Metals in seston from Cabo Frio Bay, a region under the influence of upwelling in SE-Brazil.

This study, performed during 2003-2005 and 2008-2009, investigated metals (Al, Fe, Ba, Zn, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Cd) content in seston at Cabo Frio Bay, SE-Brazil. This study may serve as a baseline of seston metal distribution to guide biogeochemical and ecological models. The seston fractions (> 20 µm, > 64 µm, > 100 µm, and > 150 µm) were sampled in sub-surface horizontal hauls. Metals were determined by ICP-MS. The metals range: Al (62.5-56,867.6 µg g-1), Fe (23.5-25,384.0 µg g-1), Mn (2.7-336.8 µg g-1), Ba (< 0.005-356.3 µg g-1), Zn (0.5-94.2 µg g-1), Cr (0.7-35.5 µg g-1), Cu (4.3-41.7 µg g-1), Ni (< 0.005-19.1 µg g-1) and Cd (< 0.0004-2.4 µg g-1). Aluminium, Fe, Mn, Ba, and Zn showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the seston fraction. The results obtained in this study suggest that the elements (Fe, Mn, Ba) in the seston were strongly influenced by the abiogenic source. In contrast, Zn, Cd, Cu, Cr, and Ni can be biogenic/anthropogenic sources. The significant positive linear correlation of Zn:P, Cd:P, and Cu:P can indicate an intracellular concentration higher than the external adsorption in the plankton community.

Score system for cytological evaluation of fine-needle aspiration specimens to predict the diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinomas.

INTRODUCTION: According to the World Health Organization's classification of endocrine tumors, papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) accounts for almost 90 % of malignant thyroid neoplasms. This study aimed to create a point system based on cytomorphological criteria for evaluating FNA products from thyroid nodules to predict the risk of papillary thyroid carcinomas. METHODS: This was an analytical observational study based on a retrospective analysis of cytological reports and surgical specimens from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2021. Cytological slides were analyzed using the following ten variables: Nuclear Grooves; Intranuclear Pseudoinclusion; Cellularity; Colloid (Quantity); Clarified Chromatin; Overlapping nuclei; Irregular Nuclear Membrane; Multinucleated Giant Cells; Psamoma bodies; and Papillae. We categorized these variables quantitatively from zero to three points as follows: zero (absent), one (mild), two (moderate), and three (intense). RESULTS: Cytologies of 254 (4.9 %) cases were analyzed. The cut-off point was defined in this study as 6 ± 1 points. For the prediction of cases in benign, values < 5 points, malignant, values > 7 points and indeterminate, 5-7 points. Among the benign, there were 64 (69.5 %) cases <5 points, 17 (18.4 %) from 5 to 7 points and 11 (11.9 %) >7 points. Among the malignant ones, there were 12 (8.6 %) cases <5 points, 19 (13.6 %) from 5 to 7 points and 108 (77.6) >7 points. CONCLUSION: In this context, through the quantitative analysis of the ten suggested cytological variables, scored from 0 to 3, a final score > 7 is suspicious for malignancy, while a score < 5 is related to benign lesions.

The problem of conserving an ecosystem that has not been completely delineated and mapped: the case of the Cocais Palm Forest.

Land cover changes threaten biodiversity and alter the geographic distribution of forests worldwide. Studies on this topic are important to establish conservation strategies and public policies. However, different studies may propose different spatial representations due to differences when identifying, classifying, and/or mapping the same vegetation formation, as observed for the Cocais Forest region. This palm-dominated ecosystem predominates the Brazilian mid-north region in an ecotone region with 3 of the 6 Brazilian biomes. In this study, we conducted a literature review of studies that delineated and mapped the Cocais Forest, aiming to compare different mapped regions and to establish a new distribution map integrating these spatial data. We found seven sources that revealed spatial divergences in identifying the spatial distribution of Cocais Forest, including its characteristics in terms of size and shape, which could affect the conservation, socioeconomic, and cultural policies and studies carried out on this emblematic vegetation formation and influence area. The delineation proposed by de Sousa Nascimento and Lima (Revista de Políticas Públicas 189-192, 2016) encompassed the largest area. In addition, there was a lack of consensus regarding the nomenclature for this ecosystem, and few works offered a detailed description of the mapping process. Despite the different spatial distributions found for the Cocais Forest, we succeeded in establishing a common area by overlapping individual maps, resulting in the identification of a core region exclusive located in the State of Maranhão.

Papiliotrema laurentii: general features and biotechnological applications.

Papiliotrema laurentii, previously classified as Cryptococcus laurentii, is an oleaginous yeast that has been isolated from soil, plants, and agricultural and industrial residues. This variety of habitats reflects the diversity of carbon sources that it can metabolize, including monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, glycerol, organic acids, and oils. Compared to other oleaginous yeasts, such as Yarrowia lipolytica and Rhodotorula toruloides, there is little information regarding its genetic and physiological characteristics. From a biotechnological point of view, P. laurentii can produce surfactants, enzymes, and high concentrations of lipids, which can be used as feedstock for fatty acid-derived products. Moreover, it can be applied for the biocontrol of phytopathogenic fungi, contributing to quality maintenance in post- and pre-harvest fruits. It can also improve mycorrhizal colonization, nitrogen nutrition, and plant growth. P. laurentii is also capable of degrading polyester and diesel derivatives and acting in the bioremediation of heavy metals. In this review, we present the current knowledge about the basic and applied aspects of P. laurentii, underscoring its biotechnological potential and future perspectives. KEY POINTS: • The physiological characteristics of P. laurentii confer a wide range of biotechnological applications. • The regulation of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase in P. laurentii is different from most other oleaginous yeasts. • The GEM is a valuable tool to guide the construction of engineered P. laurentii strains with improved features for bio-based products.

Antibody- and nucleic acid-based lateral flow immunoassay for Listeria monocytogenes detection.

Listeria monocytogenes is an invasive opportunistic foodborne pathogen and its routine surveillance is critical for protecting the food supply and public health. The traditional detection methods are time-consuming and require trained personnel. Lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), on the other hand, is an easy-to-perform, rapid point-of-care test and has been widely used as an inexpensive surveillance tool. In recent times, nucleic acid-based lateral flow immunoassays (NALFIA) are also developed to improve sensitivity and specificity. A significant improvement in lateral flow-based assays has been reported in recent years, especially the ligands (antibodies, nucleic acids, aptamers, bacteriophage), labeling molecules, and overall assay configurations to improve detection sensitivity, specificity, and automated interpretation of results. In most commercial applications, LFIA has been used with enriched food/environmental samples to ensure detection of live cells thus prolonging the assay time to 24-48 h; however, with the recent improvement in LFIA sensitivity, results can be obtained in less than 8 h with shortened and improved enrichment practices. Incorporation of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and/or immunomagnetic separation could significantly improve LFIA sensitivity for near-real-time point-of-care detection of L. monocytogenes for food safety and public health applications.

A Brief Overview of Potential Treatments for Viral Diseases Using Natural Plant Compounds: The Case of SARS-Cov.

The COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the more general global increase in viral diseases, has led researchers to look to the plant kingdom as a potential source for antiviral compounds. Since ancient times, herbal medicines have been extensively applied in the treatment and prevention of various infectious diseases in different traditional systems. The purpose of this review is to highlight the potential antiviral activity of plant compounds as effective and reliable agents against viral infections, especially by viruses from the coronavirus group. Various antiviral mechanisms shown by crude plant extracts and plant-derived bioactive compounds are discussed. The understanding of the action mechanisms of complex plant extract and isolated plant-derived compounds will help pave the way towards the combat of this life-threatening disease. Further, molecular docking studies, in silico analyses of extracted compounds, and future prospects are included. The in vitro production of antiviral chemical compounds from plants using molecular pharming is also considered. Notably, hairy root cultures represent a promising and sustainable way to obtain a range of biologically active compounds that may be applied in the development of novel antiviral agents.

Insights into oleaginous phenotype of the yeast Papiliotrema laurentii.

Oleaginous yeasts have stood out due to their ability to accumulate oil, which can be used for fatty acid-derived biofuel production. Papiliotrema laurentii UFV-1 is capable of starting the lipid accumulation in the late exponential growth phase and achieves maximum lipid content at 48 h of growth; it is, therefore, interesting to study how its oleaginous phenotype is regulated. Herein, we provide for the first time insights into the regulation of this phenotype in P. laurentii UFV-1. We sequenced and assembled its genome, performed comparative genomic analyses and investigated its phylogenetic relationships with other yeasts. Gene expression and metabolomic analyses were carried out on the P. laurentii UFV-1 cultivated under a nitrogen-limiting condition. Our results indicated that the lipogenesis of P. laurentii might have taken place during evolution after the divergence of genera in the phylum Basidiomycota. Metabolomic data indicated the redirection of the carbon flux towards fatty acid synthesis in response to the nitrogen limitation. Furthermore, purine seems to be catabolized to recycle nitrogen and leucine catabolization may provide acetyl-CoA for fatty acid synthesis. Analyses of the expression of genes encoding certain enzymes involved with the oleaginous phenotype indicated that the NADP+-dependent malic enzyme seems to play an important role in the supply of NADPH for fatty acid synthesis. There was a surprising decrease in the expression of the ACC1 gene, which encodes acetyl-CoA carboxylase, during lipid accumulation. Taken together, our results provided a basis for understanding lipid accumulation in P. laurentii under nitrogen limiting conditions.

Decreased malondialdehyde levels in fish (Astyanax altiparanae) exposed to diesel: Evidence of metabolism by aldehyde dehydrogenase in the liver and excretion in water.

Increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels are commonly considered an indicator of lipid peroxidation derived from oxidative stress insults promoted by exposure of fish to pollutants. However, a decrease in MDA levels after xenobiotic exposure has been also reported, an effect that is mostly attributed to enhanced antioxidant defenses. In this study, we assessed whether pollutant-mediated MDA decrease would be associated with antioxidant enhancement or with its metabolism by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) in the liver and gills of lambari (Astyanax altiparanae) exposed to diesel oil (0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 mL/L). MDA levels were decreased in the liver of lambari exposed to diesel. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were unchanged in the liver, while that of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) was decreased. In contrast, levels of total glutathione (tGSH) and the activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST) were increased in the liver, which partly support antioxidant protection against lipid peroxidation. More importantly, ALDH activity increased in a concentration-dependent manner, being negatively correlated with MDA levels, indicating MDA metabolism by ALDH. In the gills, diesel exposure increased MDA and lipid hydroperoxide levels, and promoted increases in antioxidant defenses, indicating oxidative stress. Curiously, ALDH activity was undetectable in the gills, supporting the possibility of direct MDA excretion in the water by the gills. Analyses of MDA in the water revealed increased levels of MDA in the aquaria in which the fish were exposed to diesel, compared to control aquaria. A second experiment was carried out in which the fish were intraperitoneally injected with MDA (10 mg/kg) and analyzed after 1, 6, and 12 h. MDA injection caused a time-dependent decrease in hepatic MDA levels, did not alter ALDH, CAT, GPx, and GST activities, and decreased G6PDH activity and tGSH levels. In the gills, MDA injection caused a slight increase in MDA levels after 1 h, but did not alter GPx, G6PDH, and GST activities. MDA injection also enhanced CAT activity and tGSH levels in the gills. MDA concentration in water increased progressively after 1, 6, and 12 h, supporting the hypothesis of direct MDA excretion as an alternative route for MDA elimination in fish. Our results suggest that the decreased MDA levels after exposure of lambari to diesel oil pollutant probably reflects an association between enhanced antioxidant protection, MDA metabolism, and MDA excretion in water.

Herbicides employed in sugarcane plantations have lethal and sublethal effects to larval Boana pardalis (Amphibia, Hylidae).

The increasing demand for biofuels favored the expansion of sugarcane and, as a consequence, in the consumption of pesticides in Brazil. Amphibians are subject to pesticide exposure for occurring in or around sugarcane fields, and for breeding at the onset of the rainy season when pesticide consumption is common. We tested the hypothesis that herbicides used in sugarcane crops, although employed for weed control and manipulated at doses recommended by the manufacturers, can cause lethal and sublethal effects on amphibian larvae. Boana pardalis was exposed to glyphosate, ametryn, 2,4-D, metribuzin and acetochlor which account to up to 2/3 of the volume of herbicides employed in sugarcane production. High mortality was observed following prolonged exposure to ametryn (76%), acetochlor (68%) and glyphosate (15%); ametryn in addition significantly reduced activity rates and slowed developmental and growth rates. AChE activity was surprisingly stimulated by glyphosate, ametryn and 2,4-D, and GST activity by ametryn and acetochlor. Some of these sublethal effects, including the decrease in activity, growth and developmental rates, may have important consequences for individual performance for extending the larval period, and hence the risk of dessication, in the temporary and semi-permanent ponds where the species develops. Future studies should seek additional realism towards a risk analysis of the environmental contamination by herbicides through experiments manipulating not only active ingredients but also commercial formulations, as well as interactions among contaminants and other environmental stressors across the entire life cycle of native amphibian species.

Thermal environment in mobile shelters with different cover types used for chicken housing at the semi-extensive rearing system.

In tropical climate countries, animal production faces a huge challenge, being the high solar irradiation levels an important factor that negatively influences the welfare and animal performance. The purpose of this research was to check the environment inside mobile shelters with different kinds of cover materials. This research has been developed at the State University of Goiás, Brazil, being used four different cover materials: DFPC, double-faced plastic canvas; PVC, polyvinyl chloride; VFB, tiles made with vegetable fiber and bitumen; and VFBW, tiles made with vegetable fiber and bitumen being the outer face painted white. Covers were placed up mobile shelters with the following dimensions: 1 m length × 1 m width × 1 m height and cover pitch of 30°. The environment was evaluated through thermal comfort indexes: enthalpy (H), temperature and humidity index (THI), black globe and humidity index (BGHI), mean radiant temperature (MRT) and thermal heat load (THL), and the measurement of thermal environmental variables (temperature of external (EST) and internal (IST) surface of the cover, dry bulb temperature (Tdb), black globe temperature (Tbg), relative humidity (RH), and wind speedy (WS)). Data analysis was performed using PROC MIXED of SAS® by analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Tukey test, at 5% of significance level. There was observed beneficial effect of the usage of shading, with a decrease in air temperature and thermal comfort indexes when compared with the unshaded environment. The materials presented different thermal behavior, with better results for PVC and VFBW, that presented lower internal (IST) and external surface temperature (EST), in addition to lower black globe temperature, thermal heat load, and black globe and humidity index. PVC and VFBW were the best types of covers evaluated, with significant decreased thermal comfort indexes.

Synthesis and evaluation of the antileishmanial activity of silver compounds containing imidazolidine-2-thione.

A new series of silver compounds could be of interest on designing new drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis. The compounds [Ag(phen)(imzt)]NO3(1), [Ag(phen)(imzt)]CF3SO3(2), [Ag(phen)2](BF4)·H2O (3), [Ag2(imzt)6](NO3)2(4), and imzt have been synthesized and evaluated in vitro for antileishmanial activity against Leishmania. (L.) amazonensis (La) and L. (L.) chagasi (Lc), and two of them were selected for in vivo studies. In addition to investigating the action on Leishmania, their effects on the hydrogen peroxide production and cysteine protease inhibition have also been investigated. As for antileishmanial activity, compound (4) was the most potent against promastigote and amastigote forms of La (IC50 = 4.67 and 1.88 µM, respectively) and Lc (IC50 = 9.35 and 8.05 µM, respectively); and comparable to that of amphotericin B, reference drug. Beside showing excellent activity, it also showed a low toxicity. In the in vivo context, compound (4) reduced the number of amastigotes in the liver and spleen when compared to the untreated group. In evaluating the effect of the compounds on Leishmania, the level of hydrogen peroxide production was maintained between the lag and log phases; however, in the treatment with compound (4) it was possible to observe a reduction of 25.44 and 49.13%, respectively, in the hydrogen peroxide rates when compared to the lag and log phases. It was noticed that the presence of a nitrate ion and imzt in compound (4) was important for the modulation of the antileishmanial activity. Thus, this compound can represent a potentially new drug for the treatment of leishmaniasis.

Effects of methylphenidate on the aggressive behavior, serotonin and dopamine levels, and dopamine-related gene transcription in brain of male Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

The occurrence of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment has increased considerably in the last decades, causing negative biochemical, physiological, and behavioral effects in aquatic organisms. In this study, we evaluated the effects of methylphenidate (MPH) on the aggressive behavior, dopamine-related gene transcript levels, monoamine levels, and carboxylesterase transcript levels and activity in the brain of male Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Carboxylesterase activity was also measured in the liver and gills. Fish were exposed for 5 days to MPH at 20 and 100 ng L-1. Fish exposed to 100 ng L-1 of MPH showed increased aggressiveness and decreased dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) levels. No changes were observed in plasma testosterone levels and in the transcript levels of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors, dopamine transporter (DAT), and carboxylesterase 2 (CES2). Exposure to 100 ng L-1 of MPH caused a decrease in the transcript levels of carboxylesterase 3 (CES3) and an increase in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), while exposure to 20 ng L-1 of MPH increased the transcript levels of D5 dopamine receptor. Carboxylesterase activity was unchanged in the brain and liver and increased in the gills of fish exposed to 20 ng L-1. These results indicate that MPH at 100 ng L-1 increases aggressiveness in Nile tilapia, possibly due to a decrease in 5-HT levels in the brain and alterations in dopamine levels and dopamine-related genes.

Oxidative stress in patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy and mesial temporal sclerosis: Possible association with major depressive disorder?

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the genetic and biochemical profiles associated with oxidative stress (OS) in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy with mesial temporal sclerosis (TLE-MTS) and a healthy control group, and also to verify the possible existence of association between OS markers and psychiatric disorders (PD) in group with TLE-MTS. METHODS: Forty-six patients with refractory TLE-MTS and 112 healthy controls were included. Psychiatric evaluation occurred through Diagnostical and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria. A peripheral blood sample was collected for analysis of glutathione S-transferase (GST) T1/M1 polymorphisms and serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant capacity equivalent to the trolox (TEAC), serum markers of OS. Student's t-test, Fisher's exact test, Chi-square test, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used, with a significance level of P<0.05. RESULTS: The PD were observed in 27 patients of the group with TLE-MTS (58.6%); major depressive disorder (MDD) was the most frequent. Serum levels of MDA (P<0.0001) and TEAC (P<0.0001) were higher in group with TLE-MTS. When patients with MDD were compared with patients without PD, significant differences were observed between MDA (P=0.002) and TEAC (P=0.003) serum levels. Patients with TLE-MTS and MDD presented higher levels when compared with patients with TLE-MTS without PD and with another PD except MDD. CONCLUSIONS: The present study observed significantly higher serum levels of MDA and of TEAC in patients with refractory TLE-MTS in comparison with the control group. The MDD was observed as an important issue associated with higher OS levels in refractory TLE-MTS. Further studies are needed to investigate the association of OS, TLE-MTS, and PD.

Isolated and mixed effects of diuron and its metabolites on biotransformation enzymes and oxidative stress response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Diuron is one of the most used herbicide in the world, and its field application has been particularly increased in Brazil due to the expansion of sugarcane crops. Diuron has often been detected in freshwater ecosystems and it can be biodegraded into three main metabolites in the environment, the 3,4-dichloroaniline (DCA), 3,4-dichlorophenylurea (DCPU) and 3,4-dichlorophenyl-N-methylurea (DCPMU). Negative effects under aquatic biota are still not well established for diuron, especially when considering its presence in mixture with its different metabolites. In this study, we evaluated the effects of diuron alone or in combination with its metabolites, DCPMU, DCPU and 3,4-DCA on biochemical stress responses and biotransformation activity of the fish Oreochromis niloticus. Results showed that diuron and its metabolites caused significant but dispersed alterations in oxidative stress markers and biotransformation enzymes, except for ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity, that presented a dose-dependent increase after exposure to either diuron or its metabolites. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was significant lower in gills after exposure to diuron metabolites, but not diuron. Diuron, DCPMU and DCA also decreased the multixenobiotic resistance (MXR) activity. Lipid peroxidation levels were increased in gill after exposure to all compounds, indicating that the original compound and diuron metabolites can induce oxidative stress in fish. The integration of all biochemical responses by the Integrated Biomarker Response (IBR) model indicated that all compounds caused significant alterations in O. niloticus, but DCPMU caused the higher alterations in both liver and gill. Our findings imply that diuron and its metabolites may impair the physiological response related to biotransformation and antioxidant activity in fish at field concentrations. Such alterations could interfere with the ability of aquatic animals to adapt to environments contaminated by agriculture.

First assessment of trace metal concentration in mangrove crab eggs and other tissues, SE Brazil.

The mangrove crab Ucides cordatus is widespread in the Brazilian coast, which has an important role in nutrient cycling. This species reproduces in summer and females carry eggs about a month, when they maintain contact with water and sediments. It remains unclear if trace metals can be absorbed or adsorbed by the eggs during development. The present study aims to investigate, for the first time, trace metal concentrations in ovigerous female tissues and eggs of U. cordatus in two areas with different metal pollution levels in the Southeastern Brazil. Samples were collected in two different mangroves, Guanabara Bay (GB) highly polluted environment and Paraíba do Sul River (PSR). In both populations, we observed significant increase of V, Cr, and Mn concentrations along eggs maturation. The higher metals averages were found in PSR population. This trend was reported since the 1990s and lower concentrations in GB marine organisms were attributed to reducing conditions, high organic load, and the presence of sulfide ions. These conditions restrict the bioavailability of metals in the bay, with exception of Mn. No significant differences were observed in gills and muscles. In both populations of the present study, V, Zn, As, and Pb were higher in eggs of initial stage, whereas Mn, Ni, Cu, and Cd were higher in hepatopancreas. Beside this, V, Cr, Mn, As, and Pb showed an increase concerning egg development. Thus, V, As, and Pb in eggs come from two sources previous discussed: females and environment. Zinc came mainly from females due to essential function. Those new information should be considered as one of the mechanisms of trace metal transfer to the trophic chain, between benthonic and pelagic environment.

Potential utility of melatonin as an antioxidant therapy in the management of sickle cell anemia.

This study aimed to assess antioxidant effects of melatonin treatment compared to N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and to their combination in a sickle cell suspension. Sickle erythrocytes were suspended in phosphate-buffered saline, pH 7.4, composing external control group. They were also suspended and incubated at 37°C either in the absence (experimental control group) or in the presence of NAC, melatonin and their combination at concentrations of 100 pm, 100 nm and 100 µm for 1 hr (treatment groups). The melatonin influences were evaluated by spectrophotometric [hemolysis degree, catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities] and chromatographic methods [glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels]. Incubation period was able to cause a rise about 64% on hemolysis degree as well as practically doubled the lipid peroxidation levels (P < 0.01). However, almost all antioxidants tested treatments neutralized this incubation effect observed in MDA levels. Among the antioxidant biomarkers evaluated, we observed a modulating effect of combined treatment on GPx and SOD activities (P < 0.01), which showed ~25% decrease in their activities. In addition, we found an antioxidant dose-dependent effect for melatonin on lipid peroxidation (r = -0.29; P = 0.03) and for combined antioxidant treatments also on MDA levels (r = -0.37; P = 0.01) and on SOD activity (r = -0.54; P < 0.01). Hence, these findings contribute with important insight that melatonin individually or in combination with NAC may be useful for sickle cell anemia management.

Biochemical responses, morphometric changes, genotoxic effects and CYP1A expression in the armored catfish Pterygoplichthys anisitsi after 15 days of exposure to mineral diesel and biodiesel.

Despite being considered friendlier to the environment, biodiesel fuel can be harmful to aquatic organisms, especially when combined with petroleum diesel fuel. In this work we evaluated the effects of mineral diesel fuel containing increasing concentrations of biodiesel (5% and 20%, namely B5 and B20) and pure biodiesel (B100), at concentrations of 0.001 and 0.01mLL(-1), after 15 days of exposure, in armored catfish (Pterygoplichtys anisitsi). Toxicity tests were also performed to estimate LC50 values (96h) for each compound. Biotransformation enzymes [ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), and glutathione S-transferase (GST)] as well as oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase, SOD, catalase, CAT, glutathione peroxidase, GPx, and the level of lipid peroxidation) were measured in liver and gills after treatment. Genotoxic effects were also accessed in erythrocytes using the comet assay and by evaluating the frequency of micronuclei formation. Further, the mRNA of cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) was also measured in liver. Mortality was not observed even exposure to concentrations as high as 6.0mLL(-1). EROD and GST activities were increased after B5 and B20 treatments; however, CYP1A mRNA induction was not observed. SOD and CAT activities were decreased, but GPx was significantly higher for all treatments in gills. There were no significant changes in lipid peroxidation, but genotoxicity markers revealed that all treatments increased comet scores. Fuels B5 and B20 increased micronuclei frequency. Our results indicate that despite being less toxic, biodiesel may cause sublethal alterations in fish that may alter long term health.

Prevalence of ß(S)-globin gene haplotypes, α-thalassemia (3.7 kb deletion) and redox status in patients with sickle cell anemia in the state of Paraná, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of beta S-globin gene (ß(S) globin) haplotypes and alpha thalassemia with 3.7 kb deletion (-α(3.7kb) thalassemia) in the northwest region of Paraná state, and to investigate the oxidative and clinical-hematological profile of ß(S) globin carriers in this population. Of the 77 samples analyzed, 17 were Hb SS, 30 were Hb AS and 30 were Hb AA. The ß(S)globin haplotypes and -α(3.7kb) thalassemia were identified using polymerase chain reaction.Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were assessed spectophotometrically. Serum melatonin levels were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to coulometric electrochemical detection. The haplotype frequencies in the SS individuals were as follows: Bantu- 21 (62%), Benin - 11 (32%) and Atypical- 2 (6%). Bantu/Benin was the most frequent genotype. Of the 47 SS and AS individuals assessed, 17% (n = 8) had the -α(3.7kb) mutation. Clinical manifestations, as well as serum melatonin, TEAC and LPO levels did not differ between Bantu/Bantu and Bantu/Benin individuals (p > 0.05). Both genotypes were associated with high LPO and TEAC levels and decreased melatonin concentration. These data suggest that the level of oxidative stress in patients with Bantu/Bantu and Bantu/Benin genotypes may overload the antioxidant capacity.

Does counting species count as taxonomy? On misrepresenting systematics, yet again.

Recent commentary by Costello and collaborators on the current state of the global taxonomic enterprise attempts to demonstrate that taxonomy is not in decline as feared by taxonomists, but rather is increasing by virtue of the rate at which new species are formally named. Having supported their views with data that clearly indicate as much, Costello et al. make recommendations to increase the rate of new species descriptions even more. However, their views appear to rely on the perception of species as static and numerically if not historically equivalent entities whose value lie in their roles as "metrics". As such, their one-dimensional portrayal of the discipline, as concerned solely with the creation of new species names, fails to take into account both the conceptual and epistemological foundations of systematics. We refute the end-user view that taxonomy is on the rise simply because more new species are being described compared with earlier decades, and that, by implication, taxonomic practice is a formality whose pace can be streamlined without considerable resources, intellectual or otherwise. Rather, we defend the opposite viewpoint that professional taxonomy is in decline relative to the immediacy of the extinction crisis, and that this decline threatens not just the empirical science of phylogenetic systematics, but also the foundations of comparative biology on which other fields rely. The allocation of space in top-ranked journals to propagate views such as those of Costello et al. lends superficial credence to the unsupportive mindset of many of those in charge of the institutional fate of taxonomy. We emphasize that taxonomy and the description of new species are dependent upon, and only make sense in light of, empirically based classifications that reflect evolutionary history; homology assessments are at the centre of these endeavours, such that the biological sciences cannot afford to have professional taxonomists sacrifice the comparative and historical depth of their hypotheses in order to accelerate new species descriptions.

Genome sequence of the New Zealand cheese isolate and candidate probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FNZ042.

The complete genome sequence of the candidate probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FNZ042 was determined using a hybrid genome assembly comprising data from Illumina and PacBio sequencing platforms. The genome assembly comprised 3,265,637 bp, including the complete circular chromosome and three circular plasmids.