Characterization of novel human intragenic antimicrobial peptides, incorporation and release studies from ureasil-polyether hybrid matrix.

Intragenic antimicrobial peptides (IAPs) are internal sequences of proteins with physicochemical similarities to Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) that, once identified and synthesized as individual entities, present antimicrobial activity. Many mature proteins encoded by the genomes of virtually any organism may be regarded as inner reservoirs of IAPs, conferring them ample biotechnological potential. However, IAPs may also share shortcomings with AMPs, such as low half-life in biological media and non-specific adsorption in eukaryotic cells. The present manuscript reports a translational approach that encompasses the uncovering of two novel IAPs from human proteins as well as the first results concerning the incorporation and sustained release of one of these peptides from ureasil-polyether hybrid polymeric films. For such, the software Kamal was used to scan putative IAPs in the human proteome, and two peptides, named Hs05 and Hs06, were identified, synthesized, and tested as antimicrobials. Biophysical assays were conducted using model phospholipid vesicles and 1H NMR solution structures in phospholipid micelles were obtained for the IAP Hs05. This peptide was incorporated in a polymeric matrix composed of the ureasil/PPO-PEO-PPO triblock copolymer, and the resulting films were evaluated by atomic force microscopy and imaging mass spectrometry. The release rate of Hs05 from the polymeric matrix was assessed and the antimicrobial activity of Hs05-loaded hybrid polymeric films was evaluated against the bacterium Escherichia coli. This study represents the first steps towards the development of polymeric films enriched with IAPs obtained from the human proteome as sustained release devices for topical application.

Prevención del suicidio: concepción de estudiantes universitarios / Suicide prevention: university students' conception / Prevenção do suicídio: concepção de estudantes universitários

Resumen Introducción: El ingreso en las Universidades representa un cambio en el estilo de vida social, económico, personal y mental en los discentes (estudiantes). A veces el proceso de habituación representa un factor estresante que puede culminar en síntomas de ansiedad y depresión, y representa un factor de riesgo para la salud mental. Objetivo: Analizar la concepción de los discentes del Curso de Bachillerato en Enfermería, sobre la experiencia de vivenciar discusiones sobre la temática de suicidio. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo-exploratorio de abordaje cualitativo realizado en una Universidad Federal del Nordeste de Brasil, cuyo manejo de la información se realizó con un software de procesamiento de datos. En la investigación participaron quince estudiantes del curso Bachillerato en Enfermería que integraban el Proyecto de Intervención Ser, Saber, Escuchar, Vivir, en el cual se desarrollan acciones para los universitarios sobre prevención al suicidio y valorización de la vida. Resultados: Los resultados fueron analizados a partir de la nube de palabras y la representación gráfica del análisis de similitud, se observó que la concepción de los discentes se resumió a las palabras Proyecto y Salud. La palabra proyecto se relacionó con la motivación y las experiencias de los discentes, y la palabra salud con el suicidio como problema de salud pública. Conclusión: La discusión sobre el tema se muestra positiva en la Academia por favorecer un espacio de escucha y libertad de diálogo que proporciona alivio mental, contribuye a minimizar síntomas de ansiedad y depresión entre los discentes, y puede contribuir a reducir los índices de suicidio en la institución.

Abstract Introduction: Entering the university entails changes in the students' lifestyles regarding the social, economic, personal, and metal areas. Sometimes, the related habituation process can produce stress, which is externalized as anxiety and depression, and which can become a risk to the students' mental health. Objective: To analyze the conception which students from a course of nursing have on experiencing discussions around suicide. Methods: This is a descriptive-exploratory qualitative study carried out in a Federal University of Northeastern Brazil. Fifteen students from a course of nursing, who integrated a project to develop actions on suicide prevention and life valorization, participated in this study. The resulting information was produced using a data processing software. Results: The conceptions were analyzed through a word-cloud and graphical representation of similarities methodology. The resulting combined conception was summarized by the words Project and Health, representing the students' motivation and experiences, and suicide as a health problem, respectively. Conclusion: The corresponding free-dialog discussion on the issue provided mental relief among the students by minimizing their symptoms of anxiety and depression. This approach can contribute to reduce the suicide rates in the institution.

Resumo Introdução: O ingresso nas universidades representa uma mudança no modo de vida social, econômico, pessoal e mental dos estudantes. Às vezes, o processo de habituação representa um estressor que pode culminar em sintomas de ansiedade e depressão e, desse modo, representar um fator de risco para saúde mental. Objetivo: Analisar a percepção dos discentes sobre a experiência de vivenciar discussões sobre temática de suicídio. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo-exploratório, com abordagem qualitativa, realizado em uma Universidade Federal do Nordeste do Brasil. Participaram da pesquisa 15 estudantes do curso Bacharelado em Enfermagem que integravam o Projeto de Intervenção Ser, Saber, Ouvir, Viver, no qual eram desenvolvidas ações de prevenção ao suicídio e valorização da vida direcionado aos estudantes universitários da instituição. Resultados: Os resultados foram analisados a partir a nuvemn da palavra e da representação gráfica de análise de similaridade, observou-se que a concepção dos alunos foi resumida às palavras Projeto e Saúde. A palavra projeto estava relacionada à motivação e as experiências dos alunos e a palavra saúde com suicídio como um problema de saúde público. Conclusão: Portanto, o projeto em questão além de favorecer um ambiente de liberdade de diálogo no âmbito acadêmico, proporciona também alívio mental que, com o passar das reuniões, pode minimizar os sintomas depressivos e ansiosos que os discentes podem apresentar, em consequência, reduzindo os índices de suicídio na instituição.

Application of Green Technology for the Acquisition of Extracts of Araçá (Psidium grandifolium Mart. ex DC.) Using Supercritical CO2 and Pressurized Ethanol: Characterization and Analysis of Activity.

Brazil is home to a wide variety of flora, including several lesser known species, such as araçá that were processed in this study using two green technologies consecutively: supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) for nonpolar fraction and pressurized liquid extraction. For polar fraction, the experiments followed a central composite design involving ethanol as solvent, with temperature and static time in each bath as independent variables. Both extracts were analyzed for antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Total phenolics content (TPC) was determined for all ethanol extracts. In the araçá essential oil (AEO) obtained by SFE, the extraction yield was 2.33%. The three major compounds of AEO were α-pinene (20.75%), p-cymene (20.50%), and o-cymene (20.05%). In ethanol extracts, the high yield (14.49%) was obtained at 74 °C/6 min and the major TPC (136.95 mg GAE/100 g) at 60 °C/9 min. Ethanol extracts presented good antioxidant activity (EC50 = 6.37 mg/mL) at 74 °C/6 min. AEO was unable to reduce DPPH• concentration by 50%. Both extract types presented an inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus cereus, while only the ethanol extracts presented effect against Listeria monocytogenes. This work had the aim to present the innovation of the use of a whole typical Brazilian fruit that gives rise to extracts with excellent properties for employment in both the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Extensive conservation of the proneuropeptide and peptide prohormone complement in mollusks.

As one of the most diverse groups of invertebrate animals, mollusks represent powerful models for neurobiological and developmental studies. Neuropeptides and peptide hormones are a heterogeneous class of signalling molecules involved in chemical communication between neurons and in neuroendocrine regulation. Here we present a fine-grained view of the molluscan neuropeptide and peptide hormone toolkit. Our results expand the distribution of several peptide families (e.g., prokineticin, insulin-related peptides, prohormone-4, LFRFamide) within Lophotrochozoa and provide evidence for an early origin of others (e.g., GNXQN/prohormone-2, neuroparsin). We identified a new peptide family broadly distributed among conchiferan mollusks, the PXRX family. We found the Wnt antagonist dickkopf1/2/4 ortholog in lophotrochozoans and nematodes and reveal that the egg-laying hormone family is a DH44 homolog restricted to gastropods. Our data demonstrate that numerous peptides evolved much earlier than previously assumed and that key signalling elements are extensively conserved among extant mollusks.

Bright thermal (blackbody) emission of visible light from LnO2 (Ln = Pr, Tb), photoinduced by a NIR 980 nm laser.

The increasing demand for renewable energy has been promoting a rapid development of photovoltaic technologies. Given this, photoinduced thermal emission is being explored with the aim of improving solar cell performance by converting low-energy IR photons into visible light. Here, we report the light-induced blackbody emission from LnO2 (Ln = Pr and Tb) as a potential emitter for thermophotovoltaic applications. Lanthanide dioxides display broad IR absorption and a direct optical band gap of 1.49 (PrO2) and 1.51 eV (TbO2). These materials achieve a maximum temperature of ∼1500 K under a power density excitation of 160 W cm-2 and display a stable bright light emission. Thermal emission can be tuned from laser power density modulation.

Leptoceridae (Insecta, Trichoptera) from Serra da Canastra Mountain Range, Southeast Brazil: Diversity, Distribution, and Description of Two New Species.

The Brazilian savanna, also known as Cerrado, is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, covering about 22% of the country. Nevertheless, this region has been suffering an accelerated process of degradation due to the agribusiness expansion. This study contributes to increasing knowledge on the Leptoceridae fauna of the Serra da Canastra Mountains at the Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Herein, we illustrate and describe two new species of Leptoceridae, Notalina franciscana sp. nov. and Oecetis catagua sp. nov., and provide additional data on the richness and distribution of Leptoceridae species in the Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra and surrounding areas. Furthermore, ten species are firstly recorded from Minas Gerais State, increasing the number of Leptoceridae species recorded in the state from 30 to 42.

Neuroprotection and immunomodulation following intraspinal axotomy of motoneurons by treatment with adult mesenchymal stem cells.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of spinal cord injury is dependent on neuronal survival, appropriate synaptic circuit preservation, and inflammatory environment management. In this sense, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is a promising tool that can reduce glial reaction and provide trophic factors to lesioned neurons. METHODS: Lewis adult female rats were submitted to a unilateral ventral funiculus cut at the spinal levels L4, L5, and L6. The animals were divided into the following groups: IA (intramedullary axotomy), IA + DMEM (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium), IA + FS (fibrin sealant), IA + MSC (106 cells), and IA + FS + MSC (106 cells). Seven days after injury, qPCR (n = 5) was performed to assess gene expression of VEGF, BDNF, iNOS2, arginase-1, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, IL-4, IL-13, and TGF-ß. The cellular infiltrate at the lesion site was analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry (IH) for Iba1 (microglia and macrophage marker) and arginase-1. Fourteen days after injury, spinal alpha motor neurons (MNs), evidenced by Nissl staining (n = 5), were counted. For the analysis of astrogliosis in spinal lamina IX and synaptic detachment around lesioned motor neurons (GAP-43-positive cells), anti-GFAP and anti-synaptophysin immunohistochemistry (n = 5) was performed, respectively. Twenty-eight days after IA, the gait of the animals was evaluated by the walking track test (CatWalk; n = 7). RESULTS: The site of injury displayed strong monocyte infiltration, containing arginase-1-expressing macrophages. The FS-treated group showed upregulation of iNOS2, arginase-1, proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α and IL-1ß), and antiinflammatory cytokine (IL-10, IL-4, and IL-13) expression. Thus, FS enhanced early macrophage recruitment and proinflammatory cytokine expression, which accelerated inflammation. Rats treated with MSCs displayed high BDNF-positive immunolabeling, suggesting local delivery of this neurotrophin to lesioned motoneurons. This BDNF expression may have contributed to the increased neuronal survival and synapse preservation and decreased astrogliosis observed 14 days after injury. At 28 days after lesion, gait recovery was significantly improved in MSC-treated animals compared to that in the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the present data demonstrate that MSC therapy is neuroprotective and, when associated with a FS, shifts the immune response to a proinflammatory profile.

Molecular cloning of TaMATE2 homoeologues potentially related to aluminium tolerance in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Recently, members of the MATE family have been implicated in aluminium (Al) tolerance by facilitating citrate efflux in plants. The aim of the present work was to perform a molecular characterisation of the MATE2 gene in bread wheat. Here, we cloned a member of the MATE gene family in bread wheat and named it TaMATE2, which showed the typical secondary structure of MATE-type transporters maintaining all the 12 transmembrane domains. Amplification in Chinese Spring nulli-tetrasomic and ditelosomic lines revealed that TaMATE2 is located on the long arm of homoeologous group 1 chromosomes. The transcript expression of TaMATE2 homoeologues in two diverse bread wheat genotypes, Barbela 7/72/92 (Al-tolerant) and Anahuac (Al-sensitive), suggested that TaMATE2 is expressed in both root and shoot tissues of bread wheat, but mainly confined to root rather than shoot tissues. A time-course analysis of TaMATE2 homoeologue transcript expression revealed the Al responsive expression of TaMATE2 in root apices of the Al-tolerant genotype, Barbela 7/72/92. Considering the high similarity of TaMATE2 together with similar Al responsive expression pattern as of ScFRDL2 from rye and OsFRDL2 from rice, it is likely that TaMATE2 also encodes a citrate transporter. Furthermore, the TaMATE2-D homoeologue appears to be near the previously reported locus (wPt0077) on chromosome 1D for Al tolerance. In conclusion, molecular cloning of TaMATE2 homoeologues, particularly TaMATE2-D, provides a plausible candidate for Al tolerance in bread wheat that can be used for the development of more Al-tolerant cultivars in this staple crop.

Associative bacteria influence maize (Zea mays L.) growth, physiology and root anatomy under different nitrogen levels.

Despite the great diversity of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) with potential to partially replace the use of N fertilisers in agriculture, few PGPB have been explored for the production of commercial inoculants, reinforcing the importance of identifying positive plant-bacteria interactions. Aiming to better understand the influence of PGPB inoculation in plant development, two PGPB species with distant phylogenetic relationship were inoculated in maize. Maize seeds were inoculated with Bacillus sp. or Azospirillum brasilense. After germination, the plants were subjected to two N treatments: full (N+) and limiting (N-) N supply. Then, anatomical, biometric and physiological analyses were performed. Both PGPB species modified the anatomical pattern of roots, as verified by the higher metaxylem vessel element (MVE) number. Bacillus sp. also increased the MVE area in maize roots. Under N+ conditions, both PGPB decreased leaf protein content and led to development of shorter roots; however, Bacillus sp. increased root and shoot dry weight, whereas A. brasilense increased photosynthesis rate and leaf nitrate content. In plants subjected to N limitation (N-), photosynthesis rate and photosystem II efficiency increased in maize inoculated with Bacillus sp., whilst A. brasilense contained higher ammonium, amino acids and total soluble sugars in leaves, compared to the control. Plant developmental and metabolical patterns were switched by the inoculation, regardless of the inoculant bacterium used, producing similar as well as distinct modifications to the parameters studied. These results indicate that even non-diazotrophic inoculant strains can improve the plant N status as result of the morpho-anatomical and physiological modifications produced by the PGPB.

Genetic diversity of thermoduric spoilage microorganisms of milk from Brazilian dairy farms.

When correctly pasteurized, packaged, and stored, milk with low total bacterial counts (TBC) has a longer shelf life. Therefore, microorganisms that resist heat treatments are especially important in the deterioration of pasteurized milk and in its shelf life. The aim of this work was to quantify the thermoduric microorganisms after the pasteurization of refrigerated raw milk samples with low TBC and to identify the diversity of these isolates with proteolytic or lipolytic potential by RFLP analysis. Twenty samples of raw milk were collected in bulk milk tanks shortly after milking in different Brazilian dairy farms and pasteurized. The mean thermoduric count was 3.2 (±4.7) × 102 cfu/mL (2.1% of the TBC). Of the 310 colonies obtained, 44.2% showed milk spoilage potential, 32.6% were proteolytic and lipolytic simultaneously, 31% were exclusively proteolytic, and 48 (36.4%) were only lipolytic. Regarding the diversity, 8 genera were observed (Bacillus, Brachybacterium, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Micrococcus, Kocuria, Paenibacillus, and Macrococcus); there was a predominance of endospore-forming bacteria (50%), and Bacillus licheniformis was the most common (34.1%) species. Considering the RFLP types, it was observed that the possible clonal populations make up the microbiota of different milk samples, but the same milk samples contain microorganisms of a single species with different RFLP types. Thus, even in milk with a high microbiological quality, it is necessary to control the potential milk-deteriorating thermoduric microorganisms to avoid the risk of compromising the shelf life and technological potential of pasteurized milk.

Variable Inter-assay Estimation of Sperm DNA Fragmentation In Stallions Classified as Good and Bad Semen Freezers.

BACKGROUND: Semen cryopreservation causes DNA damage, thus requiring continuous monitoring. OBJECTIVE: To compare two assays for sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) from stallions with contrasting semen freezability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen stallions were classified as good semen freezers (GSF) or bad semen freezers (BSF). Ejaculates were cryopreserved with three diluents. Semen was subject to SDF evaluation using the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and Halomax after thawing (0 h) and after a 4 h thermoresistance test. RESULTS: On semen of BSF, analysis by SCSA was similar between evaluations, but Halomax showed increased SDF at 4 h. The GSF group was similar between time points in both assays. Diluents did not affect SDF, irrespective of the assay. Halomax showed differences for BSF between time points, differently from SCSA. Linear regression did not show any correlation between assays. CONCLUSION: The use of Halomax should be encouraged for sperm DNA fragmentation analysis in horse frozen-thawed semen, particularly under field conditions.

The main spoilage-related psychrotrophic bacteria in refrigerated raw milk.

Refrigerated raw milk may contain psychrotrophic microorganisms that produce thermoresistant exoproteases and lipases, which may compromise the quality of processed fluid milk and dairy products during storage. The aim of this work was to quantify and identify the deteriorating psychrotrophic microbiota in Brazilian refrigerated raw milk using genetic diversity analysis. The mean psychrotrophic count was 1.1 × 104 cfu/mL. Of the total isolates, 47.8 and 29.8% showed deteriorating activity at 35°C within 48 h and 7°C within 10 d, respectively. Among the proteolytic species, more isolated by this study were Lactococcus lactis (27.3%), Enterobacter kobei (14.8%), Serratia ureilytica (8%), Aerococcus urinaeequi (6.8%), and Bacillus licheniformis (6.8%). Observed among lipolytics were E. kobei (17.7%), L. lactis (15.6%), A. urinaeequi (12.5%), and Acinetobacter lwoffii (9.4%). The isolates S. ureilytica, E. kobei, Pseudomonas spp., and Yersinia enterocolitica potentially produced alkaline metalloprotease (aprX). Despite the low counts, a considerable portion of the psychrotrophic microbiota presented spoilage potential, which reaffirms the need for rigor in the control of contamination and the importance of rapid processing as factors that maintain the quality of milk and dairy products.

Aquatic life protection index of an urban river Bacanga basin in northern Brazil, São Luís - MA / Índice de proteção da vida aquática em uma bacia urbana do rio Bacanga no norte do Brasil, São Luís - MA

Abstract Bacanga River Basin faces environmental problems related to urbanization and discharge of untreated domestic sewage, which compromise its ecosystem health. Due to the small number of studies that assessed its water quality, the present study aimed to assess the current status of this ecosystem based on the aquatic life protection index. Samples were carried out every two months, in a total of six events, in six sites along the basin, where the water samples were collected to assess physicochemical parameters and calculate the trophic state index and the index of minimum parameters for the protection of aquatic communities. The data were also compared with values determined by the resolution National Environment Council - CONAMA 357/05. Our results reveal significant changes in the water quality of Bacanga River Basin. An increase in nutrients and chlorophyll-a concentration led it to eutrophication. The surfactant values were high and put in danger the aquatic biota. Dissolved oxygen rates were below the values allowed by the resolution in most sites sampled. The current water quality is terrible for the protection of aquatic life in 61.92% of the sites sampled.

Resumo A Bacia Hidrográfica do rio Bacanga (BHRB) apresenta problemas ambientais relacionados a urbanização e lançamentos de esgoto in natura que comprometem a qualidade desse ecossistema. Devido ao reduzido número de estudos associados à avaliação da qualidade da água no local, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a situação atual desse ecossistema por meio do Índice de Proteção da Vida Aquática. Seis amostragens bimestrais foram realizadas em seis pontos ao longo da bacia, coletando parâmetros físico-químicos para a aplicação do Índice de Estado Trófico e Índice de Parâmetros Mínimos para a Proteção da Vida Aquática, relacionando-os com a resolução Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente - CONAMA/357. Os resultados revelaram alterações significativas na qualidade da água da BHRB, o aumento de nutrientes e das concentrações de clorofila-a conduziram ao um estado geral de eutrofização. Os valores de surfactantes foram altos colocando em risco a biota aquática e as taxas de oxigênio dissolvido estiveram abaixo do permitido pela resolução na maioria dos pontos amostrados. A situação atual da qualidade da água para proteção da vida aquática é péssima em 61,92% dos pontos amostrados.

Accuracy of ultrasound, thermography and subepidermal moisture in predicting pressure ulcers: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Our aims were to: establish the clinical significance of ultrasound, thermography, photography and subepidermal moisture (SEM) measurement; determine the accuracy of ultrasound, thermography, photography and SEM measurement in detecting skin/tissue damage; determine the relative accuracy of one of these assessment methods over another; make recommendations for practice pertaining to assessment of early skin/tissue damage. METHOD: The following databases, Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Elsevier version, EBSCO CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov , WHO International Clinical Trials Registry (ICTR) and The EU Clinical Trials Register were searched for terms including; thermography, ultrasound, subepidermal moisture, photograph and pressure ulcer. RESULTS: We identified four SEM, one thermography and five ultrasound studies for inclusion in this review. Data analysis indicated that photography was not a method which allowed for the early prediction of PU presence. SEM values increased with increasing tissue damage, with the sacrum and the heels being the most common anatomical locations for the development of erythema and stage I PUs. Thermography identified temperature changes in tissues and skin that may give an indication of early PU development; however the data were not sufficiently robust. Ultrasound detected pockets of fluid/oedema at different levels of the skin that were comparable with tissue damage. Thus, SEM and ultrasound were the best methods for allowing a more accurate assessment of early skin/tissue damage. Using the EBL Critical Appraisal Tool the overall validities of the studies varied between 33.3-55.6%, meaning that there is potential for bias within all the included studies. All of the studies were situated at level IV, V and VII of the evidence pyramid. Although the methodological quality of the studies warrants consideration, these studies showed the potential that SEM and ultrasound have in early PU detection. CONCLUSION: SEM and ultrasound are promising in the detection and prediction of early tissue damage and PU presence. However, these methods should be further studied to clarify their potential for use more widely in PU prevention strategies.

The effect of environmental colour on the growth, metabolism, physiology and skin pigmentation of the carnivorous freshwater catfish Lophiosilurus alexandri.

The growth, physiology and skin pigmentation of pacamã Lophiosilurus alexandri juveniles were evaluated in an experiment using different tank colours (white, yellow, green, blue, brown and black) over an 80 day period. The tank colours did not cause significant differences to final body mass, total length, survival rate, carcass composition (moisture, crude protein, ash, ether extract, calcium, phosphorus, energy), or to plasma protein, triglyceride and cholesterol values. Haematocrit values, however, were highest for fish kept in white tanks (ANOVA P < 0·05), while the greatest haemoglobin levels were recorded for fish kept in blue and brown tanks (P < 0·01). The concentrations of cortisol (P < 0·001) and glucose (P < 0·01) were the most in fish in the black tanks. Tank colour affected skin pigmentation significantly, with fish in white tanks having the highest values of L* (brightness) and the lowest values in blue and black tanks. L*, however, decreased in all treatments throughout the experiment. C*ab increased significantly over the course of the experiment in fish kept in white tanks. Similar increases of C*ab were recorded in the other treatments but to a lesser extent. The use of black tanks during the cultivation of L. alexandri caused stress and should be avoided. Cultivation in white and yellow tanks produced individuals with a pale skin colour, while cultivation in blue and black tanks resulted in juveniles with a darker and more pigmented skin.

Aquatic life protection index of an urban river Bacanga basin in northern Brazil, São Luís - MA.

Bacanga River Basin faces environmental problems related to urbanization and discharge of untreated domestic sewage, which compromise its ecosystem health. Due to the small number of studies that assessed its water quality, the present study aimed to assess the current status of this ecosystem based on the aquatic life protection index. Samples were carried out every two months, in a total of six events, in six sites along the basin, where the water samples were collected to assess physicochemical parameters and calculate the trophic state index and the index of minimum parameters for the protection of aquatic communities. The data were also compared with values determined by the resolution National Environment Council - CONAMA 357/05. Our results reveal significant changes in the water quality of Bacanga River Basin. An increase in nutrients and chlorophyll-a concentration led it to eutrophication. The surfactant values were high and put in danger the aquatic biota. Dissolved oxygen rates were below the values allowed by the resolution in most sites sampled. The current water quality is terrible for the protection of aquatic life in 61.92% of the sites sampled.

Comparative transcriptomics enlarges the toolkit of known developmental genes in mollusks.

BACKGROUND: Mollusks display a striking morphological disparity, including, among others, worm-like animals (the aplacophorans), snails and slugs, bivalves, and cephalopods. This phenotypic diversity renders them ideal for studies into animal evolution. Despite being one of the most species-rich phyla, molecular and in silico studies concerning specific key developmental gene families are still scarce, thus hampering deeper insights into the molecular machinery that governs the development and evolution of the various molluscan class-level taxa. RESULTS: Next-generation sequencing was used to retrieve transcriptomes of representatives of seven out of the eight recent class-level taxa of mollusks. Similarity searches, phylogenetic inferences, and a detailed manual curation were used to identify and confirm the orthology of numerous molluscan Hox and ParaHox genes, which resulted in a comprehensive catalog that highlights the evolution of these genes in Mollusca and other metazoans. The identification of a specific molluscan motif in the Hox paralog group 5 and a lophotrochozoan ParaHox motif in the Gsx gene is described. Functional analyses using KEGG and GO tools enabled a detailed description of key developmental genes expressed in important pathways such as Hedgehog, Wnt, and Notch during development of the respective species. The KEGG analysis revealed Wnt8, Wnt11, and Wnt16 as Wnt genes hitherto not reported for mollusks, thereby enlarging the known Wnt complement of the phylum. In addition, novel Hedgehog (Hh)-related genes were identified in the gastropod Lottia cf. kogamogai, demonstrating a more complex gene content in this species than in other mollusks. CONCLUSIONS: The use of de novo transcriptome assembly and well-designed in silico protocols proved to be a robust approach for surveying and mining large sequence data in a wide range of non-model mollusks. The data presented herein constitute only a small fraction of the information retrieved from the analysed molluscan transcriptomes, which can be promptly employed in the identification of novel genes and gene families, phylogenetic inferences, and other studies using molecular tools. As such, our study provides an important framework for understanding some of the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in molluscan body plan diversification and hints towards functions of key developmental genes in molluscan morphogenesis.

Screening of inbred popcorn lines for tolerance to low phosphorus.

Increasing phosphorus use efficiency in agriculture is essential for sustainable food production. Thus, the aims of this study were: i) to identify phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) in popcorn lines during the early plant stages, ii) to study the relationship between traits correlated with PUE, and iii) to analyze genetic diversity among lines. To accomplish this, 35 popcorn lines from Universidade Estadual de Maringá breeding program were studied. The experiment was conducted in a growth chamber using a nutrient solution containing two concentrations of phosphorus (P): 2.5 µM or low P (LP) and 250 µM or high P (HP). After 13 days in the nutrient solution, root morphology traits, shoot and root dry weight, and P content of the maize seedlings were measured. A deviance analysis showed there was a high level of genetic variability. An unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) clustering analysis identified three groups for the LP treatment (efficient, intermediate, and inefficient) and three groups for the HP treatment (responsive, moderately responsive, and unresponsive). The results of a principal component analysis and selection index were consistent with the UPGMA analysis, and lines 1, 2, 13, 17, 26, and 31 were classified as PUE.

Impairment of toll-like receptors 2 and 4 leads to compensatory mechanisms after sciatic nerve axotomy.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve injury results in retrograde cell body-related changes in the spinal motoneurons that will contribute to the regenerative response of their axons. Successful functional recovery also depends on molecular events mediated by innate immune response during Wallerian degeneration in the nerve microenvironment. A previous study in our lab demonstrated that TLR 2 and 4 develop opposite effects on synaptic stability in the spinal cord after peripheral nerve injury. Therefore, we suggested that the better preservation of spinal cord microenvironment would positively influence distal axonal regrowth. In this context, the present work aimed to investigate the influence of TLR2 and TLR4 on regeneration and functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury. METHODS: Eighty-eight mice were anesthetized and subjected to unilateral sciatic nerve crush (C3H/HeJ, n = 22, C3H/HePas, n = 22; C57Bl6/J, n = 22 and TLR2(-/-), n = 22). After the appropriate survival times (3, 7, 14 days, and 5 weeks), all mice were killed and the sciatic nerves and tibialis cranialis muscles were processed for immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Gait analysis, after sciatic nerve crushing, was performed in another set of mice (minimum of n = 8 per group), by using the walking track test (CatWalk system). RESULTS: TLR4 mutant mice presented greater functional recovery as well as an enhanced p75(NTR) and neurofilament protein expression as compared to the wild-type strain. Moreover, the better functional recovery in mutant mice was correlated to a greater number of nerve terminal sprouts. Knockout mice for TLR2 exhibited 30 % greater number of degenerated axons in the distal stump of the sciatic nerve and a decreased p75(NTR) and neurofilament protein expression compared to the wild type. However, the absence of TLR2 receptor did not influence the overall functional recovery. End-point equivalent functional recovery in transgenic mice may be a result of enhanced axonal diameter found at 2 weeks after lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, the present results indicate that the lack of TLR2 or the absence of functional TLR4 does affect the nerve regeneration process; however, such changes are minimized through different compensatory mechanisms, resulting in similar motor function recovery, as compared to wild-type mice. These findings contribute to the concept that innate immune-related molecules influence peripheral nerve regeneration by concurrently participating in processes taking place both at the CNS and PNS.