There is increasing evidence that neurofilament light chain (NF-L) can be considered as a biomarker for neuro-axonal damage. This polypeptide can be released into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and ...the blood, where it can be quantified. The concentration of NF-L is elevated in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and psychiatric disorders. We aimed to investigate the NF-L levels in the CSF from treated MS patients and the relationship with depression or anxiety. The study involved three groups: control group (individuals without inflammation), the relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)-untreated group, and the RRMS-Fingo group (RRMS patients who were treated with fingolimod). MS disability was assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale, and depression and anxiety were evaluated by a neuropsychologist, using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Individual CSF samples were collected to measure NF-L levels. The results of the statistical analysis on levels of NF-L in the CSF of control subjects, RRMS-untreated patients, and RRMS-Fingo patients were significant. The relationship between depression and anxiety in RRMS-Fingo patients and NF-L levels was not statistically significant. In conclusion, MS events such as anxiety and depression appear to contribute to the onset of clinical relapses, subclinical cases, and neurodegeneration.
This study evaluated the role of dung beetle species alone or associated under different species on nitrous oxide (N
O) emission, ammonia volatilization, and the performance of pearl millet ...Pennisetum glaucum (L.). There were seven treatments, including two controls (soil and soil + dung without beetles), single species of Onthophagus taurus Shreber, 1759 (1), Digitonthophagus gazella Fabricius, 1787 (2), or Phanaeus vindex MacLeay, 1819 (3); and their assemblages (1 + 2 and 1 + 2 + 3). Nitrous oxide emission was estimated for 24 days, when pearl millet was planted in sequence to assess growth, nitrogen yield (NY), and dung beetle activity. Dung beetle species presented greater N
O flow of dung on the 6th day (80 g N
O-N ha
day
) compared to soil and dung (2.6 g N
O-N ha
day
). Ammonia emissions varied with the presence of dung beetles (P < 0.05), and D. gazella had less NH
N on days 1, 6, and 12 with averages of 2061, 1526, and 1048 g ha
day
, respectively. The soil N content increased with dung + beetle application. Dung application affected pearl millet herbage accumulation (HA) regardless of dung beetle presence, and averages ranged from 5 to 8 g DM bucket
. A PCA analysis was applied to analyze variation and correlation to each variable, but it indicated a low principal component explanation (less than 80%), not enough to explain the variation in findings. Despite the greater dung removal, the largest species, P. vindex and their species combination, need to be more studied to get a better understanding about their contribution on greenhouse gases. The presence of dung beetles prior to planting improved pearl millet production by enhancing N cycling, although assemblages with the three beetle species enhanced N losses to the environment via denitrification.
Roots and rhizomes can play an important role in nutrient cycling, however, few studies have investigated how their decomposition pattern is affected by defoliation and time of the year. This 2-year ...study evaluated root-rhizome composition and decomposition of a warm-season rhizomatous perennial legume rhizoma peanut (RP; Arachis glabrata Benth.) under continuous stocking or when defoliated by clipping every 56 days. A 168-days incubation trial was performed to determine disappearance of biomass and N and changes in acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent insoluble N (ADIN), and C:N ratio. Additionally, three 56-days incubations were performed each year to evaluate the disappearance coefficient (B
) and relative decay rate (k). There were no treatment differences in any response for the 168-days incubation. After 168 days, 21 and 60% of initial biomass and initial N remained, respectively. Relative decay rate for OM and N were 0.0088 and 0.0035 g g
day
, respectively. Carbon-to-N ratio decreased from 29 at day 0 to 17 at day 168. Concentration of ADIN increased from 6.9 to 19.3 g kg
, plateauing at day 79. The B
and k for remaining OM and N were greater in late than early season and could be explained by greater N concentration and lesser C:N ratio. Rapid decomposition, difference in C:N ratio from day 0 to 168, and the increase in ADIN concentration during incubation indicate large amounts of root-rhizome-soluble C at initiation of incubation. These data indicate that RP root-rhizome turnover is more responsive to season than defoliation frequency.
The Amazon Basin plays key roles in the carbon and water cycles, climate change, atmospheric chemistry, and biodiversity. It has already been changed significantly by human activities, and more ...pervasive change is expected to occur in the coming decades. It is therefore essential to establish long-term measurement sites that provide a baseline record of present-day climatic, biogeochemical, and atmospheric conditions and that will be operated over coming decades to monitor change in the Amazon region, as human perturbations increase in the future. The Amazon Tall Tower Observatory (ATTO) has been set up in a pristine rain forest region in the central Amazon Basin, about 150 km northeast of the city of Manaus. Two 80 m towers have been operated at the site since 2012, and a 325 m tower is nearing completion in mid-2015. An ecological survey including a biodiversity assessment has been conducted in the forest region surrounding the site. Measurements of micrometeorological and atmospheric chemical variables were initiated in 2012, and their range has continued to broaden over the last few years. The meteorological and micrometeorological measurements include temperature and wind profiles, precipitation, water and energy fluxes, turbulence components, soil temperature profiles and soil heat fluxes, radiation fluxes, and visibility. A tree has been instrumented to measure stem profiles of temperature, light intensity, and water content in cryptogamic covers. The trace gas measurements comprise continuous monitoring of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and ozone at five to eight different heights, complemented by a variety of additional species measured during intensive campaigns (e.g., VOC, NO, NO2, and OH reactivity). Aerosol optical, microphysical, and chemical measurements are being made above the canopy as well as in the canopy space. They include aerosol light scattering and absorption, fluorescence, number and volume size distributions, chemical composition, cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations, and hygroscopicity. In this paper, we discuss the scientific context of the ATTO observatory and present an overview of results from ecological, meteorological, and chemical pilot studies at the ATTO site.
Measuring cortisol levels as a stress biomarker is essential in many medical conditions associated with a high risk of metabolic syndromes such as anxiety and cardiovascular diseases, among others. ...One technology that has a growing interest in recent years is fiber optic biosensors that enable ultrasensitive cortisol detection. Such interest is allied with progress being achieved in basic interrogation, accuracy improvements, and novel applications. The development of improved cortisol monitoring, with a simplified manufacturing process, high reproducibility, and low cost, are challenges that these sensing mechanisms still face, and for which solutions are still needed. In this paper, a comprehensive characterization of a D-shaped fiber optic immunosensor for cortisol detection based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) enabled by gold coating is reported. Specifically, the sensor instrumentation and fabrication processes are discussed in detail, and a simulation with its complete mathematical formalism is also presented. Moreover, experimental cortisol detection tests were performed for a detection range of 0.01 to 100 ng/mL, attaining a logarithmic sensitivity of 0.65 ± 0.02 nm/log(ng/mL) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.46 ng/mL. Additionally, an investigation of signal processing is also discussed, with the main issues addressed in order to highlight the best way to extract the sensing information from the spectra measured with a D-shaped sensor.
Abstract
Inflammatory states and body composition changes are associated with a poor prognosis in many diseases, but their role in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not fully understood. To ...assess the impact of low skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD), high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and a composite score based on both variables, on complications, use of ventilatory support, and survival in patients with COVID-19. Medical records of patients hospitalized between May 1, 2020, and July 31, 2020, with a laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 who underwent computed tomography (CT) were retrospectively reviewed. CT-derived body composition measurements assessed at the first lumbar vertebra level, and laboratory tests performed at diagnosis, were used to calculate SMD and NLR. Prognostic values were estimated via univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses and the Kaplan–Meier curve. The study was approved by the local Institutional Review Board (CAAE 36276620.2.0000.5404). A total of 200 patients were included. Among the patients assessed, median age was 59 years, 58% were men and 45% required ICU care. A total of 45 (22.5%) patients died. Multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated that a low SMD (OR 2.94; 95% CI 1.13–7.66,
P
= 0.027), high NLR (OR 3.96; 95% CI 1.24–12.69,
P
= 0.021) and both low SMD and high NLR (OR 25.58; 95% CI 2.37–276.71,
P
= 0.008) combined, were associated with an increased risk of death. Patients who had both low SMD and high NLR required more mechanical ventilation (
P
< 0.001) and were hospitalized for a longer period (
P
< 0.001). Low SMD, high NLR and the composite score can predict poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19, and can be used as a tool for early identification of patients at risk. Systemic inflammation and low muscle radiodensity are useful predictors of poor prognosis, and the assessment of these factors in clinical practice should be considered.
Abstract
Context
GH and IGF-1 are crucial for attainment of normal body size and regulation of food intake, nutrient storage, and insulin sensitivity. Enteroendocrine connections exist between the ...GH–IGF-1 axis and insulin, ghrelin, and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). The status of these connections in GH deficiency (GHD) is unknown.
Objective
To study the enteroendocrine connections before and after a standard meal test in a homogeneous population of adults with congenital untreated isolated GHD (IGHD) due to a mutation in the GHRH receptor gene.
Design
In a cross-sectional study of 20 individuals with IGHD and 20 control subjects, we measured glucose, insulin, ghrelin, and GLP-1 before and 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes after a standardized test meal. Homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-β were calculated. Participants scored feelings of hunger, fullness, and prospective food consumption on a visual analog scale.
Main Outcome Measures
Area under the curve (AUC) values of glucose, insulin, ghrelin, GLP-1, hunger, fullness, and prospective food consumption.
Results
Fasting HOMA-IR and HOMA-β were lower in individuals with IGHD than in control subjects (P = 0.002 and P = 0.023, respectively). AUC was higher for hunger (P < 0.0001), glucose (P = 0.0157), ghrelin (P < 0.0001), and GLP-1 (P < 0.0001) and smaller for fullness (P < 0.0001) in individuals with IGHD compared with control subjects. There was no difference in AUC for prospective food consumption or insulin.
Conclusions
Untreated IGHD is associated with increased GLP-1 secretion and reduced postprandial ghrelin and hunger attenuation in response to a mixed meal. These enteroendocrine connections can result in a favorable outcome in terms of environmental adaptation and guaranteeing appropriate food intake and can confer metabolic benefits.
In response to a mixed meal, subjects with isolated GH deficiency have blunted ghrelin suppression and secrete more GLP-1.
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to determine the emission of nitrous oxide (N
2
O), methane (CH
4
), and carbon dioxide (CO
2
), as well as the isotopic composition of N
2
O from excreta ...of beef steers fed ‘AU Grazer’ sericea lespedeza hay SL;
Lespedeza cuneata
(Dum. Cours.) G. Don. Fifteen Brahman × Angus crossbred steers were fed one of three experimental diets: 0, 50, or 100% inclusion of SL into ‘Tifton 85’ bermudagrass hay (
Cynodon
spp.). Gas sampling occurred on days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 18, 25, and 32 after urine or feces application to static chambers for two experimental periods. Effect of the day after feces application (
P
< 0.001), while day × inclusion of SL interaction was observed in urine (
P
< 0.001) for all greenhouse gases (GHG) analyzed. Peaks of emission of all GHG in urine and feces occurred in the first days (
P
< 0.001), with days 3 and 5 being most depleted in
15
N-N
2
O in feces, and days 3, 5, and 7, in urine (
P
< 0.001). Feeding SL to beef steers was effective in mitigating the emission of GHG from the excreta, but further research is necessary to investigate the mechanisms behind the reductions.
SrTiO3 crystalline nanoparticles were prepared using the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method at 140 °C with synthesis times varying from 4 to 160 min. Sample characterization showed that the ...method is effective in obtaining nanoparticles in a relatively short time, which have the highest photoluminescence emission. The crystalline phase of perovskite-type SrTiO3 is not significantly influenced by synthesis time. However, the SrTiO3 phase is already obtained with a 4 min synthesis time. Also, all samples exhibited photoluminescence at room temperature in the blue-green region, where intensity decreased with increasing synthesis time and particle size. The samples synthesized with the shortest time showed higher photoluminescence emission and smaller particle sizes. The morphology obtained based on FE-SEM showed cubic nanoparticles with inhomogeneous grain growth at higher temperatures of synthesis in addition to the formation of new architectures.
PDF
