Robustness of the rule-learning effect in 7-month-old infants: A close, multicenter replication of Marcus et al. (1999).

We conducted a close replication of the seminal work by Marcus and colleagues from 1999, which showed that after a brief auditory exposure phase, 7-month-old infants were able to learn and generalize a rule to novel syllables not previously present in the exposure phase. This work became the foundation for the theoretical framework by which we assume that infants are able to learn abstract representations and generalize linguistic rules. While some extensions on the original work have shown evidence of rule learning, the outcomes are mixed, and an exact replication of Marcus et al.'s study has thus far not been reported. A recent meta-analysis by Rabagliati and colleagues brings to light that the rule-learning effect depends on stimulus type (e.g., meaningfulness, speech vs. nonspeech) and is not as robust as often assumed. In light of the theoretical importance of the issue at stake, it is appropriate and necessary to assess the replicability and robustness of Marcus et al.'s findings. Here we have undertaken a replication across four labs with a large sample of 7-month-old infants (N = 96), using the same exposure patterns (ABA and ABB), methodology (Headturn Preference Paradigm), and original stimuli. As in the original study, we tested the hypothesis that infants are able to learn abstract "algebraic" rules and apply them to novel input. Our results did not replicate the original findings: infants showed no difference in looking time between test patterns consistent or inconsistent with the familiarization pattern they were exposed to.

Robust detection of translocations in lymphoma FFPE samples using targeted locus capture-based sequencing.

In routine diagnostic pathology, cancer biopsies are preserved by formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedding (FFPE) procedures for examination of (intra-) cellular morphology. Such procedures inadvertently induce DNA fragmentation, which compromises sequencing-based analyses of chromosomal rearrangements. Yet, rearrangements drive many types of hematolymphoid malignancies and solid tumors, and their manifestation is instructive for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Here, we present FFPE-targeted locus capture (FFPE-TLC) for targeted sequencing of proximity-ligation products formed in FFPE tissue blocks, and PLIER, a computational framework that allows automated identification and characterization of rearrangements involving selected, clinically relevant, loci. FFPE-TLC, blindly applied to 149 lymphoma and control FFPE samples, identifies the known and previously uncharacterized rearrangement partners. It outperforms fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in sensitivity and specificity, and shows clear advantages over standard capture-NGS methods, finding rearrangements involving repetitive sequences which they typically miss. FFPE-TLC is therefore a powerful clinical diagnostics tool for accurate targeted rearrangement detection in FFPE specimens.

Formononetin: Biological effects and uses - A review.

Formononetin (FORM) is an isoflavone from the group of phytoestrogens that exhibits a broad spectrum of physiological effects beneficial to health through dependent and independent mechanisms of estrogen. This article aimed to present FORM main functions and future prospects for applications in different areas. Scientific publications and patents dated between 1998 and 2019 were analyzed. FORM has potential as an active compound of interest to product development for the industries of food, medicine, and cosmetics, among others. Moreover, in the medical area, this active compound has shown potential in the prevention and treatment of several diseases, including chronic ones, such as cancer, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Development and Evaluation of Superabsorbent Hydrogels Based on Natural Polymers.

Superabsorbent hydrogels (SAHs) are three dimensional networks formed by polymers that can absorb aqueous solution of over 100% of their initial weight. This work aimed to develop and characterize SAHs of Chitosan/Xanthan gum (CG), Chitosan/Alginate (CA) and controlled Chitosan (C), Xanthan gum (G), and Alginate (A) produced using "onion-like" methodology. The swelling performance, the morphological structure, the crystallinity, and the Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy characteristics of SAH were used for the characterization of polyelectrolytes complex. Swelling analysis showed that chitosan has a strong influence on the maintenance of hydrogels structure after swelling, mainly in the acid environment (pH = 2). The chitosan hydrogel presented around 3000% of acidic fluid absorption after 24 h. The chitosan:xanthan gum (1:1 and 2:1 named as C1G1 and C2G1, respectively) hydrogels were the best combination regarding swelling performance in an acid environment, reaching 1665% and 2024%, respectively, as well at pH 7.0, presenting 1005% (C1G1) and 667% (C2G1). Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed samples with pores, and with different shapes. The X-ray diffraction showed the presence of a characteristic peak at 2θ = 20° in all developed composition because of the crystalline nature of chitosan. This work shows the possibility of developing eco-friendly biopolymer-based SAHs at a low cost with a good swelling capacity and stability.

Nanoemulsions: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application in Bio-Based Active Food Packaging.

The increasing demands for foods with fresh-like characteristics, lower synthetic additive and preservative contents, and low environmental footprint, but still safe to consume, have guided researchers and industries toward the development of milder processing technologies and more eco-friendly packaging solutions. As sustainability acquires an increasingly critical relevance in food packaging, bio-based and/or biodegradable materials stand out as suitable alternatives to their synthetic counterparts. In this context, the use of nanoemulsions has represented a step forward for improving the performance of sustainable food packaging devices, especially for the successful incorporation of new compounds and functionalities into conventional films and coatings. This class of emulsions, featuring unique optical stability and rheological properties, has been developed to protect, encapsulate, and deliver hydrophobic bioactive and functional compounds, including natural preservatives (such as essential oils from plants), nutraceuticals, vitamins, colors, and flavors. This article presents the surfactants (including naturally occurring proteins and carbohydrates), dispersants, and oil-soluble functional compounds used for designing food-grade nanoemulsions intended for packaging applications. The improved kinetic stability, bioavailability, and optical transparency of nanoemulsions over conventional emulsions are discussed considering theoretical concepts and real experiments. Bottom-up and top-down approaches of nanoemulsion fabrication are described, including high-energy (such as high-pressure homogenizers, microfluidics, ultrasound, and high-speed devices) and low-energy methods (for instance, phase inversion and spontaneous emulsification). Finally, incorporation of nanoemulsions in biopolymer matrixes intended for food packaging applications is also addressed, considering current characterization techniques as well as their potential antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens.

Challenges faced by smallholder farmers in a former conflict area in Colombia: the case of Montes de María / Retos de Pequeños Productores en Zona de Postconflicto en Colombia: El Caso de los Montes de María

Abstract This article aimed to identify challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Montes de María, a former conflict area and agricultural sub-region in the Caribbean region of Colombia. Fieldwork (September through December 2014) involved 49 workshops with 49 farming associations from the region. Using participatory rural appraisal, difficulties related to the potential execution of productive projects were identified. The main concerns of farmers were related to the productivity and/or profitability of their projects, the lack of access to technical assistance, credits and markets, and deficiency in basic capital available to the farmers. Despite numerous initiatives in Montes de María, smallholder farmers continue to suffer from poverty and cannot easily support their families through agricultural activities. The main obstacles identified were the need for improved technical assistance, access to credit for investment, and support in the commercialization of agricultural products.

Resumen Esta investigación buscó identificar retos enfrentados por pequeños productores en Montes de María, área de postconflicto y producción agrícola en la región Caribe de Colombia. El trabajo de campo (septiembre a diciembre, 2014) incluyó 49 talleres con 49 organizaciones campesinas de la región. Fueron identificadas dificultades relacionadas con la ejecución de proyectos productivos usando el método de evaluación rural participativa. Las principales preocupaciones incluyeron la productividad y/o rentabilidad de los proyectos, la falta de asistencia técnica, créditos y mercados, y la deficiencia en capital básico accesible a los campesinos. A pesar de numerosas iniciativas en los Montes de María, los pequeños productores siguen en pobreza y con dificultad de mantener a sus familias mediante actividades productivas. Los principales retos que deben ser enfrentados fueron mejoras en asistencia técnica, acceso a créditos para inversiones y apoyo para comercializar productos agrícolas.

Probiotics and their potential applications in active edible films and coatings.

The global market for probiotics has been increasingly growing in recent years guided by the rising consumers' demand for healthy diets and wellness. This has caused food industries to develop new probiotic-containing food products as well as researchers to study specific characteristics of probiotics as well as their effects on human health. Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms that confer a health benefit to the host when administered in adequate quantities. Probiotics have been added to several food products as well as incorporated into biopolymeric matrices to develop active food packaging as an alternative method for controlling foodborne microorganisms, improving food safety, and providing health benefits. This review includes definition of probiotics, description of their effects on human health, discussion on their applications in edible biopolymeric matrices to develop active edible films and coatings, as well as the probiotics-related legislation.

Análise farmacobotânica de folha e caule de Tanacetum vulgare (L. ) / Pharmacobotanical analysis of leaf and stem of Tanacetum vulgare (L. )

RESUMO Tanacetum vulgare L., conhecida popularmente como catinga-de-mulata, é utilizada na medicina tradicional como vermífugo, digestivo e emenagogo. Objetivou-se analisar a morfoanatomia de folhas e caules dessa espécie medicinal com vistas ao controle da qualidade. Foram utilizadas técnicas usuais de microscopia de luz e eletrônica de varredura. As folhas são compostas, pinatissectas e anfiestomáticas. Tricomas tectores flageliformes simples e glandulares capitados são observados. A nervura central tem formato biconvexo, o pecíolo é côncavo-convexo, a ráque é plano-convexa e o caule é arredondado. Feixes vasculares colaterais, calotas de fibras perivasculares e colênquima lamelar estão presentes na folha e no caule. Os caracteres morfoanatômicos evidenciados contribuem na identificação do táxon e fornecem subsídios farmacobotânicos para o controle da qualidade de drogas vegetais e fitoterápicos.

ABSTRACT Tanacetum vulgare L., popularly known as tansy, is used in traditional medicine as a vermifuge, digestive and emmenagogue. This study aimed to analyze the morphoanatomical leaves and stems of this medicinal plant in order to control the quality. Usual techniques of light and scanning electron microscopy were used. The leaves are composed, pinatissect and amphistomatic. Simple and flagelliform non- glandular trichomes and capitate glandular trichomes are observed. The midrib has biconvex shape, the petiole is concavo-convex, the rachis is plano-convex, and the stem is rounded. Collateral vascular bundles, perivascular fiber caps and laminar collenchyma are encountered in the leaves and stems. Evidenced the morphological and anatomical features contribute to the identification of the taxon and provide pharmacobotanical data for the quality control of herbal drugs.

Targeted sequencing by proximity ligation for comprehensive variant detection and local haplotyping.

Despite developments in targeted gene sequencing and whole-genome analysis techniques, the robust detection of all genetic variation, including structural variants, in and around genes of interest and in an allele-specific manner remains a challenge. Here we present targeted locus amplification (TLA), a strategy to selectively amplify and sequence entire genes on the basis of the crosslinking of physically proximal sequences. We show that, unlike other targeted re-sequencing methods, TLA works without detailed prior locus information, as one or a few primer pairs are sufficient for sequencing tens to hundreds of kilobases of surrounding DNA. This enables robust detection of single nucleotide variants, structural variants and gene fusions in clinically relevant genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, and enables haplotyping. We show that TLA can also be used to uncover insertion sites and sequences of integrated transgenes and viruses. TLA therefore promises to be a useful method in genetic research and diagnostics when comprehensive or allele-specific genetic information is needed.

Physical and antibacterial properties of açaí edible films formulated with thyme essential oil and apple skin polyphenols.

UNLABELLED: Thyme essential oil (TEO) and apple skin polyphenols (ASP) are natural compounds considered as generally recognized as safe by FDA, with biological effects against bacteria and fungi. This work aimed to evaluate physical and antimicrobial properties of açaí edible films formulated with TEO and ASP at 3% and 6% (w/w) individually or combined at 3% (w/w) each. Physical properties studied include mechanical resistance, water vapor permeability (WVP), color, and thermal resistance. Antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes was determined using the overlay diffusion test. Addition of ASP resulted in improved mechanical properties. TEO at 6% (w/w) resulted in increased elongation. ASP films had significant higher WVP than control film. ASP films were lighter and had more red color than other films. Incorporation of ASP resulted in improved film thermal stability, whereas TEO caused rapid thermal decomposition. Presence of clusters was observed on the surface of films. Addition of ASP resulted in a smoother surface, whereas addition of TEO led to the formation of crater-like pits on the film surface. Açaí edible film incorporated with 6% (w/w) TEO presented the highest antimicrobial activity. However, both antimicrobials are necessary in the açaí films in order to obtain edible films with suitable physical-mechanical properties. The results of the present study showed that TEO and ASP can be used to prepare açaí edible films with adequate physical-mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity for food applications by direct contact. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Developed açaí edible films presented antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes and good physical-mechanical properties, showing the potential use of açaí edible films in food preservation.

4C technology: protocols and data analysis.

Chromosome conformation capture (3C) technology and its genome-wide derivatives have revolutionized our knowledge on chromatin folding and nuclear organization. 4C-seq Technology combines 3C principles with high-throughput sequencing (4C-seq) to enable for unbiased genome-wide screens for DNA contacts made by single genomic sites of interest. Here, we discuss in detail the design, application, and data analysis of 4C-seq experiments. Based on many hundreds of different 4C-seq experiments, we define criteria to assess data quality and show how different restriction enzymes and cross-linking conditions affect results. We describe in detail the mapping strategy of 4C-seq reads and show advanced strategies for data analysis.