Mycoviruses infecting Colletotrichum spp: A comprehensive review / Micoviroses em Colletotrichum spp: uma revisão abrangente

Abstract Colletotrichum is one of the most economically important fungal genera, which affects a wide range of hosts, specifically tropical and subtropical crops. Thus far, there have been several records of mycovirus infection in Colletotrichum spp., primarily by viruses of the Partitiviridae family. There have also been records of infections by mycoviruses of the Chrysoviridae family. Mycoviruses are (+)ssRNA and dsRNA genome viruses, which may or may not be enveloped. To date, no mycovirus with a DNA genome has been isolated from Colletotrichum spp. Typically, mycoviruses cause latent infections, although hypo- and hypervirulence have also been reported in Colletotrichum spp. In addition to its effects on pathogenic behavior, mycovirus infection can lead to important physiological changes, such as altered morphological characteristics, reduced vegetative growth, and suppressed conidia production. Therefore, research on mycoviruses infecting phytopathogenic fungi can help develop alternative methods to chemical control, which can cause irreversible damage to humans and the environment. From an agricultural perspective, mycoviruses can contribute to sustainable agriculture as biological control agents via changes in fungal physiology, ultimately resulting in the total loss of or reduction in the virulence of these pathogens.

Resumo Colletotrichum é um dos gêneros fúngicos mais importantes economicamente, afetando uma ampla gama de hospedeiros, especialmente em cultivos tropicais e subtropicais. Atualmente já existem diversos registros de infecção por micovírus em Colletotrichum spp., sendo a maioria dos já identificados classificados na família Partitiviridae. Ocorrem registros também de micovírus pertencentes à família Chrysoviridae. Compreendem vírus de genoma de (+)ssRNA e dsRNA que podem ser ou não envelopados. Ainda não foram identificados micovírus com genoma de DNA isolados de Colletotrichum. A infecção por micovírus pode ocorrer de forma latente, mas já foi observado em Colletotrichum spp. o fenômeno de hipo e hipervirulência. Além de influenciar no comportamento patogênico, a infecção pode causar mudanças fisiológicas importantes como alterações das características morfológicas, redução do crescimento vegetativo e redução na produção de conídios. O estudo com micovírus em fungos fitopatogênicos traz uma alternativa ao controle químico que é um método capaz de causar danos irreversíveis ao homem e o meio ambiente. Sob a perspectiva agrícola, os micovírus podem contribuir para agricultura sustentável como agentes de controle biológico. Isso porque obsevam-se mudanças importantes na fisiologia fúngica resultando na perda total ou redução da virulência desses patógenos.

Path of exploring opportunities in a migrant workers returning- to home entrepreneurial ecosystem / O caminho da exploração de oportunidades em um ecossistema de trabalhadores migrantes e empreendedorismo de retorno de cidade natal

With the rapid development of industrialization and urbanization, returning-home entrepreneurship has received increasing attention from social and academic circles. This paper adopted the method of descriptive statistics to analyze the current situation, and the process by which entrepreneurs in the returning-home entrepreneurship ecosystem participate in the development of entrepreneurial opportunities from two dimensions: resource acquisition and institutional support. This research adopted the method of social network analysis to explore the mechanism of opportunity development of each subject of the returning-home entrepreneurship ecosystem. The results showed that during the opportunity development of returning-home entrepreneurship, all the subjects in the returning-home entrepreneurship ecosystem participated with their own resources and capabilities and jointly promoted the development of opportunities. During the development of these opportunities, each subject in the returning-home entrepreneurship ecosystem participated in different ways and with different emphases. This paper enriched the integration research of returning-home entrepreneurship theory and innovation ecosystem theory, and provided a reference for realizing rural revitalization and promoting regional economic development.

Com o rápido desenvolvimento da industrialização e da urbanização, o empreendedorismo voltando para cidade natal tem recebido cada vez mais atenção dos círculos sociais e acadêmicos. Nesse texto, adotando um método de análise estatística descritiva, analisamos a situação atual e o processo pelo qual os empreendedores do ecossistema de empreendedorismo voltando para cidade natal participam do desenvolvimento de oportunidades empreendedoras nas duas dimensões: aquisição de recursos e apoio institucional. E adotando o método de análise de rede social, exploramos o mecanismo de desenvolvimento de oportunidades de cada sujeito do ecossistema de empreendedorismo de retorno de cidade natal. Os resultados mostram que durante o desenvolvimento das oportunidades de empreendedorismo de retorno de cidade natal, todos os sujeitos do ecossistema de empreendedorismo de retorno de cidade natal participaram com seus próprios recursos e capacidades e promoveram conjuntamente o desenvolvimento de oportunidades. Durante o desenvolvimento dessas oportunidades, cada sujeito do ecossistema do empreendedorismo de retorno de cidade natal participou de diferentes formas e com diferentes ênfases. Este texto ajuda a enriquecer a pesquisa de integração da teoria do empreendedorismo de retorno de cidade natal e da teoria do ecossistema de inovação, e além disso fornece uma referência para realizar a revitalização rural e promover o desenvolvimento econômico regional.

Why we shouldnt blame women for gender disparity in academia: perspectives of women in zoology

ABSTRACT The following letter, from a network of women zoologists, is a reply to the article of AlShebli et al. (2020), which suggests that female protégés reap more benefits when mentored by men and concludes that female mentors hinder the success of their female protégés and the quality of their impact. This contribution has two parts. First, we highlight the most relevant methodological flaws which, in our opinion, may have impacted the conclusions of AlShebli et al. (2020). Second, we discuss issues pertaining to women in science, bring a perspective of Women in Zoology and discuss how current diversity policies are positively changing our field.

Why we shouldn’t blame women for gender disparity in academia: perspectives of women in zoology

The following letter, from a network of women zoologists, is a reply to the article of AlShebli et al. (2020), which suggests that female protégés reap more benefits when mentored by men and concludes that female mentors hinder the success of their female protégés and the quality of their impact. This contribution has two parts. First, we highlight the most relevant methodological flaws which, in our opinion, may have impacted the conclusions of AlShebli et al. (2020). Second, we discuss issues pertaining to women in science, bring a perspective of Women in Zoology and discuss how current diversity policies are positively changing our field.

Why we shouldnt blame women for gender disparity in academia: perspectives of women in zoology

The following letter, from a network of women zoologists, is a reply to the article of AlShebli et al. (2020), which suggests that female protégés reap more benefits when mentored by men and concludes that female mentors hinder the success of their female protégés and the quality of their impact. This contribution has two parts. First, we highlight the most relevant methodological flaws which, in our opinion, may have impacted the conclusions of AlShebli et al. (2020). Second, we discuss issues pertaining to women in science, bring a perspective of Women in Zoology and discuss how current diversity policies are positively changing our field.(AU)

Digital soil class mapping in Brazil: a systematic review

In Brazil several digital soil class mapping studies were carried out from 2006 onwards to maximize the use of existing maps and information and to provide estimates for wider areas. However, there is no consensus on which methods have produced superior results in the predictive value of soil maps. This study conducts a systematic review of digital soil class mapping in Brazil and aims to analyze the factors which can improve the accuracy of digital soil class maps. Data from 334 digital soil class mapping studies were grouped and analyzed by Student's t-test, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test and Kruskal-Wallis test. When conventional maps were used for validation, the studies showed average values of 63 % and when field samples were used, 56 % for Overall Accuracy. Studies compatible with the Planimetric Cartographic Accuracy Standard for Digital Cartographic Products (PEC-PCD) averaged between 4 % and 15 % higher accuracy than those of the incompatible group. There seems to be no evidence that increasing the number of variables and samples results in more accurate soil map prediction, but studies using variables related to four soil-forming factors enhanced accuracy. From a density of 0.08 MU km-² and upwards, it became more difficult for studies to obtain greater accuracy. Artificial neural network classifiers and Decision Tree models seem to be producing more accurate digital soil class maps.

Agricultura familiar e sanidade animal / Family agriculture and animal health / Agricultura familiar y salud animal

A agricultura familiar é caracterizada como agricultura de subsistência e de pequena produção, seguindo alguns critérios como, tipo de exploração, renda e área total utilizada de até quatro módulos fiscais. Este seguimento rural limita a receita financeira anual da unidade familiar, baseado no número de empregados que podem ser contratados para completar a mão-de-obra familiar, que deve ser predominante. Vem se observando um aumento de maior interesse pela atividade, permitindo a manutenção de pequenos produtores nas atividades agrícolas. A grande maioria do processo produtivo na agricultura familiar está relacionada a propriedades normalmente de menor porte e estrutura, com conceitos mais simples. Sob essa ótica, é de suma importância avançar nesse segmento para o estímulo à prática do conceito de “Saúde Única” (One Health), que se relacionam ao ser humano, aos animais e ao meio ambiente, que se interagem, com o objetivo final a saúde coletiva, e a sanidade animal, com o objetivo de controlar a ocorrência de zoonoses importantes como a brucelose, tuberculose, raiva, e leptospirose.

Family farming is characterized as subsistence and small-scale agriculture, following some criteria such as type of farm, income and total utilized area of up to four fiscal modules. This rural tracking limits the family unit's annual financial income based on the number of employees who may be hired to complete the family workforce, which should be predominant. Increasing interest in the activity has been observed, allowing the maintenance of small producers in agricultural activities. The vast majority of the family farming production process is related to normally smaller properties and structures, with simpler concepts. From this perspective, it is of utmost importance to advance in this segment to stimulate the practice of the concept of “One Health”, which report to humans, animals and the environment, which interact with the ultimate goal. Collective health, and animal health to control the occurrence of important zoonoses such as brucellosis, tuberculosis, rabies, and leptospirosis.

La agricultura familiar se caracteriza por la agricultura de subsistencia y la pequeña producción, siguiendo algunos criterios, como el tipo de explotación, el ingreso y el área total utilizada de hasta cuatro módulos fiscales. Este monitoreo rural limita el ingreso financiero anual de la unidad familiar en función de la cantidad de empleados que pueden ser contratados para complementar la fuerza laboral familiar predominante. Se ha observado un creciente interés en la actividad, permitiendo el mantenimiento de pequeños productores en actividades agrícolas. La gran mayoría del proceso de producción de la agricultura familiar está relacionado con propiedades y estructuras normalmente más pequeñas, con conceptos más simples. Desde esta perspectiva, es extremadamente importante avanzar en este segmento para fomentar la práctica del concepto de “Una salud”, que se relaciona con los seres humanos, los animales y el medio ambiente, que interactúan con el objetivo final. Salud pública y salud animal para controlar la aparición de zoonosis importantes como brucelosis, tuberculosis, rabia y leptospirosis.

Agricultura familiar e sanidade animal / Family agriculture and animal health / Agricultura familiar y salud animal

A agricultura familiar é caracterizada como agricultura de subsistência e de pequena produção, seguindo alguns critérios como, tipo de exploração, renda e área total utilizada de até quatro módulos fiscais. Este seguimento rural limita a receita financeira anual da unidade familiar, baseado no número de empregados que podem ser contratados para completar a mão-de-obra familiar, que deve ser predominante. Vem se observando um aumento de maior interesse pela atividade, permitindo a manutenção de pequenos produtores nas atividades agrícolas. A grande maioria do processo produtivo na agricultura familiar está relacionada a propriedades normalmente de menor porte e estrutura, com conceitos mais simples. Sob essa ótica, é de suma importância avançar nesse segmento para o estímulo à prática do conceito de “Saúde Única” (One Health), que se relacionam ao ser humano, aos animais e ao meio ambiente, que se interagem, com o objetivo final a saúde coletiva, e a sanidade animal, com o objetivo de controlar a ocorrência de zoonoses importantes como a brucelose, tuberculose, raiva, e leptospirose.(AU)

Family farming is characterized as subsistence and small-scale agriculture, following some criteria such as type of farm, income and total utilized area of up to four fiscal modules. This rural tracking limits the family unit's annual financial income based on the number of employees who may be hired to complete the family workforce, which should be predominant. Increasing interest in the activity has been observed, allowing the maintenance of small producers in agricultural activities. The vast majority of the family farming production process is related to normally smaller properties and structures, with simpler concepts. From this perspective, it is of utmost importance to advance in this segment to stimulate the practice of the concept of “One Health”, which report to humans, animals and the environment, which interact with the ultimate goal. Collective health, and animal health to control the occurrence of important zoonoses such as brucellosis, tuberculosis, rabies, and leptospirosis.(AU)

La agricultura familiar se caracteriza por la agricultura de subsistencia y la pequeña producción, siguiendo algunos criterios, como el tipo de explotación, el ingreso y el área total utilizada de hasta cuatro módulos fiscales. Este monitoreo rural limita el ingreso financiero anual de la unidad familiar en función de la cantidad de empleados que pueden ser contratados para complementar la fuerza laboral familiar predominante. Se ha observado un creciente interés en la actividad, permitiendo el mantenimiento de pequeños productores en actividades agrícolas. La gran mayoría del proceso de producción de la agricultura familiar está relacionado con propiedades y estructuras normalmente más pequeñas, con conceptos más simples. Desde esta perspectiva, es extremadamente importante avanzar en este segmento para fomentar la práctica del concepto de “Una salud”, que se relaciona con los seres humanos, los animales y el medio ambiente, que interactúan con el objetivo final. Salud pública y salud animal para controlar la aparición de zoonosis importantes como brucelosis, tuberculosis, rabia y leptospirosis.(AU)

Wild mouse & laboratory mouse historical aspects, genetic selection and welfare / Camundongo selvagem & camundongo de laboratório aspectos históricos, seleção genética e bem estar

The mouse is the most used animal model in biomedical pre clinical trials. Its phylogeny descends from the genus Mus, subgenus Mus and species Mus musculus. The origin of this animal as an experimental model is due to the capture of wild subspecies mainly Mus musculus domesticus, Mus musculus musculus, Mus musculus castaneus and the hybrid subspecie Mus musculus molosinus. For centuries, diverse breeders with diverse geographical locations have been breeding and swapping selected individuals from among them, which has promoted very large genetic variability and difficulty in accurately recording subspecies that gave rise to both isogenic strains and outbred stocks individuals. The couple Abbie Lathrop and Leo Loeb in Massachusetts (United States of America) are the most cited in this activity. But it was documented, mainly at the origin of the inbred lineages, however, Swiss outbred stock that other unknownsuppliers were selecting albino mice and supplying to research institutes. Currently, we believe in the theory of the subspecies Mus musculus laboratorius existence in house facilities. Because through years suffering artificial evolutionary and selective pressuresthe extreme adaptability of this animal (which made it possible to be captured in the wild and reproduce in captivity) also made the restriction of space in the laboratory enviroment. However, we must take into consideration, with great respect for this animal, that despite its adaptability, its welfare is linked to the expression of its intrinsic natural behavior to the species M. musculus. Thus we have the obligation to provide mating and management directed at reducing the aggressiveness of adult males; searchingfor equipment and materials to the mouse preference; avoiding abrupt changes inenvironment and routine and proper handling...

O camundongo é o modelo animal mais utilizado em ensaios biomédicos. Sua filogenia descende do gênero Mus, subgênero Mus e espécie Mus musculus. A origem desse animal como modelo experimental, deve-se a captura de subespécies selvagens como as Mus musculus domesticus, Mus musculus musculus, Mus musculus castaneuse do híbrido Mus musculus molosinus. Durante séculos, diversos criadores, comdiversas localizações geográficas, realizaram o acasalamento e troca de indivíduos selecionados entre eles, o que promoveu uma variabilidade genética muito grande e uma dificuldade de precisão de registros das subespécies que deram origem tanto as linhagens isogênicas e os indivíduos outbred stocks. O casal Abbie Lathrop e Leo Loebem Massachusetts nos Estados Unidos são os mais citados nessa atividade. Porém sua origem foi documentada, principalmente em relação à linhagem inbred, contudo em relação ao Swiss outbred stock os relatos sugerem que outros fornecedores desconhecidos realizavam a seleção de camundongos albinos e forneciam a instituosde pesquisa. Atualmente, acreditamos na teoria da existência da subespécie Musmusculus laboratorius, pois através de anos sofrendo pressões evolutivas e seletivas artificiais, a extrema capacidade de adaptabilidade desse animal (que o possibilitou ser capturado na natureza e se reproduzir em cativeiro) também tornou adaptado à restrição de espaço em biotério. Contudo, devemos levar em consideração, com muito respeito a esse animal, que apesar dessa adaptabilidade, o seu bem estar é inerente a expressão do comportamento natural intrínsseco da espécie M. musculus. Dessa forma temos a obrigação de propiciar acasalamento e manejo direcionado a redução da agressividade de indivíduos machos adultos, busca por equipamentos emateriais que sejam de preferência do animal, evitar mudanças abruptas de ambiente e rotina e manipulação adequada...

Wild mouse & laboratory mouse historical aspects, genetic selection and welfare / Camundongo selvagem & camundongo de laboratório aspectos históricos, seleção genética e bem estar

The mouse is the most used animal model in biomedical pre clinical trials. Its phylogeny descends from the genus Mus, subgenus Mus and species Mus musculus. The origin of this animal as an experimental model is due to the capture of wild subspecies mainly Mus musculus domesticus, Mus musculus musculus, Mus musculus castaneus and the hybrid subspecie Mus musculus molosinus. For centuries, diverse breeders with diverse geographical locations have been breeding and swapping selected individuals from among them, which has promoted very large genetic variability and difficulty in accurately recording subspecies that gave rise to both isogenic strains and outbred stocks individuals. The couple Abbie Lathrop and Leo Loeb in Massachusetts (United States of America) are the most cited in this activity. But it was documented, mainly at the origin of the inbred lineages, however, Swiss outbred stock that other unknownsuppliers were selecting albino mice and supplying to research institutes. Currently, we believe in the theory of the subspecies Mus musculus laboratorius existence in house facilities. Because through years suffering artificial evolutionary and selective pressuresthe extreme adaptability of this animal (which made it possible to be captured in the wild and reproduce in captivity) also made the restriction of space in the laboratory enviroment. However, we must take into consideration, with great respect for this animal, that despite its adaptability, its welfare is linked to the expression of its intrinsic natural behavior to the species M. musculus. Thus we have the obligation to provide mating and management directed at reducing the aggressiveness of adult males; searchingfor equipment and materials to the mouse preference; avoiding abrupt changes inenvironment and routine and proper handling...(AU)

O camundongo é o modelo animal mais utilizado em ensaios biomédicos. Sua filogenia descende do gênero Mus, subgênero Mus e espécie Mus musculus. A origem desse animal como modelo experimental, deve-se a captura de subespécies selvagens como as Mus musculus domesticus, Mus musculus musculus, Mus musculus castaneuse do híbrido Mus musculus molosinus. Durante séculos, diversos criadores, comdiversas localizações geográficas, realizaram o acasalamento e troca de indivíduos selecionados entre eles, o que promoveu uma variabilidade genética muito grande e uma dificuldade de precisão de registros das subespécies que deram origem tanto as linhagens isogênicas e os indivíduos outbred stocks. O casal Abbie Lathrop e Leo Loebem Massachusetts nos Estados Unidos são os mais citados nessa atividade. Porém sua origem foi documentada, principalmente em relação à linhagem inbred, contudo em relação ao Swiss outbred stock os relatos sugerem que outros fornecedores desconhecidos realizavam a seleção de camundongos albinos e forneciam a instituosde pesquisa. Atualmente, acreditamos na teoria da existência da subespécie Musmusculus laboratorius, pois através de anos sofrendo pressões evolutivas e seletivas artificiais, a extrema capacidade de adaptabilidade desse animal (que o possibilitou ser capturado na natureza e se reproduzir em cativeiro) também tornou adaptado à restrição de espaço em biotério. Contudo, devemos levar em consideração, com muito respeito a esse animal, que apesar dessa adaptabilidade, o seu bem estar é inerente a expressão do comportamento natural intrínsseco da espécie M. musculus. Dessa forma temos a obrigação de propiciar acasalamento e manejo direcionado a redução da agressividade de indivíduos machos adultos, busca por equipamentos emateriais que sejam de preferência do animal, evitar mudanças abruptas de ambiente e rotina e manipulação adequada...(AU)

Adopt a Bacterium - an active and collaborative learning experience in microbiology based on social media

The Adopt a Bacterium project is based on the use of social network as a tool in Microbiology undergraduate education, improving student learning and encouraging students to participate in collaborative learning. The approach involves active participation of both students and teachers, emphasizing knowledge exchange, based on widely used social media. Students were organized in groups and asked to adopt a specific bacterial genus and, subsequently, submit posts about adopted genus. The formative assessment is based on posting information on Facebook®, and the summative assessment involves presentation of seminars about the adopted theme. To evaluate the project, students filled out three anonymous and voluntary surveys. Most of the students enjoyed the activities and positively evaluated the experience. A large amount of students declared a change in their attitude towards the way they processed information, especially regarding the use of scientific sources. Finally, we evaluated knowledge retention six months after the end of the course and students were able to recall relevant Microbiology concepts. Our results suggest that the Adopt a Bacterium project represents a useful strategy in Microbiology learning and may be applied to other academic fields.(AU)

An analysis of the Brazilian researchers on freshwater fish genetics and reproduction as coauthors in academic papers

Science is a social activity in some senses: first, in any of its fields science is an accumulated body of knowledge inherited from generations of antecessors by its practitioners, the scientists. In second place, the results of the scientific findings are shared socially and finally, those results to be successfully achieved demands from the researchers a high grade of collaboration, through the formations of a social network. The collaboration between researchers may result in the publication of an academic article. This publication serves as an index of the existence of a social network of collaboration between researchers and may reveal how a specific field of knowledge has been established, who are the researchers that act as facilitators among colleagues as well as to give some clues about the direction the specific field may unfold.The objective of this work was apply techniques of Social Network Analysis on the community formed by the Brazilian researchers, that are granted a CNPq scholarship on research productivity, with an interest in genetics and reproduction of freshwater fishes. Their linkage in co-authoring research papers published byacademic journals were examined. For the determination of this community and the academic articles, the existing data of researchers in the PlatformLattes of the CNPq database were extracted through the applicative ScriptLattes, which search for the works published in co-authorship. Later, on these data was applied a software dedicated to the Analysis of Social Networks, and graphs of social network and some of its metrics were obtained. The analysis found the Lattes CVs of 33 researchers who published 1156 articles in co-authorship in 502 different journals. As a result, the analysis shows that these researchers form an academic network with low density, and in twenty periodicals were published 25% of the articles produced in co-authorship by those researchers.

An analysis of the Brazilian researchers on freshwater fish genetics and reproduction as coauthors in academic papers

Science is a social activity in some senses: first, in any of its fields science is an accumulated body of knowledge inherited from generations of antecessors by its practitioners, the scientists. In second place, the results of the scientific findings are shared socially and finally, those results to be successfully achieved demands from the researchers a high grade of collaboration, through the formations of a social network. The collaboration between researchers may result in the publication of an academic article. This publication serves as an index of the existence of a social network of collaboration between researchers and may reveal how a specific field of knowledge has been established, who are the researchers that act as facilitators among colleagues as well as to give some clues about the direction the specific field may unfold.The objective of this work was apply techniques of Social Network Analysis on the community formed by the Brazilian researchers, that are granted a CNPq scholarship on research productivity, with an interest in genetics and reproduction of freshwater fishes. Their linkage in co-authoring research papers published byacademic journals were examined. For the determination of this community and the academic articles, the existing data of researchers in the PlatformLattes of the CNPq database were extracted through the applicative ScriptLattes, which search for the works published in co-authorship. Later, on these data was applied a software dedicated to the Analysis of Social Networks, and graphs of social network and some of its metrics were obtained. The analysis found the Lattes CVs of 33 researchers who published 1156 articles in co-authorship in 502 different journals. As a result, the analysis shows that these researchers form an academic network with low density, and in twenty periodicals were published 25% of the articles produced in co-authorship by those researchers.(AU)

Efficacy and safety of a four-drug fixed-dose combination regimen versus separate drugs for treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Tuberculosis, particularly multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. To the best of our knowledge, however, no study to date has assessed the combined use of the four available drugs for tuberculosis treatment, which is an issue of great clinical relevance. Objective: To determine whether the four-drug fixed-dose combination is safer or more effective than separate drugs for treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results: In pooled results from five randomized controlled trials with 3502 patients across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, four-drug fixed-dose combination therapy was no better than separate drugs therapy in terms of culture conversion after 2 and 6 months of treatment. There were no significant differences between the groups in overall incidence of adverse effects. However, the meta-analytic measure (log odds ratio) revealed that separate drugs treatment had a 1.65 [exp (0.5) = 1.65] increased chance of gastrointestinal adverse effects compared to four-drug fixed-dose combination treatment. Conclusions: The reviewed studies showed that four-drug fixed-dose combination therapy provides greater patient comfort by reducing the number of pills and the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects, as well as simplifying pharmaceutical management at all levels.(AU)

Exploring interactions of plant microbiomes

A plethora of microbial cells is present in every gram of soil, and microbes are found extensively in plant and animal tissues. The mechanisms governed by microorganisms in the regulation of physiological processes of their hosts have been extensively studied in the light of recent findings on microbiomes. In plants, the components of these microbiomes may form distinct communities, such as those inhabiting the plant rhizosphere, the endosphere and the phyllosphere. In each of these niches, the "microbial tissue" is established by, and responds to, specific selective pressures. Although there is no clear picture of the overall role of the plant microbiome, there is substantial evidence that these communities are involved in disease control, enhance nutrient acquisition, and affect stress tolerance. In this review, we first summarize features of microbial communities that compose the plant microbiome and further present a series of studies describing the underpinning factors that shape the phylogenetic and functional plant-associated communities. We advocate the idea that understanding the mechanisms by which plants select and interact with their microbiomes may have a direct effect on plant development and health, and further lead to the establishment of novel microbiome-driven strategies, that can cope with the development of a more sustainable agriculture.

Exploring interactions of plant microbiomes

A plethora of microbial cells is present in every gram of soil, and microbes are found extensively in plant and animal tissues. The mechanisms governed by microorganisms in the regulation of physiological processes of their hosts have been extensively studied in the light of recent findings on microbiomes. In plants, the components of these microbiomes may form distinct communities, such as those inhabiting the plant rhizosphere, the endosphere and the phyllosphere. In each of these niches, the "microbial tissue" is established by, and responds to, specific selective pressures. Although there is no clear picture of the overall role of the plant microbiome, there is substantial evidence that these communities are involved in disease control, enhance nutrient acquisition, and affect stress tolerance. In this review, we first summarize features of microbial communities that compose the plant microbiome and further present a series of studies describing the underpinning factors that shape the phylogenetic and functional plant-associated communities. We advocate the idea that understanding the mechanisms by which plants select and interact with their microbiomes may have a direct effect on plant development and health, and further lead to the establishment of novel microbiome-driven strategies, that can cope with the development of a more sustainable agriculture.(AU)

Avaliação da Transferência da Metodologia de Assentamento Remoto de larvas de mexilhão Perna perna no Litoral de Santa Catarina

O cultivo de mexilhões, denominado mitilicultura, se consolidou fortemente como atividade econômica no litoral de Santa Catarina e vem tomando notoriedade. A demanda por sementes de mexilhão associadas à sustentabilidade ambiental convergiu para a metodologia de Assentamento Remoto de larvas de mexilhão. Este estudo objetivou analisar o uso desta técnica, pela perspectiva dos produtores, com uma abordagem técnica, cultural e social. Foram realizados 110 questionários estruturados, divididos entre os municípios de Palhoça, Governador Celso Ramos, Penha, Florianópolis e Bombinhas. Por meio de procedimentos estatísticos de porcentagem e Teste qui-quadrado, verificou-se que, a despeito da técnica de Assentamento Remoto de larvas de mexilhão ser continuamente pesquisada e, referenciada no âmbito acadêmico, constatou-se a baixa incidência de seu uso pelos produtores, que em 95,50% dos entrevistados não utilizam a técnica, entretanto 87% relataram conhecer a técnica. Através dos dados gerados foi possível definir o perfil dos mitilicultores entrevistados: 95,50% dos produtores são homens, 41% possuem o ensino fundamental incompleto e 52,70% estão acima de cinquenta anos de idade. Em relação aos impactos sociais e econômicos da mitilicultura, 62% dos entrevistados afirmaram não possuir a atividade como principal fonte de renda, comercializando seus produtos de forma mista e 80,90% dos produtores relataram alcançar uma produção anual superior a 10 toneladas de mexilhões. Tecnicamente, envolvendo suas experiências e conhecimentos, 84,50% dos produtores utilizam sistema de coletores artificiais para adquirir sementes de mexilhão e 84,50% possuem seus cultivos por sistema long line. 87,30% dizem conhecer a técnica de Assentamento Remoto e 77,30% dos entrevistados gostariam de participar de cursos sobre o desenvolvimento desta metodologia. Já em relação ao desenvolvimento local ou setorial, 52,70% dos entrevistados, não pertencem ao terceiro setor. Espera-se que as informações geradas por esta pesquisa possam servir como elementos para aprimorar a visão de parte de um segmento da cadeia produtiva da mitilicultura, possibilitando a compreensão da rede de relações entre diversos agentes produtivos, e assim tornar possíveis alternativas para transformar o estado de Santa Catarina em uma potência aquícola quando comparada ao cenário mundial.

The growth of mussels Perna perna called mitiliculture was strongly consolidated as economic activity on the coast of Santa Catarina and has become notorious. The demand for seeds of mussel associated to environmental sustainability converged to the methodology of Remote Settlement of mussel larvae. This study aimed to analyze the use of this technique, from the perspective of the producers, with a technical, cultural and social emphasis. There were 110 structured questionnaires, divided between the cities Palhoça, Governador Celso Ramos, Penha, Florianópolis and Bombinhas. Through Percent Statistical Procedures and Chi-Square Tests, it was found that, despite the fact that the Remote Settlement Technique of mussel larvae was continually researched and referenced in the academic field, the low incidence of its use by the producers was verified, low incidence of its use by producers, which in 95.50% of the interviewees do not use the technique, however 87% reported knowing the technique. Through the generated data it was possible to define the profile of the mussel producers interviewed: 95.50% of the producers are male, 41% have incomplete primary education and 52.70% are over fifty years of age. Regarding the social and economic impacts of mussel farming, 62% of the respondents stated that they did not have the activity as their main source of income, marketing their products in a mixed way and 80.90% of the producers reported reaching an annual production of more than 10 tons of mussels. Technically, involving their experiences and knowledge, 84.50% of the producers use a system of artificial collectors to acquire mussel seeds and 84.50% have their crops by long line system. 87,30% say they know the Remote Settlement technique and 77,30% of the interviewees would like to participate in courses on the development of this methodology. Regarding local or sectoral development, 52.70% of respondents do not belong to the third sector. It is hoped that the information generated by this research can serve as element to improve the vision of part of a segment of the production chain of the mussel culture, making possible the understanding of the network of relations among several productive agents, and thus to make possible alternatives to transform the state of Santa Catarina in an aquaculture power when compared to the world scenario.

Importance of micro RNAs in developmental biology with respect to gametes and embryos

Background: Advances in the analyses of human and other higher eukaryotic genomes have disclosed a large fraction of the genetic material (ca 98%) which does not code for proteins. Major portion of this non-coding genome is in fact transcribed into an enormous repertoire of functional RNA molecules (ncRNAs) rather than encoding any proteins. Broadly ncRNAs fall into three size classes namely, ~20 nucleotides for the large family of microRNAs, to 25-200 nucleotides for other different families of small RNAs and finally to over thousands of nucleotides for macro ncRNAs involved in eukaryotic gene regulation. Among the ncRNAs that have been revolutionized our understanding of eukaryotic gene expression, microRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been emphasized extensively with enormous potential for playing their pivotal roles in diseases, fertility and development. The miRNAs are estimated to comprise 1­5% of animal genes or a given genome could encode nearly thousands of miRNAs. Moreover, a typical miRNA regulates hundreds of target genes and altogether they could target a large proportion of genes up to 30% of the genome. Review: It was reviewed the involvement of miRNAs for reproductive biology in mammals known so far. Several studies expanding from identification and expression profiling to functional involvement of miRNAs in the ovary have been carried out in different animal species. Several studies highlighted the expression and regulation of some individual miRNAs in different ovarian cells especially in oocyte and granulosa cells. Furthermore the impact of miRNAs for embryonic development was considered. The well-orchestrated expression of genes that are derived from the maternal and/or embryonic genome is required for the onset and maintenance of distinct morphological changes during the embryonic development. Optimum regulation of genes or critical gene regulatory event in favor of early embryonic development have been shown directly (individual miRNAs study) or indirectly (disrupting miRNAs biogenesis) under the control of miRNAs. Finally, miRNA effects on DNA methylation pattern are reported by the review. Reversible DNA methylation and histone modifications are known to have profound effects on controlling gene expression. Correct DNA methylation patterns are paramount for the generation of functional gametes with pluripotency states, embryo development, placental function and the maintenance of genome architecture and expression in somatic cells. Aberrancies in both the epigenetic and in the miRNA regulation of genes have been documented to be important in diseases and early development. Interestingly, it has been evident that there is an effect of miRNAs on epigenetic machinery. On the other hand miRNA expression also found to be controlled by epigenetic mechanisms. Conclusion: Significant advancements have been made in recent years on understanding the involvement of miRNA's in ovarian function, gene regulation well as early embryonic development. Since this area of research is rapidly moving forward it is expected that a lot of information regarding miRNA-mediated posttranscriptional gene regulation and their epigenetic regulation in ruminant reproduction biology will be known within the next several years. Studies to identify the specific miRNAs, their target genes and post transcriptional regulatory network will further shed light on the importance of specific miRNA both for the development and function of reproductive tissues as well as disease condition. Once relevant miRNAs and functional targets are identified, possible clinical use for these molecules will represent the next front line and may lead to novel strategies for better enhancing or manipulating reproductive efficiency.

A new concept in prophylaxis and therapy: paramunization by poxvirus inducers

The so-called primitive, innate or paraspecific immune system is the phylogenetically older part of the complex immune system. It enables the organism to immediately attack various foreign substances, infectious pathogens, toxins and transformed cells of the organism itself. "Paramunity" is defined as an optimal regulated and activated, antigen-nonspecific defence, acquired through continuous active and succesful confrontation with endogenous and exogenous noxes or by means of "paramunization" with so called "paramunity inducers". Paramunity inducers based on different pox virus species (e.g. Baypamun®, Duphapind®, Conpind) have turned out to be effective and safe when applied with human beings as well as with animals. Pox virus inducers activate phagocytosis and NK-cells in addition to regulation of various cytokines, notably interferon a and g, IL 1, 2, CSF and TNF which comprise the network of the complex paraspecific immune system. The results of experimental work as well as practical use in veterinary medicine have shown that paramunization by pox inducers goes far beyond the common understanding of so-called ,,immuno-therapy". They are "bioregulators", because they have 1. a regulatory effect on a disturbed immune system in the sense of an optimal homoeostasis, and 2. simultaneously a regulatory effect between the immune, nervous, circulatory and hormone system. Therefore, the use of paramunization by pox inducers opens a new way of prophylaxis and therapy, not only with regard to infections, but also with regard to different other indications (AU)

Analysis of collaboration networks for scientific and technological research on passion fruit / Análise das redes de colaboração em ações de pesquisa científica e tecnológica sobre maracujá

Scientific research on passion fruit has been conducted in several institutions worldwide, and it is of interest to the productive sector, the scientific community, and science and technology managers to learn about current scientific advances and opportunities through metric studies of bibliographic information. A survey of publications indexed in the Web of Science and the Agricultural Research Database-BDPA, in European Patent Office - Espacenet, and Embrapa's technologies and projects were used as indicators to characterize research networks. This study analyzed the co-authorship and co-citation network of scientific production, the strength of connections among institutions, and a map of co-occurrence of keywords from 2001 to 2020. Brazil, the United States, Colombia, and France had the largest co-authorship networks for Passifloraceae. Brazilian institutions that are in a prominent position in the analysis of co-authorship networks and that produced the largest number of publications were Embrapa, University of São Paulo (USP), and State University of Campinas (Unicamp). The main themes studied were adsorption, antioxidant, clarification, evolution, flavonoid, flowering, growth, and somatic embryogenesis. Patents related to the use of passifloras were highest between 2015 and 2017 and were mainly focused on the production of food, beverages, cosmetics, and medicines. Brazil has relevant bibliographic production and technological development regarding passion fruit for the academic community and rural producers. These results integrated aspects of scientific activity that can help explore new research directions and explain the use and circulation of scientific production.

As pesquisas sobre o maracujá são realizadas em diversas instituições ao redor do mundo e é de interesse do setor produtivo, da comunidade científica e dos gestores de ciência e tecnologia, conhecer a dinâmica da ciência por meio de estudos métricos das informações bibliográficas. O levantamento das publicações indexadas na Web of Science e na Base de Dados de Pesquisa Agropecuária da Embrapa (BDPA), os registros no Escritório Europeu de Patentes - Espacenet, as tecnologias e os projetos da Embrapa foram utilizados como indicadores para caracterizar as redes de pesquisa sobre os maracujás. Este estudo analisou a rede de coautoria e cocitação da produção científica, a força de conexão entre as instituições e o mapa de coocorrência de palavras-chave entre 2001 e 2020. Brasil, Estados Unidos, Colômbia e França tiveram as maiores redes de coautoria em Passifloraceaes. As instituições brasileiras em posição de destaque na análise das redes de coautoria e que produziram o maior número de publicações foram Embrapa, USP e Unicamp. Os principais temas estudados foram adsorção, antioxidante, clarificação, evolução, flavonoide, floração, crescimento e embriogênese somática. As patentes relacionadas ao uso do maracujá tiveram destaque entre 2015 e 2017 com foco na produção de alimentos, bebidas, cosméticos e medicamentos. O Brasil possui relevante produção bibliográfica e desenvolvimento tecnológico sobre o maracujá tanto para a comunidade acadêmica quanto para os produtores rurais. Estes resultados integram aspectos da atividade científica que poderão prospectar novos direcionamentos de pesquisa e tornar conhecidos o uso e a circulação da produção científica.