Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) improves the antioxidant system but induces lipid accumulation in the liver of rats.

Acrocomia aculeata pulp (ACP) is a source of oleic acid, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids that protect against diseases and improve antioxidant capacity. We evaluated whether regular intake of ACP, in combination with a standard diet, improves the antioxidant system and physiological parameters. Male Wistar rats were divided into: control (C), 250 mg/kg ACP, and 500 mg/kg ACP groups. Rats received either water or the respective A. aculeata solution doses for 28 days. We observed increased food intake, lower carcass protein levels, and higher carcass lipid levels in the 500 mg/kg ACP group than in the other groups. Postprandial glucose, oral glucose tolerance test results, and the area under the curve were greater, while urea was lower in the 500 mg/kg ACP group. Total liver lipids were increased, and PPAR-α, PPARγ, and carbonylated protein levels were reduced in the 500 mg/kg ACP group. NRF2 contents and glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities were increased in the 500 mg/kg ACP group. In the 250 mg/kg ACP group, only glutathione system activity increased. Thus, ACP intake improved the enzymatic antioxidant system in the liver at the evaluated doses, although the 500 mg/kg dose induced alterations in lipid, protein, and carbohydrate metabolism.

Gene prioritization based on random walks with restarts and absorbing states, to define gene sets regulating drug pharmacodynamics from single-cell analyses.

Prioritizing genes for their role in drug sensitivity, is an important step in understanding drugs mechanisms of action and discovering new molecular targets for co-treatment. To formalize this problem, we consider two sets of genes X and P respectively composing the gene signature of cell sensitivity at the drug IC50 and the genes involved in its mechanism of action, as well as a protein interaction network (PPIN) containing the products of X and P as nodes. We introduce Genetrank, a method to prioritize the genes in X for their likelihood to regulate the genes in P. Genetrank uses asymmetric random walks with restarts, absorbing states, and a suitable renormalization scheme. Using novel so-called saturation indices, we show that the conjunction of absorbing states and renormalization yields an exploration of the PPIN which is much more progressive than that afforded by random walks with restarts only. Using MINT as underlying network, we apply Genetrank to a predictive gene signature of cancer cells sensitivity to tumor-necrosis-factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), performed in single-cells. Our ranking provides biological insights on drug sensitivity and a gene set considerably enriched in genes regulating TRAIL pharmacodynamics when compared to the most significant differentially expressed genes obtained from a statistical analysis framework alone. We also introduce gene expression radars, a visualization tool embedded in MA plots to assess all pairwise interactions at a glance on graphical representations of transcriptomics data. Genetrank is made available in the Structural Bioinformatics Library (https://sbl.inria.fr/doc/Genetrank-user-manual.html). It should prove useful for mining gene sets in conjunction with a signaling pathway, whenever other approaches yield relatively large sets of genes.

High-Resolution Magic-Angle Spinning NMR Spectroscopy for Evaluation of Cell Shielding by Virucidal Composites Based on Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles, Flexible Cellulose Nanofibers and Graphene Oxide.

Antiviral and non-toxic effects of silver nanoparticles onto in vitro cells infected with coronavirus were evaluated in this study using High-Resolution Magic-Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (HR-MAS NMR) spectroscopy. Silver nanoparticles were designed and synthesized using an orange flavonoid-hesperetin (HST)-for reduction of silver(I) and stabilization of as obtained nanoparticles. The bio-inspired process is a simple, clean, and sustainable way to synthesize biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNP@HST) with diameters of ∼20 nm and low zeta potential (-40 mV), with great colloidal stability monitored for 2 years. The nanoparticles were used for the fabrication of two types of antiviral materials: colloids (AgNP@HST spray) and 3D flexible nanostructured composites. The composites, decorated with AgNP@HST (0.05 mmol L-1), were made using cellulose nanofibers (CNF) obtained from orange peel and graphene oxide (GO), being denominated CNF@GO@AgNP@HST. Both materials showed high virucidal activity against coronaviruses in cell infection in vitro models and successfully inhibited the viral activity in cells. HR-MAS 1H-NMR technique was used for determining nanomaterials' effects on living cells and their influences on metabolic pathways, as well as to study viral effects on cells. It was proven that none of the manufactured materials showed toxicity towards the intact cells used. Furthermore, viral infection was reverted when cells, infected with the coronavirus, were treated using the as-fabricated nanomaterials. These significant results open possibilities for antiviral application of 3D flexible nanostructured composite such as packaging papers and filters for facial masks, while the colloidal AgNP@HST spray can be used for disinfecting surfaces, as well as a nasal, mouth, and eye spray.

Impact of dietary vitamin A deficiency on body physiology and liver metabolism of Wistar rats.

Background: Studies suggest that vitamin A deficiency (VAD) can cause night blindness or xerophthalmia, hepatic and metabolic changes in the blood. Aim: Therefore, this work aimed to stablish a model of hypovitaminosis A in rats and to evaluate the effects of vitamin A deficiency on metabolic and oxidative parameters in the liver of rats. Methods: Male (n = 19), Wistar, rats (21-day-old) weighing 50g, divided into two experimental groups: Control Group (C), received AIN 93G diet and Vitamin A Deficiency Group (VAD), received AIN 93G vitamin A-free diet for 45 days. In this work, the parameters analyzed were: body mass, food and water intake, biochemical aspects in the blood, lipids and glycogen content, lipid peroxidation, carbonyl proteins and catalase activity in the liver. Results: In the VAD group, final body mass (9%), liver mass (28%), glycemia (14%), Total -cholesterol (17%), HDL -cholesterol (31%) and VLDL -cholesterol (30%) showed reduced (p < 0.05). The liver lipid (64%) and glyceride-fatty acid (74%) contents were higher in the VAD group. The carbonyl proteins in liver were increased by 171% (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In summary, these results suggest that the absence of vitamin A from the diet was effective in inducing characteristics of hypovitaminosis A in rats. This way, can be used for studies related to glucose and lipid metabolism.

Educational interventions for physical activity among Brazilian adults: systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the main evidence from educational interventions designed to increase levels of physical activity (PA) among Brazilian adults. METHODS: Systematic review of intervention studies carried out in Brazil that implemented educational components aimed at promoting increased levels of PA among adult populations (18 to 65 years old). In October 2020, systematic searches were conducted in six databases, and in the reference lists of the assessed studies. RESULTS: Of the initial 2,511 studies, nine were included in the synthesis. Samples with specific characteristics (such as social vulnerability, physical inactivity, and overweight or obesity) were observed, with a greater number of women. Five interventions (55.6%) occurred in primary healthcare settings (PHC) of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). Only four studies (44.4%) described the pedagogical frameworks structuring the educational approaches, among which counseling was the most used strategy, such as those carried out through face-to-face meetings, home visits, lectures, and phone calls (n = 8; 88.9%). Positive results were observed in three different indicators: increase in weekly PA volume (n = 4); increase in leisure-time PA rate (n = 1); and increase in the proportion of women classified as "very active/active" (n = 1). Given the sampling specificities, the domain "participant selection" showed a high number of interventions with high risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: Educational approaches engendered some positive effects on different PA indicators, notably counseling as the main strategy used and approaches involving other health themes, such as nutrition and stress. However, considering the several determinants of PA in Brazil, future interventions should be conducted in different locations of Brazil in order to evaluate, in a broader way, their implementation processes and articulation with the many professionals working in PHC.

Healthcare-Associated Infections-Related Bacteriome and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiling: Assessing Contamination Hotspots in a Developing Country Public Hospital.

Hospital-built environment colonization by healthcare-associated infections-related bacteria (HAIrB) and the interaction with their occupants have been studied to support more effective tools for HAI control. To investigate HAIrB dynamics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile we carried out a 6-month surveillance program in a developing country public hospital, targeting patients, hospital environment, and healthcare workers, using culture-dependent and culture-independent 16S rRNA gene sequencing methods. The bacterial abundance in both approaches shows that the HAIrB group has important representativeness, with the taxa Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, E. coli, and A. baumannii widely dispersed and abundant over the time at the five different hospital units included in the survey. We observed a high abundance of HAIrB in the patient rectum, hands, and nasal sites. In the healthcare workers, the HAIrB distribution was similar for the hands, protective clothing, and mobile phones. In the hospital environment, the healthcare workers resting areas, bathrooms, and bed equipment presented a wide distribution of HAIrB and AMR, being classified as contamination hotspots. AMR is highest in patients, followed by the environment and healthcare workers. The most frequently detected beta-lactamases genes were, bla SHV-like, bla OXA- 23 -like, bla OXA- 51 -like, bla KPC-like, bla CTX-M- 1, bla CTX-M- 8, and bla CTX-M- 9 groups. Our results demonstrate that there is a wide spread of antimicrobial resistance due to HAIrB in the hospital environment, circulating among patients and healthcare workers. The contamination hotspots identified proved to be constant over time. In the fight for patient safety, these findings can reorient practices and help to set up new guidelines for HAI control.

Color Stability and Surface Roughness of Hybrid and Nanofilled Composites Brushed with Abrasive Dentifrices / Estabilidade de Cor e Rugosidade Superficial de Resinas Compostas Micro-Híbridas e Nanoparticulada Submetidas à Escovação com Dentifrícios Abrasivos

The aim of this study was to evaluate the color stability and the surface roughness of different composites brushed with toothpastes presenting different levels of abrasivity. Thirty discs of each material were obtained using michohybrid composites (Brilliant NG and Charisma Diamond) and a nanocomposite (Filtek Z350XT). The initial color (CIELab) and surface roughness (confocal laser scanning microscopy) of resin discs were evaluated. Afterwards, 10 specimens per group were brushed with the following dentifrices: Maximum Cavity Protection, Sensodyne Repair & Protect and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief. Brushing was performed with an electric toothbrush equipped with soft bristle head, with standard power and weight, for 30 minutes. Every 30 seconds, 1.0 ml of the slurry was injected between the bristles of the brush and the specimen. After abrasive challenge, the samples had their color and roughness reevaluated. Data were submitted to the Kruskal-Wallis test (color change) or the t-test (surface roughness). The level of significance was 5%. Results: Brushing did not significantly change the color of the composites tested in the study herein . On the other hand, the surface roughness of the composites was significantly affected by the abrasive challenge, regardless of the toothpaste used. The surface roughness change was similar for all the composites. The abrasive challenge with the toothpastes Maximum Cavity protection, Sensodyne Repair & Protect and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief was not able to significantly change the color of the composite resins. Nevertheless, the abrasive challenges significantly altered the surface roughness of all the evaluated composites. However, the changes in surface roughness were statistically similar in the microhybrid and nanofilled composites. (AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a estabilidade de cor e a rugosidade superficial de diferentes resinas compostas escovadas com dentifrícios de diferentes níveis de abrasividade. Trinta discos de cada material foram obtidos utilizando compósitos micro-híbridos (Brilliant NG e Charisma Diamond) e um nanocompósito (Filtek Z350XT). A cor inicial (CIELab) e a rugosidade superficial (microscopia confocal de varredura a laser) dos discos de resina foram avaliadas. Em seguida, 10 amostras por grupo foram escovadas com os dentifrícios Máxima Proteção Anticáries, Sensodyne Repair & Protect e Colgate Sensitive Pro-Alívio. A escovação foi realizada com uma escova elétrica com cabeça de cerdas macias, com potência e peso padronizados, durante 30 minutos. A cada 30 segundos, 1,0 ml da pasta era injetada entre as cerdas da escova e a amostra. Após o desafio abrasivo, as amostras tiveram sua cor e rugosidade reavaliadas. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste de Kruskal-Wallis (alteração de cor) ou ao teste t (rugosidade da superfície) (α=5%). A escovação não alterou significativamente a cor dos compósitos. Por outro lado, a rugosidade superficial dos compósitos foi significativamente afetada pelo desafio abrasivo, independentemente do dentifrício utilizado. A alteração da rugosidade superficial foi semelhante para todos os compósitos. O desafio abrasivo com a Máxima Proteção Anticáries, o Sensodyne Repair & Protect e o Colgate Sensitive Pro-Alívio não foi capaz de alterar significativamente a cor das resinas. Diferentemente, os desafios abrasivos alteraram significativamente a rugosidade superficial de todos os compósitos avaliados. No entanto, as mudanças na rugosidade foram estatisticamente semelhantes nos compósitos micro-híbridos e nanoparticulado. (AU)

Educational interventions for physical activity among Brazilian adults: systematic review / Intervenções educativas para atividade física em adultos brasileiros: revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To summarize the main evidence from educational interventions designed to increase levels of physical activity (PA) among Brazilian adults. METHODS Systematic review of intervention studies carried out in Brazil that implemented educational components aimed at promoting increased levels of PA among adult populations (18 to 65 years old). In October 2020, systematic searches were conducted in six databases, and in the reference lists of the assessed studies. RESULTS Of the initial 2,511 studies, nine were included in the synthesis. Samples with specific characteristics (such as social vulnerability, physical inactivity, and overweight or obesity) were observed, with a greater number of women. Five interventions (55.6%) occurred in primary healthcare settings (PHC) of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). Only four studies (44.4%) described the pedagogical frameworks structuring the educational approaches, among which counseling was the most used strategy, such as those carried out through face-to-face meetings, home visits, lectures, and phone calls (n = 8; 88.9%). Positive results were observed in three different indicators: increase in weekly PA volume (n = 4); increase in leisure-time PA rate (n = 1); and increase in the proportion of women classified as "very active/active" (n = 1). Given the sampling specificities, the domain "participant selection" showed a high number of interventions with high risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS Educational approaches engendered some positive effects on different PA indicators, notably counseling as the main strategy used and approaches involving other health themes, such as nutrition and stress. However, considering the several determinants of PA in Brazil, future interventions should be conducted in different locations of Brazil in order to evaluate, in a broader way, their implementation processes and articulation with the many professionals working in PHC.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Sumarizar as principais evidências de intervenções educativas delineadas para o aumento dos níveis de atividade física (AF) em adultos brasileiros. MÉTODOS Revisão sistemática de estudos de intervenção conduzidos no Brasil, que implementaram componentes educativos com a finalidade de promover o aumento dos níveis de AF em populações de adultos (18 a 65 anos). Em outubro de 2020, buscas sistemáticas foram conduzidas em seis bases de dados e nas listas de referências dos artigos avaliados. RESULTADOS Dos 2.511 artigos iniciais, nove compuseram a síntese. Foram observadas amostras com características específicas (como vulnerabilidade social, inatividade física e sobrepeso ou obesidade), com maior número de mulheres. Cinco intervenções (55,6%) ocorreram nos cenários da atenção primária à saúde (APS) do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Apenas em quatro estudos (44,4%) houve descrição dos referenciais pedagógicos estruturantes das abordagens educativas, dentro os quais o aconselhamento se configurou como a estratégia mais utilizada, como aquelas realizadas por meio de encontros presenciais, visitas domiciliares, palestras e chamadas telefônicas (n = 8; 88,9%). Resultados positivos foram observados em três distintos indicadores: aumento do volume semanal de AF (n = 4); aumento do índice de AF no lazer (n = 1); e aumento da proporção de mulheres classificadas como "muito ativas/ativas" (n = 1). Visto as especificidades amostrais, o domínio "seleção dos participantes" apresentou elevado número de intervenções com alto risco de viés. CONCLUSÕES As abordagens educativas produziram alguns efeitos positivos em distintos indicadores de AF, destacando-se o aconselhamento como principal estratégia utilizada e as abordagens que envolveram outras temáticas de saúde, como nutrição e estresse. Contudo, frente aos diversos determinantes da AF no Brasil, é importante que futuras intervenções sejam conduzidas em variadas localizações do país, de forma que avaliem, de maneira mais ampla, seus processos de implementação e articulação com os distintos profissionais que atuam na APS.

Identification and characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. isolated from surfaces near patients in an intensive care unit of a hospital in southeastern Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Contaminated hospital environments contribute to the transmission of microorganisms associated with healthcare. Contaminated surfaces handled by patients or healthcare professionals are a source of microorganism transmission by hand. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus bacteria are among the main agents responsible for increasing healthcare-associated infections in Brazil and worldwide. METHODS: The objective of this study was to screen and characterize methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. on surfaces near patients in an intensive care unit. Microbiological samples, collected from ten beds in an intensive care unit with five sampling sites, were inoculated into a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus chromogenic medium. MALDI-TOF and PCR analyses were used to identify the bacteria. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the disk diffusion test. The presence of the mecA gene was investigated using PCR. RESULTS: We observed that 44 out of the 50 sampling sites presented grown isolates in the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus medium. The incidence of isolated microorganisms on the right side rail, left side rail, tables, infusion pump keypad, and cardiac monitor were 18.8 %, 36.7 %, 10.9 %, 2.4 %, and 31 %, respectively. The 42 isolates included in this study were identified as coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. All of these microorganisms were multidrug-resistant and mecA gene-positive. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified the presence of methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus on the beds of an intensive care unit, providing evidence for the necessity of assertive actions to decrease the risk of healthcare-associated infections at the site.

Identification and characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. isolated from surfaces near patients in an intensive care unit of a hospital in southeastern Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Contaminated hospital environments contribute to the transmission of microorganisms associated with healthcare. Contaminated surfaces handled by patients or healthcare professionals are a source of microorganism transmission by hand. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus bacteria are among the main agents responsible for increasing healthcare-associated infections in Brazil and worldwide. METHODS: The objective of this study was to screen and characterize methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. on surfaces near patients in an intensive care unit. Microbiological samples, collected from ten beds in an intensive care unit with five sampling sites, were inoculated into a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus chromogenic medium. MALDI-TOF and PCR analyses were used to identify the bacteria. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the disk diffusion test. The presence of the mecA gene was investigated using PCR. RESULTS: We observed that 44 out of the 50 sampling sites presented grown isolates in the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus medium. The incidence of isolated microorganisms on the right side rail, left side rail, tables, infusion pump keypad, and cardiac monitor were 18.8 %, 36.7 %, 10.9 %, 2.4 %, and 31 %, respectively. The 42 isolates included in this study were identified as coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. All of these microorganisms were multidrug-resistant and mecA gene-positive. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified the presence of methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus on the beds of an intensive care unit, providing evidence for the necessity of assertive actions to decrease the risk of healthcare-associated infections at the site.

Metabolomic Biomarkers in Mental Disorders: Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia.

Psychiatric disorders are some of the most impairing human diseases. Among them, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are the most common. Both have complicated diagnostics due to their phenotypic, biological, and genetic heterogeneity, unknown etiology, and the underlying biological pathways, and molecular mechanisms are still not completely understood. Given the multifactorial complexity of these disorders, identification and implementation of metabolic biomarkers would assist in their early detection and diagnosis and facilitate disease monitoring and treatment responses. To date, numerous studies have utilized metabolomics to better understand psychiatric disorders, and findings from these studies have begun to converge. In this chapter, we briefly describe some of the metabolomic biomarkers found in these two disorders.

Bio-based synthesis of silver nanoparticles from orange waste: effects of distinct biomolecule coatings on size, morphology, and antimicrobial activity.

PURPOSE: Despite the numerous reports on biological syntheses of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), little is known about the composition of their capping agents, protein corona of plant extract-mediated synthesis, and their influence on the properties of AgNPs. Here, orange (Citrus sinensis) waste was utilized as a source of an extract for AgNP synthesis (the protein corona composition of which was elucidated), and also as a starting material for hesperidin and nanocellulose extraction, which were used for bio-based AgNP synthesis. A comparison of the results using the two methods of synthesis is presented. METHODS: AgNPs were synthesized using orange (C. sinensis) peel extract (Or-AgNPs) in a biological route, and using hesperidin (Hsd-AgNPs) and nanocellulose (extracted from oranges) in a green chemical route. Characterization of nanoparticles was carried out using zeta potential and hydrodynamic size measurements, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Elucidation of proteins from protein corona was performed via ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer experiments. Antimicrobial activity was assessed via minimum inhibitory concentration assays against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Xac), the bacterium that causes citric canker in oranges. RESULTS: Or-AgNPs were not completely uniform in morphology, having a size of 48.1±20.5 nm and a zeta potential of -19.0±0.4 mV. Stabilization was performed mainly by three proteins, which were identified by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments. Hsd-AgNPs were smaller (25.4±12.5 nm) and had uniform morphology. Nanocellulose provided a strong steric and electrostatic (-28.2±1.0 mV) stabilization to the nanoparticles. Both AgNPs presented roughly the same activity against Xac, with the minimum inhibitory concentration range between 22 and 24 µg mL-1. CONCLUSION: Despite the fact that different capping biomolecules on AgNPs had an influence on morphology, size, and stability of AgNPs, the antibacterial activity against Xac was not sensitive to this parameter. Moreover, three proteins from the protein corona of Or-AgNPs were identified.

Qualitative and Quantitative NMR Approaches in Blood Serum Lipidomics.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics can be applied in the analysis of complex biological samples in many ways. For example, we can analyze lipids, elucidate their structures, determine their nutritional values, and determine their distribution in blood serum. As lipids are not soluble in water, they are transported in blood as lipid-rich self-assembled particles, divided into different density assemblies from high- to very-low-density lipoproteins (HDL to VLDL), or by combining with serum proteins, such as albumins (human serum albumins (HSA)). Therefore, serum lipids can be analyzed as they are using only a 1:1 (v/v) dilution with a buffer or deuterated water prior to analysis by applying 1H NMR or 1H NMR edited-by-diffusion techniques. Alternatively, lipids can be extracted from the serum using liquid partition equilibrium and then analyzed using liquid-state NMR techniques. Our chapter describes protocols that are used for extraction of blood serum lipids and their quantitative 1H NMR (1H qNMR) analysis in lipid extracts as well as 1H NMR edited by diffusion for direct blood serum lipid analysis.

Metabolomics and lipidomics analyses by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance of schizophrenia patient serum reveal potential peripheral biomarkers for diagnosis.

Using 1H NMR-based metabolomics in association to chemometrics analysis, we analyzed here the metabolic differences between schizophrenia patients (SCZ) compared to healthy controls (HCs). HCs and SCZ patients underwent clinical interview using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID). SCZ patients were further assessed by Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Calgary Depression Scale, Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF), and Clinical Global Impressions Scale (CGI). Using the principal component analysis (PCA) and supervised partial least-squares discriminate analysis (PLS-DA) in obtained NMR data, a clear group separation between HCs and SCZ patients was achieved. Interestingly, all metabolite compounds identified as exclusively present in the SCZ group, except for the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), were never previously associated with mental disorders. Although the initial perception of an absence of obvious biological link among the different key molecules exclusively observed in each group, and no identification of any specific pathway yet, the present work represents an important contribution for the identification of potential biomarkers to inform diagnosis, as it was possible to completely separate the affected SCZ patients from HCs, with no outliers or exceptions. In addition, the data presented here reinforced the role of the modulation of glycolysis pathway and the loss of GABA interneuron/hyperglutamate hypothesis in SCZ.

Analysis of Three Sugarcane Homo/Homeologous Regions Suggests Independent Polyploidization Events of Saccharum officinarum and Saccharum spontaneum.

Whole genome duplication has played an important role in plant evolution and diversification. Sugarcane is an important crop with a complex hybrid polyploid genome, for which the process of adaptation to polyploidy is still poorly understood. In order to improve our knowledge about sugarcane genome evolution and the homo/homeologous gene expression balance, we sequenced and analyzed 27 BACs (Bacterial Artificial Chromosome) of sugarcane R570 cultivar, containing the putative single-copy genes LFY (seven haplotypes), PHYC (four haplotypes), and TOR (seven haplotypes). Comparative genomic approaches showed that these sugarcane loci presented a high degree of conservation of gene content and collinearity (synteny) with sorghum and rice orthologous regions, but were invaded by transposable elements (TE). All the homo/homeologous haplotypes of LFY, PHYC, and TOR are likely to be functional, because they are all under purifying selection (dN/dS ≪ 1). However, they were found to participate in a nonequivalently manner to the overall expression of the corresponding gene. SNPs, indels, and amino acid substitutions allowed inferring the S. officinarum or S. spontaneum origin of the TOR haplotypes, which further led to the estimation that these two sugarcane ancestral species diverged between 2.5 and 3.5 Ma. In addition, analysis of shared TE insertions in TOR haplotypes suggested that two autopolyploidization may have occurred in the lineage that gave rise to S. officinarum, after its divergence from S. spontaneum.

1H NMR Metabolomic Profiling of Human and Animal Blood Serum Samples.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy techniques allow the acquisition of a large amount of data and when combined with multivariate statistical analysis, it is possible to process and interpret the obtained NMR data in accordance with the biological problem being investigated. In this chapter, the search for biologically relevant biomarkers is addressed using NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomics, due to their clinical relevance for either diagnosis or monitoring of diseases and disorders.

Virus-like attachment sites as structural landmarks of plants retrotransposons.

BACKGROUND: The genomic data available nowadays has enabled the study of repetitive sequences and their relationship to viruses. Among them, long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR-RTs) are the largest component of most plant genomes, the Gypsy and Copia superfamilies being the most common. Recently it has been found that Del lineage, an LTR-RT of Gypsy superfamily, has putative virus-like attachment (vl-att) sites. This signature, originally described for retroviruses, is recognized by retroviral integrase conferring specificity to the integration process. RESULTS: Here we retrieved 26,092 putative complete LTR-RTs from 10 lineages found in 10 fully sequenced angiosperm genomes and found putative vl-att sites that are a conserved structural landmark across these genomes. Furthermore, we reveal that each plant genome has a distinguishable LTR-RT lineage amplification pattern that could be related to the vl-att sites diversity. We used these patterns to generate a specific quick-response (QR) code for each genome that could be used as a barcode of identification of plants in the future. CONCLUSIONS: The universal distribution of vl-att sites represents a new structural feature common to plant LTR-RTs and retroviruses. This is an important finding that expands the information about the structural similarity between LTR-RT and retroviruses. We speculate that the sequence diversity of vl-att sites could be important for the life cycle of retrotransposons, as it was shown for retroviruses. All the structural vl-att site signatures are strong candidates for further functional studies. Moreover, this is the first identification of specific LTR-RT content and their amplification patterns in a large dataset of LTR-RT lineages and angiosperm genomes. These distribution patterns could be used in the future with biotechnological identification purposes.

Histological analysis of the eyeball of Neotropical birds of prey Caracara plancus, Falco sparverius, Rupornis magnirostris, Megascops choliba and Athene cunicularia / Análise histológica do bulbo ocular de aves de rapina neotropicais: Caracara plancus, Falco sparverius, Rupornis magnirostris, Megascops choliba e Athene cunicularia

The growing use of ophthalmic examination as a screening tool in birds intended for reintroduction into natural environments over the last few years has given renewed significance to avian ophthalmology in the context of free-ranging and captive bird conservation. The eye plays a vital role in prey detection and capture by birds of prey. The remarkable eyesight of such birds makes them interesting subjects for avian visual system anatomical and histological investigation. This study set out to describe histological features of the eyeball of ubiquitous birds of prey in Brazil (Falconiformes, Accipitriformes and Strigiformes). Twenty enucleated cadaveric eyeballs obtained from birds with natural death, Caracara plancus, Falco sparverius, Rupornis magnirostris, Megascops choliba and Athene cunicularia were used. Routinely prepared histological slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin were analyzed under light microscopy. Similarities and variations in ocular structures between the different bird species studied were highlighted in this study, with major differences concerning the lens and retina. This study highlights the importance of determining the ocular histological pattern of the species so they can be better understood. These results may well assign baseline information of the species and assist in eye histopathological diagnostics.(AU)

Nos últimos anos a oftalmologia aviária se tornou um instrumento de grande relevância para a conservação de aves de vida livre e de cativeiro, principalmente pela crescente utilização do exame oftalmológico para a triagem de indivíduos designados para reintrodução em ambientes naturais. Os olhos das aves de rapina são estruturas imprescindíveis para detectar e capturar suas presas, e a sua notável capacidade visual torna o seu sistema de visão assunto de grande interesse para o estudo anatômico e histológico. Neste contexto, no presente trabalho foi realizada a análise histológica do bulbo ocular de aves de rapina representadas por espécies pertencentes às ordens Falconiformes, Accipitriformes e Strigiformes presentes em território brasileiro. Para realização do estudo foram utilizados vinte bulbos oculares obtidos de animais mortos por causas naturais, das espécies Caracara plancus, Falco sparverius, Rupornis magnirostris, Megascops choliba e Athene cunicularia.. As lâminas histológicas foram coradas pela técnica de hematoxilina e eosina e, analisadas por microscopia óptica. Foi constatada a existência de um padrão histológico com discreta variação entre as estruturas oculares nas diferentes espécies avaliadas, com destaque para o cristalino e a retina. Este estudo salienta a importância da determinação do padrão histológico ocular das espécies, e seus resultados atribuem informações histológicas basais auxiliares na determinação de diagnósticos histopatológicos oculares.(AU)

Building the sugarcane genome for biotechnology and identifying evolutionary trends.

BACKGROUND: Sugarcane is the source of sugar in all tropical and subtropical countries and is becoming increasingly important for bio-based fuels. However, its large (10 Gb), polyploid, complex genome has hindered genome based breeding efforts. Here we release the largest and most diverse set of sugarcane genome sequences to date, as part of an on-going initiative to provide a sugarcane genomic information resource, with the ultimate goal of producing a gold standard genome. RESULTS: Three hundred and seventeen chiefly euchromatic BACs were sequenced. A reference set of one thousand four hundred manually-annotated protein-coding genes was generated. A small RNA collection and a RNA-seq library were used to explore expression patterns and the sRNA landscape. In the sucrose and starch metabolism pathway, 16 non-redundant enzyme-encoding genes were identified. One of the sucrose pathway genes, sucrose-6-phosphate phosphohydrolase, is duplicated in sugarcane and sorghum, but not in rice and maize. A diversity analysis of the s6pp duplication region revealed haplotype-structured sequence composition. Examination of hom(e)ologous loci indicate both sequence structural and sRNA landscape variation. A synteny analysis shows that the sugarcane genome has expanded relative to the sorghum genome, largely due to the presence of transposable elements and uncharacterized intergenic and intronic sequences. CONCLUSION: This release of sugarcane genomic sequences will advance our understanding of sugarcane genetics and contribute to the development of molecular tools for breeding purposes and gene discovery.

Virus-like attachment sites and plastic CpG islands:landmarks of diversity in plant Del retrotransposons.

Full-length Del elements from ten angiosperm genomes, 5 monocot and 5 dicot, were retrieved and putative attachment (att) sites were identified. In the 2432 Del elements, two types of U5 att sites and a single conserved type of U3 att site were identified. Retroviral att sites confer specificity to the integration process, different att sites types therefore implies lineage specificity. While some features are common to all Del elements, CpG island patterns within the LTRs were particular to lineage specific clusters. All eudicot copies grouped into one single clade while the monocots harbour a more diverse collection of elements. Furthermore, full-length Del elements and truncated copies were unevenly distributed amongst chromosomes. Elements of Del lineage are organized in plants into three clusters and each cluster is composed of elements with distinct LTR features. Our results suggest that the Del lineage efficiently amplified in the monocots and that one branch is probably a newly emerging sub-lineage. Finally, sequences in all groups are under purifying selection. These results show the LTR region is dynamic and important in the evolution of LTR-retrotransposons, we speculate that it is a trigger for retrotransposon diversification.