Anaemia and iron deficiency associate with polymorphism TMPRSS6 rs855791 in Brazilian children attending day care centres.

Fe-deficiency anaemia is a major public health concern in children under 5 years of age. TMPRSS6 gene, encoding matriptase-2 protein, is implicated in Fe homoeostasis and has been associated with anaemia and Fe status in various populations. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the associations between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) TMPRSS6 rs855791 and biomarkers of anaemia and Fe deficiency in Brazilian children attending day care centres. A total of 163 children aged 6-42 months were evaluated. Socio-economic, demographic, biochemical, haematological, immunological and genotype data were collected. Multiple logistic and linear regressions with hierarchical selection were used to assess the effects of independent variables on categorised outcomes and blood marker concentrations. Minor allele (T) frequency of rs855791 was 0·399. Each copy of the T allele was associated with a 4·49-fold increased risk of developing anaemia (P = 0·005) and a 4·23-fold increased risk of Fe deficiency assessed by serum soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) (P < 0·001). The dose of the T allele was associated with an increase of 0·18 mg/l in sTfR concentrations and reductions of 1·41 fl and 0·52 pg in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), respectively. In conclusion, the T allele of SNP TMPRSS6 rs855791 was significantly associated with anaemia and Fe deficiency assessed by sTfR in Brazilian children attending day care centres. The effect was dose dependent, with each copy of the T allele being associated with lower MCV and MCH and higher concentrations of sTfR.

Influence of simulation design on stress, anxiety and self-confidence of nursing students: Systematic review with meta-analysis.

AIM: To evaluate the simulation design characteristics that may influence the stress, anxiety and self-confidence of undergraduate nursing students during learning. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Searchers were conducted in October 2020 and updated in August 2022 in the databases CENTRAL, CINAHL, Embase®, ERIC, LILACS, MEDLINE, PsycINFO®, Scopus and Web of Science, PQDT Open (ProQuest), BDTD, Google Scholar and specific journals on simulation. REVIEW METHODS: This review was conducted according to the recommendations of Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and reported according to the PRISMA Statement. Experimental and quasi-experimental studies that compared the effect of simulation on stress, anxiety and self-confidence of nursing students were included. The selection of studies and data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Simulation information was collected as prebriefing, scenario, debriefing, duration, modality, fidelity and simulator. Data summarization was performed by qualitative synthesis and meta-analytical methods. RESULTS: Eighty studies were included in the review, and most reported in detail the structure of the simulation, contemplating prebriefing, scenario, debriefing and the duration of each step. In subgroup meta-analysis, the presence of prebriefing, duration of more than 60 min and high-fidelity simulations helped reduce anxiety, while the presence of prebriefing and debriefing, duration, immersive clinical simulation modalities and procedure simulation, high-fidelity simulations and use of mannequins, standardised patients and virtual simulators, contributed to greater students' self-confidence. CONCLUSIONS: Different modulations of simulation design components imply reduction of anxiety and increased self-confidence in nursing students, especially highlighting the quality of the methodological report of simulation interventions. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: These findings help to support the need of more rigorous methodology in simulation designs and research methods. Consequently, impact on the education of qualified professionals prepared to work in clinical practice. No Patient or Public Contribution.

Dietary Intake is Associated with miR-31 and miR-375 Expression in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important epigenetic regulators in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), with miR-31 being considered an oncomir and miR-375, a tumor suppressor miR, which are up- and down-regulated in HNSCC, respectively. Nutrients are known to influence miRNA expression; however, this association is poorly explored in HNSCC. This work aimed to identify associations between dietary intake and the expression of miR-31 and miR-375 in patients newly diagnosed with HNSCC. The expression of miR-31 was positively associated with the consumption of iron (ß = 16.65) and vitamin C (ß = 0.37), and inversely associated with total sugar (ß = -0.88), cholesterol (ß= -0.23), vitamin B9 (ß= -0.37) and zinc (ß = -5.66) intake. The expression of miR-375 was positively associated with the consumption of selenium (ß = 1.52), vitamin C (ß = 0.17) and vitamin D (ß = 13.01), and inversely associated with the consumption of added sugar (ß = -0.49), phosphorus (ß= -0.27) and vitamin B12 (ß = -10.80). Our findings showed important associations between dietary intake and miR-31 and miR-375 expression in HNSCC, offering possible directions for further studies investigating how nutrients interfere with carcinogenesis.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2021.1990972 .

Molecular characterization and sequence analysis of four Brazilian rice stripe necrosis virus isolates.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important food crop for humanity, being cultivated in tropical and temperate regions of the world. This study reports the nearly complete genome sequences of four Brazilian rice stripe necrosis virus (RSNV) isolates. The nucleotide sequences of the RNA1 and RNA2 genome segments of these Brazilian isolates were 96.5 to 99.9% identical, indicating their close phylogenetic relationship to each other. Phylogeny and recombination analysis indicated that the genome of one of the isolates consisted of RNA segments of different origins, suggesting that a reassortment event had occurred.

Genetic diversity in populations of African mahogany (Khaya grandioliola C. DC.) introduced in Brazil.

Given its high-valued wood, the African mahogany (Khaya grandifoliola) has been envisaged as a renewable source of tropical hardwoods in Brazil. However, there are concerns about the hypothesized low diversity among the few K. grandifoliola germplasm sources introduced in the country. Using eight microsatellite markers, we evaluated the genetic diversity and divergence among 53 superior trees selected from three provenances of K. grandifoliola located in the state of Para. These populations are among the oldest plantations (>15 years) in Brazil and, therefore, the country's main seed sources. The average number of alleles per locus was 5.9, expected heterozygosity was moderate (^=0.56) and lower than the high observed heterozygosity (HO=0.74). Therefore, the intrapopulation fixation index was negative (f=-0.31) indicating the possibility that selection of superior trees might have favored heterozygous plants with heterosis. No genetic structure was observed between provenances. The genetic diversity observed within selected trees, with an effective population size (Ne) of 30.4, is comparable to that of natural populations of African and Brazilian mahoganies. Therefore, our results contradict the idea that the genetic diversity of K. grandifoliola introduced in Brazil is low and show that our germplasm can be exploited for breeding purposes.

Genome-wide analysis of the transcriptional response to drought stress in root and leaf of common bean.

Genes related to the response to drought stress in leaf and root tissue of drought-susceptible (DS) and tolerant (DT) genotypes were characterized by RNA-Seq. In total, 54,750 transcripts, representative of 28,590 genes, were identified; of these, 1,648 were of high-fidelity (merge of 12 libraries) and described for the first time in the Andean germplasm. From the 1,239 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 458 were identified in DT, with a predominance of genes in categories of oxidative stress, response to stimulus and kinase activity. Most genes related to oxidation-reduction terms in roots were early triggered in DT (T75) compared to DS (T150) suggestive of a mechanism of tolerance by reducing the damage from ROS. Among the KEGG enriched by DEGs up-regulated in DT leaves, two related to the formation of Sulfur-containing compounds, which are known for their involvement in tolerance to abiotic stresses, were common to all treatments. Through qPCR, 88.64% of the DEGs were validated. A total of 151,283 variants were identified and functional effects estimated for 85,780. The raw data files were submitted to the NCBI database. A transcriptome map revealed new genes and isoforms under drought. These results supports a better understanding of the drought tolerance mechanisms in beans.

Identification of mycoparasitism-related genes against the phytopathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum through transcriptome and expression profile analysis in Trichoderma harzianum.

BACKGROUND: The species of T. harzianum are well known for their biocontrol activity against plant pathogens. However, few studies have been conducted to further our understanding of its role as a biological control agent against S. sclerotiorum, a pathogen involved in several crop diseases around the world. In this study, we have used RNA-seq and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) techniques in order to explore changes in T. harzianum gene expression during growth on cell wall of S. sclerotiorum (SSCW) or glucose. RT-qPCR was also used to examine genes potentially involved in biocontrol, during confrontation between T. harzianum and S. sclerotiorum. RESULTS: Data obtained from six RNA-seq libraries were aligned onto the T. harzianum CBS 226.95 reference genome and compared after annotation using the Blast2GO suite. A total of 297 differentially expressed genes were found in mycelia grown for 12, 24 and 36 h under the two different conditions: supplemented with glucose or SSCW. Functional annotation of these genes identified diverse biological processes and molecular functions required during T. harzianum growth on SSCW or glucose. We identified various genes of biotechnological value encoding proteins with functions such as transporters, hydrolytic activity, adherence, appressorium development and pathogenesis. To validate the expression profile, RT-qPCR was performed using 20 randomly chosen genes. RT-qPCR expression profiles were in complete agreement with the RNA-Seq data for 17 of the genes evaluated. The other three showed differences at one or two growth times. During the confrontation assay, some genes were up-regulated during and after contact, as shown in the presence of SSCW which is commonly used as a model to mimic this interaction. CONCLUSIONS: The present study is the first initiative to use RNA-seq for identification of differentially expressed genes in T. harzianum strain TR274, in response to the phytopathogenic fungus S. sclerotiorum. It provides insights into the mechanisms of gene expression involved in mycoparasitism of T. harzianum against S.sclerotiorum. The RNA-seq data presented will facilitate improvement of the annotation of gene models in the draft T. harzianum genome and provide important information regarding the transcriptome during this interaction.

Sequence analysis and characterization of plasmid pLK39 isolated from endophytic Salmonella sp. isolated from Solanum lycocarpum.

The complete nucleotide sequence of a small cryptic plasmid pLK39 isolated from endophytic Salmonella sp. was determined. This plasmid is 4,029 bp long with an overall GC content of 55.4 %. Sequence analyses of pLK39 revealed extensive homology to several plasmids: pRK10, pK, pSW200, pBERT, pST728/06-2, pSW100, pEC3, and pUCD5000. Using the ORF Finder program, 35 putative ORFs was identified, 30 showed more than 35 residues. After performing a search for homologous sequences to the pLK39 at BLASTn software on NCBI, it was ascertained that the plasmid has a ColE1-like replication origin and also a region of mobilization proteins from relaxase family (mobCABD). Besides these mobilization proteins, the pLK39 codes a putative DUF903 protein family, which is characterized as assumed external cytoplasmic membrane lipoprotein. A recombinant form of pLK39 carrying a kanamycin resistance gene is stably maintained in Escherichia coli cells grown in the absence of selection pressure. pLK39 was compatible with pUC18, pBR322, and pACYC184.

Identification of differentially expressed genes from Trichoderma harzianum during growth on cell wall of Fusarium solani as a tool for biotechnological application.

BACKGROUND: The species of T. harzianum are well known for their biocontrol activity against many plant pathogens. However, there is a lack of studies concerning its use as a biological control agent against F. solani, a pathogen involved in several crop diseases. In this study, we have used subtractive library hybridization (SSH) and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) techniques in order to explore changes in T. harzianum genes expression during growth on cell wall of F. solani (FSCW) or glucose. RT-qPCR was also used to examine the regulation of 18 genes, potentially involved in biocontrol, during confrontation between T. harzianum and F. solani. RESULTS: Data obtained from two subtractive libraries were compared after annotation using the Blast2GO suite. A total of 417 and 78 readable EST sequence were annotated in the FSCW and glucose libraries, respectively. Functional annotation of these genes identified diverse biological processes and molecular functions required during T. harzianum growth on FSCW or glucose. We identified various genes of biotechnological value encoding to proteins which function such as transporters, hydrolytic activity, adherence, appressorium development and pathogenesis. Fifteen genes were up-regulated and sixteen were down-regulated at least at one-time point during growth of T. harzianum in FSCW. During the confrontation assay most of the genes were up-regulated, mainly after contact, when the interaction has been established. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that T. harzianum expressed different genes when grown on FSCW compared to glucose. It provides insights into the mechanisms of gene expression involved in mycoparasitism of T. harzianum against F. solani. The identification and evaluation of these genes may contribute to the development of an efficient biological control agent.

Comparative proteomics in the genus Paracoccidioides.

The genus Paracoccidioides comprises a complex of phylogenetic species of dimorphic pathogenic fungi, the etiologic agents of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a disease confined to Latin America and of marked relevance in its endemic areas due to its high frequency and severity. The members of the Paracoccidioides genus are distributed in distinct phylogenetic species (S1, PS2, PS3 and 01-like) that potentially differ in their biochemical and molecular characteristics. In this work, we performed the proteomic characterization of different members of the genus Paracoccidioides. We compared the proteomic profiles of Pb01 (01-like), Pb2 (PS2), Pb339 (S1) and PbEPM83 (PS3) using 2D electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. The proteins/isoforms were selected based on the staining intensity of the spots as determined by image analysis. The proteins/isoforms were in-gel digested and identified by peptide mass fingerprinting and ion fragmentation. A total of 714 spots were detected, of which 343 were analyzed. From these spots, 301 represented differentially expressed proteins/isoforms among the four analyzed isolates, as determined by ANOVA. After applying the FDR correction, a total of 267 spots were determined to be differentially expressed. From the total, 193 proteins/isoforms were identified by PMF and confirmed by ion fragmentation. Comparing the expression profiles of the isolates, the proteins/isoforms that were related to glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and to alcohol fermentation were more abundant in Pb01 than in other representatives of the genus Paracoccidioides, indicating ahigher use of anaerobic pathways for energy production. Those enzymes related to the oxidative stress response were more abundant in Pb01, Pb2 and Pb339, indicating a better response to ROS in these members of the Paracoccidioides complex. The enzymes of the pentose phosphate pathway were abundant in Pb2. Antigenic proteins, such as GP43 and a 27-kDa antigenic protein, were less abundant in Pb01 and Pb2. The proteomic profile indicates metabolic differences among the analyzed members of the Paracoccidioides genus.

Associations between Normal-Weight Obesity and Disturbances in the Lipid Profile of Young Adults. / Associações entre Obesidade Eutrófica e Alterações no Perfil Lipídico de Adultos Jovens.

BACKGROUND: Normal-weight obesity (NWO) is characterized by normal body mass index (BMI) but high body fat percentage (%BF) that increases the risks of cardiometabolic comorbidities. Accurate assessment and interpretation of body composition data are necessary to reduce these risks. OBJECTIVES: To compare the cardiometabolic profile of individuals with NWO and normal %BF and evaluate the associated risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 222 Brazilian adults from a university community, of whom 157 had NWO and 65 had normal BMI and %BF (non-NWO). All participants reported being asymptomatic and without underlying health conditions. Socioeconomic, lifestyle, food intake, anthropometry, body composition measures (using dual-energy radiological absorptiometry), and lipid and glycemic profiles were evaluated. A p < 0.05 was established as significant. RESULTS: The median age of the participants was 23 years (interquartile range: 21 to 25), and most were female (67.1%). No significant differences were found in blood pressure, age, or physical activity levels between the NWO and non-NWO groups. However, the frequency of lipid profile disturbances was higher in the NWO group (54%) compared to the non-NWO group (34%) (p < 0.006). Neck circumference, %BF, and lipid profile disturbances were positively associated with NWO. CONCLUSION: Individuals with NWO have a worse cardiometabolic profile than those without NWO, and this condition is associated with important biomarkers. Addressing these outcomes is important for preventing long-term cardiometabolic complications. Accurate assessment and interpretation of body composition data, regardless of BMI, are crucial in this scenario.

FUNDAMENTO: A obesidade eutrófica (OE) é caracterizada por índice de massa corporal (IMC) normal, mas com alto percentual de gordura corporal (%GC), o que aumenta os riscos de comorbidades cardiometabólicas. A avaliação e interpretação precisas dos dados de composição corporal são necessárias para reduzir esses riscos. OBJETIVOS: Comparar o perfil cardiometabólico de indivíduos com OE e %GC normal e avaliar os fatores de risco associados. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo transversal com 222 adultos brasileiros de uma comunidade universitária, dos quais 157 tinham OE e 65 tinham IMC e %GC normais (grupo sem OE). Todos os participantes relataram ser assintomáticos e sem problemas de saúde subjacentes. Foram avaliadas características socioeconômicas, estilo de vida, consumo alimentar, antropometria, medidas de composição corporal (por meio de absorciometria radiológica de dupla energia) e perfis lipídico e glicêmico. Valor de p < 0,05 foi estabelecido como significativo. RESULTADOS: A mediana de idade dos participantes foi de 23 anos (intervalo interquartil: 21 a 25), sendo a maioria do sexo feminino (67,1%). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas na pressão arterial, idade ou nível de atividade física entre os grupos com e sem OE. No entanto, a frequência de distúrbios do perfil lipídico foi maior no grupo com OE (54%) em comparação com o grupo sem OE (34%) (p < 0,006). Circunferência do pescoço, %GC e distúrbios do perfil lipídico foram positivamente associados com a OE. CONCLUSÃO: Indivíduos com OE apresentam pior perfil cardiometabólico do que aqueles sem OE, e essa condição está associada a importantes biomarcadores. Torna-se importante abordar esses resultados para prevenir complicações cardiometabólicas de longo prazo. A avaliação e a interpretação precisas dos dados da composição corporal, independentemente do IMC, são cruciais nesse cenário.

Chemical composition and prebiotic activity of baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) pulp on probiotic strains and human colonic microbiota.

Little knowledge is available in literature regarding the chemical composition and health-promoting effects of baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) pulp, a by-product usually discarded by the agro-industry during the processing of baru fruit. This study evaluated the chemical composition of baru pulp and investigated its prebiotic activity on distinct probiotic strains and human colonic microbiota with in vitro assays. Baru pulp had high contents of insoluble dietary fibers and phenolic compounds (mainly hesperidin). Baru pulp stimulated the growth and metabolism of the probiotics Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-05, and Lacticaseibacillus casei L-26. In addition, digested baru pulp induced significant benefits on the human colonic microbiota, increasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus-Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides-Prevotella, as well as the production of lactate, acetate, propionate, and butyrate. The results show that baru pulp has potential prebiotic properties to be explored in the formulation of new health-promoting foods.

Consumption of ultra- and non-ultra-processed foods of individuals with normal-weight obesity.

The normal-weight obesity (NWO) is highly associated with an increased risk for chronic non-communicable diseases and intricately linked to diet quality. Therefore, we assessed the consumption of ultra-processed and non-ultraprocessed foods of 224 Brazilian adults with NWO (n 159) and without NWO (n 65, non-NWO) in a cross-sectional study. For that, three dietary recalls were applied and categorised according to the NOVA classification. Individuals with NWO showed lower energy intake from the 'fresh or minimally processed food' group, specifically for rice (P = 0⋅037), beans (P = 0⋅002) and fruits (P = 0⋅026), as well as lower consumption of dietary fibre (P < 0⋅05) compared with non-NWO subjects. Total consumption of ultra-processed foods did not differ between groups; however, individuals with NWO had a higher energy intake from processed meats compared with the non-NWO group (54⋅1 ± 73⋅5 × 32⋅5 ± 50⋅8 kcal; P = 0⋅023). Energy and added sugar from ultra-processed foods (OR 1⋅02, CI 95 % 1⋅00-1⋅04, P = 0⋅0100) and total fat from non-ultra-processed foods (OR 1⋅09, CI 95 % 1⋅01-1⋅18; P = 0⋅0100) were associated with the presence of NWO. In conclusion, non-NWO individuals consumed more non-ultra-processed foods compared with the NWO group. Overall, there were no differences in the consumption of ultra-processed foods between the two groups. Important associations between food compounds and the presence of NWO were observed, emphasising the importance of fresh and minimally processed foods as the basis of the diet.

Whole-genome resequencing of common bean elite breeding lines.

The expansion of bean genome technologies has prompted new perspectives on generating resources and knowledge essential to research and implementing biotechnological tools for the practical operations of plant breeding programs. This study aimed to resequence the entire genome (whole genome sequencing-WGS) of 40 bean genotypes selected based on their significance in breeding programs worldwide, with the objective of generating an extensive database for the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Over 6 million SNPs were identified, distributed across the 11 bean chromosomes. After quality variant filtering, 420,509 high-quality SNPs were established, with an average of 38,228 SNPs per chromosome. These variants were categorized based on their predicted effects, revealing that the majority exerted a modifier impact on non-coding genome regions (94.68%). Notably, a significant proportion of SNPs occurred in intergenic regions (62.89%) and at least one SNP was identified in 58.63% of the genes annotated in the bean genome. Of particular interest, 7841 SNPs were identified in 85% of the putative plant disease defense-related genes, presenting a valuable resource for crop breeding efforts. These findings provide a foundation for the development of innovative and broadly applicable technologies for the routine selection of superior genotypes in global bean improvement and germplasm characterization programs.

Effect of simulation on stress, anxiety, and self-confidence in nursing students: Systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression.

INTRODUCTION: Simulation is a promising strategy in health education, with evidence of importance for learning, but the available systematic reviews are still inconclusive about the effect of the strategy on stress, anxiety, and self-confidence of nursing students, which impact the adherence to and sustainment of this strategy. Thus, better evidence is needed of the impact of simulation on these competences, essential for health professional education. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of simulation-based experiences on stress, anxiety, self-confidence and learning of undergraduate nursing students compared to conventional teaching strategies or no intervention. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression. DATA SOURCES: The databases used included: CENTRAL, CINAHL, Embase®, ERIC, LILACS, MEDLINE, PsycINFO®, SCOPUS and Web of Science. Additional searches occurred in PQDT Open (ProQuest), BDTD, Google Scholar and journals with a specific scope in clinical simulation. REVIEW METHODS: This study was conducted by the recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Experimental and quasi-experimental studies that compared the effects of simulation on stress, anxiety, and self-confidence of nursing students were included. Study selection and data extraction steps were performed independently by two reviewers. Critical appraisal of the studies was managed by means of the risk of bias tools RoB 2 and ROBINS-I, and quality of evidence by means of the GRADE tool. Data summarization was performed by qualitative synthesis with descriptive analysis and quantitative synthesis by meta-analytic methods and meta-regression. RESULTS: Sixty-two studies were included covering an overall sample of 4570 undergraduate nursing students. When comparing simulation with other teaching strategies, simulation showed small effect size for anxiety (d = -0.33; 95% CI: -0.66-0.002; p = 0.051) and medium effect size for self-confidence (d = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.46-0.95; p < 0.001); there was no difference in the effect-size for stress (d = 0.04; 95% CI:-0.91-0.99; p = 0.90). Subgroup analyses showed an effect of methodological characteristics of the studies on students' anxiety and self-confidence. A positive relationship between self-confidence and learning was identified by meta-regression (p = 0.018; R2 = 20.96%). CONCLUSION: Simulation is an effective strategy for reducing anxiety and increasing self-confidence compared to conventional teaching strategies. Results are still inconclusive for stress. The use of simulation-based experiences in nursing education obtains positive results on anxiety and self-confidence in students, providing support for its implementation in undergraduate curricula to improve the education of qualified nurses. REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020206077. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Simulation is an effective teaching strategy for reducing anxiety and increasing self-confidence in learning.

Effects of Oral Nutritional Supplementation on Patients with Venous Ulcers: A Clinical Trial.

Background: The dosage and safety of nutritional supplements for patients with venous ulcers are still not well established. Aim: To evaluate the effects of a high calorie, high protein, arginine-, zinc-, and vitamins A, C, and E-enriched nutritional supplement on the biochemical profile, dietary intake, anthropometry, muscle strength, and characteristics of lesions of patients with venous ulcers. Methods: A controlled before−after clinical trial with a four-week follow-up involved 27 patients with venous ulcers under outpatient treatment in Brazil. It was administered in two to three doses per day (200 mL each) of a high-calorie and high-protein supplement enriched with arginine, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E. Patients were assessed for anthropometric parameters, dietary intake, biochemical tests, and healing conditions according to the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH). Results: It was observed that an increase in energy and protein supply led to an adequate intake of immunonutrients (zinc and vitamins A, C, and E), increased body weight, increased body mass index, and stronger handgrip strength. The injury area and the score on the PUSH notably decreased after the intervention (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The administered supplement, at the tested dosage, improved the nutritional status and characteristics of lesions in patients with venous ulcers.

Genetic mapping of the Andean anthracnose resistance gene present in the common bean cultivar BRSMG Realce.

The rajado seeded Andean bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar BRSMG Realce (striped seed coat) developed by Embrapa expressed a high level of anthracnose resistance, caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, in field and greenhouse screenings. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the inheritance of anthracnose resistance in BRSMG Realce, map the resistance locus or major gene cluster previously named as Co-Realce, identify resistance-related positional genes, and analyze potential markers linked to the resistance allele. F2 plants derived from the cross BRSMG Realce × BRS FC104 (Mesoamerican) and from the cross BRSMG Realce × BRS Notável (Mesoamerican) were inoculated with the C. lindemuthianum races 475 and 81, respectively. The BRSMG Realce × BRS FC104 F2 population was also genotyped using the DArTseq technology. Crosses between BRSMG Realce and BAT 93 (Mesoamerican) were also conducted and resulting F2 plants were inoculated with the C. lindemuthianum races 65 and 1609, individually. The results shown that anthracnose resistance in BRSMG Realce is controlled by a single locus with complete dominance. A genetic map including 1,118 SNP markers was built and shown 78% of the markers mapped at a distances less than 5.0 cM, with a total genetic length of 4,473.4 cM. A major locus (Co-Realce) explaining 54.6% of the phenotypic variation of symptoms caused by the race 475 was identified in Pv04, flanked by the markers snp1327 and snp12782 and 4.48 cM apart each other. These SNPs are useful for marker-assisted selection, due to an estimated selection efficiency of 99.2%. The identified resistance allele segregates independently of the resistance allele Co-33 (Pv04) present in BAT 93. The mapped genomic region with 704,867 bp comprising 63 putative genes, 44 of which were related to the pathogen-host interaction. Based on all these results and evidence, anthracnose resistance in BRSMG Realce should be considered as monogenic, useful for breeding purpose. It is proposed that locus Co-Realce is unique and be provisionally designated as CoPv04R until be officially nominated in accordance with the rules established by the Bean Improvement Cooperative Genetics Committee.

Determination of genetic scores to estimate disturbances in circulating lipid profile biomarkers of adolescents: A preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop genetic scores based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to lipid metabolism and evaluate whether they used to estimate disturbances in the circulating lipid profile biomarkers of adolescents. METHODS: In a preliminary cross-sectional approach, 113 Brazilian adolescents (10-19 y of age) with cardiovascular disease risk factors were evaluated. Genetic scores from 20 SNPs related to lipid metabolism were calculated by codifying each of them as the rescaled sum of risk allele frequencies. All scores were distributed in classes between 0 (absence of risk alleles) and 10 (presence of all risk alleles) to evaluate the additive effect of risk alleles on the lipid profile outcomes in the same interval. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between each score and blood lipid profile biomarkers. RESULTS: Significant associations between genetic scores and unfavorable outcomes in all evaluated lipid profile biomarkers were found. The mean ± SD of the genetic scores for the circulating lipid profile biomarkers in the 0 to 10 scale were 4.4 ± 2 for triacylglycerol, 5.3 ± 1.5 for total cholesterol, 5.6 ± 1.2 for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 4.9 ± 1.6 for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and 3.6 ± 1.9 for minimally modified low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. For each point obtained in each genetic score, a mean increase ± SE of 15.8 ± 4.2 mg/dL in triacylglycerol (P = 0.0001), 5.3 ± 1.7 mg/dL in total cholesterol (P = 0.0032), 4.8 ± 1.3 mg/dL in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.0003), and 1.1 ± 0.3 U/L in minimally modified low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.0020) and a mean decrease of 3.7 ± 0.7 mg/dL in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.0001) concentrations were obtained. CONCLUSION: The calculated genetic scores could be used to estimate disturbances in circulating lipid profile biomarkers of adolescents and be applied in clinical practice to better target interventions to reduce cardiovascular disease risk throughout life.

Effect of Fortification with Multiple Micronutrient Powder on the Prevention and Treatment of Iron Deficiency and Anaemia in Brazilian Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Fortification with multiple micronutrient powder has been proposed as a public health intervention able to reduce micronutrient deficiencies in children. Our objective was to compare the effectiveness of fortification with multiple micronutrient powder with drug supplementation in the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency and anaemia. This was a cluster trial with anemic and non-anaemic children between six and 42 months old, in randomization data. Non anaemic children received fortification with multiple micronutrient powder or standard drug supplementation of ferrous sulfate associated with folic acid in a prevention dose. Anaemic children who were randomized to receive multiple micronutrient powder also received the recommended iron complementation for anaemia treatment. A total of 162 children were evaluated. The prevalence of anaemia decreased from 13.58 to 1.85%. Iron deficiency decreased from 21.74% to 7.89% (by serum ferritin) and iron deficiency decreased from 66.81 to 38.27% (by soluble transferrin receptor). No difference was identified between interventions for hemoglobin (p = 0.142), serum ferritin (p = 0.288), and soluble transferrin receptor (p = 0.156). Fortification with multiple micronutrient powder was effective in preventing iron deficiency and anaemia in children aged six to 48 months. In anaemic children; it was necessary to supplement the dose of multiple micronutrient powder with ferrous sulfate.

iTRAQ-based proteomic analysis of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in response to hypoxia.

Aerobic organisms require oxygen for energy. In the course of the infection, adaptation to hypoxia is crucial for survival of human pathogenic fungi. Members of the Paracoccidioides complex face decreased oxygen tensions during the life cycle stages. In Paracoccidioides brasiliensis proteomic responses to hypoxia have not been investigated and the regulation of the adaptive process is still unknown, and this approach allowed the identification of 216 differentially expressed proteins in hypoxia using iTRAQ-labelling. Data suggest that P. brasiliensis reprograms its metabolism when submitted to hypoxia. The fungus reduces its basal metabolism and general transport proteins. Energy and general metabolism were more representative and up regulated. Glucose is apparently directed towards glycolysis or the production of cell wall polymers. Plasma membrane/cell wall are modulated by increasing ergosterol and glucan, respectively. In addition, molecules such as ethanol and acetate are produced by this fungus indicating that alternative carbon sources probably are activated to obtain energy. Also, detoxification mechanisms are activated. The results were compared with label free proteomics data from Paracoccidioides lutzii. Biochemical pathways involved with acetyl-CoA, pyruvate and ergosterol synthesis were up-regulated in both fungi. On the other hand, proteins from TCA, transcription, protein fate/degradation, cellular transport, signal transduction and cell defense/virulence processes presented different profiles between species. Particularly, proteins related to methylcitrate cycle and those involved with acetate and ethanol synthesis were increased in P. brasiliensis proteome, whereas GABA shunt were accumulated only in P. lutzii. The results emphasize metabolic adaptation processes for distinct Paracoccidioides species.