris-HCl to the microarray assay reduced the nonspecific binding of human anti -bacteria antibodies and, therefore, increased the specific MFI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report the involvement of N -Methyl- d -Aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA glutamate receptors from the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) in the mediation of cardiovascular changes observed during hemorrhage and post-bleeding periods. In addition, the present study provides further evidence of the involvement of circulating vasopressin and cardiac sympathetic activity in cardiovascular responses to hemorrhage. Systemic treatment with the V 1 -vasopressin receptor antagonist dTyr(CH 2 ) 5 (Me)AVP (50 μg/kg, i.v.) increased the latency to the onset of hypotension during hemorrhage and slowed post-bleeding recovery of blood pressure. Systemic treatment with the β 1 -adrenergic receptor antagonist atenolol (1 mg/kg, i.v.) also increased the latency to the onset of hypotension during hemorrhage. Moreover, atenolol reversed the hemorrhage-induced tachycardia into bradycardia. Bilateral microinjection of the selective NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist LY235959 (2 nmol/100 nL) into the PVN blocked the hypotensive response to hemorrhage and reduced the tachycardia during the post-hemorrhage period. Systemic treatment with dTyr(CH 2 ) 5 (Me)AVP inhibited the effect of LY235959 on hemorrhage-induced hypotension, without affecting the post-bleeding tachycardia. PVN treatment with the selective non-NMDA receptor antagonist NBQX (2 nmol/100 nL) reduced the recovery of blood pressure to normal levels in the post-bleeding phase and reduced hemorrhage-induced tachycardia. Combined blockade of both NMDA and non-NMDA glutamate receptors in the PVN completely abolished the hypotensive response in the hemorrhage period and reduced the tachycardiac response in the post-hemorrhage period. These results indicate that local PVN glutamate neurotransmission is involved in the neural pathway mediating cardiovascular responses to hemorrhage, via an integrated control involving autonomic nervous system activity and vasopressin release into the circulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the spatial distribution of hydraulic conductivity ( K ) in natural aquifers is fundamental to predict the spatio-temporal evolution of solutes, a process that is mainly controlled by the heterogeneity of K . In sedimentary aquifers, the vertical variations of K are typically more relevant than the horizontal ones in controlling the plume evolution at the local scale; such K vertical distributions can be inferred by combining the Lagrangian formulation of transport with the assimilation of tracer test data via the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF). In this work, the data for the assimilation procedure are provided by monitoring tracer tests with electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). Our main objective is to show the possibility of directly using ERT data by assimilating the solute travel times, instead of the concentration values, thus avoiding the need for a petrophysical law. The methodology is applied to both a synthetic and a real test case and gives a satisfactory retrieval of the K field distribution, as well as of the solute evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experience demonstrates that autonomous mobile robots running in the field in a dynamic environment often breakdown. Generally, mobile robots are not designed to efficiently manage faulty or unforeseen situations. Even if some research studies exist, there is a lack of a global approach that really integrates dependability and particularly fault tolerance into the mobile robot design. This paper presents an approach that aims to integrate fault tolerance principles into the design of a robot real-time control architecture. A failure mode analysis is firstly conducted to identify and characterize the most relevant faults. Then the fault detection and diagnosis mechanisms are explained. Fault detection is based on dedicated software components scanning faulty behaviors. Diagnosis is based on the residual principle and signature analysis to identify faulty software or hardware components and faulty behaviors. Finally, the recovery mechanism, based on the modality principle, proposes to adapt the robot’s control loop according to the context and current operational functions of the robot. This approach has been applied and implemented in the control architecture of a Pioneer 3DX mobile robot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data fusion in information retrieval has been investigated by many researchers and a number of data fusion methods have been proposed. However, problems such as why data fusion can increase effectiveness and favorable conditions for the use of data fusion methods are poorly resolved at best. In this paper, we formally describe data fusion under a geometric framework, in which each component result returned from an information retrieval system for a given query is represented as a point in a multi-dimensional space. The Euclidean distance is the measure by which the effectiveness and similarity of search results are judged. This allows us to explain all component results and fused results using geometrical principles. In such a framework, score-based data fusion becomes a deterministic problem. Several interesting features of the centroid-based data fusion method and the linear combination method are discussed. Nevertheless, in retrieval evaluation, ranking-based measures are the most popular. Therefore, this paper investigates the relation and correlation between the Euclidean distance and several typical ranking-based measures. We indeed find that a very strong correlation exists between these. It means that the theorems and observations obtained using the Euclidean distance remain valid when ranking-based measures are used. The proposed framework enables us to have a better understanding of score-based data fusion and use score-based data fusion methods more precisely and effectively in various ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formylpeptide receptor 2 (FPR2/ALX) is a very promiscuous receptor, utilized by lipid and protein ligands that trigger pro- or anti-inflammatory responses. FPR2/ALX expression is increased in lung tissues of septic animals and its activation has a beneficial therapeutic effect by controlling exacerbated inflammation. Although FPR2/ALX expression was observed in vascular smooth muscle cells, its role in vascular reactivity in inflammatory conditions has not been studied. In this study, we report that LPS increases FPR2/ALX expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (A7r5 cells) and aorta tissue, and that the selective agonist WKYMVm reverses LPS-induced vascular hyporeactivity in mouse aorta rings. Mice bearing pneumosepsis by Klebsiella pneumoniae and treated with WKYMVm recovered the reactivity to vasoconstrictors and the survival improved by 40%. As for the mechanisms involved, FPR2/ALX activation decreases NO production in LPS-stimulated cells and aorta, but it does not seem involve the regulation of NOS-2 expression. The molecular mechanism by which the peptide inhibits NO production still needs to be elucidated, but our data suggests an important role for NO in the WKYMVm beneficial effect observed in LPS injury and sepsis. In conclusion, our data suggest, for the first time, that a receptor, primarily described as a mediator of immune responses, may have an important role in the vascular dysfunctions observed in sepsis and may be a possible target for new therapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The titanium alkylidene-triflate complex (PNP)Ti CH t Bu(OTf) was found to promote N–N bond cleavage of 9-diazofluorene and ditolyldiazomethane to give the imido complexes, (PNP)Ti N[C 13 H 9 ](OTf) ( 1 ) and (PNP)Ti N[CHtolyl 2 ](OTf) ( 2 ), respectively. The molecular structure of 2 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Along with imido formation leading to 1 and 2 , the alkylidene Ti CH t Bu ligand in (PNP)Ti CH t Bu(OTf) was found to eliminate with the α-N atom of the diazoalkane to form the nitrile NC t Bu, which was confirmed by a combination of 1 H NMR spectroscopy and GC–MS. The reaction mechanism of the N–N bond cleavage promoted by the reactive Ti CH t Bu ligand is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite materials are effective adsorbents for the removal of various types of contaminants, such as pharmaceutical products. However, they require improvement to achieve a good adsorption capacity. This study presents the development of a promising adsorbent: silica/chitosan modified with different proportions of glutaraldehyde, which involves the D-glucosamine units from chitosan. The developed materials were evaluated for their ability to remove diclofenac sodium. The adsorption data showed that the diclofenac adsorption efficiency increased with increasing degree of glutaraldehyde crosslinking. The equilibrium and kinetic data were well fit by the Liu and Elovich models, respectively, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 237.8 mg/g. Therefore, it can be assumed that the process is predominantly chemical and exothermic, with a high affinity between the adsorbents and diclofenac sodium. The adsorption mechanisms were investigated to better understand the interactions, and the predominance of covalent bonds with the self-polymerized glutaraldehyde was verified. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To determine whether a novel intraoperative technique of COmplete Reconstruction of the Posterior Urethral Support (CORPUS) improves early urinary continence after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). In this prospective study, between November 2012 and June 2013, 36 consecutive patients suitable for non–nerve-sparing RARP were alternatively assigned to either CORPUS surgery or Rocco's standard reconstruction. Technical Considerations: In the CORPUS group, fibers of the bilateral portions of the puborectalis muscle were used to create a sort of posterior hammock for the urethra. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire, Short Form Questionnaire (ICIQ-SF) and International Prostate Symptom Score were collected for all patients preoperatively and then ICIQ-SF at 1 day and both tests at 30 days after catheter removal after RARP. Intraoperative and/or postoperative complications were evaluated. Pearson chi-square test compared urinary continence according to ICIQ-SF at 1 and 30 days. Statistical significance was set at P <.05. Conclusion: Fifty percent of CORPUS patients were continent immediately after catheter removal and 83% after 30 days. In controls, the respective percentages were 16% and 61%. The differences were statistically significant in both cases. The International Prostate Symptom Score at 30 days did not show obstructive symptoms in either group. One limitation of this study is the low number of cases, “superselected” to evaluate the true effect of CORPUS reconstruction. The very early continence rate of the CORPUS patients was significantly improved compared with that of patients undergoing Rocco's standard technique. Further studies extending the inclusion criteria are needed to confirm the impact of the new CORPUS technique in a more heterogeneous group. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A high salt diet is associated with reduced activity of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS). However, normotensive rats exposed to high sodium do not show changes in systemic arterial pressure. We hypothesized that, despite the reduced circulating amounts of angiotensin II induced by a high salt diet, the cardiovascular system's reactivity to angiotensin II is increased in vivo, contributing to maintain arterial pressure at normal levels. Male Wistar rats received chow containing 0.27% (control), 2%, 4%, or 8% NaCl for six weeks. The high-sodium diet did not lead to changes in arterial pressure, although plasma levels of angiotensin II and aldosterone were reduced in the 4% and 8% NaCl groups. The 4% and 8% NaCl groups showed enhanced pressor responses to angiotensin I and II, accompanied by unchanged and increased angiotensin-converting enzyme activity, respectively. The 4% NaCl group showed increased expression of angiotensin II type 1 receptors and reduced expression of angiotensin II type 2 receptors in the aorta. In addition, the hypotensive effect of losartan was reduced in both 4% and 8% NaCl groups. In conclusion these results explain, at least in part, why the systemic arterial pressure is maintained at normal levels in non-salt sensitive and healthy rats exposed to a high salt diet, when the functionality of RAAS appears to be blunted, as well as suggest that angiotensin II has a crucial role in the vascular dysfunction associated with high salt intake, even in the absence of hypertension. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae), popularly known as “mil-folhas”, is well recognized and widely used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat heart and kidney disorders. Among its popularly described effects are diuretic and hypotensive actions. Aim of the study: The diuretic activity of Achillea millefolium L. extracts and its semi-purified fractions, as well as the mechanisms involved, were evaluated in male Wistar rats. Material and methods: An aqueous extract (AEAM, 125–500mg/kg), hydroethanolic extract (HEAM, 30–300mg/kg), dichloromethane subfractions (DCM-2, 10 and 30mg/kg), or hydrochlorothiazide (10mg/kg), were orally administered and the animals were kept in metabolic cages for 8h for urine collection. To evaluate the involvement of bradykinin and prostaglandins in the diuretic action of Achillea millefolium, selected groups of rats received HOE-140 (1.5mg/kg, i.p.) or indomethacin (5mg/kg, p.o.), before treatment with a DCM-2 subfraction (30mg/kg). The urinary volume, conductivity, pH, density and electrolyte excretion were measured. Results: Similar to hydrochlorothiazide, both HEAM and DCM-2, but not AEAM, increased urinary volume and the excretion of Na+ and K+ when compared with the control group (vehicle). The diuretic effect of DCM-2 was abolished by HOE-140 (a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist), as well as by indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor). Conclusion: The present study reveals that extracts obtained from Achillea millefolium are able to effectively increase diuresis when orally administered in rats. This effect depends on both the activation of bradykinin B2 receptors and the activity of cyclooxygenases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae), popularly known as “mil-folhas”, is well recognized and widely used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat heart and kidney disorders. Among its popularly described effects are diuretic and hypotensive actions. Aim of the study: The diuretic activity of Achillea millefolium L. extracts and its semi-purified fractions, as well as the mechanisms involved, were evaluated in male Wistar rats. Material and methods: An aqueous extract (AEAM, 125–500mg/kg), hydroethanolic extract (HEAM, 30–300mg/kg), dichloromethane subfractions (DCM-2, 10 and 30mg/kg), or hydrochlorothiazide (10mg/kg), were orally administered and the animals were kept in metabolic cages for 8h for urine collection. To evaluate the involvement of bradykinin and prostaglandins in the diuretic action of Achillea millefolium, selected groups of rats received HOE-140 (1.5mg/kg, i.p.) or indomethacin (5mg/kg, p.o.), before treatment with a DCM-2 subfraction (30mg/kg). The urinary volume, conductivity, pH, density and electrolyte excretion were measured. Results: Similar to hydrochlorothiazide, both HEAM and DCM-2, but not AEAM, increased urinary volume and the excretion of Na+ and K+ when compared with the control group (vehicle). The diuretic effect of DCM-2 was abolished by HOE-140 (a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist), as well as by indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor). Conclusion: The present study reveals that extracts obtained from Achillea millefolium are able to effectively increase diuresis when orally administered in rats. This effect depends on both the activation of bradykinin B2 receptors and the activity of cyclooxygenases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Contextual memory updating is mediated by reconsolidation. [•] Reconsolidation maintains precision/accuracy of the memory representation over time. [•] Reconsolidation mediates memory strengthening by non-reinforced reactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the function of the right and left CA3 of the dorsal hippocampus (dHPC) in the processing of (i) recognition memory, (ii) recent and remote spatial memory, (iii) working memory and (iv) navigation strategy. Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups: vehicle group (VG), animals received a bilateral injection of phosphate-saline buffer (PBS) in both right and left dorsal CA3; dHPC-R group, animals received an injection of ibotenic acid (IBO) in the right dorsal CA3; dHPC-L group, animals received an IBO injection in left dorsal CA3; and dHPC-Bi group, animals received bilateral injections of IBO in both dorsal CA3. Rats were submitted to a sequence of behavioral tests: Morris water maze (MWM), object recognition test (ORT), forced T-maze and MWM 30 days after the first exposure. The results showed no evidence of functional lateralization and the dorsal CA3 does not seem to be essential for learning and memory (recent and remote) processing and allocentric navigation analyzed in the MWM and T-maze, respectively. However, rats with right or bilateral lesions in the dorsal CA3 failed to recognize the familiar object in the ORT, suggesting a lateralized processing of recognition memory. That result is unprecedented and contributes to the knowledge about the compartmentalization of HPC functions. [Display omitted] • Lesions in the right dorsal CA3 impaired recognition memory. • No changes in recognition memory were observed for left dorsal CA3 lesions. • Recognition memory may have a lateralized processing in the hippocampus. • No impaired spatial memory was observed when the dorsal CA3 was lesioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Scutia buxifolia has been widely used in Brazilian folk medicine as an anti-hypertensive agent. We evaluated the vascular effects and mechanism involved in the relaxation of aorta induced by an n-butanolic fraction (BuOH) from Scutia buxifolia. Materials and Methods: Rat aortic rings precontracted by phenylephrine (1μM) were exposed to cumulative concentrations (3–3000μg/ml) of crude extracts or fractions obtained from bark or leaves of Scutia buxifolia. Classical receptor antagonists, channel and enzymatic inhibitors were used to check the mechanisms involved. Results: The crude extracts of both leaves and bark of Scutia buxifolia, as well as several fractions, were able to induce partial or total relaxation of rat aortic rings. The BuOH fraction of bark of Scutia buxifolia was the most potent in endothelium-intact (E+) preparations, and also induced a partial, but very significant relaxation in endothelium-denuded (E−) vessels. The non-selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME, as well as the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ, vanished the relaxation in E+. In E− preparations, K+ channel blockers, such as tetraethylammonium, glibenclamide, 4-aminopyridine, and the large-conductance calcium-activated K+ channel blocker iberiotoxin, were able to significantly reduce the maximum relaxation elicited by BuOH fraction. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that BuOH fraction obtained from barks of Scutia buxifolia induced both endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation in rat aortic rings. The endothelium-dependent relaxation is fully dependent on NO/cGMP system, while direct activation of K+ channels may explain, at least in part, the endothelium-independent relaxation induced by BuOH fraction of Scutia buxifolia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Scutia buxifolia has been widely used in Brazilian folk medicine as an anti-hypertensive agent. We evaluated the vascular effects and mechanism involved in the relaxation of aorta induced by an n-butanolic fraction (BuOH) from Scutia buxifolia. Materials and Methods: Rat aortic rings precontracted by phenylephrine (1μM) were exposed to cumulative concentrations (3–3000μg/ml) of crude extracts or fractions obtained from bark or leaves of Scutia buxifolia. Classical receptor antagonists, channel and enzymatic inhibitors were used to check the mechanisms involved. Results: The crude extracts of both leaves and bark of Scutia buxifolia, as well as several fractions, were able to induce partial or total relaxation of rat aortic rings. The BuOH fraction of bark of Scutia buxifolia was the most potent in endothelium-intact (E+) preparations, and also induced a partial, but very significant relaxation in endothelium-denuded (E−) vessels. The non-selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME, as well as the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ, vanished the relaxation in E+. In E− preparations, K+ channel blockers, such as tetraethylammonium, glibenclamide, 4-aminopyridine, and the large-conductance calcium-activated K+ channel blocker iberiotoxin, were able to significantly reduce the maximum relaxation elicited by BuOH fraction. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that BuOH fraction obtained from barks of Scutia buxifolia induced both endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation in rat aortic rings. The endothelium-dependent relaxation is fully dependent on NO/cGMP system, while direct activation of K+ channels may explain, at least in part, the endothelium-independent relaxation induced by BuOH fraction of Scutia buxifolia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present study, we investigated the effects induced by fluoxetine treatment (10mg/kg) for either 1 or 21 consecutive days on arterial pressure and heart rate basal levels, baroreflex activity, hemodynamic responses to vasoactive agents and cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress. Mild hypertension was observed after 21days of treatment, but not after administration for 1day. Moreover, chronic treatment affected the baroreflex control of heart rate, which was characterized by a reduced reflex tachycardia and an enhanced bradycardiac baroreflex response. The pressor responses to systemic administration of the selective α1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine, as well as the depressor responses to systemic infusion of the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside, were reduced after chronic fluoxetine treatment. Fluoxetine treatment for 21days reduced both the pressor and tachycardiac responses evoked by acute restraint stress. In conclusion, the results indicate the development of mild hypertension after chronic fluoxetine treatment. This effect was followed by changes in the baroreflex control of heart rate and altered vascular responsiveness to pressor and depressor agents, which may explain, at least in part, the increase in arterial pressure. Chronic fluoxetine treatment also affected cardiovascular responses to restraint stress, thus indicating that fluoxetine may affect cardiovascular adaptation under conditions of stress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This review focuses on the roles of NADPH oxidase/NOX proteins in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) pathophysiology and in the signalling pathways involved in IPF. NOX proteins are membrane-associated multi-unit enzymes that catalyze the reduction of oxygen using NADPH as an electron donor. Recent studies indicate that NOX4 is induced in pulmonary fibroblasts in response to TGF-β. TGF-β or PDGF induce myofibroblast proliferation, differentiation, migration, contractility and extracellular matrix production, through NOX4 and reactive oxygen species dependent SMAD2/3 phosphorylation. NOX4 is increased in pulmonary fibroblasts from IPF patients and deletion of Nox4 in mice prevents bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. These data strongly suggest that targeting of NOX4 could be a step forward in the treatment of fibrotic lung diseases, by specifically targeting myofibroblasts, a major player in this disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Microinjection of the cholinergic agonist carbachol into the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) has been reported to cause pressor response in unanesthetized rats, which was shown to be mediated by an acute release of vasopressin into the systemic circulation and followed by baroreflex-mediated bradycardia. In the present study, we tested the possible involvement of the hypothalamic paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei in the pressor response evoked by carbachol microinjection into the BST of unanesthetized rats. For this, cardiovascular responses following carbachol (1nmol/100nL) microinjection into the BST were studied before and after PVN or SON pretreatment, either ipsilateral or contralateral in relation to BST microinjection site, with the nonselective neurotransmission blocker cobalt chloride (CoCl2, 1mM/100nL). Carbachol microinjection into the BST evoked pressor response. Moreover, BST treatment with carbachol significantly increased plasma vasopressin levels, thus confirming previous evidences that carbachol microinjection into the BST evokes pressor response due to vasopressin release into the circulation. SON pretreatment with CoCl2, either ipsilateral or contralateral in relation to BST microinjection site, inhibited the pressor response to carbachol microinjection into the BST. However, CoCl2 microinjection into the ipsilateral or contralateral PVN did not affect carbachol-evoked pressor response. In conclusion, our results suggest that pressor response to carbachol microinjection into the BST is mediated by SON magnocellular neurons, without significant involvement of those in the PVN. The results also indicate that responses to carbachol microinjection into the BST are mediated by a neural pathway that depends on the activation of both ipsilateral and contralateral SON. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The insular cortex (IC) has been reported to be involved in central cardiovascular control. In the present study, we investigated the cardiovascular responses evoked by microinjection of noradrenaline into the IC as well as the central and peripheral mechanisms involved in their mediation. Microinjection of noradrenaline into the IC (3, 7, 10, 15, 30 and 45nmol/100nL) caused long-lasting dose-related pressor and bradycardiac responses. The cardiovascular responses evoked by 15nmol of noradrenaline were blocked by IC pretreatment with WB4101 or 5-methyl-urapidil, selective α1-adrenoceptor antagonists. IC pretreatment with either the selective α2-adrenoceptor antagonists RX821002 or the β-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol did not affect noradrenaline cardiovascular responses. Noradrenaline cardiovascular responses were mimicked by microinjection of the selective α1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine into the IC, thus reinforcing the idea that α1-adrenoceptors mediate cardiovascular responses to noradrenaline microinjected into the IC. The pressor response to noradrenaline microinjection was potentiated by i.v. pretreatment with the ganglion blocker pentolinium and inhibited by i.v. pretreatment with the selective V1-vasopressin receptor antagonist dTyr(CH2)5(Me)AVP. The bradycardiac response to noradrenaline microinjection into the IC was abolished by pretreatment with either pentolinium or the V1-vasopressin receptor antagonist, indicating its reflex origin. In conclusion, our results suggest that pressor response evoked by microinjection of noradrenaline into the IC involve the activation of IC α1-adrenoceptors to cause the release of vasopressin into the circulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present study, we investigated the role played by the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in the modulation of cardiac baroreflex activity in unanesthetized rats. Bilateral microinjections of the nonselective neurotransmission blocker CoCl2 into the PVN decreased the reflex bradycardic response evoked by blood pressure increases, but had no effect on reflex tachycardia evoked by blood pressure decreases. Bilateral microinjections of the selective NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist LY235959 into the PVN caused effects that were similar to those observed after microinjections of CoCl2, decreasing reflex bradycardia without affecting tachycardic response. The microinjection of the selective non-NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist NBQX into the PVN did not affect the baroreflex activity. Also, the microinjection of L-glutamate into the PVN increased the reflex bradycardia, an effect opposed to that observed after PVN treatment with CoCl2 or LY235959, and this effect of L-glutamate was blocked by PVN pretreatment with LY235959. LY235959 injected into the PVN after i.v. treatment with the selective β1-adrenoceptor antagonist atenolol still decreased the reflex bradycardia. Taken together, our results suggest a facilitatory influence of the PVN on the bradycardic response of the baroreflex through activation of local NMDA glutamate receptors and a modulation of the cardiac parasympathetic activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It has been reported that l-glutamate (l-glu) microinjection into the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) evokes pressor and tachycardiac responses in unanesthetized rats. In the present study the hypothesis was tested that a local nitric oxide (NO)–guanylate cyclase interaction mediates cardiovascular effects of l-glu microinjection into the PVN of rats. The cardiovascular responses evoked by 10nmol/100nL of l-glu microinjected into the PVN were measured before and 10min after PVN treatment with vehicle, the selective neuronal NO-synthase (nNOS) inhibitor Nω-Propyl-l-arginine (N-Propyl, 0.04nmol or 4nmol/100nL), the NO scavenger carboxy-PTIO (C-PTIO, 1nmol/100nL) or the guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolol [4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, 1nmol/100nL). In a final experiment, different doses of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 9, 27 or 45nmol/100nL) were microinjected into the PVN. Cardiovascular responses evoked by l-glu microinjection into the PVN were abolished by local pretreatment with N-Propyl in both anesthetized and unanesthetized rats. PVN treatment with either C-PTIO or ODQ also reduced l-glu cardiovascular responses. The microinjection of SNP into the PVN caused pressor and tachycardiac responses in unanesthetized rats, whereas depressor and bradycardiac responses were observed in anesthetized rats. The present results suggest that cardiovascular responses evoked by l-glu microinjection into the PVN involve a local production of NO and activation of guanylate cyclase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Acute restraint is an unavoidable stress situation that evokes marked and sustained cardiovascular changes, which are characterized by blood pressure and heart rate increases. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that insular cortex mediates cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress in rats. To that purpose, the insular cortex synaptic transmission was inhibited by bilateral microinjection of the nonselective synaptic blocker cobalt chloride (CoCl2, 1mM/100nL). Insular cortex pretreatment with CoCl2 decreased restraint-evoked pressor and tachycardiac responses, thus indicating an involvement of synapses within the insular cortex on the modulation of cardiovascular responses to restraint stress. The present results indicate that insular cortex synapses exert a facilitatory influence on blood pressure and HR increase evoked by acute restraint stress in rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The homogeneous catalytic hydration of 2-, 3- and 4-cyanopyridines using 0.5mol% of [(dippe)Ni(μ-H)]2 as catalyst precursor was achieved under heating. In the case of 4-cyanopyridine, production of isonicotinamide was observed at temperatures in the range of 80–120°C. Heating to 180°C resulted in formation of isonicotinic acid. In the case of 2- and 3-cyanopyridines the quantitative formation of their corresponding amides was achieved at 100°C. The catalytic hydration of 2,6-dicyanopyridine was also undertaken in this work, in its case resulting in the synthesis of the mixed cyano/amide product, 2-cyanopyridine-6-carboxamide, at short reaction times. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The ability to infer the characteristics of offenders from their criminal behaviour (‘offender profiling’) has only been partially successful since it has relied on subjective judgments based on limited data. Words and structured data used in crime descriptions recorded by the police relate to behavioural features. Thus Language Modelling was applied to an existing police archive to link behavioural features with significant characteristics of offenders. Both multinomial and multiple Bernoulli models were used. Although categories selected are gender, age group, ethnic appearance and broad occupation (employed or not), in principle this can be applied to any characteristic recorded. Results indicate that statistically significant relationships exist between all characteristics for many types of crime. Bernoulli models tend to perform better than multinomial ones. It is also possible to identify automatically specific terms which when taken together give insight into the style of offending related to a particular group. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The insular cortex (IC) has been reported to modulate the cardiac parasympathetic activity of the baroreflex in unanesthetized rats. However, which neurotransmitters are involved in this modulation is still unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the possible involvement of local IC-noradrenergic neurotransmission in modulating reflex bradycardiac responses. Bilateral microinjection of the selective α1-adrenoceptor antagonist WB4101 (15nmol/100nL), into the IC of male Wistar rats, increased the gain of reflex bradycardia in response to mean arterial pressure (MAP) increases evoked by intravenous infusion of phenylephrine. However, bilateral microinjection of equimolar doses of either the selective α2-adrenoceptor antagonist RX821002 or the non-selective β-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol into the IC did not affect the baroreflex response. No effects were observed in basal MAP or heart rate values after bilateral microinjection of noradrenergic antagonists into the IC, thus suggesting no tonic influence of IC-noradrenergic neurotransmission on resting cardiovascular parameters. In conclusion, these data provide evidence that local IC-noradrenergic neurotransmission has an inhibitory influence on baroreflex responses to blood pressure increase evoked by phenylephrine infusion through activation of α1-adrenoceptors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate whether extracts and semi-purified fractions obtained from Maytenus ilicifolia leaves have vascular effects in vivo. We tested the ethanolic supernatant of the infusion (ESI), and the ethanolic supernatant of the aqueous extract (ESAE) on the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) of anesthetized rats. Intravenous injection of ESAE caused a dose-dependent effect at 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg, reducing MAP by as much as 52.6±5.5 mmHg. Only the highest dose of ESAE (30 mg/kg) caused a significant reduction in HR during its hypotensive effect. The effect of ESAE was unchanged by atropine, propranolol, or bilateral vagotomy, but was significantly reduced (80%) in animals continuously infused with L-NAME. In addition, methylene blue and ODQ, as well as the potassium channel blockers tetraethylammonium, 4-aminopyridine, and glibenclamide, impaired ESAE-induced hypotension. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) obtained from ESAE had a potency at least two times greater than ESAE in MAP, without causing any significant change in HR. The hypotension induced by EAF was circumvented by L-NAME, methylene blue and ODQ, strongly reduced by tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine (but not by glibenclamide), and abolished by association of these three potassium channel blockers. Chemical investigation revealed that flavonols, mainly catechin and epicatechin, as well as flavonol glycosides (mono- to triglycosides), and tannins, are the main components of this fraction. Our results demonstrate that preparations obtained from M. ilicifolia present a potent hypotensive effect in vivo, an event predominantly dependent on the nitric oxide/guanylate cyclase pathway. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present study, we report the effect of insular cortex (IC) ablation caused by bilateral microinjection of the non-selective synaptic blocker CoCl2 on cardiac baroreflex response in unanesthetized rats as well as the involvement of local glutamatergic neurotransmission. Unilateral (left or right) microinjection of CoCl2 (1 nmol/ 100 nL) did not affect the bradycardiac response to blood pressure increase evoked by intravenous infusion of phenylephrine nor the tachycardiac response to blood pressure decrease caused by intravenous infusion of sodium nitroprusside, 10 min after CoCl2. Bilateral microinjection of CoCl2 into IC decreased the magnitude of reflex bradycardia without affecting tachycardiac responses. Baroreflex activity returned to control values 60 min after CoCl2 microinjection, confirming its reversible effect. Further we studied the possible involvement of IC-glutamatergic neurotransmission in baroreflex modulation. We observed that bilateral microinjection of the selective NMDA receptor antagonist LY235959 (4 nmol/100 nL) into the IC decreased the magnitude of reflex bradycardia without affecting tachycardiac responses. IC treatment with the selective non-NMDA antagonist NBQX (4 nmol/100 nL) did not affect baroreflex activity. The results suggest that synapses within the IC have a tonic excitatory influence on the baroreflex parasympathetic component. Moreover, the present data suggest that local NMDA-receptors are involved in the IC-mediated tonic excitatory influence on baroreflex parasympathetic activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The catalytic hydration of mono and dinitriles (dicyanoalkanes, DCAs) using nickel(0) catalysts of the type, [(dippe)Ni(η2-N,C–R)] (R=–Me,–Ph,–(CH2)2–CN,–(CH2)4–CN) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (PTSA) as a co-catalyst, is reported. In the cases where DCAs (adipo and succinonitrile) were used, both the activity and the selectivity for the process were affected by length of the internal chains of the substrates. A competitive decomposition of the amide products was observed to be favoured to a greater extent in the case of succinonitrile, resulting in extensive carbonization and formation of ammonia. The carbonaceous by-products were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The use of nickel(II) sources was addressed in the presence and in the absence of PTSA, with the aim of comparing their reactivity with that displayed by nickel(0) catalysts. The results obtained from these studies suggest that activity of the catalyst is affected by the oxidation state of the metal, the use of nickel(0) compounds resulting in better catalyst performance overall. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]