Biochar: pyrogenic carbon for agricultural use: a critical review.

O biocarvão (biomassa carbonizada para uso agrícola) tem sido usado como condicionador do solo em todo o mundo, e essa tecnologia é de especial interesse para o Brasil, uma vez que tanto a ?inspiração?, que veio das Terras Pretas de Índios da Amazônia, como o fato de o Brasil ser o maior produtor mundial de carvão vegetal, com a geração de importante quantidade de resíduos na forma de finos de carvão e diversas biomassas residuais, principalmente da agroindústria, como bagaço de cana, resíduos das indústrias de madeira, papel e celulose, biocombustíveis, lodo de esgoto etc. Na última década, diversos estudos com biocarvão têm sido realizados e atualmente uma vasta literatura e excelentes revisões estão disponíveis. Objetivou-se aqui não fazer uma revisão bibliográfica exaustiva, mas sim uma revisão crítica para apontar alguns destaques na pesquisa sobre biochar. Para isso, foram selecionados alguns temaschave considerados críticos e relevantes e fez-se um ?condensado? da literatura pertinente, mais para orientar as pesquisas e tendências do que um mero olhar para o passad

Citral Sensing by TRANSient Receptor Potential Channels in Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons

Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels mediate key aspects of taste, smell, pain, temperature sensation, and pheromone detection. To deepen our understanding of TRP channel physiology, we require more diverse pharmacological tools. Citral, a bioactive component of lemongrass, is commonly used as a taste enhancer, as an odorant in perfumes, and as an insect repellent. Here we report that citral activates TRP channels found in sensory neurons (TRPV1 and TRPV3, TRPM8, and TRPA1), and produces long-lasting inhibition of TRPV1–3 and TRPM8, while transiently blocking TRPV4 and TRPA1. Sustained citral inhibition is independent of internal calcium concentration, but is state-dependent, developing only after TRP channel opening. Citral's actions as a partial agonist are not due to cysteine modification of the channels nor are they a consequence of citral's stereoisoforms. The isolated aldehyde and alcohol cis and trans enantiomers (neral, nerol, geranial, and geraniol) each reproduce citral's actions. In juvenile rat dorsal root ganglion neurons, prolonged citral inhibition of native TRPV1 channels enabled the separation of TRPV2 and TRPV3 currents. We find that TRPV2 and TRPV3 channels are present in a high proportion of these neurons (94% respond to 2-aminoethyldiphenyl borate), consistent with our immunolabeling experiments and previous in situ hybridization studies. The TRPV1 activation requires residues in transmembrane segments two through four of the voltage-sensor domain, a region previously implicated in capsaicin activation of TRPV1 and analogous menthol activation of TRPM8. Citral's broad spectrum and prolonged sensory inhibition may prove more useful than capsaicin for allodynia, itch, or other types of pain involving superficial sensory nerves and skin

Abstract P1-05-20: Comparing the frequency and types of genetic aberrations between older and younger women with metastatic breast cancer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Abstract Background: Targeted therapies have the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment in older adults as they are often oral, convenient, may be better tolerated than cytotoxic chemotherapy, and can be tailored to an individual's biomarker profile. We explore the frequency and distribution of potentially actionable genomic alterations among older (≥65) and younger (&amp;lt;65) patients (pts) with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Method: Next generation genetic sequencing (UNCseq™) of a dynamic panel of target genes was prospectively offered to pts with MBC treated at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). DNA libraries were prepared separately from a retrieved archival FFPE tumor sample and a matched normal sample from each pt. Relevant targets were enriched by custom Agilent SureSelect hybrid capture baits using standard protocols. Samples were sequenced on Illumina HiSeq 2000/2500 platforms. Mutational findings were reviewed by a molecular tumor board; variants identified to be potentially actionable underwent confirmatory testing in a CLIA approved laboratory. Confirmed findings were inserted into the pt's EMR accessible by both the pt and the treating oncologist. Two-sided Fisher's exact test was used to compare percentages between age-specific groups. Results: As of 3/31/16, results were available for 140 pts. 19% were 65 years or older. Breast cancer clinical subtypes were: HR+/HER2- 49%, HER2+ (HR any) 17%, TN 34% and metastatic location was: bone only 5%, visceral only 44%, bone &amp; visceral 51%; no significant differences were observed between older and younger age groups. Older pts were more likely to be Caucasian compared to younger patients (92% v 75%, p=0.06). Overall, older patients had a higher total number of mutations compared to younger patients (see Table) (p=0.04). Mutation types were similar between age groups, although a trend for more PIK3CA mutations among older patients was seen (37% v 20%, p=0.07). Observed Mutations by Age. ≥ 65 years (%) N=27&amp;lt; 65 years (%) N=113pNumber of Mutations   01127.0414849.0423320.04374.04Type of mutation   PIK3CA3720.07CCND179.99NF-1115.37FGFR144.99PTEN49.69EGFR04.99 Conclusion: Genomic alterations may allow therapeutic tailoring in both older and younger patients with breast cancer. In this cohort with metastatic disease, older patients had significantly more mutations, but no clear difference in mutational types was seen by age. The relative small number of older pts in this cohort limits generalization, but supports the need for more extensive characterization of molecular aberrations among older pts with metastatic breast cancer in the new era of targeted therapy. Research support by the University Cancer Research Fund, NCI Breast Cancer SPORE grant (CA58223), John A. Hartford Foundation and Susan G. Komen Foundation. Citation Format: Jolly TA, Grilley-Olson JE, Deal AM, Ivanova A, Hayward MC, Benbow JM, Parker JS, Patel NM, Eberhard DA, Weck KE, Mieczkowski P, Dees EC, Muss HD, Reeder-Hayes KE, Earp HS, Sharpless NE, Carey LA, Hayes DN, Anders CK. Comparing the frequency and types of genetic aberrations between older and younger women with metastatic breast cancer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-05-20.</jats:p

Abstract PD6-07: Genomic sequencing in metastatic breast cancer patients to inform clinical practice at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Abstract Background: An increasing number of molecularly-targeted therapies for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) are clinically-available (approved and investigational). These anti-cancer agents target specific molecular abnormalities such as mutated, amplified, deleted, or rearranged genes. Reporting of unique tumor genetic alterations is not included in routine clinical/diagnostic panels. In MBC, knowledge of mutational status may foster efficient transitions in clinical care and trial enrollment at disease progression. We describe the development and implementation of a clinically-integrated genomic sequencing program and report how information regarding targetable genomic aberrations in MBC patients (pts) is used to improve clinical practice in an academic setting. Methods: Genomic sequencing of investigative biomarkers was prospectively offered to pts with MBC. DNA libraries were prepared separately from a retrieved archival FFPE tumor sample and a matched normal sample from each pt. Relevant targets were enriched by custom Agilent SureSelect hybrid capture baits using standard protocols. Samples were sequenced on Illumina HiSeq 2000/2500 platforms. Mutational findings were reviewed by a molecular tumor board (MTB); variants identified to be potentially actionable underwent confirmatory testing in a CLIA-approved laboratory. Confirmed findings were inserted into the pt's EMR accessible by both the pt and the treating oncologist. Results: Of the 725 MBC pts seen at UNC since 1/1/2012, 194 (27%) contributed samples for genomic sequencing. Of those whose tumors were sequenced, average age at MBC diagnosis was 54 (25 - 91); 73% were Caucasian, 16% African American. De novo MBC accounted for 39 (20%) sequenced pts. Of sequenced patients, sites of metastatic disease included bone only (7%), visceral only (46%), and both bone and visceral (47%). Approximately 1/3 of pts were consented for sequencing at time of initial MBC diagnosis, 1/4 after 1st line therapy for MBC, and the remaining at or beyond their 2nd line. In total, 131 (68%) pts have sequencing results available of which 43% of pts had reportable mutations deemed actionable by the MTB. Specific mutations and observed frequency by subtype are shown below. Pts (19%) whose tumors were sequenced were more commonly enrolled in a therapeutic clinical trial for MBC, a higher rate than seen in the non-sequenced group (7%) (p&amp;lt;0.001). To date, 27% of pts' tumors harbored an alteration that is an eligibility requirement for a molecularly-targeted therapeutic trial accruing pts at UNC. Observed Mutation by Clinical Subype Genes Total # (56 pts)HR+/HER2- (25 pts)HER2+ (13 pts)TNBC (18pts)PIK3CA15933TP5315456CCND19531NF-14103FGFR13300PTEN3012KRAS2011MDM22110PIK3R12002ROS12011TSC12011Other*14518TOTAL73281728*Mutations observed only once Conclusion: Preemptive genomic sequencing can be integrated into the clinical and operational practice of a comprehensive cancer center. Currently this research tool and program provides valuable information that has the potential to foster both clinical trial eligibility and/or enrollment. With longer follow-up, we hope such an approach ultimately will improve patient outcomes. Citation Format: Grilley-Olsen J, Keith KC, Hayward M, Dees EC, Deal A, Ivanova A, Benbow JM, Parker J, Patel NM, Eberhard D, Mieczkowski P, Weck KE, Hayes DN, Muss H, Jolly T, Reeder-Hayes K, Earp HS, Sharpless N, Carey L, Anders CK. Genomic sequencing in metastatic breast cancer patients to inform clinical practice at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PD6-07.</jats:p

A influência da crioterapia na dor e edema induzidos por sinovite experimental

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a influência da crioterapia na dor e edema advindos de sinovite induzida em ratos. Foram utilizados 12 ratos, distribuídos em dois grupos: Controle (GC) - submetido à indução de sinovite no joelho direito, e não tratado; e Tratamento (GT) - submetido à sinovite no joelho direito, e tratado com crioterapia. Para induzir a lesão, foi injetado no espaço tíbio-femoral formalina 5%. Para avaliação da dor foi utilizado o teste de incapacidade funcional, que avaliou a dor durante a marcha do animal (tempo de elevação da pata - TEP); e para quantificar o edema foi utilizado um paquímetro metálico, na região da interlinha do joelho. As avaliações ocorreram antes da injeção de formalina (AV1), 1 (AV2) e 2 horas (AV3) após. Após 10 minutos da lesão, o membro posterior direito foi submerso em água com gelo, à 5ºC por 20 minutos. A avaliação do TEP mostrou aumento de 194,03% (AV2) e 169,26% (AV3) para GC; e 134,25% (AV2) e 103,13% (AV3) para GT, com relação à AV1. Na comparação entre os grupos, em AV3, houve diminuição significativa para GT. A avaliação do edema mostrou aumento do diâmetro, para GC de 39,15% (AV2) e 42,39% (AV3); e 27,91% (AV2) e 14,50% (AV3) para GT, tendo como referência AV1; sendo que apenas GT apresentou diminuição significativa entre AV2 e AV3. Conclui-se que os efeitos em curto prazo, da crioterapia, foram significativos para reduzir a dor e edema, em ratos submetidos à indução de sinovite.The Aim of this study was to examine the influence of cryotherapy on pain and swelling in an induced synovitis in rats. A total of 12 rats were allocated into two groups: the control (CG) - underwent the synovitis induction in his right knee, and not treated, and treatment (TG) - synovitis in his right knee, and treated with cryotherapy. To induce injury, was injected into the tibio-femoral joint space 5% formalin. For the pain assessment was used the functional incapacitation test, which assessed pain during gait of the animal (paw elevation time - PET) and to quantify the swelling was used a metal caliper in the region of the interline knee. Assessments occurred prior to injection of formalin (EV1), 1 (EV2) and 2 hours (EV3) after. After 10 minutes of the injury, the right hind limb was immersed in ice water, 5ºC for 20 minutes. The evaluation of PET revealed increased 194.03% (EV2) and 169.26% (EV3) for CG, and 134.25% (EV2) and 103.13% (EV3) to TG, with respect to EV1. Comparing the groups, EV3, a significant decrease in GT. The edema assessment showed increased diameter of 39.15% for CG (EV2) and 43.39% (EV3) and 27.91% (EV2) and 14.5% (EV3) to TG, with reference EV1; and only TG significantly decreased between EV2 and EV3. We conclude that the effects in the short term, cryotherapy, were significant to reduce pain and edema in rats with induced synovitis

Análise biomecânica dos efeitos da crioterapia no tratamento da lesão muscular aguda Biomechanical analysis of the cryotherapy effects in the treatment of acute muscular injury

A crioterapia é amplamente utilizada por atletas profissionais e amadores no tratamento agudo de lesões musculares. Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar as propriedades mecânicas do músculo gastrocnêmio lesionado por impacto direto e tratado com crioterapia. Para tanto, foram utilizadas 24 ratas Wistar, divididas em três grupos experimentais: grupo controle (C): animais mantidos em gaiolas-padrão por seis dias; grupo lesionado (L): animais submetidos à lesão por mecanismo de impacto no gastrocnêmio, sem tratamento e mantidos em gaiolas-padrão por seis dias; grupo lesionado e tratado com crioterapia (LC): animais submetidos à lesão, tratados com uma sessão de crioterapia, imediatamente após a lesão e mantidos em gaiolas-padrão por seis dias. Após essas etapas, os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia para que fossem realizados os ensaios mecânicos de tração dos músculos gastrocnêmios direitos, na máquina universal de ensaios (EMIC®). A partir dos gráficos carga versus alongamento de cada ensaio, foram calculadas as seguintes propriedades mecânicas: carga no limite máximo (CLM), alongamento no limite máximo (ALM) e rigidez (R). No ALM, o grupo C apresentou diferença estatística (p < 0,05) somente quando comparado com o L. Quando analisadas carga máxima e rigidez, houve diferença estatística (p < 0,05) nos três grupos. Assim, enquanto os músculos lesionados sem tratamento apresentaram diminuição de todas as propriedades mecânicas analisadas, os tratados com crioterapia mostraram melhora das propriedades, porém, sem alcançar o grupo controle. Dessa forma, podemos concluir que a sessão de crioterapia por imersão imediata após a lesão promoveu melhora das propriedades mecânicas analisadas.<br>Cryotherapy is widespread used in the acute treatment of muscle injuries of professional and unprofessional athletes. The purpose of this study was the investigation of mechanical properties of gastrocnemius muscle submitted to a impact mechanism of injury and treated with cryoterapy. Therefore, twenty four female Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Control (C): animals housed in standard cages for six days; Lesion (L): animals submitted to a direct impact mechanism of injury in the gastrocnemius muscle, without any treatment and kept into standard cages during six days; Lesion e cryotherapy (LC): animals submitted to the contusion, treated with a single session of cryotherapy immediately after lesion and housed in standard cages during six days. After those protocols, the rats were killed and their right gastrocnemius muscle were dissected and submitted to a mechanical test of traction in a universal assays machine (EMIC®). From the load versus elongation curves, the following mechanical properties were obtained: Maximum limit load (MLL), maximum limit elongation (MLE) and stiffness (St). There was a statistically difference between all groups in MLL and St. However, in the MLE there was statistically difference only between groups C and L (p<0,05). The results showed that the muscle contusion without treatment led to exasperation of all analyzed mechanical properties. Conversely, cryotherapy improved the muscle properties, although they had not reached the control group values. It can be concluded that the cryotherapy applied immediately after muscle contusion improved the muscle mechanical properties