Heavy-ion induced two-neutron transfer reactions and the role of pairing / Reacciones de transferencia de dos neutrones inducidas por iones pesados y el papel del apareamiento

Abstract Heavy-ion induced two-neutron transfer reactions (18O,16O) at 84 MeV were studied on several targets up to high excitation energy of the residual nucleus thanks to the use of the MAGNEX magnetic spectrometer to detect the ejectiles. The obtained results indicate of the important role played by the nuclear paring.

Resumen Se estudiaron reacciones de transferencia de dos neutrones inducidas por iones pesados (18O, 16O) a 84 MeV en varios blancos hasta una alta energía de excitación del núcleo residual gracias al uso del espectrómetro magnético MAGNEX para detectar los residuos eyectados. Los resultados obtenidos indican el importante papel desempeñado por el apareamiento nuclear.

Bayesian analyses of genetic parameters for growth traits in Nellore cattle raised on pasture.

This study was carried out to investigate (co)variance components and genetic parameters for growth traits in beef cattle using a multi-trait model by Bayesian methods. Genetic and residual (co)variances and parameters were estimated for weights at standard ages of 120 (W120), 210 (W210), 365 (W365), and 450 days (W450), and for pre- and post-weaning daily weight gain (preWWG and postWWG) in Nellore cattle. Data were collected over 16 years (1993-2009), and all animals were raised on pasture in eight farms in the North of Brazil that participate in the National Association of Breeders and Researchers. Analyses were run by the Bayesian approach using Gibbs sampler. Additive direct heritabilities for W120, W210, W365, and W450 and for preWWG and postWWG were 0.28 ± 0.013, 0.32 ± 0.002, 0.31 ± 0.002, 0.50 ± 0.026, 0.61 ± 0.047, and 0.79 ± 0.055, respectively. The estimates of maternal heritability were 0.32 ± 0.012, 0.29 ± 0.004, 0.30 ± 0.005, 0.25 ± 0.015, 0.23 ± 0.017, and 0.22 ± 0.016, respectively, for W120, W210, W365, and W450 and for preWWG and postWWG. The estimates of genetic direct additive correlation among all traits were positive and ranged from 0.25 ± 0.03 (preWWG and postWWG) to 0.99 ± 0.00 (W210 and preWWG). The moderate to high estimates of heritability and genetic correlation for weights and daily weight gains at different ages is suggestive of genetic improvement in these traits by selection at an appropriate age. Maternal genetic effects seemed to be significant across the traits. When the focus is on direct and maternal effects, W210 seems to be a good criterium for the selection of Nellore cattle considering the importance of this breed as a major breed of beef cattle not only in Northern Brazil but all regions covered by tropical pastures. As in this study the genetic correlations among all traits were high, the selection based on weaning weight might be a good choice because at this age there are two important effects (maternal and direct genetic effects). In contrast, W120 should be preferred when the objective is improving the maternal ability of the dams. Furthermore, selection for postWWG can be used if the animals show both heavier weaning weights and high growth rate after weaning because it is possible to shorten the time between weaning and slaughter based on weaning weight, postWWG, and desired weight at the time of slaughter.

Population structure of jatropha and its implication for the breeding program.

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) has potential as an oilseed crop that requires the development of technology for its exploitation. The objective of this study was to assess the population structure and the genetic diversity in jatropha accessions at a global level using simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers. Jatropha accessions (N = 109) from 10 countries were genotyped using 10 SSR markers. The results showed a low level of genetic diversity among 92 accessions originating from India, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Brazil, Honduras, and Indonesia, which were grouped in one cluster. In contrast, accessions from Mexico and Costa Rica showed high level of genetic variability. These accessions may be used to increase the genetic diversity of jatropha in the breeding populations. The study also showed the need of collecting activity from the center of diversity (Mexico and Costa Rica) to aggregate the genetic diversity in the international collections of jatropha.

High frequency of dolutegravir resistance in patients failing a raltegravir-containing salvage regimen

OBJECTIVES: Dolutegravir is a second-generation integrase strand transfer inhibitor (InSTI) that has been recently approved by the FDA to treat antiretroviral therapy-naive as well as treatment-experienced HIV-infected individuals, including those already exposed to the first-generation InSTI. Despite having a different mutational profile, some cross-resistance mutations may influence its susceptibility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a raltegravir-containing salvage regimen on dolutegravir activity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Blood samples of 92 HIV-infected individuals with virological failure (two or more viral loads >50 copies/mL after 6 months of treatment) using raltegravir with optimized background therapy were sequenced and evaluated according to the Stanford University HIV Drug Resistance Database algorithm. RESULTS: Among the 92 patients analysed, 32 (35%) showed resistance to dolutegravir, in most cases associated with the combination of Q148H/R/K with G140S/A mutations. At genotyping, patients with resistance to dolutegravir had viral load values closer to the highest previously documented viral load. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in viraemia during virological failure may indicate the evolution of raltegravir resistance and may predict the emergence of secondary mutations that are associated with a decrease in dolutegravir susceptibility. Early discontinuation of raltegravir from failing regimens might favour subsequent salvage with dolutegravir, but further studies are necessary to evaluate this issue.

Transmission of a multidrug-resistant HIV-! from an accupational exposure, in São Paulo, Brazil

We documented the first transmission of a multidrug-resistant HIV from an occupational exposure in Sao Paulo, Brazil, albeit with antiretroviral prophylaxis instituted within 1 h after the accident. A 27-year-old female healthcare worker (HCW) sustained an index finger needle stick injury with a 20-gauge needle while puncturing the forearm of an HIV-infected patient. The putative source (index) patient was a 44-year-old homeless female, on irregular use of zidovudine (AZT), lamivudine (3TC) and ritonavir boosted lopinavir(LPV/r). She was hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfected and had been prescribed different regimens including nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI), non-nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) or protease inhibitors since 2011. Around the time of the accident, she had a HIV viral load of 4.56 log10, HCV viral load of 5.9 log10 (Abbott Real Time HIV and HCV, USA) and CD4+ cell count (BD Biosciences FACSCalibur Flow Cytometer, USA) of 143 cells/µl. After the HCW tested negative by rapid test, AZT/3TC/LPV/r was instituted, as suggested by current guidelines [1,2], within 1 h of the accident.

Developing selection criteria based on an ontogenetic path analysis approach to improve grain yield in barley.

We used correlation and path coefficient analysis based on an ontogenetic approach to develop selection criteria in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) for an early production system in Ethiopia. A total of 100 genotypes using 10x10-simple lattices with two replications were used to perform the experiment at Ambo and Asasa. The combined analysis of the measured traits showed significant differences among genotypes for all traits. A positive correlation was observed between grain yield and spike/m2, kernel number/spike, and 1000-kernel weight. The path analysis showed that spike/m2, 1000-kernel weight, and kernel number per spike had significant positive direct effects on grain yield, which shows that these traits can be used as selection criteria to improve grain yield. The significant positive correlation of spike/ m2, 1000-kernel weight, and grain-filling period and the positive direct effect on grain yield indicated the potential of these traits as indirect selection criteria to improve grain yield in the early production system in Ethiopia. This study also showed that the path coefficient analysis based on an ontogenetic model was efficient and produced results that can be interpreted clearly.

Comparison of a retrotransposon-based marker with microsatellite markers for discriminating accessions of Vitis vinifera.

Identification and knowledge concerning genetic diversity are fundamental for efficient management and use of grapevine germplasm. Recently, new types of molecular markers have been developed, such as retrotransposon-based markers. Because of their multilocus pattern, retrotransposon-based markers might be able to differentiate grapevine accessions with just one pair of primers. In order to evaluate the efficiency of this type of marker, we compared retrotransposon marker Tvv1 with seven microsatellite markers frequently used for genotyping of the genus Vitis (VVMD7, VVMD25, VVMD5, VVMD27, VVMD31, VVS2, and VZAG62). The reference population that we used consisted of 26 accessions of Vitis, including seven European varieties of Vitis vinifera, four North American varieties and hybrids of Vitis labrusca, and 15 rootstock hybrids obtained from crosses of several Vitis species. Individually, the Tvv1 and the group of seven SSR markers were capable of distinguishing all accessions except 'White Niagara' compared to 'Red Niagara'. Using the Structure software, the retrotransposon marker Tvv1 generated two clusters: one with V. vinifera plus North American varieties and the other comprising rootstocks. The seven SSR markers generated five clusters: V. vinifera, the North American varieties, and three groups of rootstock hybrids. The percentages of variation explained by the first two components in the principal coordinate analysis were 65.21 (Tvv1) and 50.42 (SSR markers) while the Mantel correlation between the distance matrixes generated by the two types of markers was 42.5%. We conclude that the Tvv1 marker is useful for DNA fingerprinting, but it lacks efficiency for discrimination of structured groups.

Genetic diversity of Brazilian and introduced olive germplasms based on microsatellite markers.

Olive trees have been grown since the beginning of civilization, and the consumption of olives and olive products is increasing worldwide, due to their health benefits and organoleptic qualities. To meet the growing market for olives, commercial cultivation of this species is expanding from traditional areas to new regions. Although the Brazilian olive industry has just begun to be established, breeding programs are already developing cultivars that are more adapted to local conditions. We used 12 microsatellite markers to evaluate 60 olive accessions, including several cultivars that were developed in Brazil. The analyses identified 72 distinct alleles; the largest number of alleles per locus were at the markers GAPU 101 and GAPU 71B, which contained 10 and 9 alleles, respectively. The largest allelic diversity and polymorphic information contents were also found at the GAPU 101 and GAPU 71B markers, with values of 0.8399/0.8203 and 0.8117/0.7863, respectively. Additionally, the 12 microsatellite markers generated a cumulative identity probability of 1.51 x 10(-10), indicating a high level of accuracy of accession identification. The set of markers that we used allowed the identification of 52 of the 60 olive genotypes, in addition to the recognition of several varietal synonyms. The components of a two-dimensional principal coordinate analysis explained 48.6% of the total genetic variation. The results obtained from the microsatellite markers showed a substantial degree of genetic diversity in the olive tree accessions used in Brazil.

Southern Brazil HIV type 1 C expansion into the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

Abstract HIV diversity reflects multifactorial evolutionary forces, but monitoring subtype prevalence may provide clues to understanding the epidemic. In the Americas HIV-1 C is present at significant levels only in the southern states of Brazil. We describe in this study the presence of the HIV-1 C pol genome in 11.6% (95 CI 6-21%) of antiretroviral-naive individuals from São Paulo, the major city of South America, and 6.8% (95 CI 4-12%) from the second metropolitan area of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Moreover, a significant growth trend of this subtype was documented among cases failing therapy in the area. Sequences were obtained by direct nested PCR from cDNA retrotranscribed from plasma RNA. Phylogenetic and amino acid signatures support an expansion from variants previously identified in southern Brazil. The evaluation of additional genomic regions (partial gag, envelope, and/or integrase) in samples with HIV-1 C at pol showed extensive recombination with clade B, observed in 47% of ARV-naive cases. The spread of HIV-1 C locally and to other areas of South America should be monitored as it may influence the dynamics of the epidemic.

Biomonitoring of antioxidant and oxidative stress responses in Perinereis gualpensis (Polychaeta: Nereididae) in Chilean estuarine regions under different anthropogenic pressure.

This study aimed to analyze oxidative stress parameters, including levels of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH), activity of glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), total antioxidant capacity and protein oxidation, in the polychaete Perinereis gualpensis (Nereididae) collected from the Biobío, Itata, Valdivia and Lingue estuaries in Chile, which present different degrees of anthropogenic pressure. Sampling sites were characterized considering a geographic information system and the physicochemical characteristics of water and sediment. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the sampling sites for most of the responses (GSH, GCL, GST and antioxidant capacity), mainly related to human activities such as agriculture, industry, among others. Multivariate correlation analysis indicates a certain relationship of antioxidant responses with human activities, salinity, and worm weight, this last employed to standardize GST and antioxidant capacity. These results clearly indicate biomarker responses in P. gualpensis in Biobío and Valdivia estuaries, the more affected by human activities.

Frações proteicas do capim-mombaça submetido a doses de nitrogênio em duas alturas de corte / Proteins fractions of mombaça grass submitted to nitrogen doses at two cutting heights

Foram caracterizadas e identificadas as frações proteicas constituintes do capim-mombaça submetido a quatro doses de nitrogênio (0, 100, 300 e 500kg.ha-1) em duas alturas de corte no período chuvoso e no seco. Utilizou-se delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4 x 2, com quatro repetições. Os teores de proteína bruta (PB) e das frações A, B1, B2, B3 e C da proteína do capim-mombaça, cortado a 0,20 e 0,40m da superfície do solo foram avaliados pelo Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System. Em relação ao teor de PB, ocorreu diferença significativa (P<0,05) quanto às doses aplicadas. Observou-se aumento de PB em função da elevação das doses de N, principalmente no período chuvoso apresentando valores médios em torno de 10 por cento. Ocorreu diferença nas frações de PB em função da estação e da altura de corte. As frações B1 e C não diferiram quanto à dose de N e altura de corte. As frações A + B1 foram maiores no período seco, nas duas alturas residuais (P<0,05). A dose de nitrogênio e a altura do corte influenciaram na composição das frações proteicas.

The protein fractions of mombaça grass submitted to four nitrogen doses (0, 100, 300, and 500kg.ha-1) at two cutting heights in dry and rainy periods were characterized and identified. A completely randomized block design, in 2x4 factorial scheme with four repetitions, was used. The crude protein (CP) and A, B1, B2, B3, and C protein fractions of mombaça grass cut at 0.20 and 0.40m were evaluated by the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System. There was significant difference (P<0.05) for CP according to the nitrogen (N) dose. The CP percentage increased as the N dose increased, in rainy period, averaging around 10 percent. There was difference for CP in function of season and cutting heights. The B1 and C fractions did not significantly differ concerning N dose and cutting heights. The A + B1 fractions were higher in the dry period in both heights (P<0.05). The N dose and cutting heights influenced in protein fractions composition.

Anti-tumor necrosis factor-a for the treatment of steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation has been increasingly performed for a variety of hematologic diseases. Clinically significant acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurs in 9 to 50 percent of patients who receive allogeneic grafts, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. There is no standard therapy for patients with acute GVHD who do not respond to steroids. Studies have shown a possible benefit of anti-TNF-a (infliximab)for the treatment of acute GVHD. We report here on the outcomes of 10 recipients of related or unrelated stem cell transplants who received 10 mg/kg infliximab, iv, once weekly for a median of 3.5 doses (range: 1-6) for the treatment of severe acute GVHD and who were not responsive to standard therapy. All patients had acute GVHD grades II to IV (II = 2, III = 3, IV = 5). Overall, 9 patients responded and 1 patient had progressive disease. Among the responders, 3 had complete responses and 6 partial responses. All patients with cutaneous or gastrointestinal involvement responded, while only 2 of 6 patients with liver disease showed any response. None of the 10 patients had any kind of immediate toxicity. Four patients died, all of them with sepsis. Six patients are still alive after a median follow-up time of 544 days (92-600) after transplantation. Considering the severity of the cases and the bad prognosis associated with advanced acute GVHD, we find our results encouraging. Anti-TNF-a seems to be a useful agent for the treatment of acute GVHD.

Anti-tumor necrosis factor-a for the treatment of steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease.

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation has been increasingly performed for a variety of hematologic diseases. Clinically significant acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurs in 9 to 50% of patients who receive allogeneic grafts, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. There is no standard therapy for patients with acute GVHD who do not respond to steroids. Studies have shown a possible benefit of anti-TNF-a (infliximab)for the treatment of acute GVHD. We report here on the outcomes of 10 recipients of related or unrelated stem cell transplants who received 10 mg/kg infliximab, iv, once weekly for a median of 3.5 doses (range: 1-6) for the treatment of severe acute GVHD and who were not responsive to standard therapy. All patients had acute GVHD grades II to IV (II = 2, III = 3, IV = 5). Overall, 9 patients responded and 1 patient had progressive disease. Among the responders, 3 had complete responses and 6 partial responses. All patients with cutaneous or gastrointestinal involvement responded, while only 2 of 6 patients with liver disease showed any response. None of the 10 patients had any kind of immediate toxicity. Four patients died, all of them with sepsis. Six patients are still alive after a median follow-up time of 544 days (92-600) after transplantation. Considering the severity of the cases and the bad prognosis associated with advanced acute GVHD, we find our results encouraging. Anti-TNF-a seems to be a useful agent for the treatment of acute GVHD.

The benefits and drawbacks of nicotine exposure in the cortex and hippocampus of old rats.

Nicotine is the main alkaloid of tobacco and possesses well-established stimulant effects. Previous reports show that nicotine at low doses improves memory functions, while high doses impair memory. This study aims to analyze the effects of nicotine (NIC) on inhibitory avoidance task and on DNA damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration, total antioxidant capacity, and lipid peroxidation in cortex and hippocampus of old rats. Male Wistar rats of 24-26 months old (620-700g) were exposed i.p. to two doses (0.3 and 1mg/kg) of NIC daily during 9 days. The treatment NIC 0.3 enhanced long-term memory (p<0.05), whereas NIC 1 improved both short and long-term memories (p<0.05). DNA damage was observed only in hippocampus (p<0.05) after NIC 1 exposure. A similar result was obtained for ROS: higher levels were detected at NIC 1 treatment in hippocampus (p<0.05). No alterations in the total antioxidant capacity were verified after NIC exposure (0.3 and 1mg/kg) in both tissues (p>0.05). Finally, evidence of oxidative damage was observed in terms of lipid peroxides levels, being higher at NIC 1 in hippocampus (p<0.05). Overall the results indicate that deleterious effects paralleled the improved short and long-term memories at the highest NIC dose, since augmented DNA damage, ROS concentration and lipid peroxides levels were registered.

Comparison of the mouse bioassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay procedures for the detection of type A botulinal toxin in food.

Samples of chili linked to a foodborne illness outbreak of type A botulism were examined for preformed type A botulinal toxin using two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) procedures and the mouse bioassay. One of the samples was positive for type A botulinal toxin and three of the samples were negative for type A, B, E, and F botulinal toxins using the three methods. The mouse bioassay indicated that type A toxin was present at the 10,000 minimal lethal dose per gram (MLD per g) of product. The ELISA tests indicated a toxicity of 7,650 MLD per g with one method and 8,350 MLD per g with the other method. The sample toxicity determined by the ELISA was estimated by comparing samples to a standard curve generated with standard type A neurotoxin in casein buffer. The ELISA methods are more rapid than the mouse bioassay, since the toxin type can be determined in 1 day. The mouse bioassay is more sensitive than the ELISA but usually requires multiple assays to obtain the toxin type and toxicity. Type A culture isolates from the sample were also verified using one ELISA method.

Endovascular Pressure Measurements: Validation with a Pulsatile Flow Model and Haemodynamic Assessment of Brain AVMs.

SUMMARY: Intravascular pressure measurements for several types of endovascular catheters were obtained in an in vitro model to validate the pressure readings obtained during the interventional procedures of brain AVM embolization. An experimental model was used where the beat rate, flow and pressures were as close as possible to the average human values of interest. It is shown that the corrections increase with the decreasing inner diameter of the catheter used and with increasing vascular pressure. We have also shown that there were no differences between measurements made with the catheter in the direction of flow or against it. An average pressure reading corrections for the various microcatheters to compensate the readings obtained during in vivo monitoring is presented. The haemodynamic assessment of 81 brain AVMs was performed using the endovascular measurement of arterial pressure in 389 feeding arteries during embolization. Mostly, the feeders' arterial median pressure was half the systemic arterial pressure but there was a wide variability of AV shunts in brain AVMs not only from one brain AVM to another but also within the same brain AVM. Measurement of arterial feeder pressure is an inexpensive, quick and accurate tool to evaluate the type of AV shunts within brain AVM.

Anatomia foliar de Bauhinia blakeana Dunn

São observadas as características microscópicas das folhas de Bauhinia blakeana Dunn., espécie conhecida no Brasil como "Pata de vaca" e usada pela população como hipoglicemiante. As análises dos cortes transversais e das dissociações epidérmicas indicam a presença de um mesofilo dorsiventral contendo espaços intercelulares, protegido por epidermes com tricomas de diversos aspectos e estômatos paracíticos e anomocíticos. O pecíolo, plano-convexo, pubescente, apresenta duas saliências, colênquima angular e feixes vasculares colaterais e bicolaterais.

The paper describes the microscopic characteristics of the leaves of Bauhinia blakeana Dunn., known in Brazil as "pata de vaca" and used as a hypoglycemic remedy. Transverse sections and epidermal dissociations indicate the presence of a dorsiventral mesophyll protected by epidermis with trichomes of diverse types and paracytic and anomocytic stomata. The petiole, which is plane-convex, pubescent, shows two excrescences, an angular collenchyma and collateral and bicollateral vascular bundles.

Caracterização química do óleo essencial de Hypericum brasiliense Choisy

Hypericum brasiliense Choisy, planta da família Guttiferae, ocorre principalmente nas regiões Sudeste e Sul do Brasil. Em trabalhos anteriores foram isolados e identificados nesta espécie, dentre outras classes de compostos, xantonas, floroglucinóis e flavonóides. Apesar da presença de óleos essenciais ser uma característica do gênero, ainda não há registros na literatura da composição química do óleo essencial desta espécie. Neste trabalho foi realizado o estudo químico da fração volátil de H. brasiliense visando identificar e quantificar as substâncias químicas presentes através da cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplada a espectrômetro de massas equipado com banco de dados.

Hypericum brasiliense Choisy, plant of the Guttiferae family, occurs mainly in the regions Southeastern and South of Brazil. Xanthones, phloroglucinols, flavonoids and other compounds were isolated from this species. There are not registrations in the literature of the chemical composition of the essential oil of this species, in spite of the importance of these compounds in the chemistry of the genera. In this work, it was done the chemical study of the volatile fraction obtained by hidrodestilation of H. brasiliense and this fraction was analyzed by CG/MS.

Estudo morfo-anotômico entre os caules de Lippia alba e Melissa officinalis

São analisadas as características microscópicas entre os caules de Lippia alba e de Melissa officinalis, ambas conhecidas no Brasil como "ervas cidreiras" e consumidas pela população em virtude de suas propriedades sedativas e antiespasmódicas. A análise dos cortes transversais dos seus caules, que geralmente aparecem misturados às folhas das duas espécies em estudo, auxilia a diagnose da matéria prima vegetal.

The microscopic characteristics of the stems of Lippia alba and Melissa officinalis, both known in Brazil as "erva cidreira" and consumed by the population in virtue of their sedative and antispasmodic properties, were analyzed. Analysis of the transverse section these stems, which often appear mixed with the leaves of the two species, help in the differentiation of the raw plant material.