Silencing the Oryza sativa plasma membrane H+-ATPase isoform OsA2 affects grain yield and shoot growth and decreases nitrogen concentration.

The plasma membrane (PM) H+-ATPase (EC 3.6.1.3.) is a key component involved in nutrient uptake. There are 10 PM H+-ATPase isoforms in the rice genome (OsA1-OsA10), and OsA2 is highly responsive to nitrate (NO3-). We investigated the role that the OsA2 isoform plays in the total N and growth of rice (Oryza sativa). By the use of artificial microRNA, mutant osa2 rice lines presented ∼70 % downregulated levels of OsA2. Three osa2 lines and control plants (transformed with an empty IRS154 vector and named IRS) were cultivated in the greenhouse to evaluate grain and shoot production. For hydroponic experiments, the same lines were grown in Hoagland solution under two different NO3- levels for 30 days - 0.2 mM NO3--N (low N) or 2.0 mM NO3--N (sufficient N) - or were grown for three days without NO3- (starvation) after 27 days under 2.0 mM NO3--N. In the greenhouse experiments, compared with the IRS plants, the osa2 lines had lower shoot fresh weights, grain yields and SPAD values. Moreover, compared with the IRS plants, the three osa2 lines grown hydroponically under low NO3- levels had lower N concentration and net flux of NO3-. PM H+-ATPase activity was lower in the osa2 mutants than in the IRS plants. The relatively low N concentration in the osa2 lines was not due to lower expression of OsNRT2.1, OsNRT2.2, or OsNAR2.1. These results indicate that the specific PM H+-ATPase isoform OsA2 affects the net flux of NO3-, N concentration, and grain yield.

Identification of genes from the general phenylpropanoid and monolignol-specific metabolism in two sugarcane lignin-contrasting genotypes.

The phenylpropanoid pathway is an important route of secondary metabolism involved in the synthesis of different phenolic compounds such as phenylpropenes, anthocyanins, stilbenoids, flavonoids, and monolignols. The flux toward monolignol biosynthesis through the phenylpropanoid pathway is controlled by specific genes from at least ten families. Lignin polymer is one of the major components of the plant cell wall and is mainly responsible for recalcitrance to saccharification in ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass. Here, we identified and characterized sugarcane candidate genes from the general phenylpropanoid and monolignol-specific metabolism through a search of the sugarcane EST databases, phylogenetic analysis, a search for conserved amino acid residues important for enzymatic function, and analysis of expression patterns during culm development in two lignin-contrasting genotypes. Of these genes, 15 were cloned and, when available, their loci were identified using the recently released sugarcane genomes from Saccharum hybrid R570 and Saccharum spontaneum cultivars. Our analysis points out that ShPAL1, ShPAL2, ShC4H4, Sh4CL1, ShHCT1, ShC3H1, ShC3H2, ShCCoAOMT1, ShCOMT1, ShF5H1, ShCCR1, ShCAD2, and ShCAD7 are strong candidates to be bona fide lignin biosynthesis genes. Together, the results provide information about the candidate genes involved in monolignol biosynthesis in sugarcane and may provide useful information for further molecular genetic studies in sugarcane.

[The specificities of communication in child nursing care]. / As especificidades da comunicação na assistência de enfermagem à criança.

This study aimed to identify the way nurses communicate with children and to analyze how this communication takes place during nursing care. It is a descriptive study that uses concepts associated with social representations. The authors interviewed 49 nurses who care for children in the hospital setting. Data collection occurred through semi-structured interviews. After thematic analysis, results emphasized the importance of spoken language, behavioral language and professional attitude. As evidenced, communication is presented as a phenomenon separate from child care, transcending the transmission of linear information. It is concluded that, in terms of understanding the communication phenomenon in child care, the way in which communication is presented and translated characterizes the relevance of nursing actions that point to a comprehensive perspective in child care.

Isoforms of plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase in rice root and shoot are differentially induced by starvation and resupply of NO3⁻ or NH4+.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of nitrogen starvation and resupply in 10 PM H+-ATPase isoforms and the expression of NO3⁻ and NH4+ transporters in rice. The net uptake of both forms of NO3⁻-N or NH4+-N was increased with its resupply. Resupply of NO3⁻ resulted in induction of the following PM H+-ATPase isoforms, OsA1, OsA2, OsA5 and OsA7 in the shoots and OsA2, OsA5, OsA7 and OsA8 in the roots. Resupply of NH4+ resulted in the induction of the following OsA1, OsA3 and OsA7 isoforms in the roots while OsA1 was induced in the shoots. It was observed that increased PM H+-ATPase activity also resulted in increased net uptake of NO3⁻ and NH4+. In the roots, OsNRT2.1 and OsNRT2.2 were induced by NO3⁻ resupply, while OsAMT1.1 and OsAMT1.2 were induced by NH4+ deficiency. The results showed that the expression of PM H+-ATPase isoforms is related to NO3⁻ and NH4+ transporters as well as in which section of the plant it takes place. PM H+-ATPase isoforms OsA2 and OsA7 displayed the strongest induction in response to N resupply, therefore indicating that these genes could be involved in N uptake in rice.

Humic acid effect on catalase activity and the generation of reactive oxygen species in corn (Zea mays).

Humic acids (HAs) have positive effects on plant physiology, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these events are only partially understood. The induction of root growth and emission of lateral roots (LRs) promoted by exogenous auxin is a natural phenomenon. Exogenous auxins are also associated with HA. Gas nitric oxide (NO) is a secondary messenger produced endogenously in plants. It is associated with metabolic events dependent on auxin. With the application of auxin, NO production is significantly increased, resulting in positive effects on plant physiology. Thus it is possible to evaluate the beneficial effects of the application of HA as an effect of auxin. To investigate the effects of HA the parameters of root growth, Zea mays was studied by evaluating the application of 3 mM C L⁻¹ of HA extracted from Oxisol and 100 µM SNP (sodium nitroprusside) and the NO donor, subject to two N-NO3⁻, high dose (5.0 mM N-NO3⁻) and low dose (5.0 mM N-NO3⁻). Treatments with HA and NO were positively increased, regardless of the N-NO3⁻ taken, as assessed by fresh weight and dry root, issue of LRs. The effects were more pronounced in the treatment with a lower dose of N-NO3⁻. Detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vivo and catalase activity were evaluated; these tests were associated with root growth. Under application of the bioactive substances tested, detection of ROS and catalase activity increased, especially in treatments with lower doses of N-NO3⁻. The results of this experiment indicate that the effects of HA are dependent on ROS generation, which act as a messenger that induces root growth and the emission of LRs.

[Between challenges and possibilities: strategies for teaching care nursing for adolescents with cancer]. / Entre desafios e possibilidades: estratégias para ensinar a cuidar em enfermagem do adolescente com câncer.

This is an experience report that has the goal of presenting reflections on the experiences lived with undergraduate Nursing students of the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro. In the day-to-day teaching practice students have to deal with adolescents that are victims of onco-hematogenic disorders. It was observed that for the students it was a challenge to learn how to care for adolescents suffering from cancer, an illness that brings with it important significances in the social imaginary. As a learning strategy was used an activity called workshop of ideas, which made possible for the students to express their feelings, their (pre)conceived ideas and their expectations regarding the care for adolescents with cancer. Results evidenced a unique moment of reflection/sensibilization that leads to a preparation and to recognition of the peculiarities of this group of patients, and to an attitude that brings them closer to caring within the hospital space.

[Application of subjective quality indicators in intensive care]. / Aplicabilidade de indicador de qualidade subjetivo em Terapia Intensiva.

Our aim is to describe the clients'perception related to to the admission in the Intensive Care. We have developed a descriptive study based on a qualitative approach in the intensive care in a university hospital in RJ, from May, 2003 to May, 2004. Thirty-two clients participated in this study just after hospital discharge. Data collection was possible through a questionaire. We consider that the clients showed some kind of satisfaction related to nursing intensive care, and the problem that really annoys them is the physical and ambiental stressors. The study shows questions that need a continuous discussion considering the stress, once it is a part of the activities and the atmosphere of intensive care and it also detaches the relavence of a work using indicatives of subjective quality in the intensive care.

[Visitation in the ICU: a meeting of the unknown]. / Visita na UTI: um encontro entre desconhecidos.

The aim was to describe the visitors' conceptions about assistance they receive from the nursing group as well as to identify their needs. It is a descriptive study using qualitative approach, based on an intensive care's observation in a hospital from Rio de Janeiro, with 12 visitors of patients under hospitalization. The data were collected by a semi-structured interview. The results mark despair, fear of death anguish, visitors feelings and they have to be taken into consideration. In relation to the care they pointed out the value of interaction in the reception, they wish to increase communication and total conscience of procedure inferring in the way care is delivered and also want to know everything possible about procedures. They point out the need of better information and wish the best care for the patiente and receives a good treatment.