Three-Dimensional (3D) Microporous Iron Silicate with an Imandrite Type of Structure.

Small-pore iron silicate MS-1 (Minho-Sofia, solid number 1) with a 3D porous system, an analogue of the rare mineral imandrite, has been synthesized and characterized. This material is the lowest framework density iron silicate, one of the most siliceous (Si/Fe = 6) iron silicates, the first iron cyclosilicate achieved at hydrothermal conditions, and the only synthetic iron-based member of the lovozerite mineral group.

Esteya floridanum sp. nov.: An Ophiostomatalean Nematophagous Fungus and Its Potential to Control the Pine Wood Nematode.

The nematophagous fungal genus Esteya is reported as a natural enemy of the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, which causes pine wilt in Asia and Europe. During a survey of fungi associated with ambrosia beetles in Florida, an undescribed Esteya species was found. A phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear large subunit and ß-tubulin DNA sequences supported this isolate as a new species, E. floridanum. Morphological and phylogenetic characteristics and a species description are provided here. The fungus was observed to kill the pine wood nematode in vitro. To evaluate the ability of E. floridanum to protect trees against the pine wood nematode in vivo, the effect of prophylactic inoculation was tested on Pinus koraiensis and Larix olgensis in Liaoning, China. The results suggest that the fungus is not a plant pathogen and that it delays wilt and postpones death of two conifer trees. This presents a potential new avenue for research on biocontrol of pine wilt disease and stresses the value of research on pest organisms in their native regions.

A new zombie ant behavior unraveled: Aggregating on tree trunks.

Hosts can be manipulated by parasites to move to locations advantageous for onward transmission. To investigate the role of behavioral manipulation in creating transmission hotspots, we studied the distribution of zombie turtle ants in the Amazon rainforest. The turtle ant Cephalotes atratus nests and mostly forages in the canopy, but is found at the base of trees when infected with the zombie ant fungus Ophiocordyceps kniphofioides. We found 626 infected cadavers on 14.8% of 162 trees sampled. Cadavers were highly aggregated on the surface of the trees, explained by behavioral observations indicating infected ants as slightly attracted to zombie ant cadavers on a tree. From 1,726 h of camera footage, we recorded the removal of three zombie ant cadavers by live ants. The number of removals compared to the density of infected individuals indicates the base of a tree as an escape from the evolved ability of social insects to recognize and treat disease inside the nest, allowing the parasite to continuously remain in the environment.

Host-pathogen interactions in bovine mammary epithelial cells and HeLa cells by Staphylococcus aureus isolated from subclinical bovine mastitis.

Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen that causes subclinical bovine mastitis due to several virulence factors. In this study, we analyzed S. aureus isolates collected from the milk of cows with subclinical mastitis that had 8 possible combinations of bap, icaA, and icaD genes, to determine their capacity to produce biofilm on biotic (bovine primary mammary epithelial cells and HeLa cells) and abiotic (polystyrene microplates) surfaces, and their ability to adhere to and invade these cells. We also characterized isolates for microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAMM) and agr genes, and for their susceptibility to cefquinome sulfate in the presence of biofilm. All isolates adhered to and invaded both cell types, but invasion indexes were higher in bovine primary mammary epithelial cells. Using tryptic soy broth + 1% glucose on abiotic surfaces, 5 out of 8 isolates were biofilm producers, but only the bap+icaA+icaD+ isolate was positive in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's medium. The production of biofilm on biotic surfaces occurred only with this isolate and only on HeLa cells, because the invasion index for bovine primary mammary epithelial cells was too high, making it impossible to use these cells in this assay. Of the 5 biofilm producers in tryptic soy broth + 1% glucose, 4 presented with the bap/fnbA/clfA/clfB/eno/fib/ebpS combination, and all were protected from cefquinome sulfate. We found no predominance of any agr group. The high invasive potential of S. aureus made it impossible to observe biofilm in bovine primary mammary epithelial cells, and we concluded that cells with lower invasion rates, such as HeLa cells, were more appropriate for this assay.

Progress in the Raman spectra analysis of covalently functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes: unraveling disorder in graphitic materials.

Raman spectroscopy is highly sensitive to the morphology and electronic structures of graphitic materials, but a convenient interpretation model has been lacking for multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), in particular for the discrimination of spectral changes induced by covalent functionalization. The present work describes a systematic investigation of the Raman analysis of covalently functionalized MWCNTs by diazonium chemistry and oxidation methodologies, with typically different mechanisms and reaction sites. A multi-peak deconvolution system and spectral band assignment were proposed based on the chemical and structural modifications identified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction, specific surface areas and the comparative analysis of the first and second order regions of the Raman spectra. Diazonium functionalization takes place mainly in the π-system of the external sidewall, while oxidation occurs on defects and leads to structure burning. This allowed us to distinguish between spectral features related to aromaticity disruptions within the sidewalls and spectral features related to changes within the inner tubes. The model was validated extending the studies to the functionalization of MWCNTs by the Bingel reaction.

Factors associated with equine aural plaque in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Aural plaques can be found on the inner surfaces of one or both ears of horses. Despite their low malignancy, these lesions can sometimes cause discomfort and sensitivity in horses, and a loss in commercial value due to their aesthetic effect. There has been a study describing the epidemiological features and the clinical prevalence of equine aural plaques in Brazil. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical prevalence and selected associated factors of aural plaques. ANIMALS: In the study, 891 horses were assessed for aural plaques. The sample group had a median age of 5 years and comprised both sexes and various breeds from different regions of Brazil. METHODS: Horses were evaluated by a general observation of the body and a detailed observation of both ears. Data on the management system, characteristics of the lesions, the presence of ticks and ear grooming were collected for 109 clinically affected horses. An assessment of the frequency distribution of the disease and its characteristics was performed. Association tests were conducted to establish the relationships between the variables studied. RESULTS: In 85% (40 of 47) of farms assessed, at least one horse presented with aural plaques. In 14.8% (132 of 891) of the horses, lesions characteristic of aural plaque were detected. Significant associations between the prevalence of "coalescing" lesions and a "semi-intensive" management system and ear grooming were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The findings confirm the extensive distribution of this disease in Brazil and its association with several management factors.

Imiquimod treatment for Equus caballus papillomavirus infection in equine aural plaques.

BACKGROUND: Aural plaques are a dermatopathy associated with Equus caballus papillomavirus (EcPV). This disease affects horses of all ages, genders and breeds, and causes sensitivity of the ears. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of 5% imiquimod cream for the treatment of aural plaques and to compare the PCR detection of EcPV 3, 4, 5 and 6 before and after treatment. ANIMALS: Eight horses diagnosed with aural plaques (14 ears) were used. Three mares with unilateral aural plaques were used as untreated controls. METHODS: Imiquimod cream was applied every 48 h until complete resolution of the aural plaques was observed. Animals were evaluated clinically for 180 days after the end of treatment. PCR for detecting EcPV 3, 4, 5 and 6 was performed using aural plaque biopsies collected before and at 90 days after the end of treatment. RESULTS: Clinical resolution was observed in 93% of the treated ears. Imiquimod treatment promoted the clearance of EcPV in 71.4% of the treated ears. Clinical remission of the aural plaques and changes in EcPV DNA positivity between the first and second biopsies were not observed in the control group. In 75% of horses, sedation was required in order to carry out pretreatment cleaning. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study support the hypothesis that 5% imiquimod cream may be used as an effective treatment for aural plaques in horses.

Genomic analysis of a multidrug methicillin-resistant staphylococcus epidermidis recovered from the urine of a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) with suspected pyelonephritis.

Staphylococcus epidermidis is an emerging pathogen causing infant pyelonephritis. There is a lack of genomic data on Staphylococcus epidermidis as the etiology of pyelonephritis and its resistant determinants. In this study, we have conducted a genomic and microbiologic investigation of an S. epidermidis recovered from the urine of a guinea pig with suspected pyelonephritis in Brazil. The genome was sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform and de novo assembled using SPades. Resistome, virulome, and plasmidome were in silico predicted using bioinformatics tools. Data analysis revealed that S. epidermidis USP-LZB-G06 belonged to sequence type ST332. Strikingly, a broad resistome (antibiotics, hazardous heavy metals, and biocides) was predicted, including the presence of the clinically relevant mecA, blaZ, and qacA efflux pump genes. SNP-based analysis revealed that strain USP-LZB-G06 was clustered along mecA positive S. epidermidis strains of ST332 isolated between 2008 and 2016 from humans in Australia and the United States of America. Our results indicate that the detection of this microorganism should be considered as a urinary tract infection agent in exotic pets, particularly guinea pigs. In addition, there is an urgent need to update veterinarians regarding the detection and therapeutic management of these microorganisms.

Development of pH-Sensitive Magnetoliposomes Containing Shape Anisotropic Nanoparticles for Potential Application in Combined Cancer Therapy.

Late diagnosis and systemic toxicity associated with conventional treatments make oncological therapy significantly difficult. In this context, nanomedicine emerges as a new approach in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In this work, pH-sensitive solid magnetoliposomes (SMLs) were developed for controlled release of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX). Shape anisotropic magnetic nanoparticles of magnesium ferrite with partial substitution by calcium (Mg0.75Ca0.25Fe2O4) were synthesized, with and without calcination, and their structural, morphological and magnetic properties were investigated. Their superparamagnetic properties were evaluated and heating capabilities proven, either by exposure to an alternating magnetic field (AMF) (magnetic hyperthermia) or by irradiation with near-infrared (NIR) light (photothermia). The Mg0.75Ca0.25Fe2O4 calcined nanoparticles were selected to integrate the SMLs, surrounded by a lipid bilayer of DOPE:Ch:CHEMS (45:45:10). DOX was encapsulated in the nanosystems with an efficiency above 98%. DOX release assays showed a much more efficient release of the drug at pH = 5 compared to the release kinetics at physiological pH. By subjecting tumor cells to DOX-loaded SMLs, cell viability was significantly reduced, confirming that they can release the encapsulated drug. These results point to the development of efficient pH-sensitive nanocarriers, suitable for a synergistic action in cancer therapy with magnetic targeting, stimulus-controlled drug delivery and dual hyperthermia (magnetic and plasmonic) therapy.

Equine poisoning by coffee husk (Coffea arabica L.).

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, coffee (Coffea arabica) husks are reused in several ways due to their abundance, including as stall bedding. However, field veterinarians have reported that horses become intoxicated after ingesting the coffee husks that are used as bedding. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether coffee husk consumption causes intoxication in horses. RESULTS: Six horses fed coast cross hay ad libitum were given access to coffee husks and excitability, restlessness, involuntary muscle tremors, chewing movements and constant tremors of the lips and tongue, excessive sweating and increased respiration and heart rates were the most evident clinical signs. Caffeine levels were measured in the plasma and urine of these horses on two occasions: immediately before the coffee husks were made available to the animals (T0) and at the time of the clinical presentation of intoxication, 56 h after the animals started to consume the husks (T56). The concentrations of caffeine in the plasma (p < 0.001) and urine (p < 0.001) of these animals were significantly greater at T56 than at T0. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that consumption of coffee husks was toxic to horses due to the high levels of caffeine present in their composition. Therefore, coffee husks pose a risk when used as bedding or as feed for horses.

Molecular characterization of Giardia duodenalis in dogs from Brazil.

The intestinal protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis (syn. Giardia intestinalis and Giardia lamblia) is a widespread enteric pathogen in human and domestic animals. This organism is one of the most common parasites in domestic dogs in Brazil. In this study, we determined the occurrence and genetic characterization of G. duodenalis isolated from dogs from south-central São Paulo state, Brazil. A total of 300 fecal samples were collected. Fecal specimens were screened for the presence of G. duodenalis using microscopy (zinc sulfate solution flotation technique) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the small subunit ribosomal (SSU-rDNA) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) genes. Genetic characterization was performed using restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) and sequencing analysis of the GDH gene. In addition, selected samples were further characterized by RFLP and sequencing of the ß-giardin gene. The overall occurrence of G. duodenalis was 17.3% (52/300). The occurrence was higher in stray dogs (28%) than in household dogs (6.25%). Of the 36 PCR-positive samples that were selected for genotyping, only dog-specific genotype C (20 isolates), D (11 isolates) and mixed C + D (five isolates) isolates were detected in the study. This study provides current information on the infection rates of G. duodenalis genotypes in canine populations and describes for the first time the presence of mixed infections within host-specific C and D genotypes in dogs in Brazil. These genotypes were widespread and commonly found in domestic dogs living in urban and suburban environments of the studied area and confirmed the endemic status of Giardia in this region.

Four New Species of Harringtonia: Unravelling the Laurel Wilt Fungal Genus.

Symbiosis between beetles and fungi arose multiple times during the evolution of both organisms. Some of the most biologically diverse and economically important are mutualisms in which the beetles cultivate and feed on fungi. Among these are bark beetles and Harringtonia, a fungal genus that produces Raffaelea-like asexual morph and hosts the causal agent of laurel wilt, H. lauricola (formerly Raffaelea lauricola). In this study, we propose four new species of Harringtonia associated with beetles from Belize and Florida (USA). We hope to contribute towards a more robust and inclusive phylogenetic framework for future studies on these beetle-fungi relationships and their potential impact in crops and forests worldwide.

Changes in Intra-to-Extra-Cellular Water Ratio and Bioelectrical Parameters from Day-Before to Day-Of Competition in Bodybuilders: A Pilot Study.

The present study analyzed the effects from day-before to day-of bodybuilding competition on intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW), total body water (TBW), and bioimpedance analysis (BIA) parameters (resistance, R; reactance, Xc; and derived scores) in bodybuilding athletes. We assessed anthropometry and BIA (foot-to-hand; tetrapolar; 50 kHz) in 11 male bodybuilders (29 ± 4 year-old; 81 ± 8 kg; 172 ± 7 cm; 27 ± 2 kg/m2) both on the pre-competition day and on the contest day. Results revealed significant increases in ICW (31.6 ± 2.9 to 33.1 ± 2.8 L), with concomitant decreases in ECW (19.8 ± 1.8 to 17.2 ± 1.4 L) and TBW (51.4 ± 4.6 to 50.3 ± 4.2 L) from the day-before competition to contest day, which resulted in relatively large increases in the ICW/ECW ratio (1.60 ± 0.03 to 1.92 ± 0.01 L). Moreover, significant increases in R (391 ± 34 to 413 ± 33 ohm), Xc (64 ± 7 to 70 ± 6 ohm), and phase angle (9.3 ± 0.6 to 9.6 ± 0.7 degree) were observed between time periods. The phase angle scores reported on show-day of 9.6 and 11.2 appear to be the highest group mean and individual values observed in the literature to date. In conclusion, the strategies carried out on the final day of peak-week bodybuilding preparation lead to changes in BIA parameters and body water, with fluids shifting from the extra- to the intracellular compartment.

Magnetoliposomes Containing Multicore Nanoparticles and a New Antitumor Thienopyridine Compound with Potential Application in Chemo/Thermotherapy.

Multicore magnetic nanoparticles of manganese ferrite were prepared using carboxymethyl dextran as an agglutinating compound or by an innovative method using melamine as a cross-coupling agent. The nanoparticles prepared using melamine exhibited a flower-shape structure, a saturation magnetization of 6.16 emu/g and good capabilities for magnetic hyperthermia, with a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0.14 W/g. Magnetoliposome-like structures containing the multicore nanoparticles were prepared, and their bilayer structure was confirmed by FRET (Förster Resonance Energy Transfer) assays. The nanosystems exhibited sizes in the range of 250-400 nm and a low polydispersity index. A new antitumor thienopyridine derivative, 7-[4-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl]thieno[3,2-b]pyridine, active against HeLa (cervical carcinoma), MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma), NCI-H460 (non-small-cell lung carcinoma) and HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma) cell lines, was loaded in these nanocarriers, obtaining a high encapsulation efficiency of 98 ± 2.6%. The results indicate that the new magnetoliposomes can be suitable for dual cancer therapy (combined magnetic hyperthermia and chemotherapy).

Development of Thermo- and pH-Sensitive Liposomal Magnetic Carriers for New Potential Antitumor Thienopyridine Derivatives.

The development of stimuli-sensitive drug delivery systems is a very attractive area of current research in cancer therapy. The deep knowledge on the microenvironment of tumors has supported the progress of nanosystems' ability for controlled and local fusion as well as drug release. Temperature and pH are two of the most promising triggers in the development of sensitive formulations to improve the efficacy of anticancer agents. Herein, magnetic liposomes with fusogenic sensitivity to pH and temperature were developed aiming at dual cancer therapy (by chemotherapy and magnetic hyperthermia). Magnetic nanoparticles of mixed calcium/manganese ferrite were synthesized by co-precipitation with citrate and by sol-gel method, and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy in transmission mode (STEM), and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). The citrate-stabilized nanoparticles showed a small-sized population (around 8 nm, determined by XRD) and suitable magnetic properties, with a low coercivity and high saturation magnetization (~54 emu/g). The nanoparticles were incorporated into liposomes of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine/cholesteryl hemisuccinate (DPPC:CHEMS) and of the same components with a PEGylated lipid (DPPC:CHEMS:DSPE-PEG), resulting in magnetoliposomes with sizes around 100 nm. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) measurements were performed to investigate the pH-sensitivity of the magnetoliposomes' fusogenic ability. Two new antitumor thienopyridine derivatives were efficiently encapsulated in the magnetic liposomes and the drug delivery capability of the loaded nanosystems was evaluated, under different pH and temperature conditions.

Size and surface effects on the magnetic properties of NiO nanoparticles.

NiO nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by a sol-gel process using the citrate route. The sol-gel parameters were tuned to obtain samples with different average particle sizes, ranging from 12 to 70 nm. Magnetic characterization revealed an increase in the blocking temperature with the diameter of the NPs and an increase in the effective magnetic anisotropy (K(eff)) with decreasing particle size. The magnetic moment per particle was calculated for all samples using the susceptibility value at T = 300 K. The number of uncompensated spins per NP was found to be proportional to n (n(S)≡ total number of spins), indicating that they are randomly distributed on the NP surface. For small diameters (<30 nm) the surface anisotropy constant was estimated, using, for NiO NPs, a recent model describing the evolution of K(eff) with particle size. Hysteretic loops performed at low temperatures after field cooling displayed loop shifts (∼6.5 kOe in the field axis and ∼0.18 emu g(-1) vertically), coercive field enhancement (H(C)≈ 4.8 kOe) and training effects for the smaller NPs. The sample with NPs of larger diameters presented magnetic properties close to those of bulk NiO.

Magnetic reversal modes in cylindrical nanostructures: from disks to wires.

Cylindrical magnetic nanowires are key elements of fast-recording and high-density 3D-storage devices. The accurate tuning of the magnetization processes at the nanoscale is crucial for the development of future nano-devices. Here, we analyzed the magnetization of Ni nanostructures with 15-100 nm in diameter and 12-230 nm in length and compared our results with experimental data for periodic arrays. Our modelling led to a phase diagram of the reversal modes where the presence of a critical diameter (d ≈ 30 nm) triggered the type of domain wall (DW) formed (transverse or vortex); while a critical length (L ≈ 100 nm) determined the number of DWs nucleated. Moreover, vortex-DWs originated from 3D skyrmion tubes, reported as one of the best configurations for storage devices. By increasing the diameter and aspect-ratio of nanowires with L > 100 nm, three reversal modes were observed: simultaneous propagation of two vortex-DWs; propagation of one vortex-DW; or spiral rotation of both DWs through "corkscrew" mechanism. Only for very low aspect-ratios (nanodisks), no skyrmion tubes were observed and reversal occurred by spiral rotation of one vortex-DW. The broad range of nanostructures studied allowed the creation of a complete phase diagram, highly important for future choice of nanoscaled dimensions in the development of novel nano-devices.

Versatile Seebeck and electrical resistivity measurement setup for thin films.

A custom setup for Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivity measurements of thin films as a function of temperature in the range of 10-300 K was developed. The Seebeck coefficient is measured using a two-probe arrangement and using either a dynamical or steady/quasi-steady differential method. The temperature differences (ΔTs) for these measurements across the samples are achieved by using resistive heaters embedded in two copper blocks. The sample is screwed to these blocks and is in pressured contact with the measurement probes. The electrical resistivity is measured with a two-probe arrangement. To verify the reliability of the developed setup, measurement tests were performed on commercial niobium foil and a specular spin valve previously studied, having obtained a great accordance (within ∼3%) between this setup's experimental results and the reference measurements.

Ophiocordyceps salganeicola, a parasite of social cockroaches in Japan and insights into the evolution of other closely-related Blattodea-associated lineages.

The entomopathogenic genus Ophiocordyceps includes a highly diverse group of fungal species, predominantly parasitizing insects in the orders Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera. However, other insect orders are also parasitized by these fungi, for example the Blattodea (termites and cockroaches). Despite their ubiquity in nearly all environments insects occur, blattodeans are rarely found infected by filamentous fungi and thus, their ecology and evolutionary history remain obscure. In this study, we propose a new species of Ophiocordyceps infecting the social cockroaches Salganea esakii and S. taiwanensis, based on 16 years of collections and field observations in Japan, especially in the Ryukyu Archipelago. We found a high degree of genetic similarity between specimens from different islands, infecting these two Salganea species and that this relationship is ancient, likely not originating from a recent host jump. Furthermore, we found that Ophiocordyceps lineages infecting cockroaches evolved around the same time, at least twice, one from beetles and the other from termites. We have also investigated the evolutionary relationships between Ophiocordyceps and termites and present the phylogenetic placement of O. cf. blattae. Our analyses also show that O. sinensis could have originated from an ancestor infecting termite, instead of beetle larvae as previously proposed.

Group Theory Analysis to Study Phase Transitions of Quasi-2D Sr3Hf2O7.

We present an ab-initio study performed in the framework of density functional theory, group-subgroup symmetry analysis and lattice dynamics, to probe the octahedral distortions, which occur during the structural phase transitions of the quasi-2D layered perovskite Sr3Hf2O7 compound. Such a system is characterized by a high-temperature I4/mmm centrosymmetric structure and a ground-state Cmc21 ferroelectric phase. We have probed potential candidate polymorphs that may form the I4/mmm → Cmc21 transition pathways, namely Fmm2, Ccce, Cmca and Cmcm. We found that the band gap widths increase as the symmetry decreases, with the ground-state structure presenting the largest gap width (∼5.95 eV). By probing the Partial Density of States, we observe a direct relation regarding the tilts and rotations of the oxygen perovskite cages as the transition occurs; these show large variations mostly of the O p-states which contribute mostly to the valence band maximum. Moreover, by analyzing the hyperfine parameters, namely the Electric Field Gradients and asymmetric parameters, we observe variations as the transition occurs, from which it is possible to identify the most plausible intermediate phases. We have also computed the macroscopic polarization and confirm that the Cmc21 phase is ferroelectric with a value of spontaneous polarization of 0.0478 C/m2. The ferroelectricity of the ground-state Cmc21 system arises due to a second order parameter related to the coupling of the rotation and tilts of the O perovskite cages together with the Sr displacements.