Distinct subnetworks of the thalamic reticular nucleus.

The thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN), the major source of thalamic inhibition, regulates thalamocortical interactions that are critical for sensory processing, attention and cognition1-5. TRN dysfunction has been linked to sensory abnormality, attention deficit and sleep disturbance across multiple neurodevelopmental disorders6-9. However, little is known about the organizational principles that underlie its divergent functions. Here we performed an integrative study linking single-cell molecular and electrophysiological features of the mouse TRN to connectivity and systems-level function. We found that cellular heterogeneity in the TRN is characterized by a transcriptomic gradient of two negatively correlated gene-expression profiles, each containing hundreds of genes. Neurons in the extremes of this transcriptomic gradient express mutually exclusive markers, exhibit core or shell-like anatomical structure and have distinct electrophysiological properties. The two TRN subpopulations make differential connections with the functionally distinct first-order and higher-order thalamic nuclei to form molecularly defined TRN-thalamus subnetworks. Selective perturbation of the two subnetworks in vivo revealed their differential role in regulating sleep. In sum, our study provides a comprehensive atlas of TRN neurons at single-cell resolution and links molecularly defined subnetworks to the functional organization of thalamocortical circuits.

Unveiling the phenology and associated floral regulatory pathways of Humulus lupulus L. in subtropical conditions.

MAIN CONCLUSION: The hop phenological cycle was described in subtropical condition of Brazil showing that flowering can happen at any time of year and this was related to developmental molecular pathways. Hops are traditionally produced in temperate regions, as it was believed that vernalization was necessary for flowering. Nevertheless, recent studies have revealed the potential for hops to flower in tropical and subtropical climates. In this work, we observed that hops in the subtropical climate of Minas Gerais, Brazil grow and flower multiple times throughout the year, independently of the season, contrasting with what happens in temperate regions. This could be due to the photoperiod consistently being inductive, with daylight hours below the described threshold (16.5 h critical). We observed that when the plants reached 7-9 nodes, the leaves began to transition from heart-shaped to trilobed-shaped, which could be indicative of the juvenile to adult transition. This could be related to the fact that the 5th node (in plants with 10 nodes) had the highest expression of miR156, while two miR172s increased in the 20th node (in plants with 25 nodes). Hop flowers appeared later, in the 25th or 28th nodes, and the expression of HlFT3 and HlFT5 was upregulated in plants between 15 and 20 nodes, while the expression of HlTFL3 was upregulated in plants with 20 nodes. These results indicate the role of axillary meristem age in regulating this process and suggest that the florigenic signal should be maintained until the hop plants bloom. In addition, it is possible that the expression of TFL is not sufficient to inhibit flowering in these conditions and promote branching. These findings suggest that the reproductive transition in hop under inductive photoperiodic conditions could occur in plants between 15 and 20 nodes. Our study sheds light on the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying hop floral development, paving the way for potential advancements in hop production on a global scale.

Review: using rolled-up tubes for strain-tuning the optical properties of quantum emitters.

Rolled-up tubes based on released III-V heterostructures have been extensively studied and established as optical resonators in the last two decades. In this review, we discuss how light emitters (quantum wells and quantum dots) are influenced by the inherently asymmetric strain state of these tubes. Therefore, we briefly review whispering gallery mode resonators built from rolled-up III-V heterostructures. The curvature and its influence over the diameter of the rolled-up micro- and nanotubes are discussed, with emphasis on the different possible strain states that can be produced. Experimental techniques that access structural parameters are essential to obtain a complete and correct image of the strain state for the emitters inside the tube wall. In order to unambiguously extract such strain state, we discuss x-ray diffraction results in these systems, providing a much clearer scenario compared to a sole tube diameter analysis, which provides only a first indication of the lattice relaxation in a given tube. Further, the influence of the overall strain lattice state on the band structure is examined via numerical calculations. Finally, experimental results for the wavelength shift of emissions due to the tube strain state are presented and compared with theoretical calculations available in literature, showing that the possibility to use rolled-up tubes to permanently strain engineer the optical properties of build-in emitters is a consistent method to induce the appearance of electronic states unachievable by direct growth methods.

Sector arc routing-based spatial decision support system for waste collection in Brazil.

We present a sector arc routing problem-based spatial decision support system technology to develop tactical and operational plans and manage solid waste collection activities including household refuse collection and human and mechanical street sweeping. The proposed technology can also manage solid waste services through optimization (minimizing sector costs, distances and resources). The proposed technology is called optimized planning and integrated logistics management. It can be directly applied to Brazilian municipalities as it contains its major natural features. The system uses advanced technics from sector arc routing and sector scheduling, fleet and staff scheduling and daily plan management using mobile smartphone apps. The technology also allows for waste system inspections that are transparent to all participants in real time. We present the results of cases evaluated in the field for residential refuse collection and human and mechanical street sweeping in two Brazilian cities (Campo Grande and São Paulo). The plan implementations achieved from 12 to 28% actual fixed and variable cost savings for sectors (vehicles and workers) and routes (time and distances) for residential refuse collection and from 7 to 42% savings for human and mechanical street sweeping for the companies.

Species-specific variation of photosynthesis and mesophyll conductance to ozone and drought in three Mediterranean oaks.

Mesophyll conductance (gmCO2 ) is one of the most important components in plant photosynthesis. Tropospheric ozone (O3 ) and drought impair physiological processes, causing damage to photosynthetic systems. However, the combined effects of O3 and drought on gmCO2 are still largely unclear. We investigated leaf gas exchange during mid-summer in three Mediterranean oaks exposed to O3 (ambient [35.2 nmol mol-1 as daily mean]; 1.4 × ambient) and water treatments (WW [well-watered] and WD [water-deficit]). We also examined if leaf traits (leaf mass per area [LMA], foliar abscisic acid concentration [ABA]) could influence the diffusion of CO2 inside a leaf. The combination of O3 and WD significantly decreased net photosynthetic rate (PN ) regardless of the species. The reduction of photosynthesis was associated with a decrease in gmCO2 and stomatal conductance (gsCO2 ) in evergreen Quercus ilex, while the two deciduous oaks (Q. pubescens, Q. robur) also showed a reduction of the maximum rate of carboxylation (Vcmax ) and maximum electron transport rate (Jmax ) with decreased diffusive conductance parameters. The reduction of gmCO2 was correlated with increased [ABA] in the three oaks, whereas there was a negative correlation between gmCO2 with LMA in Q. pubescens. Interestingly, two deciduous oaks showed a weak or no significant correlation between gsCO2 and ABA under high O3 and WD due to impaired stomatal physiological behaviour, indicating that the reduction of PN was related to gmCO2 rather than gsCO2 . The results suggest that gmCO2 plays an important role in plant carbon gain under concurrent increases in the severity of drought and O3 pollution.

Alterations in the testicular parenchyma of Foxn1+/- and Foxn1-/- adult mice.

Nude mice carry an autosomal recessive mutation in the Foxn1 gene and therefore are homozygous recessive animals (Foxn1 -/-). The fertility rate of homozygous male (Foxn1-/- ) is low, which seems to be related to the delay in the production of gametes at the beginning of sexual maturity. The present study evaluated the structural and organizational aspects of the testicles of homozygous and heterozygous offspring related to the Foxn1 gene in mice, describing its implications on spermatogenesis. Adult males Balb/c, Foxn1+/- and Foxn1-/- mice were used. Testes and epididymis were harvested for histological, biochemical, and sperm transit analyses. Gonadal weight was significantly lower in Foxn1+/- and Foxn1-/- animals, the same behavior was noticed for the activity of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, tubular parameters such as epithelial proportion, length, and area, as well as germ and Leydig cell's populations were significantly reduced in the aforementioned groups, leading to lower sperm production. In conclusion, our results indicate the importance of the Foxn1 in Leydig cell's function, reflecting in the preservation of spermatogenesis, thus in germ cell's population and sperm cell production.

Detection and Quantification of Campylobacter in Poultry Slaughterhouses Using Conventional Microbiological Technique, Most Probable Number, and Real-Time PCR.

Campylobacteriosis is one of the most common bacteria causing human gastroenteritis. Poultry is a major reservoir of Campylobacter spp. as well as the main source of transmission. Due to the increased occurrence of campylobacteriosis, poultry slaughterhouses are under pressure to deliver carcasses with low contamination. However, a few studies have been carried out to evaluate Campylobacter contamination of broiler carcasses in Brazilian slaughter lines. Therefore, in this study, we aimed at detecting and quantifying the thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. at different stages of the poultry slaughtering process. The samples were collected from 12 points in three slaughterhouses in southern Brazil, at an interval of 12 months, and were tested for Campylobacter spp. by conventional microbiological technique, the most probable number, and real-time PCR. A total of 432 samples were analyzed. The majority of strains belonged to Campylobacter jejuni (92%), and the flock positivity among the three techniques was similar in most cases. Campylobacter was detected in all slaughtering stages. Although contamination has remained similar (p > 0.05) throughout almost all the slaughter process, evisceration seemed to be an important source of contamination. Our results reinforce the idea that the final carcass quality after the slaughtering process is directly influenced by the level of contamination of the broiler flocks on arrival at the processing plant.

Endoscopic resection of sellar and suprasellar epidermoid cyst: report of two cases and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Epidermoid cysts (EC) are lesions developing from neuroectodermal epithelial cells. They represent 1-2% of all intracranial tumors and are usually found in cerebellopontine angle and parasellar regions. To the best of our knowledge, only 27 cases have been reported of EC in sellar and suprasellar region. In 12 cases out of the 27, surgery was done by craniotomy means. The 7 most recent manuscripts (with 15 patients described) share in common the use of endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) to perform surgical removal. RESULTS: In this paper, we report the safe removal of epidermoid cysts arising from the pituitary using an EEA in two patients, which should be the sixth such description in literature. In both cases, resection and evolution was favourable. DISCUSSION: Surgical resection is the treatment standard for epidermoid cysts, with total resection including the cyst wall to prevent recurrence when possible. The degree of resection obtained is limited by adherence to nearby neural and vascular structures. The advent of EEA approaches has allowed safe maximal resection especially in midline lesions nearby sellar and suprasellar compartiments.

Deleterious effects of Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen hydroalcoholic extract on the seminiferous epithelium of adult Balb/c mice.

Several plant species such as Pfaffia glomerata are widely used in traditional Brazilian medicine as stimulants and aphrodisiacs. In this regard, the aim of our study was to explore the effects of the long-term intake of the hydro-alcoholic root extract of P glomerata on the germ and somatic cells within the seminiferous tubules in adult Balb/c mice. The experimental groups were placed as: controls (water and DMSO), and treated with 300 and 400 mg/kg of the root extract. The number of germ and somatic cells, the proportion of pathological seminiferous tubules, and the germ cell apoptotic levels were evaluated. The volume and proportion of the seminiferous epithelium was decreased after the extract intake due to the increased germ cell apoptotic levels. Vacuolization of Sertoli cell cytoplasm was observed widely in pathological tubules, along with fully disorganized epithelia, showing multinucleated cells, which lead to decreased daily sperm production. Taken together, our results indicate that long-term intake of the P glomerata caused deleterious effects on spermatogenesis by inducing apoptosis and altering the seminiferous tubule's epithelial dynamics.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and pregnancy may impact the balance of intestinal cytokines and the development of intestinal pathology caused by Toxoplasma gondii infection.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an intracellular parasite responsible for causing toxoplasmosis. When infection occurs during pregnancy, it can produce severe congenital infection with ocular and neurologic damage to the infant. From the oral infection parasite reaches the intestine, causing inflammatory response, damage in tissue architecture and systemic dissemination. Macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF) is a cytokine secreted from both immune and non-immune cells, including gut epithelial cells. MIF is described to promote inflammatory responses, to be associated in colitis pathogenesis and also to play role in maintaining the intestinal barrier. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of the pregnancy and MIF deficiency on T. gondii infection in the intestinal microenvironment and to address how these factors can impact on the intestinal architecture and local cytokine profile. For this purpose, small intestine of pregnant and non-pregnant C57BL/6 MIF deficient mice (MIF-/-) and Wild-type (WT) orally infected with 5 cysts of ME-49 strain of T. gondii were collected on day 8th of infection. Intestines were processed for morphological and morphometric analyses, parasite quantification and for cytokines mensuration. Our results showed that the absence of MIF and pregnancy caused an increase in T. gondii infection index. T. gondii immunolocalization demonstrated that segments preferentially infected with T. gondii were duodenum and ileum. The infection caused a reduction in the size of the intestinal villi, whereas, infection associated with pregnancy caused an increase in villi size due to edema caused by the infection. Also, the goblet cell number was increased in the ileum of MIF-/- mice, when compared to the corresponding WT group. Analyses of cytokine production in the small intestine showed that MIF was up regulated in the gut of pregnant WT mice due to infection. Also, infection provoked an intense Th1 response that was more exacerbated in pregnant MIF-/- mice. We also detected that the Th2/Treg response was more pronounced in MIF-/- mice. Altogether, our results demonstrated that pregnancy and MIF deficiency interferes in the balance of the intestinal cytokines and favors a Th1-immflamatory profile, which in turn, impact in the development of pathology caused by T. gondii infection in the intestinal microenvironment.

Selenium toxicity in upland field-grown rice: Seed physiology responses and nutrient distribution using the µ-XRF technique.

Selenium (Se) is an essential element for human and animal, although considered beneficial to higher plants. Selenium application at high concentration to plants can cause toxicity decreasing the physiological quality of seeds. This study aimed to characterize the Se toxicity on upland rice yield, seed physiology and the localization of Se in seeds using X-ray fluorescence microanalysis (µ-XRF). In the flowering stage, foliar application of Se (0, 250, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 g ha-1) as sodium selenate was performed. A decrease in rice yield and an increase in seed Se concentrations were observed from 250 g Se ha-1. The storage proteins in the seeds showed different responses with Se application (decrease in albumin, increase in prolamin and glutelin). There was a reduction in the concentrations of total sugars and sucrose with the application of 250 and 500 g Se ha-1. The highest intensities Kα counts of Se were detected mainly in the endosperm and aleurone/pericarp. µ-XRF revealed the spatial distribution of sulfur, calcium, and potassium in the seed embryos. The seed germination decreased, and the electrical conductivity increased in response to high Se application rates showing clearly an abrupt decrease of physiological quality of rice seeds. This study provides information for a better understanding of the effects of Se toxicity on rice, revealing that in addition to the negative effects on yield, there are changes in the physiological and biochemical quality of seeds.

The effect of summer drought on the yield of Arundo donax is reduced by the retention of photosynthetic capacity and leaf growth later in the growing season.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The development of Arundo donax as a biomass crop for use on drought-prone marginal lands in areas with warm to hot climates is constrained by the lack of variation within this species. We investigated the effect of morphological and physiological variation on growth and tolerance to drought under field conditions in three ecotypes of A. donax collected from habitats representing a climate gradient: a pre-desert in Morocco, a semi-arid Mediterranean climate in southern Italy and a warm sub-humid region of central Italy. METHODS: The three A. donax ecotypes were grown under irrigated and rain-fed conditions in a common garden field trial in a region with a semi-arid Mediterranean climate. Physiological and morphological characteristics, and carbohydrate metabolism of the ecotypes were recorded to establish which traits were associated with yield and/or drought tolerance. KEY RESULTS: Variation was observed between the A. donax ecotypes. The ecotype from the most arid habitat produced the highest biomass yield. Stem height and the retention of photosynthetic capacity later in the year were key traits associated with differences in biomass yield. The downregulation of photosynthetic capacity was not associated with changes in foliar concentrations of sugars or starch. Rain-fed plants maintained photosynthesis and growth later in the year compared with irrigated plants that began to senescence earlier, thus minimizing the difference in yield. Effective stomatal control prevented excessive water loss, and the emission of isoprene stabilized photosynthetic membranes under drought and heat stress in A. donax plants grown under rain-fed conditions without supplementary irrigation. CONCLUSIONS: Arundo donax is well adapted to cultivation in drought-prone areas with warm to hot climates. None of the A. donax ecotypes exhibited all of the desired traits consistent with an 'ideotype'. Breeding or genetic (identification of quantitative trait loci) improvement of A. donax should select ecotypes on the basis of stem morphology and the retention of photosynthetic capacity.

Acute effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) combining laser diodes, light-emitting diodes, and magnetic field in exercise capacity assessed by 6MST in patients with COPD: a crossover, randomized, and triple-blinded clinical trial.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by dyspnea, as well as musculoskeletal and systemic manifestations. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) with use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and/or light-emitting diode therapy (LEDT) is an electrophysical intervention that has been found to minimize or delay muscle fatigue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effect of PBMT with combined use of lasers diodes, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), magnetic field on muscle performance, exercise tolerance, and metabolic variables during the 6-minute stepper test (6MST) in patients with COPD. Twenty-one patients with COPD (FEV1 46.3% predicted) completed the 6MST protocol over 2 weeks, with one session per week. PBMT/magnetic field or placebo (PL) was performed before each 6MST (17 sites on each lower limb, with a dose of 30 J per site, using a cluster of 12 diodes 4 × 905 nm super-pulsed laser diodes, 4 × 875 nm infrared LEDs, and 4 × 640 nm red LEDs; Multi Radiance Medical™, Solon, OH, USA). Patients were randomized into two groups before the test according to the treatment they would receive. Assessments were performed before the start of each protocol. The primary outcomes were oxygen uptake and number of steps, and the secondary outcome was perceived exertion (dyspnea and fatigue in the lower limbs). PBMT/magnetic field applied before 6MST significantly increased the number of steps during the cardiopulmonary exercise test when compared to the results with placebo (129.8 ± 10.6 vs 116.1 ± 11.5, p = 0.000). PBMT/magnetic field treatment also led to a lower score for the perception of breathlessness (3.0 [1.0-7.0] vs 4.0 [2.0-8.0], p = 0.000) and lower limb fatigue (2.0 [0.0-5.0] vs 4.0 [0.0-7.0], p = 0.001) compared to that with placebo treatment. This study showed that the combined application of PBMT and magnetic field increased the number of steps during the 6MST and decreased the sensation of dyspnea and lower limb fatigue in patients with COPD.

Glycation potentiates α-synuclein-associated neurodegeneration in synucleinopathies.

α-Synuclein misfolding and aggregation is a hallmark in Parkinson's disease and in several other neurodegenerative diseases known as synucleinopathies. The toxic properties of α-synuclein are conserved from yeast to man, but the precise underpinnings of the cellular pathologies associated are still elusive, complicating the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Combining molecular genetics with target-based approaches, we established that glycation, an unavoidable age-associated post-translational modification, enhanced α-synuclein toxicity in vitro and in vivo, in Drosophila and in mice. Glycation affected primarily the N-terminal region of α-synuclein, reducing membrane binding, impaired the clearance of α-synuclein, and promoted the accumulation of toxic oligomers that impaired neuronal synaptic transmission. Strikingly, using glycation inhibitors, we demonstrated that normal clearance of α-synuclein was re-established, aggregation was reduced, and motor phenotypes in Drosophila were alleviated. Altogether, our study demonstrates glycation constitutes a novel drug target that can be explored in synucleinopathies as well as in other neurodegenerative conditions.

Revisiting colorectal cancer animal model - An improved metastatic model for distal rectosigmoid colon carcinoma.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most frequent and fatal cancer in Western countries. Understanding its biology with different incidence along the colon and rectum, genetic profile and how these factors contribute to local/distant progression, has been hampered by the lack of a suitable CRC model. We report a reproducible model, using human CRC cell lines (CL) (WiDr, LS1034, C2BBe1) injected (1 × 107 cells/animal) in RNU rats (n = 55) which underwent cecostomy and descending colostomy with mucosal-cutaneous fistula of the sigmoid colon. CL were characterized by immunohistochemistry: CK20, CDX2, P53, vimentin, Ki67, CD44, CD133, E-cadherin, ß-catenin and CEA; cancer stem cells-immune system interaction was studied and tumor progression was assessed with nuclear medicine imaging (99mTc-MIBI). Animals developed locally invasive tumors and with WiDr neural invasion was registered. Cancer stem cells were detected in WiDr (CD44 positive). All the cell lines stimulated the immune system, being WiDr the most aggressive. Imaging studies demonstrated tumor uptake. With this CRC model we can study the microenvironment role and tumor-stroma interactions. All CL developed primary disease, but only the WiDR established neural invasion which may represent a metastatic pathway. This model can help unveiling the underlying metastatic mechanisms, and ultimately test better therapeutic approaches for CRC.

All-Fiber CO2 Sensor Using Hollow Core PCF Operating in the 2 µm Region.

A realistic implementation of an all-fiber CO2 sensor, using 74 cm of hollow core photonic crystal fiber (HC-PCF) as the cavity for light/gas interaction, has been implemented. It is based on CO2 absorbance in the 2 µm region. The working range is from 2% to 100% CO2 concentration at 1 atm total pressure and the response time obtained was 10 min. Depending on the concentration level, the sensor operates at one of three different wavelengths (2003.5 nm, 1997.0 nm and 1954.5 nm) to maintain a high sensitivity across all the working range.

Representation of domestic violence against women: comparison among nursing students. / Representação da violência doméstica contra a mulher: comparação entre discentes de enfermagem.

OBJECTIVES: To identify and compare the structure and content of representations of domestic violence against women among students in the initial and final grades of a nursing undergraduate course. METHODS: A qualitative study was carried out between August/November 2014, in Rio Grande/RS, with 132 nursing students, 71 of the initial grades and 61 of the final grades. The data has been collected through evocations and interviews; for the treatment, the EVOC software and content analysis have been used. Approval under Opinion 109/2014. RESULTS: In common in the central nucleus are the terms violence, cowardice, disrespect and pain. The first group evoked sadness and the second, physical violence. CONCLUSION: The representation has negative connotations, with discrete differentiation. The students of the final series are based on the reified knowledge and have the structured representation, with concept, image and attitude. It is hoped that the students will contribute to the prevention, identification and intervention of victims of violence.

Physical inactivity among older adults across Europe based on the SHARE database.

Background: Regular physical activity is one of the key components of a healthy lifestyle. It is associated with better physical and cognitive functioning in later life and with increased life expectancy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of, and factors related to, physical inactivity among older adults across Europe. Methods: In this cross-sectional analysis, we used data from participants aged 55 or older in Wave 4 of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) database, a multidisciplinary and cross-national panel database covering health, socioeconomic status, and social and family networks. Individuals included in this study were classified as physically active or physically inactive. Clinical, psychosocial and sociodemographic variables were evaluated for their association with physical inactivity. Results: From the total of 58,489 individuals in SHARE, we selected 19,298 people age 55 or older (mean age 67.8 ± 8.9 years; 11,430 (59.2%) female). The overall prevalence of inactivity among individuals age 55 or older in the 16 included countries was 12.5%. The prevalence of physical inactivity varied between countries, ranging from 4.9% (Sweden) to 29% (Portugal). Increasing age, depression, physical limitations, poor sense of meaning in life, social support and memory loss were significant variables associated with physical inactivity. Conclusions: Physical inactivity can be explained by physical, cognitive and psychological conditions. Interventions aimed at promoting physical activity among older people are needed to address this diversity of factors.