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Understanding soil dynamics is essential for making appropriate land management decisions, as soils can affect the carbon content from the atmosphere, emitting large quantities of CO 2 or storing carbon. This property is essential for climate change mitigation strategies as agriculture and forestry soil management can affect the carbon cycle. The Mediterranean dehesa (Mediterranean grassland ecosystem with scattered oak trees — grazing system with Quercus ilex spp. ballota ) is a silvopastoral system that integrates forestry, agricultural and livestock practices. The dehesa is characterized by the preservation of forest oaks that provide environmental services including carbon capture and storage. This paper shows the relationships between soil properties and soil organic carbon (SOC) in two soil types: Cambisols (CM) and Leptosols (LP), with two management systems: organic farming (OF) for 20 years and conventional tillage (CT) in a Mediterranean dehesa of southern Spain without cropping. An analysis of 85 soil profiles was performed in 2009 in Los Pedroches Valley (Cordoba, southern Spain). The SOC stock (SOC-S) was greater in CM (75.64 Mg ha − 1 ) than in LP (44.01 Mg ha − 1 ). Physical parameters were the main variables affecting soil development. SOC-S was very similar in OF and CT (CM [74.90 Mg ha − 1 -CT; 76.39 Mg ha − 1 -OF] and LP [44.77 Mg ha − 1 -CT; 43.25 Mg ha − 1 -OF]). Data analysis showed that management practices had little effect on SOC storage in the study zone. Significant differences between soil types and management practices were found in SOC content for different horizons. The stratification ratio was > 2 in both soils types (CM and LP) and management systems (OF and CT). These results indicate that the soil is of high quality, and that management practices have little influence on SOC-S in Los Pedroches Valley.

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer is a major health problem because of its aggressiveness and the lack of effective systemic therapies. The aim of the study was the identification of beneficial properties of combined celecoxib and capecitabine treatment during an experimental pancreatic cancer model. Methods: N-nitrosobis (2-oxopropyl)amine (BOP) was used as a tumoral agent for 12 weeks. Celecoxib and capecitabine were administered either as monotherapy or combined 12 weeks after cancer induction for a period of 24 weeks. The presence of well-developed or moderate adenocarcinoma was evaluated in the pancreas. Several markers of stress, such as lipoperoxides, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GHS-Px) were determined. Results: BOP induced the presence of pancreatic tumors associated with a rise in lipoperoxides and the reduction of the antioxidant status in the pancreas. The administration of celecoxib and capecitabine reduced the number of animals with tumors (33 and 66%, respectively). This antitumoral effect was associated with a recovery of GSH, SOD and CAT activity in the pancreas of BOP-treated animals. The combined treatment exerted a synergic antitumoral effect and reduced pancreatic oxidative stress. Conclusion: The combined administration of celecoxib and capecitabine exerted a synergistic antitumoral effect and increased the antioxidant status restoration in pancreatic cancer.

This paper evaluates the effects of testosterone (0.5 mg/kg subcutaneously (s.c.) for 8 days) on oxidative stress and cell damage induced by 3-nitropropionic acid (20 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 4 days) in ovariectomized rats. Gonadectomy triggered oxidative damage and cell loss, evaluated by the detection of caspase-3, whereas 3-nitropropionic acid increased the levels of oxidative stress induced by ovariectomy and prompted cell damage characterized by enhanced levels of lactate dehydrogenase. These changes were blocked by testosterone administration. Our results support the following conclusions: i) ovariectomy triggers oxidative and cell damage via caspase-3 in the striatum; ii) 3-nitropropionic acid exacerbates oxidative stress induced by ovariectomy and leads to cell damage characterized by increased levels of lactate dehydrogenase; iii) testosterone administration decreases oxidative stress and cell damage. Additionally, these data support the hypothesis that testosterone might play an important role in the onset and development of neurodegenerative diseases.

Antecedentes: La introducción de la presión positiva continua en vía aérea (CPAP) ofrece una posibilidad diferente de manejo del recién nacido con un peso menor de 1.500 g, especialmente en los niños menores de 1.000 g, permitiendo disminuir el uso de surfactante sin empeorar su pronóstico. Objetivos: Comparar la frecuencia de uso de surfactante en los niños prematuros antes y después de introducir la CPAP para su estabilización inicial. Comparar la frecuencia de neumotórax, displasia broncopulmonar, mortalidad, lesión grave del sistema nervioso central, días de ingreso y días de intubación. Métodos: Estudio de evaluación antes y después en recién nacidos con un peso menor de 1.500 g en un hospital terciario durante dos períodos. Grupo 1: 78 niños nacidos durante el año 2001; grupo 2: 80 niños nacidos desde junio 2003 hasta febrero 2004. Los niños pertenecientes al grupo 1 recibieron un tratamiento convencional (intubación y administración de surfactante en paritorio). En el grupo 2 la CPAP se introdujo para la estabilización inicial de estos niños. Resultados: En el grupo 1 la media de peso fue 1.059 ± 309 g y en el grupo 2 fue 1.127 ± 295 g (p ± 0,15). La media de edad ges-tacional fue 29 ± 3,3 semanas en el grupo 1 y 29 ± 2,8 semanas en el grupo 2 (p ± 1). Se intubaron en paritorio 54% niños en el grupo 1 frente a 31% en el grupo 2 (p = 0,004). El surfactante se usó en el 68% de los niños frente a 49% del grupo 2 (riesgo relativo [RR] = 1,34 [1,06-1, 83]). La media de días intubados fue 4 ± 11 en el grupo 1 frente a 2,7 ± 5,8 (p = 0,15). La displasia broncopulmonar a las 36 semanas de edad corregida fue el 19% en el grupo 1 y 14, 5% en el grupo 2 (RR = 1,34 [0,63-2,84]). La media de días con oxígeno fue de 34 ± 47 y 21 ± 25 (p = 0,04). La enterocolitis necrosante fue el 3,8% en el primer grupo y 8,7% en el segundo grupo (RR = 0,43 [0,11-1,63]). La mortalidad y la frecuencia de neumotórax fueron similares en ambos grupos. En el subgrupo de los niños nacidos con una edad gestacional menor de 28 semanas tampoco se encontraron diferencias. Conclusiones: El uso de la CPAP para la estabilización inicial de los niños prematuros no ha asociado incremento en la patología neonatal, disminuyendo el uso del surfactante, incluso se observó una disminución en el número de días que precisaron suplemento de oxígeno, sin que se hayan asociado efectos adversos, aunque todavía no se disponen de datos de seguimiento a largo plazo. : Background: The introduction of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in neonatal units provides a new strategy in the management of infants weighing less than 1500 g, and especially in those weighing less than 1000 g, allowing a reduction in the use of surfactant without negatively affecting prognosis. Objectives: To compare the rate of surfactant use in very low birth-weight (VLBW) infants before and after the introduction of CPAP for early stabilization. To compare the frequency of pneumothorax, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), mortality, severe brain injury, length of hospital stay, and days of intubation in both groups of VLBW infants. Methods: We performed a before-after study comparing VLBW infants born in a tertiary care hospital in two periods: group 1 consisted of 78 VLBW infants born in 2001 and group 2 consisted of 80 VLBW infants born fromJune 2003 to February 2004. Group 1 received conventional management (intubation and administration of surfactant in the delivery room). In group 2, CPAP was introduced for early stabilization. Results: The mean weight was 1059 ± 309 g in group 1 and 1127 ± 295 g in group 2 (p = 0.15). The mean gestational age was 29 ± 3.3 weeks in group 1 and 29 ± 2.8 weeks in group 2 (p = 1). Fifty-four percent of the neonates in group 1 were intubated in the delivery room versus 31 % of those in group 2 (p = 0.004). Surfactant was used in 68% of neonates in group 1 versus 49% of those in group 2 (RR = 1.34 [1.06-1.83]). The mean number of days of intubation was 4 ± 11 in group 1 versus 2.7 ± 5.8 in group 2 (p = 0.15). Bronchopulmonary dysplasia at a corrected age of 36 weeks occurred in 19 % of neonates in group 1 and in 14.5% of those in group 2 (RR = 1.34 [0.63-2.84]). The mean number of days on oxygen was 34 ± 47 and 21 ± 25 respectively (p = 0.04). Necrotizing enterocolitis occurred in 3.8% of neonates in group 1 and in 8.7% of those in group 2 (RR = 0.43 [0.11-1.63]). The mortality rate and frequency of pneumothorax were similar in both groups. In the subgroup of VLWB infants with a gestation age of < 28 weeks, no differences were found between the two periods. Conclusions: The use of CPAP for early stabilization of VLBW infants is not associated with an increase in neonatal morbidity. This therapy allows the use of surfactant to be decreased, and even allows the number of days on oxygen to be reduced, without adverse effects. However, data on long-term follow-up are not yet available.

The aim of present study was to clarify the role of female sex hormones in the development and course of neurodegenerative disease in an experimental model of Huntington's disease induced by 3-nitropropionic acid (NPA) (30 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.)/day for 4 days) in ovariectomized rat. Gonadectomy prompted oxidative stress and cell death evaluated by the detection of caspase-3, whereas 3-nitropropionic acid enhanced the oxidative stress induced by ovariectomy and it triggered cell damage characterized by increases of LDH levels. These changes were prevented by administration of 17 β-estradiol. Our findings suggested that: (i) ovariectomy induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in the brain; (ii) 3-nitropropionic acid exacerbated oxidative stress induced by ovariectomy and shifting cell to cell death; and (iii) 17 β-estradiol administration decreased oxidative stress and cell death induced by ovariectomy and 3-nitropropionic acid. These results revealed that sex ovarian hormones play a important role in onset and development of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as neuroprotective effects of 17 β-estradiol against the changes induced ovariectomy and ovariectomy plus 3-nitropropionic acid.

Summary The effect of red wine (400 ml/70 kg) on brain and kidney oxidative stress and antioxidative enzymes activities induced by cholesterol-enriched diet (supplemented with 1.65% of cholesterol (w/w) for 4 weeks) was studied in rats. When red wine (Montilla-Moriles, Cordoba, Spain) was simultaneously supplemented to high-cholesterol diet for 4 weeks, total cholesterol and lipid peroxidation products in the brain, kidney and erythrocytes significantly decreased compared with the high-cholesterol, while GSH content and antioxidative enzymes activities enhanced. On the other hand, the urinary excretion of urea, creatinine and albumin decreased significantly. These results suggest that red wine may have a neuro–nephroprotective effect against oxidative stress and hypercholesterolemia.

The beneficial effect of estrogens and catecholestrogens against oxidative stress associated tissue injury has been observed in different experimental model. The administration of adriamycin (AD) has been shown to enhance oxidative stress in different tissues. The lack of estrogens during ovariectomy (OVX) also induces oxidative damage in several tissues. However, the antioxidant properties of estrogens and catecholestrogens administration have not been evaluated in erythrocytes and plasma from ovariectomized animals in presence or not of AD toxicity. We have assessed the antioxidant capacity of 17beta-estradiol (17beta) and catecholestrogens against oxidative stress in erythrocytes and plasma induced by OVX in control animals or AD-treated animals. We analyzed the level of lipid peroxides, carbonyl proteins and reduced glutathione (GSH) as well as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in plasma and erythrocytes. The results showed that AD, OVX and its combination increased lipid peroxides and carbonyl proteins, as well as reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in plasma and erythrocytes. The administration of 17beta and its metabolites (2- and 4-hydroxyestradiol) prevented all markers of oxidative stress induced by OVX in control and AD-treated animals. In conclusion, the administration of estrogens and cathecolestrogens counteract the oxidative stress in erythrocytes and plasma induced by OVX in presence or not toxic injury.

Ovarian hormone depletion in ovariectomized experimental animals is a useful model with which to study the physiopathological consequences of menopause in women. It has been suggested that menopause is a risk factor for the induction of several cardiovascular disorders. In the present study we analyzed the effects of ovarian hormone depletion by ovariectomy (OVX) in a model of oxidative stress and cardiopathy induced by adriamycin (AD). To evaluate these effects, we measured parameters related to cardiac damage (creatinine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, nitric oxide and carbonyl proteins) in cardiac tissue and erythrocytes. OVX was found to alter all markers of oxidative stress and cell damage in cardiac tissue. Similarly, the OVX-derived loss of ovarian hormones enhanced cardiac damage and oxidative stress induced by AD. Our results suggest that antioxidant status in cardiac tissue and erythrocytes is seriously compromised by OVX during the cardiomyopathy induced by AD in experimental animals. In conclusion, the absence of hormones caused by OVX or menopause may induce or accelerate pre-existing cardiovascular dysfunctions.

The incidence of cardiovascular diseases in humans differs in relation to the age of the patient. Although women suffer less than men from cardiovascular disorders during 15–55 years, after this period the incidence is equivalent in both sexes. This data suggests a cytoprotective effect of estrogens against cardiovascular disease. The estrogens, especially 17-β-estradiol, are important antioxidant molecules with potential cytoprotective properties during oxidant/antioxidant disbalance induced by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is often the underlying mechanism during vascular alterations and cardiac damage. The present study evaluated the role of ovariectomy and/or 17-β-estradiol administration on antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation during cardiac injury induced by adriamycin. Different parameters were measured, including hemodynamic response (arterial pressure and cardiac frequency), lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde), protein carbonylation, antioxidant status (reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase), and cardiac injury (creatinine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate and alanine aminotransferase). Our study showed that 17-β-estradiol reduced all of the parameters related to oxidative stress and cardiac injury in ovariectomized rats treated with adriamycin.

The present work studies the effect of parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA, 200 mg/kg intraperitoneally/48 hr for 7 days) on the oxidative stress and nephropathy induced by gentamicin (80 mg/kg intraperitoneally/daily for 7 days) in Wistar rats. The effect of PCPA on lipid peroxidation products and reduced glutathione content in renal and brain tissue, as well as on 5HT content in brain was assessed. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were determined in brain tissue. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine in plasma and total protein content in urine were also measured. Gentamicin caused significant increases in proteinuria, non-protein nitrogen compounds and lipid peroxidation markers, together with decreases in both reduced glutathione content in renal and brain tissue and enzymatic activities in brain homogenates. PCPA harnessed the effect of gentamicin in the brain and the kidney, while PCPA alone induced brain oxidative stress. These results support the prooxidant action of PCPA in brain tissue and its capacity to exacerbate the oxidative stress and renal dysfunction induced by gentamicin, as well as the possible antioxidant property of serotonin.

The introduction of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in neonatal units provides a new strategy in the management of infants weighing less than 1500 g, and especially in those weighing less than 1000 g, allowing a reduction in the use of surfactant without negatively affecting prognosis.To compare the rate of surfactant use in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants before and after the introduction of CPAP for early stabilization. To compare the frequency of pneumothorax, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), mortality, severe brain injury, length of hospital stay, and days of intubation in both groups of VLBW infants.We performed a before-after study comparing VLBW infants born in a tertiary care hospital in two periods: group 1 consisted of 78 VLBW infants born in 2001 and group 2 consisted of 80 VLBW infants born from June 2003 to February 2004. Group 1 received conventional management (intubation and administration of surfactant in the delivery room). In group 2, CPAP was introduced for early stabilization.The mean weight was 1059+/-309 g in group 1 and 1127+/-295 g in group 2 (p = 0.15). The mean gestational age was 29 +/- 3.3 weeks in group 1 and 29 +/- 2.8 weeks in group 2 (p = 1). Fifty-four percent of the neonates in group 1 were intubated in the delivery room versus 31 % of those in group 2 (p = 0.004). Surfactant was used in 68 % of neonates in group 1 versus 49 % of those in group 2 (RR = 1.34 [1.06-1.83]). The mean number of days of intubation was 4 +/- 11 in group 1 versus 2.7 6 5.8 in group 2 (p 5 0.15). Bronchopulmonary dysplasia at a corrected age of 36 weeks occurred in 19 % of neonates in group 1 and in 14.5 % of those in group 2 (RR = 1.34 [0.63-2.84]). The mean number of days on oxygen was 34 6 47 and 21 6 25 respectively (p = 0.04). Necrotizing enterocolitis occurred in 3.8 % of neonates in group 1 and in 8.7 % of those in group 2 (RR= 0.43 [0.11-1.63]). The mortality rate and frequency of pneumothorax were similar in both groups. In the subgroup of VLWB infants with a gestation age of28 weeks, no differences were found between the two periods.The use of CPAP for early stabilization of VLBW infants is not associated with an increase in neonatal morbidity. This therapy allows the use of surfactant to be decreased, and even allows the number of days on oxygen to be reduced, without adverse effects. However, data on long-term follow-up are not yet available.

Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter synthesized by the aromatic amino acid decarboxylase using 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) as a substrate. It was recently shown that serotonin and its precursor have powerful antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of reduction in 5-HT levels by parachlorophenylalanine (pCPA) and their restoration by 5-HTP administration on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in rat brain. Serotonin levels were decreased by p-chlorophenylalanine administration. The effect of p-chlorophenylalanine was counteracted by the intraperitoneal administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan. We evaluated the concentration of serotonin, malonyl dialdehyde and the status of antioxidants (GSH, catalase and superoxide dismutase) in brain. The results showed that p-chlorophenylalanine (300 mg/kg) induced a depletion of serotonin concentration and antioxidant status, as well as enhancing malonyl dialdehyde concentration in brain. The exogenous administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan prevented all effects induced by p-chlorophenylalanine in brain tissue. The recovery of the neurotransmitter concentration in brain was related to the reduction of lipid peroxide generation and improved antioxidant status. In conclusion, our study supports the view that the antioxidant properties of serotonin protect against basal oxidative stress in brain.

We have studied the effects of red wine on brain oxidative stress and nephropathy in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats with a single intraperitonally injection of STZ (50 mg/kg). Two weeks before and four weeks after injection, red wine was given orally in both normal and diabetic rats. Blood samples were taken from the neck vascular trunk in order to determine the glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol (HDL-c), atherogenic index (AI), total protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, insulin, lipid peroxidation products, reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities. As well, we estimated the lipid peroxidtion, GSH and SOD, GSH-Px and catalase activities in brain and renal homogenates, and the excretion of albumin, proteins and glucose in urine over 24 h period. The administration of STZ caused significant increases in levels of glycosuria, proteinuria, albuminuria, glycemia, total cholesterol and AI, as well as in lipid peroxidation products in the brain, plasma and kidney, whereas it decreased the GSH content and SOD, GSH-Px and catalase activities. Treatment with red wine significantly prevented the changes induced by STZ. These data suggested that red wine has a protective effect against brain oxidative stress, diabetic nephropathy and diabetes induced by STZ, as well as it protects against hypercholesterolemia and atherogenic risk.