Height management strategies of sudangrass 'BRS Estribo' / Estratégias de manejo de altura para capim-sudão cultivar BRS

The productive, morphological and chemical composition of Sudangrass 'BRS Estribo' submitted to different heights of management was evaluated. The design was in randomized blocks with four replicates in a 3x2 factorial scheme, with three pre-defoliation heights (40, 55 and 70 cm) and two post-defoliation heights (20 and 10 cm). There was no significance between post-defoliation heights for accumulated forage production (AFP), percentages of leaf blades (%F) and of stem and sheath (%S). The AFP at 70 cm pre-defoliation height (10,071.1 kg ha-1) was higher than at 40 cm height (7,471.3 kg ha-1) and did not differ from defoliation at 55 cm (8,562.3 kg ha-1). Pre-defoliation at 40 cm showed a higher %F (67.67%) than at the heights of 55 cm (61.74%) and 70 cm (55.15%), which differed from each other. The %S was higher for pre-defoliation at 70 cm (35.57%) than at the heights of 55 (32.08%) and 40 cm (27.75%), which also differed from each other. The different handling heights did not change the contents of dry matter, insoluble fiber in neutral detergent, insoluble fiber in acid detergent and ash, which presented averages of 15.87; 60.34; 28.53; and 10.48%, respectively. However, there was a significant interaction between pre-and post-defoliation heights for crude protein (CP) contents, which the management heights at 40 x 20 cm and 70 x 10 cm presented, respectively, the highest (18.78%) and lowest (12.22%) CP contents of the study. Pre-defoliation heights of 55 cm with 10 or 20 cm of residual height should be used to improve the botanical composition and crude protein content of Sudangrass BRS Estribo forage.

Avaliaram-se as características produtivas, morfológicas e a composição bromatológica do capim-sudão BRS Estribo submetido a diferentes alturas de manejo. O delineamento em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições em esquema fatorial 3x2, sendo três alturas de pré-desfolhação (40, 55 e 70 cm) e duas alturas de pós-desfolhação (20 e 10 cm). Não houve efeito de alturas de resíduo pós-desfolhação para a produção total de forragem acumulada (PTA), porcentagens de lâminas foliares (%F) e de colmo e bainha (%C). A PTA das plantas submetidas a pré-desfolhação de 70 cm (10.071,1 kg ha-1) foi maior que aquelas desfolhadas com 40 cm (7.471,3 kg ha-1) e não diferiu estatisticamente das desfolhadas com 55 cm (8.562,3 kg ha-1). A pré-desfolhação à 40 cm apresentou a maior %F (67,67%) que as alturas de 55 (61,74%) e 70cm (55,15%). Já a %C foi maior para altura de pré-desfolhação à 70 cm (35,57%) em relação às alturas de 55 (32,08%) e 40cm (27,75%). As diferentes alturas de manejo não alteraram os teores de matéria seca, fibra insolúvel em detergente neutro, fibra insolúvel em detergente ácido e cinzas da forragem, que apresentou médias de 15,87; 60,34;28,53; e 10,48%, respectivamente. Houve interação significativa entre as alturas de pré e pós-desfolhação para os teores de proteína bruta (PB), onde o manejo à 40 x 20 cm e 70 x 10 cm, apresentaram, respectivamente, o maior (18.78%) e menor (12,22%) teor de PB do estudo. Alturas de pré-desfolhação de 55 cm de altura deixando-se 10 ou 20 cm de resíduo devem ser preconizadas como forma de melhorar a composição morfológica e o teor de proteína da forragem.

Analgesic effects of Phα1ß toxin: a review of mechanisms of action involving pain pathways

Phα1ß is a neurotoxin purified from spider venom that acts as a high-voltage-activated (HVA) calcium channel blocker. This spider peptide has shown a high selectivity for N-type HVA calcium channels (NVACC) and an analgesic effect in several animal models of pain. Its activity was associated with a reduction in calcium transients, glutamate release, and reactive oxygen species production from the spinal cord tissue and dorsal ganglia root (DRG) in rats and mice. It has been reported that intrathecal (i.t.) administration of Phα1ß to treat chronic pain reverted opioid tolerance with a safer profile than ω-conotoxin MVIIA, a highly selective NVACC blocker. Following a recent development of recombinant Phα1ß (CTK 01512-2), a new molecular target, TRPA1, the structural arrangement of disulphide bridges, and an effect on glial plasticity have been identified. CTK 01512-2 reproduced the antinociceptive effects of the native toxin not only after the intrathecal but also after the intravenous administration. Herein, we review the Phα1ß antinociceptive activity in the most relevant pain models and its mechanisms of action, highlighting the impact of CTK 01512-2 synthesis and its potential for multimodal analgesia.

Analgesic effects of Phalfa1 beta toxin: a review of mechanisms of action involving pain pathways

Phα1ß is a neurotoxin purified from spider venom that acts as a high-voltage-activated (HVA) calcium channel blocker. This spider peptide has shown a high selectivity for N-type HVA calcium channels (NVACC) and an analgesic effect in several animal models of pain. Its activity was associated with a reduction in calcium transients, glutamate release, and reactive oxygen species production from the spinal cord tissue and dorsal ganglia root (DRG) in rats and mice. It has been reported that intrathecal (i.t.) administration of Phα1ß to treat chronic pain reverted opioid tolerance with a safer profile than ω-conotoxin MVIIA, a highly selective NVACC blocker. Following a recent development of recombinant Phα1ß (CTK 01512-2), a new molecular target, TRPA1, the structural arrangement of disulphide bridges, and an effect on glial plasticity have been identified. CTK 01512-2 reproduced the antinociceptive effects of the native toxin not only after the intrathecal but also after the intravenous administration. Herein, we review the Phα1ß antinociceptive activity in the most relevant pain models and its mechanisms of action, highlighting the impact of CTK 01512-2 synthesis and its potential for multimodal analgesia.

Analgesic effects of Ph1 toxin: a review of mechanisms of action involving pain pathways

Abstract Ph1 is a neurotoxin purified from spider venom that acts as a high-voltage-activated (HVA) calcium channel blocker. This spider peptide has shown a high selectivity for N-type HVA calcium channels (NVACC) and an analgesic effect in several animal models of pain. Its activity was associated with a reduction in calcium transients, glutamate release, and reactive oxygen species production from the spinal cord tissue and dorsal ganglia root (DRG) in rats and mice. It has been reported that intrathecal (i.t.) administration of Ph1 to treat chronic pain reverted opioid tolerance with a safer profile than -conotoxin MVIIA, a highly selective NVACC blocker. Following a recent development of recombinant Ph1 (CTK 01512-2), a new molecular target, TRPA1, the structural arrangement of disulphide bridges, and an effect on glial plasticity have been identified. CTK 01512-2 reproduced the antinociceptive effects of the native toxin not only after the intrathecal but also after the intravenous administration. Herein, we review the Ph1 antinociceptive activity in the most relevant pain models and its mechanisms of action, highlighting the impact of CTK 01512-2 synthesis and its potential for multimodal analgesia.

Analgesic and side effects of intravenous recombinant Phα1ß

Intrathecal injection of voltage-sensitive calcium channel blocker peptide toxins exerts analgesic effect in several animal models of pain. Upon intrathecal administration, recombinant Phα1ß exerts the same analgesic effects as the those of the native toxin. However, from a clinical perspective, the intrathecal administration limits the use of anesthetic drugs in patients. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the possible antinociceptive effect of intravenous recombinant Phα1ß in rat models of neuropathic pain, as well as its side effects on motor, cardiac (heart rate and blood pressure), and biochemical parameters. Methods: Male Wistar rats and male Balb-C mice were used in this study. Giotto Biotech® synthesized the recombinant version of Phα1ß using Escherichia coli expression. In rats, neuropathic pain was induced by chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve and paclitaxel-induced acute and chronic pain. Mechanical sensitivity was evaluated using von Frey filaments. A radiotelemeter transmitter (TA11PA-C10; Data Sciences, St. Paul, MN, USA) was placed on the left carotid of mice for investigation of cardiovascular side effects. Locomotor activity data were evaluated using the open-field paradigm, and serum CKMB, TGO, TGP, LDH, lactate, creatinine, and urea levels were examined. Results: Intravenous administration of recombinant Phα1ß toxin induced analgesia for up to 4 h, with ED50 of 0.02 (0.01-0.03) mg/kg, and reached the maximal effect (Emax = 100% antinociception) at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg. No significant changes were observed in any of the evaluated motor, cardiac or biochemical parameters. Conclusion: Our data suggest that intravenous administration of recombinant Phα1ß may be feasible for drug-induced analgesia, without causing any severe side effects.(AU)

Analgesic and side effects of intravenous recombinant Ph alfa 1 beta

Background: Intrathecal injection of voltage-sensitive calcium channel blocker peptide toxins exerts analgesic effect in several animal models of pain. Upon intrathecal administration, recombinant Phα1β exerts the same analgesic effects as the those of the native toxin. However, from a clinical perspective, the intrathecal administration limits the use of anesthetic drugs in patients. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the possible antinociceptive effect of intravenous recombinant Phα1β in rat models of neuropathic pain, as well as its side effects on motor, cardiac (heart rate and blood pressure), and biochemical parameters. Methods: Male Wistar rats and male Balb-C mice were used in this study. Giotto Biotech® synthesized the recombinant version of Phα1β using Escherichia coli expression. In rats, neuropathic pain was induced by chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve and paclitaxel-induced acute and chronic pain. Mechanical sensitivity was evaluated using von Frey filaments. A radiotelemeter transmitter (TA11PA-C10; Data Sciences, St. Paul, MN, USA) was placed on the left carotid of mice for investigation of cardiovascular side effects. Locomotor activity data were evaluated using the open-field paradigm, and serum CKMB, TGO, TGP, LDH, lactate, creatinine, and urea levels were examined. Results: Intravenous administration of recombinant Phα1β toxin induced analgesia for up to 4 h, with ED50 of 0.02 (0.01-0.03) mg/kg, and reached the maximal effect (Emax = 100% antinociception) at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg. No significant changes were observed in any of the evaluated motor, cardiac or biochemical parameters. Conclusion: Our data suggest that intravenous administration of recombinant Phα1β may be feasible for drug-induced analgesia, without causing any severe side effects.(AU)

Analgesic and side effects of intravenous recombinant Ph alfa 1 beta

Background: Intrathecal injection of voltage-sensitive calcium channel blocker peptide toxins exerts analgesic effect in several animal models of pain. Upon intrathecal administration, recombinant Phα1β exerts the same analgesic effects as the those of the native toxin. However, from a clinical perspective, the intrathecal administration limits the use of anesthetic drugs in patients. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the possible antinociceptive effect of intravenous recombinant Phα1β in rat models of neuropathic pain, as well as its side effects on motor, cardiac (heart rate and blood pressure), and biochemical parameters. Methods: Male Wistar rats and male Balb-C mice were used in this study. Giotto Biotech® synthesized the recombinant version of Phα1β using Escherichia coli expression. In rats, neuropathic pain was induced by chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve and paclitaxel-induced acute and chronic pain. Mechanical sensitivity was evaluated using von Frey filaments. A radiotelemeter transmitter (TA11PA-C10; Data Sciences, St. Paul, MN, USA) was placed on the left carotid of mice for investigation of cardiovascular side effects. Locomotor activity data were evaluated using the open-field paradigm, and serum CKMB, TGO, TGP, LDH, lactate, creatinine, and urea levels were examined. Results: Intravenous administration of recombinant Phα1β toxin induced analgesia for up to 4 h, with ED50 of 0.02 (0.01-0.03) mg/kg, and reached the maximal effect (Emax = 100% antinociception) at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg. No significant changes were observed in any of the evaluated motor, cardiac or biochemical parameters. Conclusion: Our data suggest that intravenous administration of recombinant Phα1β may be feasible for drug-induced analgesia, without causing any severe side effects.

An improved method for genomic DNA extraction from strawberry leaves

Several extraction methods of genomic DNA for identification and characterization of genetic diversity in different plant species are routinely applied during molecular analysis. However, the presence of undesirable compounds such as polyphenols and polysaccharides is one of the biggest problems faced during the isolation and purification of high quality DNA in plants. Therefore, achievement of fast and accurate methods for DNA extraction is crucial in order to produce pure samples. Leaves of strawberry genotypes (Fragaria ananassa) have high contents of polysaccharides and polyphenols which increase the sample viscosity and decrease the DNA quality, interfering with the PCR performance. Thereby, in this study we evaluated the quality and amount of genomic DNA extracted from young leaves of strawberry after tissue lyophilization and maceration in presence of polivinilpirrolidone (PVP). The CTAB method was used as reference procedure and it was modified to improve the DNA extraction. The modifications consisted of tissue lyophilization overnight until it was completely freeze-dried and addition of PVP during the tissue maceration in liquid nitrogen. The results showed the efficiency and reliability of the modified method compared to the unmodified method, indicating that combination of lyophilization and PVP improve the quality and amount of the DNA extracted from strawberry leaves.

Vários métodos de extração de DNA genômico para a identificação e caracterização da diversidade genética em diferentes espécies de plantas são rotineiramente aplicados durante a análise molecular. Entretanto, a presença de compostos indesejáveis, tais como polifenóis e polissacarídeos, é um dos maiores problemas que ocorrem durante o isolamento e purificação de DNA de alta qualidade em plantas. Dessa forma, o sucesso no desenvolvimento de métodos de extração de DNA rápidos e acurados é crucial para produzir amostras puras. Folhas de genótipos de morangueiro (Fragaria ananassa) têm elevado conteúdo de polissacarídeos e polifenóis que aumentam a viscosidade da amostra e reduzem a qualidade do DNA, interferindo no desempenho da PCR. Neste estudo, avaliamos a qualidade e a quantidade de DNA genômico extraído de folhas jovens de morangueiro após a liofilização do tecido e a maceração na presença de polivinilpirrolidona (PVP). O método CTAB foi utilizado como procedimento de referência e foi modificado para melhorar a extração do DNA. As modificações consistiram na liofilização do tecido a baixa temperatura até que ele tivesse sido desidratado completamente, associada à adição de PVP durante a maceração do tecido no nitrogênio líquido. Os resultados demonstraram a eficiência e a confiabilidade do método modificado comparado ao método não modificado, indicando que a combinação da liofilização com PVP melhora a qualidade e quantidade do DNA extraído de folhas de morangueiro.

An improved method for genomic DNA extraction from strawberry leaves

Several extraction methods of genomic DNA for identification and characterization of genetic diversity in different plant species are routinely applied during molecular analysis. However, the presence of undesirable compounds such as polyphenols and polysaccharides is one of the biggest problems faced during the isolation and purification of high quality DNA in plants. Therefore, achievement of fast and accurate methods for DNA extraction is crucial in order to produce pure samples. Leaves of strawberry genotypes (Fragaria ananassa) have high contents of polysaccharides and polyphenols which increase the sample viscosity and decrease the DNA quality, interfering with the PCR performance. Thereby, in this study we evaluated the quality and amount of genomic DNA extracted from young leaves of strawberry after tissue lyophilization and maceration in presence of polivinilpirrolidone (PVP). The CTAB method was used as reference procedure and it was modified to improve the DNA extraction. The modifications consisted of tissue lyophilization overnight until it was completely freeze-dried and addition of PVP during the tissue maceration in liquid nitrogen. The results showed the efficiency and reliability of the modified method compared to the unmodified method, indicating that combination of lyophilization and PVP improve the quality and amount of the DNA extracted from strawberry leaves.

Vários métodos de extração de DNA genômico para a identificação e caracterização da diversidade genética em diferentes espécies de plantas são rotineiramente aplicados durante a análise molecular. Entretanto, a presença de compostos indesejáveis, tais como polifenóis e polissacarídeos, é um dos maiores problemas que ocorrem durante o isolamento e purificação de DNA de alta qualidade em plantas. Dessa forma, o sucesso no desenvolvimento de métodos de extração de DNA rápidos e acurados é crucial para produzir amostras puras. Folhas de genótipos de morangueiro (Fragaria ananassa) têm elevado conteúdo de polissacarídeos e polifenóis que aumentam a viscosidade da amostra e reduzem a qualidade do DNA, interferindo no desempenho da PCR. Neste estudo, avaliamos a qualidade e a quantidade de DNA genômico extraído de folhas jovens de morangueiro após a liofilização do tecido e a maceração na presença de polivinilpirrolidona (PVP). O método CTAB foi utilizado como procedimento de referência e foi modificado para melhorar a extração do DNA. As modificações consistiram na liofilização do tecido a baixa temperatura até que ele tivesse sido desidratado completamente, associada à adição de PVP durante a maceração do tecido no nitrogênio líquido. Os resultados demonstraram a eficiência e a confiabilidade do método modificado comparado ao método não modificado, indicando que a combinação da liofilização com PVP melhora a qualidade e quantidade do DNA extraído de folhas de morangueiro.

K-mer applied in Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome cluster analysis / K-mer aplicado na análise de agrupamento de genomas de Mycobacterium tuberculosis

According to studies carried out, approximately 10 million people developed tuberculosis in 2018. Of this total, 1.5 million people died from the disease. To study the behavior of the genome sequences of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), the bacterium responsible for the development of tuberculosis (TB), an analysis was performed using k-mers (DNA word frequency). The k values ranged from 1 to 10, because the analysis was performed on the full length of the sequences, where each sequence is composed of approximately 4 million base pairs, k values above 10, the analysis is interrupted, as consequence of the program's capacity. The aim of this work was to verify the formation of the phylogenetic tree in each k-mer analyzed. The results showed the formation of distinct groups in some k-mers analyzed, taking into account the threshold line. However, in all groups, the multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains remained together and separated from the other strains.

De acordo com estudos realizados, cerca de 10 milhões de pessoas desenvolveram tuberculose em 2018. Desse total, 1,5 milhão de pessoas morreram devido à doença. Procurando estudar o comportamento das sequências do genoma da Mycobacteruim tuberculosis (MTB), bactéria responsável por desenvolver a Tuberculose (TB), foi realizada uma análise aplicando o k-mer (frequência de palavras do DNA). Os valores de k variaram de 1 a 10, pois devido a análise ter sido feita no comprimento total das sequencias, onde cada sequencia é composta por aproximadamente 4 milhões de pares de bases, valores de k acima de 10, a análise é interrompida, como consequência da capacidade do programa. O intuito do trabalho foi de verificar a formação da árvore filogenética em cada k-mer analisado. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram a formação de grupos distintos em alguns k-mers analisados, levando-se em consideração a linha de corte. Entretanto, em todos os grupos formados as cepas multidroga resistente (MDR) e extensivamente resistente à droga (XDR) permaneceram juntas e separadas das demais cepas.