Genome-Wide Association Study for Root Morphology and Phosphorus Acquisition Efficiency in Diverse Maize Panels.

Maximizing soil exploration through modifications of the root system is a strategy for plants to overcome phosphorus (P) deficiency. Genome-wide association with 561 tropical maize inbred lines from Embrapa and DTMA panels was undertaken for root morphology and P acquisition traits under low- and high-P concentrations, with 353,540 SNPs. P supply modified root morphology traits, biomass and P content in the global maize panel, but root length and root surface area changed differentially in Embrapa and DTMA panels. This suggests that different root plasticity mechanisms exist for maize adaptation to low-P conditions. A total of 87 SNPs were associated to phenotypic traits in both P conditions at -log10(p-value) ≥ 5, whereas only seven SNPs reached the Bonferroni significance. Among these SNPs, S9_137746077, which is located upstream of the gene GRMZM2G378852 that encodes a MAPKKK protein kinase, was significantly associated with total seedling dry weight, with the same allele increasing root length and root surface area under P deficiency. The C allele of S8_88600375, mapped within GRMZM2G044531 that encodes an AGC kinase, significantly enhanced root length under low P, positively affecting root surface area and seedling weight. The broad genetic diversity evaluated in this panel suggests that candidate genes and favorable alleles could be exploited to improve P efficiency in maize breeding programs of Africa and Latin America.

Quality preservation of sweet cherry cv. 'staccato' by using glycine-betaine or Ascophyllum nodosum.

Pre-harvest application of exogenous compounds has been employed in many crops, as a cultural practice, to promote their adaptation to a new climate-changing environment. Effect of foliar pre-harvest application of salicylic acid, glycine-betaine complex and seaweed extract (Ascophyllum nodosum) on the cherry quality from 'Staccato' cultivar was studied. Treatments significantly affected (p < 0.01) the fruit size, soluble solids content, pH, colour, polyphenols, vitamin C and antioxidant activity. Glycine-betaine and A. nodosum treated cherries presented higher dimensions, soluble solids content and pH and lower acidity. In addition, these cherries had a higher content of polyphenols and vitamin C and antioxidant capacity, but lower values of L*, C*ab and hue angle, meaning that both treatments can rise the fruit ripening process. Therefore, the pre-harvest application of glycine-betaine and A. nodosum can be a good alternative to promote the adaptation of sweet cherry tree to stressful environmental conditions, without compromising the fruit quality.

Olive tree physiology and chemical composition of fruits are modulated by different deficit irrigation strategies.

BACKGROUND: Cropping practices focusing on agronomic water use efficiency and their impact on quality parameters must be investigated to overcome constraints affecting olive groves. We evaluated the response of olive trees (Olea europaea, cv. 'Cobrançosa') to different water regimes: full irrigation (FI, 100% crop evapotranspiration (ETc )), and three deficit irrigation strategies (DIS) (regulated (RDI, irrigated with 80% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc ) in phases I and III of fruit growth and 10% of ETc in the pit hardening stage), and two continuous sustained strategies (SDI) - a conventional SDI (27.5% of ETc ), and low-frequency irrigation adopted by the farmer (SDIAF, 21.2% of ETc ). RESULTS: The effects of water regimes on the plant water status, photosynthetic performance, metabolite fluctuations and fruit quality parameters were evaluated. All DIS treatments enhanced leaf tissue density; RDI and SDI generally did not affect leaf water status and maintained photosynthetic machinery working properly, and the SDIAF treatment impaired olive tree physiological indicators. The DIS treatments maintained the levels of primary metabolites in leaves, but SDIAF plants showed signs of oxidative stress. Moreover, DIS treatments led to changes in the secondary metabolism, both in leaves and in fruits, with increased total phenolic compounds, ortho-diphenols, and flavonoid concentration, and higher total antioxidant capacity, as well higher oil content. Phenolic profiles showed the relevance of an early harvest in order to obtain higher oleuropein levels with associated higher health benefits. CONCLUSION: Adequate DIS are essential for sustainable olive growing, as they enhance the competitiveness of the sector in terms of olive production and associated quality parameters. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency amongst soccer athletes and effects of 8 weeks supplementation.

BACKGROUND: High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is well known around the world in risk populations. Although less is known about the athletic population, some studies report vitamin D deficiency amongst athletic population and adequate vitamin D levels are crucial for athletic population as they can prevent injuries such as stress fractures and might even have ergogenic effects for example on muscle function. The main objectives were to evaluate the basal serum levels of 25(OH)D and calcium in professional soccer athletes on the latitude 40°N, to evaluate the effects in 25(OH)D and calcium serum levels following supplementation of 1667 IU/day of cholecalciferol during a period of 8 weeks and evaluate eventual toxicity arising from it. METHODS: Twenty-eight professional athletes were evaluated according to the skin type. Basal serum levels of 25(OH)D and calcium were evaluated during winter months. Athletes were then supplemented with cholecalciferol 25.000 IU every two weeks. Serum levels of 25(OH)D and calcium were evaluated after supplementation. RESULTS: 25(OH)D initially ranged between 9.9 ng/mL and 32.9 ng/mL with a median of 19.2 IQR 7.24 ng/mL. A statistically significant inverse correlation exists between vitamin D deficiency and the Fitzpatrick Scale (ρ=-0.555 P=0.003). After 8 weeks, 25(OH)D ranged between 10.6 ng/mL and 43.4 ng/mL with a median of 33.2 ng/mL IQR 6.1 ng/mL. We verified a statistically significant increase of serum 25(OH) D levels (11.74±5.988; CI 95% [9,02; 14,47]; P<0.001. In addition, there was a statistically significant reduction of calcium: -0.36±0.457; CI 95% [- 0.57; -0.15]; P=0.002. CONCLUSIONS: Professional athletes have a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Supplementation with cholecalciferol in winter months during 8 weeks is safe and effective in raising 25(OH)D serum levels. However, it may not be sufficient for athletes to reach adequate vitamin D levels.

Methamphetamine Induces Anhedonic-Like Behavior and Impairs Frontal Cortical Energetics in Mice.

INTRODUCTION: We recently showed that a single high dose of methamphetamine (METH) induces a persistent frontal cortical monoamine depletion that is accompanied by helpless-like behavior in mice. However, brain metabolic alterations underlying both neurochemical and mood alterations remain unknown. AIMS: Herein, we aimed at characterizing frontal cortical metabolic alterations associated with early negative mood behavior triggered by METH. Adult C57BL/6 mice were injected with METH (30 mg/kg, i.p.), and their frontal cortical metabolic status was characterized after probing their mood and anxiety-related phenotypes 3 days postinjection. RESULTS: Methamphetamine induced depressive-like behavior, as indicated by the decreased grooming time in the splash test and by a transient decrease in sucrose preference. At this time, METH did not alter anxiety-like behavior or motor functions. Depolarization-induced glucose uptake was reduced in frontocortical slices from METH-treated mice compared to controls. Consistently, astrocytic glucose transporter (GluT1) density was lower in the METH group. A proton high rotation magic angle spinning (HRMAS) spectroscopic approach revealed that METH induced a significant decrease in N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) and glutamate levels, suggesting that METH decreased neuronal glutamatergic function in frontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS: We report, for the first time, that a single METH injection triggers early self-care and hedonic deficits and impairs frontal cortical energetics in mice.

Resenha do livro "filho teu não foge a luta: como os lutadores brasileiros transformaram o MMA em um fenômeno mundial", escrito por Fellipe Awi, Editora Intrínseca, 2012 / A review of book "Filho teu não foge à luta: como lutadores brasileiros transformaram o MMA em um fenômeno mundial" / Un reseña del libro "Tu hijo no se niega a la lucha: cómo los luchadores brasileños convirtieron a los MMAs en un fenómeno mundial"

Resumo: A resenha do livro "Filho teu não foge à luta: como os lutadores brasileiros transformaram o MMA em um fenômeno mundial", fala da história do MMA (Mixed Martial Arts - Artes Marciais Mistas), escritas pelo jornalista Fellipe Awi. O autor traça a trajetória do esporte, a partir da criação do Jiu Jitsu brasileiro e dos desafios promovidos pela Familia Gracie, para tentar mostrar a superioridade de sua arte, que foi desenvolvida a partir das técnicas de uma arte marcial japonesa chamada Jujutsu. As lutas e eventos do antigo Vale-tudo e as modificações para esportivizar a modalidade foram uma das justificativas fundamentais para o crescimento deste esporte no entendimento do autor, além dos relatos dos personagens que fazem parte desta história. Algumas críticas são feitas de acordo com referências obtidas pelos resenhistas, existindo até algumas discordâncias com os relatos do autor do livro. Awi narra a história, mostrando os brasileiros como principais personagens e peças fundamentais para o surgimento do MMA, além de todo o processo que tornou esta luta em um esporte mais aceito pelo público, retirando a pecha de violento, e que movimenta grandes somas em dinheiro no inicio deste século XXI. A resenha conta as histórias narradas pelo autor, com relatos de personagens famosos do mundo das lutas e que fizeram parte da criação do fenômeno esportivo que está entre um dos que mais cresce no mundo.

Abstract: A review of book "Filho teu não foge à luta: como lutadores brasileiros transformaram o MMA em um fenômeno mundial" is about of MMA ( Mixed Martial Arts), written by journalist Santino Awi (2012). The author writes the history of the sport from the point of the creation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the fighters promoted by Gracie Family in the beginning of last century. Showing the superiority of this fight/art, the author argues that developed of these techniques are taken from Japanese martial art called Jujutsu. The well-known fights in the past named "Vale-Tudo" and the necessary changes to make MMA less violent are the reasons for the audience interest in this fight in author opinion. In addition of that, some of the most important MMA characters are part of the book narrative, showing how difficult was in the begging to make MMA become a sport with rules and penalties accepted for all federations. Some critics are made by the reviewers and they are included in the book review. Specific author information's are different from reviewer's references. Awi also tells the main role of Brazilian fighters. Their traveling around the world, mainly to USA and the spread of fighters clubs in this country. The book review tells the stories narrated by the author, with reports of famous characters from the world of fighting and took part in the creation of sporting phenomenon that is among the fastest growing and well successful in the world.

Resumen: Un reseña del libro "Tu hijo no se niega a la lucha: cómo los luchadores brasileños convirtieron a los MMAs en un fenómeno mundial", cuenta la historia de los MMA (Mixed Martial Arts - Artes Marciales Mixtas), escrita por el periodista Fellipe Awi. El autor traza la trayectoria de este deporte, desde la creación del Jiu Jitsu brasileño y los desafíos promovidos por la familia Gracie, para tratar de demostrar la superioridad de su arte, que se desarrolló a partir de las técnicas de un arte marcial japonés llamado Jujutsu. Según el autor, las luchas y los eventos de la antigua Vale-Todo y las modificaciones hechas para convertir la modalidad en un deporte fueron una de las razones fundamentales para el crecimiento de este deporte, junto con los relatos de los personajes que forman parte de esta historia. Algunas críticas se hacen con base en las referencias obtenidas por los reseñistas, inclusivamente presentando unas discordancias con los relatos del autor del libro. Awi narra la historia, mostrando a los brasileños como personajes principales y piezas fundamentales para el surgimiento de los MMA junto con todo el proceso que convirtió a esta lucha en un deporte más aceptado por el público, eliminando su mancha violenta, y que mueve grandes sumas de dinero desde el inicio de este siglo XXI. La reseña cuenta las historias narradas por el autor, con relatos de personajes famosos del mundo de las luchas que participaron en la creación de este fenómeno deportivo que hoy cuenta con una de las mayores tasas de crecimiento del mundo

Pensando extensão universitária como campo de formação em saúde: uma experiência na Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brasil / Thinking of university extension as a health education field: an experience at the Fluminense Federal University, Brazil / Pensar la extensión universitaria como campo de formación en salud: una experiencia en la Universidad Federal Fluminense, Brasil

Este trabalho representa uma reflexão sobre práticas extensionistas no campo da saúde em um programa de extensão universitária desenvolvido na Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brasil. A partir das falas/observações de docentes, alunos, profissionais da saúde e cuidadores, foram analisadas as concepções de extensão e formação. O trabalho fundamentou-se no confronto dessas práticas no processo formativo e referenciou-se, academicamente, às diretrizes da extensão universitária/FORPROEX, a partir de três eixos: cuidado integral em saúde, processo formativo como relação dialógica, e processo formativo como relação prática-teoria. O estudo revelou o potencial extensionista na formação em saúde, isto é, produzir cuidado integral, desde que haja articulação acadêmica e se concilie assistência à indissociabilidade ensino-pesquisa-extensão; extensão é espaço de vivências e confrontos entre teoria e prática numa dinâmica dialógica, multiprofissional e socialmente compromissada.

This paper presents a reflection on extension practices within healthcare through a university extension program developed at the Fluminense Federal University, Brazil. From the words of and observations on teachers, students, health professionals and caregivers, the concepts of extension and training were analyzed. The study was based on comparing these practices during the educational process, with reference, academically, to the guidelines for the university extension program (FORPROEX) along three lines: comprehensive healthcare; the educational process as a dialogical relationship; and the training process as a relationship between theory and practice. The study revealed that there was potential for extension of healthcare training, i.e. for producing comprehensive care, provided that there is academic linkage and that attendance is inseparable from teaching-research-extension. Extension is a space for experiences and for comparing theory with practice within dialogical, multidisciplinary and socially committed dynamics.

El estudio representa una reflexión sobre las prácticas de extensión universitaria en el área de la salud en un programa desarrollado en la Universidad Federal Fluminense, en Brasil. A partir de las conversaciones/observaciones de profesores, alumnos, profesionales de salud y cuidadores se analizaron las concepciones de extensión y formación. La base del trabajo fue la comparación de esas prácticas en el proceso de formación y su referencia académica fueron las directrices de la extensión universitaria (FORPROEX) en tres ejes: el cuidado integral de la salud, el proceso de formación como relación dialógica y el proceso formativo como relación práctica-teoría. El estudio reveló el potencial de la extensión en la formación en salud, es decir, en la producción del cuidado integral, siempre y cuando haya articulación académica y conciliando la inseparabilidad enseñanza-investigación-extensión; la extensión es el espacio de experiencias y enfrentamientos entre teoría y práctica en un diálogo dinámico, multidisciplinario y comprometido socialmente.

Disruption of striatal glutamatergic/GABAergic homeostasis following acute methamphetamine in mice.

Methamphetamine leads to functional changes in basal ganglia that are linked to impairment in motor activity. Previous studies from our group and others have shown that a single high-methamphetamine injection induces striatal dopaminergic changes in rodents. However, striatal glutamatergic, GABAergic and serotoninergic changes remain elusive under this methamphetamine regimen. Moreover, nothing is known about the participation of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), which is overexpressed upon synaptic dysfunction and glial response, on methamphetamine-induced striatal dysfunction. The aim of this work was to provide an integrative characterization of the striatal changes in amino acids, monoamines and astroglia, as well as in the RAGE levels, and the associated motor activity profile of C57BL/6 adult mice, 72 h after a single-high dose of methamphetamine (30 mg/kg, i.p.). Our findings indicate, for the first time, that methamphetamine decreases striatal glutamine, glutamate and GABA levels, as well as glutamine/glutamate and GABA/glutamate ratios, while serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels remain unchanged. This methamphetamine regimen also produced dopaminergic terminal degeneration in the striatum, as evidenced by dopamine and tyrosine hydroxylase depletion. Consistently, methamphetamine decreased the locomotor activity of mice, in the open field test. In addition, increased levels of glutamine synthase and glial fibrillary acidic protein were observed. Nevertheless, methamphetamine failed to change RAGE levels. Our results show that acute methamphetamine intoxication induces pronounced changes in the striatal glutamatergic/GABAergic and dopaminergic homeostasis, along with astrocyte activation. These neurochemical and glial alterations are accompanied by impairment in locomotor activity.

Plants with neurobiological activity as potential targets for drug discovery.

Significant number of studies has been performed to find alternatives or treatments for diseases of the nervous forum by identifying structures with activity at the central nervous system (CNS). However most of the screenings are usually conducted on an ad hoc basis and not systematically. The initial purpose of this review was to screen plants with neurological bioactivity, in particular those that have not been fully studied and that have molecular mechanisms whose active constituents responsible for the activity remain to be identified. The second purpose was to identify potential target plants for future studies of new and alternative therapies for the treatment of neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. All plants considered in this review were selected for three qualities: possible molecular requirements to act at the CNS; representative of the main classes of compounds with the referred bioactivity and the major families containing species with those compounds; and diffuse world distribution. We identified several examples of plants that have potential for further study. We have included the main families of these plants, their known molecular mechanisms involved in neurological bioactivity, and the active constituents responsible for such activity. Also included is a brief discussion about the requirements of the different compounds to reach the CNS. These requirements may be less limited than what researchers have previously thought.

Mites (Mesostigmata: Spinturnicidae and Spelaeorhynchidae) associated with bats in northeast Brazil.

In this article, we present the results of a study about mites associated with bats collected in the State of Pernambuco, northeast Brazil. Of the 331 bats collected, 23 were found naturally infested by mites, corresponding to an overall prevalence of 6.9% (95% confidence interval: 4.5-10.2). Four mite species were collected from seven bat species. The following mite-bat associations were recorded: Periglischrus acutisternus Machado-Allison on Phyllostomus discolor Wagner; Periglischrus ojastii Oudemans on Carollia perspicillata L.; Periglischrus iheringi Oudemans on Artibeus lituratus (Olfers), Artibeus planirostris Spix, Platyrrhinus lineatus (E. Geoffroy), and Sturnira lilium (E. Geoffroy); and Spelaeorhynchus praecursor Neumann on C. perspicillata. This study definitively confirms the presence of S. praecursor in Pernambuco and records for the first time the presence of three spinturnicid species (i.e., P. acutisternus, P. ojastii, and P. iheringi) in northeast Brazil.

Acute increase of the glutamate-glutamine cycling in discrete brain areas after administration of a single dose of amphetamine.

The glutamate-glutamine cycle between neurons and glia is tightly related to excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABAergic regulation in brain. The role of this neuron-astrocyte cross-talk on the neurotoxicity induced by amphetamines is not understood. Also, the impact of neurotoxic doses of amphetamines on the balance between glutamatergic and GABAergic circuits is largely unknown. The aim of this work was to assess the acute effect of a neurotoxic regimen of amphetamine (AMPH) on glutamine (GLN, an astrocytic marker) levels and on glutamine/glutamate (an index for glutamate-glutamine cycle) and GABA/glutamate ratios in rat brain. Sprague-Dawley rats were sacrificed 4 and 24 h after a single-dose regimen of AMPH (30 mg/kg, i.p.), and the caudate-putamen (CPu), frontal cortex (FC), and hippocampus (Hp) were dissected for analysis of glutamate (GLU), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and GLN. The total content of these amino acids was measured using a microbore HPLC electrochemical detector. Although AMPH did not change GLU levels, it increased both GLN content and GLN/GLU ratio (160-469%) at 4 h, but not at 24 h, in all regions after injection. Striatal GABA levels and GABA/GLU ratio were increased (46 and 100%, respectively) at 24 h. In hippocampus the GABA/GLU increase (60%) occurred as early as 4 h after treatment. To the contrary, AMPH exerted no effect in GABA/GLU balance in frontal cortex. These data strongly suggest that this neurotoxic AMPH regimen provoked an early increase in the glutamate-glutamine cycle between neurons and glia. This increase may ultimately lead to an upregulation of the inhibitory system as a compensatory response.