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Microplastic pollution, global warming, and invasive species are known threats to marine biota, but the impact of their simultaneous exposure is still not well understood. This study investigated whether the toxic effects posed by the invasive red seaweed Asparagopsis armata exudate (2%) to the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis are amplified by a 96 h exposure to increased temperature (24 °C) and polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs, 1 mg/L). Biochemical (neurotoxicity, energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and damage) and physiological (byssal thread production) responses were evaluated. The number of produced byssus greatly decreased under concomitant exposure to all stressors. The antioxidant defences were depleted in the gills of mussels exposed to temperature rises and PE-MPs, regardless of exudate exposure, preventing oxidative damage. Moreover, the heat shock protein content tended to decrease in all treatments relative to the control. The increased total glutathione in the mussels' digestive gland exposed to 24 °C, exudate, and PE-MPs avoided oxidative damage. Neurotoxicity was observed in the same treatment. In contrast, the energy metabolism remained unaltered. In conclusion, depending on the endpoint, simultaneous exposure to A. armata exudate, PE-MPs, and warming does not necessarily mean an amplification of their single effects. Studies focusing on the impact of multiple stressors are imperative to better understand the underlying mechanisms of this chronic exposure.

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Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with a variety of extraintestinal manifestations including arterial and venous thromboembolism. Research evidences that IBD patients have about a 2- to 3-fold increase in the risk of venous thromboembolism when compared with the general population. Objectives: We intended to evaluate the coagulation parameters and the prevalence of thromboembolic events (TE) in IBD patients. It was also our aim to investigate the correlation between coagulation parameters and disease phenotype and activity in this population. Methods: This single center prospective observational study was performed between November 2016 and April 2020. The cohort included patients with 18 years of age or older, diagnosed with IBD and followed at a gastroenterology consultation, during a follow-up period of 36 months. Patients were evaluated in terms of IBD type, extent and disease behavior, clinical scores of IBD activity, medication, smoking history, family and personal history of TE, coagulation parameters, fecal calprotectin levels, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), hospitalization due to TE, IBD-related hospitalization or surgery, pregnancy, or diagnosis of malignancy. Results: The study included 149 IBD patients (67 males and 82 females). Coagulation parameters were similar in CD and UC patients and only plasminogen was increased in CD patients [97.4 (17.0) versus 91.6 (13.3), p = 0.035], when comparing with UC patients. The determined values were in the range of the reference values described in literature for the standard population. During the follow-up period, none of the patients experienced a TE that demanded hospitalization. Conclusion: In our study, acquired and inherited risk factors for TE and changes in coagulation parameters did not show to influence prothrombotic predisposition in IBD patients. As such, the clinical relevance of measuring coagulation parameters in this population is questionable. Trial Registry: NCT05162339 (ClinicalTrials.gov ID).

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The veined squid, Loligo forbesii Steenstrup, 1856, occurs at the European Shelf areas including the Azores and represents a valuable resource for the European commercial fishery in the North East Atlantic. However, very little is known about its population structure and phylogeography. This lack of knowledge also impedes the development of sustainable fishery management for this species. The present study combined the use of two types of markers that retrieve patterns of gene flow in different time spans; the analysis of 16 nuclear microsatellites and sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI). Whereas the high mutation rate of microsatellites allows the description of recent patterns of connectivity in species, the lower mutation rate of COI provides phylogeographic patterns on a longer timescale. A total of 347 individuals of L. forbesii were investigated from nearly the entire distribution range of the species, including the North East Atlantic Shelf, the Azores and the Mediterranean. Individuals from the Western and Eastern Mediterranean Sea have never been included in a genetic study before. We were able to analyse COI sequences from all 12 sampling areas and define three clades of L. forbesii. Due to our large sampling area, we are presenting 13 COI-haplotypes that were previously unknown. The microsatellite analysis does not include the Azores but three main clades could be identified at the remaining 11 sampling sites. Low FST values indicate gene flow over large geographical distances. However, the genetically significant differences and an additional slight grouping in the microsatellite structure reveal that geographical barriers seem to influence the population structure and reduce gene flow. Furthermore, both markers provide strong evidence that the observed phylogeographic pattern reflects the geographical history of the Azores and the Mediterranean Sea.

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Plastic pollution and invasive species are recognised as pervasive threats to marine biodiversity. However, despite the extensive on-going research on microplastics' effects in the biota, knowledge on their combination with additional stressors is still limited. This study investigates the effects of polyamide microplastics (PA-MPs, 1 mg/L), alone and in combination with the toxic exudate from the invasive red seaweed Asparagopsis armata (2%), after a 96 h exposure, in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Biochemical responses associated with oxidative stress and damage, neurotoxicity, and energy metabolism were evaluated in different tissues (gills, digestive gland, and muscle). Byssus production and PA-MP accumulation were also assessed. Results demonstrated that PA-MPs accumulated the most in the digestive gland of mussels under PA-MP and exudate co-exposure. Furthermore, the combination of stressors also resulted in oxidative damage at the protein level in the gills as well as in a significant reduction in byssus production. Metabolic capacity increased in both PA-MP treatments, consequently affecting the energy balance in mussels under combined stress. Overall, results show a potential increase of PA-MPs toxicity in the presence of A. armata exudate, highlighting the importance of assessing the impact of microplastics in realistic scenarios, specifically in combination with co-occurring stressors, such as invasive species.

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Optogenetics involves the use of light to control cellular functions and has become increasingly popular in various areas of research, especially in the precise control of gene expression. While this technology is already well established in neurobiology and basic research, its use in bioprocess development is still emerging. Some optogenetic switches have been implemented in yeasts for different purposes, taking advantage of a wide repertoire of biological parts and relatively easy genetic manipulation. In this review, we cover the current strategies used for the construction of yeast strains to be used in optogenetically controlled protein or metabolite production, as well as the operational aspects to be considered for the scale-up of this type of process. Finally, we discuss the main applications of optogenetic switches in yeast systems and highlight the main advantages and challenges of bioprocess development considering future directions for this field.

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Due to global warming, in the northeastern semiarid coastal regions of Brazil, regional and global drivers are responsible for decreasing continental runoff and increasing estuarine water residence time, which promotes a greater mobilization of bioavailable mercury (Hg) and allows increasing fluxes and/or bioavailability of this toxic trace element and an acceleration of biogeochemical transformation of Hg. In this work, an application of dendrochemistry analysis (annular tree rings analysis) was developed for the reconstruction of the historical pattern of mercury contamination in a contaminated area, quantifying chronological Hg contamination trends in a tropical semiarid ecosystem (Ceará River Estuary, northeastern coast of Brazil) through registration of mercury concentration on growth rings in specimens of Rhizophora mangle L. and using the assessment in sediments as a support for the comparison of profiles of contamination. The comparison with sediments from the same place lends credibility to this type of analysis, as well as the relationship to the historical profile of contamination in the region, when compared with local data about industries and ecological situation of sampling sites. In order to evaluate the consequences of the described increase in Hg bioavailability and bioaccumulation in aquatic biota, and to assess the biological significance of Hg concentrations in sediments to fish and wildlife, muscle and liver from a bioindicator fish species, S. testudineus, were also analyzed. The results of this work reinforce the indicators previously described in the semiarid NE region of Brazil, which showed that global climate change and some anthropogenic factors are key drivers of Hg exposure and biomagnification for wildlife and humans. Considering the Hg concentration present in the top layers of sediment (~20 cm around 15 to 20 years) with the outer layers in the tree ring cores and in the sediment's cores from Pacoti estuary and the Ceará estuary, overall the data indicate an increase in mercury in recent years in the Hg surface sediments, especially associated with the fine sediment fraction, mainly due to the increased capacity of small particles to adsorb Hg. There was revealed a positive and significant correlation (p < 0.05) between Hg trends in sediments and Hg trends in annular tree rings. This shared Hg pattern reflects local environmental conditions. The Hg concentration values in S. testudineus from both study areas are not restrictive to human consumption, being below the legislated European limit for Hg in foodstuffs. The results from S. testudineus muscles analysis suggest a significant and linear increase in Hg burden with increasing fish length, indicating that the specimens are accumulating Hg as they grow. The results from both rivers show an increase in BSAF with fish growth. The [Hg] liver/[Hg] muscles ratio >1, which indicates that the S. testudineus from both study areas are experiencing an increase in Hg bioavailability. Possible climate-induced shifts in these aquatic systems processes are inducing a greater mobilization of bioavailable Hg, which could allow an acceleration of the biogeochemical transformation of Hg.

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Ocean warming and biological invasions are among the most pervasive factors threatening coastal ecosystems with a potential to interact. Ongoing temperature rise may affect physiological and cellular mechanisms in marine organisms. Moreover, non-indigenous species spread has been a major challenge to biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services. The invasive red seaweed Asparagopsis armata has become successfully established in Europe. Its exudate has been considered deleterious to surrounding native species, but no information exists on its effect under forecasted temperature increase. This study evaluated the combined effects of temperature rise and A. armata exudate exposure on the native mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Oxidative stress, neurophysiological and metabolism related biomarkers were evaluated after a 96 h-exposure to exudate (0% and 2%) under present (20 °C) and warming (24 °C) temperature scenarios. Short-term exposure to A. armata exudate affected the oxidative stress status and neurophysiology of the mussels, with a tendency to an increasing toxic action under warming. Significant oxidative damage at protein level was observed in the digestive gland and muscle of individuals exposed simultaneously to the exudate and temperature rise. Thus, under a climate change scenario, it may be expected that prolonged exposure to the combined action of both stressors may compromise M. galloprovincialis fitness and survival.

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The use of seeds with good sanitary and physiological potential ensures the establishment of the crop, with a uniform, vigorous and disease-free seedling stand, which will result in good productivity levels. Seen that, the objective was to evaluate the sanitary and physiological quality of purple corn seeds (Zea mays L.) submitted to thermotherapy. They were subjected to heat treatment with immersion in sterile distilled water (SDW) heated at 50, 60 and 70 °C for 1, 2, and 3 minutes. The control (0 min) correspondens only to immersing the seeds in SDW, which were submitted to sanitary and germination tests in a completely randomized experimental design, in a factorial arrangement 3 × 3 + 1 (exposure time × temperature + additional control). Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and the means were compared with the Scott-Knott test up to 5% of probability, with the aid of the statistical program SISVAR®. Immersing Zea mays seeds in hot water at 50, 60 and 70 °C for 1, 2, and 3 minutes is efficient to prevent the increased incidence of Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., and Fusarium sp. The heat treatment at 60 °C for 1 and 2 minutes of immersion reduces the incidence of fungal mycoflora without impairing the physiological quality of seeds.(AU)

O uso de sementes com bom potencial sanitário e fisiológico garante o estabelecimento da cultura, com estande de plântulas uniformes, vigorosas e livres de doenças, que consequentemente resultará em bons níveis de produtividade. Diante do exposto, objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade sanitária e fisiológica de sementes de milho roxo (Zea mays L.) submetidas à termoterapia, por meio de tratamento térmico com imersão em água destilada esterilizada (ADE), aquecida à temperatura de 50, 60 e 70 °C por 1, 2 e 3 minutos. O controle (0 min) correspondeu apenas à imersão das sementes em ADE. As sementes foram submetidas aos testes de sanidade e germinação em delineamento experimental inteiramente randomizado em esquema fatorial 3 × 3 + 1 (tempo de exposição × temperatura + controle adicional). Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Scott-Knott até 5% de probabilidade, com o auxílio do programa estatístico SISVAR®. A imersão das sementes de Zea mays em água quente a 50, 60 e 70 °C durante 1, 2 e 3 minutos é eficiente para impedir o aumento da incidência de Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp. e Fusarium sp. O tratamento térmico a 60 °C por 1 e 2 minutos de imersão reduz a incidência da micoflora fúngica, sem prejudicar a qualidade fisiológica das sementes.(AU)

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A cabergolina e a bromocriptina são drogas dopaminérgicas derivadas do ergot e utilizadas para tratamento de distúrbios hiperprolactinêmicos idiopáticos ou adenomas hipofisários, cujo mecanismo de ação é decorrente da redução da secreção de prolactina. Alguns relatos na literatura demonstram que a cabergolina pode causar valvopatia após sua administração a longo prazo. Relatamos o caso de um paciente com diagnóstico de macroprolactinoma que fez uso intercalado de cabergolina e bromocriptina e desenvolveu alterações valvares antes inexistentes

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A reabsorção radicular como sequela do tratamento ortodôntico foi o foco desta revisão de literatura, que objetivou rever e elucidar seus mecanismos bioquímicos, fatores influentes inerentes ao tratamento ortodôntico e inerentes ao indivíduo. Observou-se que o processo de reabsorção é relacionado à hialinização do ligamento periodontal, iniciando-se concomitantemente ao processo de eliminação do tecido hialinizado e, aparentemente, regulado pelos mesmos moduladores inflamatórios, tais como prostaglandinas, interleucinas e fator de necrose tumoral-a, demonstrando íntima sua relação com este mecanismo. O processo de reabsorção poderia ainda ser inibido por substâncias associadas ao metabolismo de cálcio relacionadas à inibição de uma ou mais funções próprias de odontoclastos: hormônio tireoidiano (T4), bisfosfonatos, calcitonina, echistatina. Outras substâncias, tais como os fatores de crescimento semelhantes à insulina, ativador do receptor do fator nuclear kappa β, osteoprotegerina, fosfoforina dentinária e sialoproteína dentinária, detectadas localmente durante movimentação ortodôntica, não teriam seu papel esclarecido no processo de reabsorção. Estas, juntamente à enzima fosfatase ácida resistente a tartrato (TRAP, observada em odontoblastos e odontoclastos ativos), poderiam ser ao menos indicadores de ocorrência de reabsorção. A reabsorção prolongada após o tratamento ortodôntico está relacionada a outras causas, que não o tratamento.

Considered, by many authors, as one of the most usual sequelae of orthodontic treatment, root resorption was the focus of this review of literature, which aimed to reexamine and clarify the biochemical mechanisms of resorption, as well as influent factors, either individual or regarding the very orthodontic treatment. Literature showed that the process of root resorption is connected to hyalinization of the periodontal ligament, and initiates concurrently with the removal of hyalinized tissue; also, it appears to be regulated by the same modulators, such as prostaglandins, interleukins and tumor necrosis factor-a, showing a close relationship to inflammation mechanisms. Root resorption could also be inhibited by calcium metabolism-associated substances that are related to one or more odontoclastic functions: thyroid hormone (T4), bisphosphonates, calcitonin, echistatin, and others. Prolonged resorption after orthodontic treatment could be related to other causes not specifically involved in the treatment.

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Canine distemper is a contagious, incurable, often fatal, multisystemic viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Distemper is caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV). The development of antibodies to use in therapy and diagnosis is essential for the control of some diseases. Immunization of chickens with CDV results in the production of antibodies specific. However, there is relatively limited information available concerning immune response of CDV in this species. In the present study, immune responses were examined in serum and egg yolk from laying hens injected with CDV. The results demonstrated that the increase of antibody activity occurs first in the serum, and then in egg yolk with a lag in time of 1 to 3 week in the chickens. However, the time of elevated levels of antibody activity was much shorter in serum than the egg yolk.

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Canine parvovirus (CPV), cause an intestinal disease characterized by bloody diarrhea, is often fatal in puppies. The virus is transmitted by contact with infected dogs or their feces. The virus is very stable in the environment and may survive for several months in contaminated areas. The CPV attacks the rapidly diving cells of the bone marrow and the small intestine. Several laboratory tests have been developed and are available for specific viral diagnosis. Where facilities are available, rapid diagnosis can be made by electron microscopy (EM) of fecal material from cases with typical signs of disease. The virus also can be isolated in several feline and canine cell lines such as canine and feline kidney cells, but isolation is seldom used in practice since cell cultures are required and at least 1 week for results is required. Fecal hemagglutination-hemagglutination (HA-HI) tests have provided a simple and rapid method for detecting virus in fecal and tissue samples and are employed by several diagnostic laboratories, however the HA test is less sensitive than EM or enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISA). In this work, the laying chickens are immunized with the canine parvovirus strain Cornell 780916-80 and the egg yolk antibody (IgY) isolated and characterized by indirect ELISA to detect canine parvovirus in feces.

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