RESUMO
Intragenic antimicrobial peptides (IAPs) are internal sequences of proteins with physicochemical similarities to Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) that, once identified and synthesized as individual entities, present antimicrobial activity. Many mature proteins encoded by the genomes of virtually any organism may be regarded as inner reservoirs of IAPs, conferring them ample biotechnological potential. However, IAPs may also share shortcomings with AMPs, such as low half-life in biological media and non-specific adsorption in eukaryotic cells. The present manuscript reports a translational approach that encompasses the uncovering of two novel IAPs from human proteins as well as the first results concerning the incorporation and sustained release of one of these peptides from ureasil-polyether hybrid polymeric films. For such, the software Kamal was used to scan putative IAPs in the human proteome, and two peptides, named Hs05 and Hs06, were identified, synthesized, and tested as antimicrobials. Biophysical assays were conducted using model phospholipid vesicles and 1H NMR solution structures in phospholipid micelles were obtained for the IAP Hs05. This peptide was incorporated in a polymeric matrix composed of the ureasil/PPO-PEO-PPO triblock copolymer, and the resulting films were evaluated by atomic force microscopy and imaging mass spectrometry. The release rate of Hs05 from the polymeric matrix was assessed and the antimicrobial activity of Hs05-loaded hybrid polymeric films was evaluated against the bacterium Escherichia coli. This study represents the first steps towards the development of polymeric films enriched with IAPs obtained from the human proteome as sustained release devices for topical application.
Assuntos
Anti-Infecciosos , Micelas , Anti-Infecciosos/farmacologia , Humanos , Peptídeos , Polímeros , Proteínas Citotóxicas Formadoras de PorosRESUMO
Resumen Introducción: El ingreso en las Universidades representa un cambio en el estilo de vida social, económico, personal y mental en los discentes (estudiantes). A veces el proceso de habituación representa un factor estresante que puede culminar en síntomas de ansiedad y depresión, y representa un factor de riesgo para la salud mental. Objetivo: Analizar la concepción de los discentes del Curso de Bachillerato en Enfermería, sobre la experiencia de vivenciar discusiones sobre la temática de suicidio. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo-exploratorio de abordaje cualitativo realizado en una Universidad Federal del Nordeste de Brasil, cuyo manejo de la información se realizó con un software de procesamiento de datos. En la investigación participaron quince estudiantes del curso Bachillerato en Enfermería que integraban el Proyecto de Intervención Ser, Saber, Escuchar, Vivir, en el cual se desarrollan acciones para los universitarios sobre prevención al suicidio y valorización de la vida. Resultados: Los resultados fueron analizados a partir de la nube de palabras y la representación gráfica del análisis de similitud, se observó que la concepción de los discentes se resumió a las palabras Proyecto y Salud. La palabra proyecto se relacionó con la motivación y las experiencias de los discentes, y la palabra salud con el suicidio como problema de salud pública. Conclusión: La discusión sobre el tema se muestra positiva en la Academia por favorecer un espacio de escucha y libertad de diálogo que proporciona alivio mental, contribuye a minimizar síntomas de ansiedad y depresión entre los discentes, y puede contribuir a reducir los índices de suicidio en la institución.
Abstract Introduction: Entering the university entails changes in the students' lifestyles regarding the social, economic, personal, and metal areas. Sometimes, the related habituation process can produce stress, which is externalized as anxiety and depression, and which can become a risk to the students' mental health. Objective: To analyze the conception which students from a course of nursing have on experiencing discussions around suicide. Methods: This is a descriptive-exploratory qualitative study carried out in a Federal University of Northeastern Brazil. Fifteen students from a course of nursing, who integrated a project to develop actions on suicide prevention and life valorization, participated in this study. The resulting information was produced using a data processing software. Results: The conceptions were analyzed through a word-cloud and graphical representation of similarities methodology. The resulting combined conception was summarized by the words Project and Health, representing the students' motivation and experiences, and suicide as a health problem, respectively. Conclusion: The corresponding free-dialog discussion on the issue provided mental relief among the students by minimizing their symptoms of anxiety and depression. This approach can contribute to reduce the suicide rates in the institution.
Resumo Introdução: O ingresso nas universidades representa uma mudança no modo de vida social, econômico, pessoal e mental dos estudantes. Às vezes, o processo de habituação representa um estressor que pode culminar em sintomas de ansiedade e depressão e, desse modo, representar um fator de risco para saúde mental. Objetivo: Analisar a percepção dos discentes sobre a experiência de vivenciar discussões sobre temática de suicídio. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo-exploratório, com abordagem qualitativa, realizado em uma Universidade Federal do Nordeste do Brasil. Participaram da pesquisa 15 estudantes do curso Bacharelado em Enfermagem que integravam o Projeto de Intervenção Ser, Saber, Ouvir, Viver, no qual eram desenvolvidas ações de prevenção ao suicídio e valorização da vida direcionado aos estudantes universitários da instituição. Resultados: Os resultados foram analisados a partir a nuvemn da palavra e da representação gráfica de análise de similaridade, observou-se que a concepção dos alunos foi resumida às palavras Projeto e Saúde. A palavra projeto estava relacionada à motivação e as experiências dos alunos e a palavra saúde com suicídio como um problema de saúde público. Conclusão: Portanto, o projeto em questão além de favorecer um ambiente de liberdade de diálogo no âmbito acadêmico, proporciona também alívio mental que, com o passar das reuniões, pode minimizar os sintomas depressivos e ansiosos que os discentes podem apresentar, em consequência, reduzindo os índices de suicídio na instituição.
RESUMO
Brazil is home to a wide variety of flora, including several lesser known species, such as araçá that were processed in this study using two green technologies consecutively: supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) for nonpolar fraction and pressurized liquid extraction. For polar fraction, the experiments followed a central composite design involving ethanol as solvent, with temperature and static time in each bath as independent variables. Both extracts were analyzed for antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Total phenolics content (TPC) was determined for all ethanol extracts. In the araçá essential oil (AEO) obtained by SFE, the extraction yield was 2.33%. The three major compounds of AEO were α-pinene (20.75%), p-cymene (20.50%), and o-cymene (20.05%). In ethanol extracts, the high yield (14.49%) was obtained at 74 °C/6 min and the major TPC (136.95 mg GAE/100 g) at 60 °C/9 min. Ethanol extracts presented good antioxidant activity (EC50 = 6.37 mg/mL) at 74 °C/6 min. AEO was unable to reduce DPPH⢠concentration by 50%. Both extract types presented an inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus cereus, while only the ethanol extracts presented effect against Listeria monocytogenes. This work had the aim to present the innovation of the use of a whole typical Brazilian fruit that gives rise to extracts with excellent properties for employment in both the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Assuntos
Antibacterianos/isolamento & purificação , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Cromatografia com Fluido Supercrítico/métodos , Química Verde/métodos , Extratos Vegetais/isolamento & purificação , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Psidium/química , Antibacterianos/química , Antioxidantes/análise , Antioxidantes/isolamento & purificação , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Bacillus cereus/efeitos dos fármacos , Brasil , Dióxido de Carbono/química , Cromatografia com Fluido Supercrítico/instrumentação , Etanol/química , Frutas/química , Química Verde/instrumentação , Óleos Voláteis/análise , Óleos Voláteis/isolamento & purificação , Óleos Voláteis/farmacologia , Fenóis/análise , Fenóis/isolamento & purificação , Fenóis/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/análise , Pseudomonas aeruginosa/efeitos dos fármacos , Staphylococcus aureus/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
The increasing demand for renewable energy has been promoting a rapid development of photovoltaic technologies. Given this, photoinduced thermal emission is being explored with the aim of improving solar cell performance by converting low-energy IR photons into visible light. Here, we report the light-induced blackbody emission from LnO2 (Ln = Pr and Tb) as a potential emitter for thermophotovoltaic applications. Lanthanide dioxides display broad IR absorption and a direct optical band gap of 1.49 (PrO2) and 1.51 eV (TbO2). These materials achieve a maximum temperature of â¼1500 K under a power density excitation of 160 W cm-2 and display a stable bright light emission. Thermal emission can be tuned from laser power density modulation.
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The Brazilian savanna, also known as Cerrado, is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, covering about 22% of the country. Nevertheless, this region has been suffering an accelerated process of degradation due to the agribusiness expansion. This study contributes to increasing knowledge on the Leptoceridae fauna of the Serra da Canastra Mountains at the Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Herein, we illustrate and describe two new species of Leptoceridae, Notalina franciscana sp. nov. and Oecetis catagua sp. nov., and provide additional data on the richness and distribution of Leptoceridae species in the Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra and surrounding areas. Furthermore, ten species are firstly recorded from Minas Gerais State, increasing the number of Leptoceridae species recorded in the state from 30 to 42.
Assuntos
Biodiversidade , Neópteros/anatomia & histologia , Neópteros/classificação , Distribuição Animal , Animais , Brasil , Feminino , MasculinoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Treatment of spinal cord injury is dependent on neuronal survival, appropriate synaptic circuit preservation, and inflammatory environment management. In this sense, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is a promising tool that can reduce glial reaction and provide trophic factors to lesioned neurons. METHODS: Lewis adult female rats were submitted to a unilateral ventral funiculus cut at the spinal levels L4, L5, and L6. The animals were divided into the following groups: IA (intramedullary axotomy), IA + DMEM (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium), IA + FS (fibrin sealant), IA + MSC (106 cells), and IA + FS + MSC (106 cells). Seven days after injury, qPCR (n = 5) was performed to assess gene expression of VEGF, BDNF, iNOS2, arginase-1, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, IL-4, IL-13, and TGF-ß. The cellular infiltrate at the lesion site was analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry (IH) for Iba1 (microglia and macrophage marker) and arginase-1. Fourteen days after injury, spinal alpha motor neurons (MNs), evidenced by Nissl staining (n = 5), were counted. For the analysis of astrogliosis in spinal lamina IX and synaptic detachment around lesioned motor neurons (GAP-43-positive cells), anti-GFAP and anti-synaptophysin immunohistochemistry (n = 5) was performed, respectively. Twenty-eight days after IA, the gait of the animals was evaluated by the walking track test (CatWalk; n = 7). RESULTS: The site of injury displayed strong monocyte infiltration, containing arginase-1-expressing macrophages. The FS-treated group showed upregulation of iNOS2, arginase-1, proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α and IL-1ß), and antiinflammatory cytokine (IL-10, IL-4, and IL-13) expression. Thus, FS enhanced early macrophage recruitment and proinflammatory cytokine expression, which accelerated inflammation. Rats treated with MSCs displayed high BDNF-positive immunolabeling, suggesting local delivery of this neurotrophin to lesioned motoneurons. This BDNF expression may have contributed to the increased neuronal survival and synapse preservation and decreased astrogliosis observed 14 days after injury. At 28 days after lesion, gait recovery was significantly improved in MSC-treated animals compared to that in the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the present data demonstrate that MSC therapy is neuroprotective and, when associated with a FS, shifts the immune response to a proinflammatory profile.
Assuntos
Terapia Baseada em Transplante de Células e Tecidos/métodos , Regulação da Expressão Gênica/fisiologia , Imunomodulação/fisiologia , Células-Tronco Mesenquimais/fisiologia , Neurônios Motores/metabolismo , Neuroproteção/fisiologia , Traumatismos da Medula Espinal , Animais , Arginase/genética , Arginase/metabolismo , Axotomia/métodos , Fator Neurotrófico Derivado do Encéfalo/genética , Fator Neurotrófico Derivado do Encéfalo/metabolismo , Citocinas/genética , Citocinas/metabolismo , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Feminino , Adesivo Tecidual de Fibrina/uso terapêutico , RNA Mensageiro/metabolismo , Ratos , Ratos Endogâmicos Lew , Traumatismos da Medula Espinal/complicações , Traumatismos da Medula Espinal/patologia , Traumatismos da Medula Espinal/terapia , Adesivos Teciduais/uso terapêutico , Fator A de Crescimento do Endotélio Vascular/genética , Fator A de Crescimento do Endotélio Vascular/metabolismoRESUMO
When correctly pasteurized, packaged, and stored, milk with low total bacterial counts (TBC) has a longer shelf life. Therefore, microorganisms that resist heat treatments are especially important in the deterioration of pasteurized milk and in its shelf life. The aim of this work was to quantify the thermoduric microorganisms after the pasteurization of refrigerated raw milk samples with low TBC and to identify the diversity of these isolates with proteolytic or lipolytic potential by RFLP analysis. Twenty samples of raw milk were collected in bulk milk tanks shortly after milking in different Brazilian dairy farms and pasteurized. The mean thermoduric count was 3.2 (±4.7) × 102 cfu/mL (2.1% of the TBC). Of the 310 colonies obtained, 44.2% showed milk spoilage potential, 32.6% were proteolytic and lipolytic simultaneously, 31% were exclusively proteolytic, and 48 (36.4%) were only lipolytic. Regarding the diversity, 8 genera were observed (Bacillus, Brachybacterium, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Micrococcus, Kocuria, Paenibacillus, and Macrococcus); there was a predominance of endospore-forming bacteria (50%), and Bacillus licheniformis was the most common (34.1%) species. Considering the RFLP types, it was observed that the possible clonal populations make up the microbiota of different milk samples, but the same milk samples contain microorganisms of a single species with different RFLP types. Thus, even in milk with a high microbiological quality, it is necessary to control the potential milk-deteriorating thermoduric microorganisms to avoid the risk of compromising the shelf life and technological potential of pasteurized milk.
Assuntos
Bactérias/genética , Microbiologia de Alimentos , Variação Genética , Leite/microbiologia , Pasteurização/métodos , Animais , Bactérias/isolamento & purificação , Brasil , FazendasRESUMO
Despite the great diversity of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) with potential to partially replace the use of N fertilisers in agriculture, few PGPB have been explored for the production of commercial inoculants, reinforcing the importance of identifying positive plant-bacteria interactions. Aiming to better understand the influence of PGPB inoculation in plant development, two PGPB species with distant phylogenetic relationship were inoculated in maize. Maize seeds were inoculated with Bacillus sp. or Azospirillum brasilense. After germination, the plants were subjected to two N treatments: full (N+) and limiting (N-) N supply. Then, anatomical, biometric and physiological analyses were performed. Both PGPB species modified the anatomical pattern of roots, as verified by the higher metaxylem vessel element (MVE) number. Bacillus sp. also increased the MVE area in maize roots. Under N+ conditions, both PGPB decreased leaf protein content and led to development of shorter roots; however, Bacillus sp. increased root and shoot dry weight, whereas A. brasilense increased photosynthesis rate and leaf nitrate content. In plants subjected to N limitation (N-), photosynthesis rate and photosystem II efficiency increased in maize inoculated with Bacillus sp., whilst A. brasilense contained higher ammonium, amino acids and total soluble sugars in leaves, compared to the control. Plant developmental and metabolical patterns were switched by the inoculation, regardless of the inoculant bacterium used, producing similar as well as distinct modifications to the parameters studied. These results indicate that even non-diazotrophic inoculant strains can improve the plant N status as result of the morpho-anatomical and physiological modifications produced by the PGPB.
Assuntos
Azospirillum brasilense/metabolismo , Bacillus/metabolismo , Nitrogênio/farmacologia , Raízes de Plantas/anatomia & histologia , Zea mays/microbiologia , Raízes de Plantas/efeitos dos fármacos , Raízes de Plantas/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Raízes de Plantas/metabolismo , Zea mays/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Zea mays/metabolismo , Zea mays/fisiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Semen cryopreservation causes DNA damage, thus requiring continuous monitoring. OBJECTIVE: To compare two assays for sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) from stallions with contrasting semen freezability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen stallions were classified as good semen freezers (GSF) or bad semen freezers (BSF). Ejaculates were cryopreserved with three diluents. Semen was subject to SDF evaluation using the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and Halomax after thawing (0 h) and after a 4 h thermoresistance test. RESULTS: On semen of BSF, analysis by SCSA was similar between evaluations, but Halomax showed increased SDF at 4 h. The GSF group was similar between time points in both assays. Diluents did not affect SDF, irrespective of the assay. Halomax showed differences for BSF between time points, differently from SCSA. Linear regression did not show any correlation between assays. CONCLUSION: The use of Halomax should be encouraged for sperm DNA fragmentation analysis in horse frozen-thawed semen, particularly under field conditions.
Assuntos
Bioensaio/métodos , Criopreservação/veterinária , Fragmentação do DNA , Cavalos/fisiologia , Preservação do Sêmen/veterinária , Sêmen/metabolismo , Espermatozoides/metabolismo , Animais , Cromatina/metabolismo , Dano ao DNA , Masculino , Análise do Sêmen/veterinária , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/fisiologiaRESUMO
Refrigerated raw milk may contain psychrotrophic microorganisms that produce thermoresistant exoproteases and lipases, which may compromise the quality of processed fluid milk and dairy products during storage. The aim of this work was to quantify and identify the deteriorating psychrotrophic microbiota in Brazilian refrigerated raw milk using genetic diversity analysis. The mean psychrotrophic count was 1.1 × 104 cfu/mL. Of the total isolates, 47.8 and 29.8% showed deteriorating activity at 35°C within 48 h and 7°C within 10 d, respectively. Among the proteolytic species, more isolated by this study were Lactococcus lactis (27.3%), Enterobacter kobei (14.8%), Serratia ureilytica (8%), Aerococcus urinaeequi (6.8%), and Bacillus licheniformis (6.8%). Observed among lipolytics were E. kobei (17.7%), L. lactis (15.6%), A. urinaeequi (12.5%), and Acinetobacter lwoffii (9.4%). The isolates S. ureilytica, E. kobei, Pseudomonas spp., and Yersinia enterocolitica potentially produced alkaline metalloprotease (aprX). Despite the low counts, a considerable portion of the psychrotrophic microbiota presented spoilage potential, which reaffirms the need for rigor in the control of contamination and the importance of rapid processing as factors that maintain the quality of milk and dairy products.
Assuntos
Bactérias/isolamento & purificação , Leite/microbiologia , Animais , Bactérias/classificação , Bactérias/enzimologia , Bactérias/genética , Proteínas de Bactérias/metabolismo , Brasil , Bovinos , Microbiologia de Alimentos , Lipase/metabolismo , MicrobiotaRESUMO
Abstract Bacanga River Basin faces environmental problems related to urbanization and discharge of untreated domestic sewage, which compromise its ecosystem health. Due to the small number of studies that assessed its water quality, the present study aimed to assess the current status of this ecosystem based on the aquatic life protection index. Samples were carried out every two months, in a total of six events, in six sites along the basin, where the water samples were collected to assess physicochemical parameters and calculate the trophic state index and the index of minimum parameters for the protection of aquatic communities. The data were also compared with values determined by the resolution National Environment Council - CONAMA 357/05. Our results reveal significant changes in the water quality of Bacanga River Basin. An increase in nutrients and chlorophyll-a concentration led it to eutrophication. The surfactant values were high and put in danger the aquatic biota. Dissolved oxygen rates were below the values allowed by the resolution in most sites sampled. The current water quality is terrible for the protection of aquatic life in 61.92% of the sites sampled.
Resumo A Bacia Hidrográfica do rio Bacanga (BHRB) apresenta problemas ambientais relacionados a urbanização e lançamentos de esgoto in natura que comprometem a qualidade desse ecossistema. Devido ao reduzido número de estudos associados à avaliação da qualidade da água no local, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a situação atual desse ecossistema por meio do Índice de Proteção da Vida Aquática. Seis amostragens bimestrais foram realizadas em seis pontos ao longo da bacia, coletando parâmetros físico-químicos para a aplicação do Índice de Estado Trófico e Índice de Parâmetros Mínimos para a Proteção da Vida Aquática, relacionando-os com a resolução Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente - CONAMA/357. Os resultados revelaram alterações significativas na qualidade da água da BHRB, o aumento de nutrientes e das concentrações de clorofila-a conduziram ao um estado geral de eutrofização. Os valores de surfactantes foram altos colocando em risco a biota aquática e as taxas de oxigênio dissolvido estiveram abaixo do permitido pela resolução na maioria dos pontos amostrados. A situação atual da qualidade da água para proteção da vida aquática é péssima em 61,92% dos pontos amostrados.
Assuntos
Qualidade da Água , Conservação dos Recursos Naturais , Organismos Aquáticos , Urbanização , BrasilRESUMO
The growth, physiology and skin pigmentation of pacamã Lophiosilurus alexandri juveniles were evaluated in an experiment using different tank colours (white, yellow, green, blue, brown and black) over an 80 day period. The tank colours did not cause significant differences to final body mass, total length, survival rate, carcass composition (moisture, crude protein, ash, ether extract, calcium, phosphorus, energy), or to plasma protein, triglyceride and cholesterol values. Haematocrit values, however, were highest for fish kept in white tanks (ANOVA P < 0·05), while the greatest haemoglobin levels were recorded for fish kept in blue and brown tanks (P < 0·01). The concentrations of cortisol (P < 0·001) and glucose (P < 0·01) were the most in fish in the black tanks. Tank colour affected skin pigmentation significantly, with fish in white tanks having the highest values of L* (brightness) and the lowest values in blue and black tanks. L*, however, decreased in all treatments throughout the experiment. C*ab increased significantly over the course of the experiment in fish kept in white tanks. Similar increases of C*ab were recorded in the other treatments but to a lesser extent. The use of black tanks during the cultivation of L. alexandri caused stress and should be avoided. Cultivation in white and yellow tanks produced individuals with a pale skin colour, while cultivation in blue and black tanks resulted in juveniles with a darker and more pigmented skin.
Assuntos
Peixes-Gato/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Pigmentação da Pele/fisiologia , Animais , Meio Ambiente , Água Doce , Hidrocortisona/sangueRESUMO
Bacanga River Basin faces environmental problems related to urbanization and discharge of untreated domestic sewage, which compromise its ecosystem health. Due to the small number of studies that assessed its water quality, the present study aimed to assess the current status of this ecosystem based on the aquatic life protection index. Samples were carried out every two months, in a total of six events, in six sites along the basin, where the water samples were collected to assess physicochemical parameters and calculate the trophic state index and the index of minimum parameters for the protection of aquatic communities. The data were also compared with values determined by the resolution National Environment Council - CONAMA 357/05. Our results reveal significant changes in the water quality of Bacanga River Basin. An increase in nutrients and chlorophyll-a concentration led it to eutrophication. The surfactant values were high and put in danger the aquatic biota. Dissolved oxygen rates were below the values allowed by the resolution in most sites sampled. The current water quality is terrible for the protection of aquatic life in 61.92% of the sites sampled.
Assuntos
Organismos Aquáticos , Conservação dos Recursos Naturais , Qualidade da Água , Brasil , UrbanizaçãoRESUMO
Increasing phosphorus use efficiency in agriculture is essential for sustainable food production. Thus, the aims of this study were: i) to identify phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) in popcorn lines during the early plant stages, ii) to study the relationship between traits correlated with PUE, and iii) to analyze genetic diversity among lines. To accomplish this, 35 popcorn lines from Universidade Estadual de Maringá breeding program were studied. The experiment was conducted in a growth chamber using a nutrient solution containing two concentrations of phosphorus (P): 2.5 µM or low P (LP) and 250 µM or high P (HP). After 13 days in the nutrient solution, root morphology traits, shoot and root dry weight, and P content of the maize seedlings were measured. A deviance analysis showed there was a high level of genetic variability. An unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) clustering analysis identified three groups for the LP treatment (efficient, intermediate, and inefficient) and three groups for the HP treatment (responsive, moderately responsive, and unresponsive). The results of a principal component analysis and selection index were consistent with the UPGMA analysis, and lines 1, 2, 13, 17, 26, and 31 were classified as PUE.
Assuntos
Fósforo/deficiência , Melhoramento Vegetal , Seleção Genética , Zea mays/genética , Variação Genética , Fósforo/metabolismo , Característica Quantitativa Herdável , Estresse Fisiológico , Zea mays/metabolismoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve injury results in retrograde cell body-related changes in the spinal motoneurons that will contribute to the regenerative response of their axons. Successful functional recovery also depends on molecular events mediated by innate immune response during Wallerian degeneration in the nerve microenvironment. A previous study in our lab demonstrated that TLR 2 and 4 develop opposite effects on synaptic stability in the spinal cord after peripheral nerve injury. Therefore, we suggested that the better preservation of spinal cord microenvironment would positively influence distal axonal regrowth. In this context, the present work aimed to investigate the influence of TLR2 and TLR4 on regeneration and functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury. METHODS: Eighty-eight mice were anesthetized and subjected to unilateral sciatic nerve crush (C3H/HeJ, n = 22, C3H/HePas, n = 22; C57Bl6/J, n = 22 and TLR2(-/-), n = 22). After the appropriate survival times (3, 7, 14 days, and 5 weeks), all mice were killed and the sciatic nerves and tibialis cranialis muscles were processed for immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Gait analysis, after sciatic nerve crushing, was performed in another set of mice (minimum of n = 8 per group), by using the walking track test (CatWalk system). RESULTS: TLR4 mutant mice presented greater functional recovery as well as an enhanced p75(NTR) and neurofilament protein expression as compared to the wild-type strain. Moreover, the better functional recovery in mutant mice was correlated to a greater number of nerve terminal sprouts. Knockout mice for TLR2 exhibited 30 % greater number of degenerated axons in the distal stump of the sciatic nerve and a decreased p75(NTR) and neurofilament protein expression compared to the wild type. However, the absence of TLR2 receptor did not influence the overall functional recovery. End-point equivalent functional recovery in transgenic mice may be a result of enhanced axonal diameter found at 2 weeks after lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, the present results indicate that the lack of TLR2 or the absence of functional TLR4 does affect the nerve regeneration process; however, such changes are minimized through different compensatory mechanisms, resulting in similar motor function recovery, as compared to wild-type mice. These findings contribute to the concept that innate immune-related molecules influence peripheral nerve regeneration by concurrently participating in processes taking place both at the CNS and PNS.
Assuntos
Neuropatia Ciática/metabolismo , Receptor 2 Toll-Like/metabolismo , Receptor 4 Toll-Like/metabolismo , Animais , Axotomia/efeitos adversos , Regulação da Expressão Gênica/genética , Filamentos Intermediários/metabolismo , Filamentos Intermediários/ultraestrutura , Coxeadura Animal/etiologia , Locomoção/fisiologia , Macrófagos/patologia , Macrófagos/ultraestrutura , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C3H , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos Transgênicos , Mutação/genética , Junção Neuromuscular/patologia , Junção Neuromuscular/ultraestrutura , Receptor de Fator de Crescimento Neural/metabolismo , Nervo Isquiático/metabolismo , Nervo Isquiático/patologia , Nervo Isquiático/ultraestrutura , Neuropatia Ciática/complicações , Neuropatia Ciática/etiologia , Especificidade da Espécie , Fatores de Tempo , Receptor 2 Toll-Like/genética , Receptor 4 Toll-Like/genéticaRESUMO
We describe and illustrate two new species of Atanatolica from Brazil and Peru, representing the first record of the genus from Peru and the first record of the genus from Ceará state, Brazil. Atanatolica nordestina sp. nov. is recognized by short inferior appendages, with their basal portions subquadrangular, in ventral view; and by tergum X without the typical digitate apical processes, but with a pair of short rounded projections. Atanatolica quechua sp. nov. is recognized by preanal appendages long and slender, by the inferior appendages with the apicodorsal portion broader distally, and by the apicolateral processes of tergum X slightly capitate.
Assuntos
Insetos/classificação , Distribuição Animal , Estruturas Animais/anatomia & histologia , Estruturas Animais/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Animais , Tamanho Corporal , Brasil , Ecossistema , Feminino , Insetos/anatomia & histologia , Insetos/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Masculino , Tamanho do Órgão , PeruRESUMO
The glutathione S-transferase (GST) family comprises phase-II cellular detoxification enzymes that catalyze the conjugation of chemotherapy drugs to glutathione and act on the apoptotic pathway. The aim of this study was to determine whether polymorphisms of the GSTT1, GSTM1, and GSTP1 genes are associated with different rates of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the management of locally advanced breast cancer, using either simple or combined analyses, and in relation to the post-therapy axillary lymph node status. Forty women with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast submitted to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide were genotyped for GSTT1, GSTM1, and GSTP1. Comparisons were performed for the three genes, either isolated or in pairs, in polymorphic or wild-type combinations. Finally, the OS and DFS of patients were analyzed with respect to axillary lymph node status and with respect to wild-type or polymorphic presentations of each gene. No statistically significant difference in OS and DFS was evident between women with wild-type or polymorphic forms of the genes, either isolated or in pairs, after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. By contrast, after treatment, lymph node-negative women had better OS and DFS only in the presence of polymorphisms of GSTP1, and improved DFS only in the presence of the polymorphic types of GSTT1 and GSTM1 compared to women with positive lymph nodes. The presence of polymorphic forms of GSTP1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 was crucial to conferring better OS and DFS among women with negative axillary lymph nodes.
Assuntos
Neoplasias da Mama/genética , Glutationa S-Transferase pi/genética , Glutationa Transferase/genética , Adulto , Idoso , Antineoplásicos/administração & dosagem , Neoplasias da Mama/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias da Mama/patologia , Intervalo Livre de Doença , Feminino , Predisposição Genética para Doença , Genótipo , Humanos , Linfonodos/patologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Polimorfismo de Nucleotídeo Único , PrognósticoRESUMO
Unlike bacteria and mammals, plant DNA repair pathways are not well characterised, especially in monocots. The understanding of these processes in the plant cell is of major importance, since they may be directly involved in plant acclimation and adaptation to stressful environments. Hence, two sugarcane ESTs were identified as homologues of AP endonuclease from the base-excision repair pathway: ScARP1 and ScARP3. In order to understand their probable function and evolutionary origin, structural and phylogenetic studies were performed using bioinformatics approaches. The two predicted proteins present a considerable amino acid sequence similarity, and molecular modelling procedures indicate that both are functional, since the main structural motifs remain conserved. However, inspection of the sort signal regions on the full-length cDNAs indicated that these proteins have a distinct organelle target. Furthermore, variances in their promoter cis-element motifs were also found. Although the mRNA expression pattern was similar, there were significant differences in their expression levels. Taken together, these data raise the hypothesis that the ScARP is an example of a probable gene duplication event that occurred before monocotyledon/dicotyledon segregation, followed by a sub-functionalisation event in the Poaceae, leading to new intracellular targeting and different expression levels.
Assuntos
Evolução Biológica , Reparo do DNA , DNA Liase (Sítios Apurínicos ou Apirimidínicos)/química , Modelos Moleculares , Saccharum/enzimologia , DNA de Plantas/metabolismo , DNA Liase (Sítios Apurínicos ou Apirimidínicos)/genética , DNA Liase (Sítios Apurínicos ou Apirimidínicos)/metabolismo , Regulação da Expressão Gênica de Plantas , Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Motivos de Nucleotídeos/genética , Filogenia , Regiões Promotoras Genéticas/genética , RNA Mensageiro/genética , RNA Mensageiro/metabolismo , Saccharum/genética , Homologia de Sequência de AminoácidosRESUMO
Brazil faces a challenge to develop biomonitoring tools to be used in water quality assessment programs, but few multimetric indices were developed so far. This study is part of an effort to test and implement programs using benthic macroinvertebrates as bioindicators in Rio de Janeiro State. Our aim was first to test the Multimetric Index for Serra dos Órgãos (SOMI) for a different area--Serra da Bocaina (SB)--in the same ecoregion. We sampled 27 streams of different sizes and altitudes in the SB region. Despite the environmental similarities, results indicated biological differences between reference sites of the two regions. Considering these differences, we decided to develop an index specific for the SB region, the Serra da Bocaina Multimetric Index (MISB). We tested twenty-two metrics for sensitivity to impairment and redundancy, and six metrics were considered valid to integrate the MISB: Family Richness, Trichoptera Richness, % Coleoptera, % Diptera, IBE-IOC index, EPT / Chironomidae ratio. A test of the MISB in eleven sites indicated it was more related to land-use and water physico-chemical parameters than with altitude or stream width, being a useful tool for the monitoring and assessment of streams in the bioregion.
Assuntos
Biodiversidade , Biomassa , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Invertebrados/classificação , Animais , Brasil , Análise por Conglomerados , Densidade Demográfica , Rios , Estações do Ano , Qualidade da ÁguaRESUMO
Brazil faces a challenge to develop biomonitoring tools to be used in water quality assessment programs, but few multimetric indices were developed so far. This study is part of an effort to test and implement programs using benthic macroinvertebrates as bioindicators in Rio de Janeiro State. Our aim was first to test the Multimetric Index for Serra dos Órgãos (SOMI) for a different area - Serra da Bocaina (SB) - in the same ecoregion. We sampled 27 streams of different sizes and altitudes in the SB region. Despite the environmental similarities, results indicated biological differences between reference sites of the two regions. Considering these differences, we decided to develop an index specific for the SB region, the Serra da Bocaina Multimetric Index (MISB). We tested twenty-two metrics for sensitivity to impairment and redundancy, and six metrics were considered valid to integrate the MISB: Family Richness, Trichoptera Richness, % Coleoptera, % Diptera, IBE-IOC index, EPT / Chironomidae ratio. A test of the MISB in eleven sites indicated it was more related to land-use and water physico-chemical parameters than with altitude or stream width, being a useful tool for the monitoring and assessment of streams in the bioregion.(AU)
O Brasil enfrenta o desafio de desenvolver ferramentas de biomonitoramento para serem utilizadas em programas de avaliação da qualidade de águas, porém poucos índices multimétricos foram construídos para esta finalidade. Este estudo faz parte de um esforço para testar e implementar programas de biomonitoramento utilizando macroinvertebrados bentônicos como bioindicadores no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Nosso objetivo foi primeiro testar se as métricas que compõem o Índice Multimétrico da Serra dos Órgãos (SOMI) eram válidas para serem aplicadas em um área diferente - Serra da Bocaina (SB) - pertencente à mesma ecoregião. Nós amostramos 27 riachos de diferentes tamanhos e altitudes na região da Serra da Bocaina. Apesar das similaridades ambientais, os resultados indicaram haver diferenças entre locais de referencia nas duas regiões. Considerando tais diferenças, nós desenvolvemos um índice específico para região da SB, denominado de Índice Multimétrico da Serra da Bocaina (IMSB). Testamos vinte e duas métricas quanto à sensibilidade e redundância. Seis métricas foram consideradas válidas para integrar o IMSB: Riqueza de Famílias, Riqueza de Trichoptera, % Coleoptera, % Diptera, índice IBE-IOC e Taxa EPT / Chironomidae. O teste do IMSB indicou que o índice estava mais relacionado aos parâmetros físicos e químicos da água e ao uso da terra do que com a altitude ou largura dos rios. Assim, consideramos uma ferramenta útil para monitorar e avaliar riachos na bioregião estudada.(AU)