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Students preparation for their courses varies depending on their background.Previous work has found that certain types of study strategies are correlated withsuccess, but it has not been done across multiple biology courses, at various levels, norhave the reasons for perceiving strategies as useful been identified or facultyperceptions. The goal of this study was to examine student perspectives of studystrategies, which they find effective and ineffective and why. A second goal was tocompare student perceptions to those of faculty and learn more about thecommunication of study strategies from professors to students. Students and facultymembers were asked to rank, in a survey, what they perceived to be the most effectiveand ineffective study strategies, explain why the strategies are the most and leasteffective, whether or not faculty encouraged study strategies and if self-testing wasamong those recommended study strategies. Students and faculty both agreed thatcramming, flashcards, quizlet, and recopying your notes are the least effective studystrategies. Students appear to be more oriented towards more individual based workand faculty rank peer communication-based strategies higher. This is an indication thatthe perception of what makes a study strategy effective is somewhat different amongstudents and faculty. Students and faculty both agree that learning and understanding isthe biggest reason for the effectiveness of a study strategy. Perception of studystrategies should align more between faculty and students which may lead to improvedperformance in UCSD biology student’s coursework.

Tau-specific immunotherapy is an attractive therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies. However, targeting tau effectively remains a considerable challenge due to the restrictive nature of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which excludes 99.9% of peripherally administered antibodies. We have previously shown that the delivery of tau-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) with low-intensity scanning ultrasound in combination with intravenously injected microbubbles (SUS+MB) increases the passage of IgG antibodies into the brain. SUS+MB transiently opens tight junctions to allow paracellular transport, but also facilitates transcellular transport, particularly for larger cargoes. However, therapeutic efficacy after enhanced brain delivery has not been explored. To assess whether ultrasound-mediated delivery of tau-specific mAbs leads to an enhanced therapeutic response, K369I tau transgenic K3 mice were passively immunised once weekly for 12 weeks with a novel mAb, RNF5, in combination with SUS+MB. While none of the treatment arms improved behaviour or motor functions in these mice, we found that both RNF5 and SUS+MB treatments on their own reduced tau pathology, but, surprisingly, the combination of both (RNF5+SUS+MB) did not achieve an additive reduction in tau pathology. This was despite observing increased antibody penetration in the brain. Interestingly, a significant fraction of the antibody in the combination treatment was visualized in brain endothelial cells, suggesting that paracellular transport may not be the preferred uptake mechanism for RNF5. Taken altogether, more research is warranted to develop SUS+MB as a delivery modality for anti-tau antibodies.

To determinate the antimicrobial effect of chloramphenicol and aqueous extract against multidrug-resistant enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in C...

This study aimed to carry out the morphological characterization of the remaining specimens of the Curraleiro horse in municipalities of the state of Goiás, Brazil. Forty male horses were evaluated using the age of five years as a criterion. Sixteen linear measurements and 13 zootechnical indices were obtained. Subsequently, the mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, and covariances of these measures and indices were obtained using the software IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows. The measures withers height (WH), croup height (CH), midback height (MH), sternum-to-ground height (SH), chest index (CI), and estimated weight (W) allowed characterizing Curraleiro horses as small-sized, light, and fast, with proportional measures. The dactyl-thoracic index (DTI), body index (BI), conformation index (CFI), load index 1 and 2 (LOI1 and LOI2), and compactness index 1 and 2 (COI1 and COI2) showed that the Curraleiro horse has an intermediate capacity for speed and strength, bearing considerable weight on the back, with saddling aptitude and fast work. These results represent the beginning of the formation of a database that may contribute to future studies and the conservation of the Curraleiro horse in the state of Goiás. O objetivo deste trabalho foi a realização da caracterização morfológica de espécimes remanescentes do cavalo Curraleiro em municípios do estado de Goiás, Brasil. Foram avaliados 40 cavalos machos, tendo como critério a idade a partir de cinco anos, dos quais se obteve 16 medidas lineares e 13 índices zootécnicos. Posteriormente, a média, o desvio padrão, o mínimo, o máximo e as covariâncias dessas medidas e índices foram obtidos por meio da utilização do software IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows. As medidas altura da cernelha (AC), altura da garupa (AG), altura do costado (ACost), vazio subesternal (VAZ), índice peitoral (IP) e peso estimado (P) permitiram caracterizar os cavalos Curraleiros como um grupo de pequeno porte, leve, veloz e com medidas proporcionais. Os índices dáctilo-torácico (IDT), corporal (IC), de conformação (ICF), de carga 1 e 2 (ICG1 e ICG2) e de compacidade 1 e 2 (ICO1 e ICO2) demonstraram que o cavalo Curraleiro tem capacidade intermediária para velocidade e força, suportam considerável peso sobre o dorso, e possuem aptidão para sela e tração ligeira. Tais resultados representam o início da formação de uma base de dados que pode contribuir para estudos futuros e a conservação do cavalo Curraleiro no estado de Goiás.

Background Feather duvet lung (FDL) is an underestimated form of acute and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Serological tests for FDL need to be validated. We investigated the ability of recombinant pigeon Proproteinase E (r-PROE) and Immunoglobulin-lambda-like-polypeptide-1 (r-IGLL1) proteins to support the serological diagnosis of FDL, and propose them as a serological tool for clinicians to differentiate cases from FDL and Bird fancier's lung (BFL). Methods Specific IgG antibodies against r-PROE and r-IGLL1, analyzed with ELISA, were measured in patients diagnosed with FDL (n = 31), BFL (n = 15) controls exposed (n = 15) and unexposed to feathers (n = 15). Results The sensitivity and specificity of the r-PROE ELISA for the serological diagnosis of FDL cases versus exposed and unexposed controls were 74.2% and 86.7% respectively, with an index threshold of 0.5 (AUC: 0.89). In addition, this serological test was effective to support the serological diagnosis of FDL and BFL cases with significantly different thresholds. The r-IGLL1 ELISA was only effective for the serological diagnosis of BFL. Also, these two serological tests were useful for the diagnosis of both chronic and acute forms. Conclusions The new diagnostic test for FDL using r-PROE protein should help to detect overt and hidden cases of FDL. The combination of both test will help the clinician in distinguish between the etiology of birds or feathers duvet.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top ten causes of death worldwide, while Chagas disease (CD) is the parasitic disease that kills the largest number of people in the Americas. TB is the leading cause of death for patients with AIDS; it kills 1.5 million people and causes 10 million new cases every year. The lack of newly developed chemotherapeutic agents and insufficient access to health care services for a diagnosis increase the incidence of multidrug-resistant TB (MDRTB) cases. Although CD was identified in 1909, the chronic stages of the disease still lack adequate treatment. Objective: The purpose of this work was to design and synthesize two new series of 2-nitroimidazole 5a-e and imidazooxazoles 6a-e with 1H-1,2,3-triazolil nucleus and evaluate their activities against Tc and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Methods: Two series of five compounds were synthesized in a 3 or 4-step route in moderated yields, and their structures were confirmed by NMR spectral data analyses. The in vitro antitrypanosomal evaluation of products was carried out in an intracellular model using L929 cell line infected with trypomastigotes and amastigote forms of Tc of β-galactosidase-transfected Tulahuen strain. Their antimycobacterial activity was evaluated against Mtb strain H37Rv. Results: In general, 2-nitroimidazolic derivatives proved to be more potent in regard to antitrypanocidal and antimycobacterial activity. The non-cytotoxic 2-nitroimidazole derivative 5b was the most promising with a half maximum inhibitory concentration of 3.2 μM against Tc and a minimum inhibitory concentration of 65.3 μM against Mtb. Conclusion: Our study reinforced the importance of 2-nitroimidazole and 1H-1,2,3-triazole nuclei in antimicrobial activity. In addition, derivative 5b proved to be the most promising, presenting important activity against Tc and Mtb and could be used as a starting point for the development of new agents against these diseases.

The Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) is an economically important flatfish species. In this study, a genome draft was analyzed to identify microsatellite (SSR) markers for whole-genome genotyping. A subset of 224 contigs containing SSRs were preselected and validated by using a de novo female hybrid assembly. Overall, the SSR density in the genome was 886.7 markers per megabase of genomic sequences and the dinucleotide motif was the most abundant (52.4%). In silico comparison identified a set of 108 SSRs (with di-, tetra- or pentanucleotide motifs) widely distributed in the genome and suitable for primer design. A total of 106 markers were structured in thirteen multiplex PCR assays (with up to 10-plex) and the amplification conditions were optimized with a high-quality score. Main genetic diversity statistics and genotyping reliability were assessed. A subset of 40 high polymorphic markers were selected to optimize four supermultiplex PCRs (with up to 11-plex) for pedigree analysis. Theoretical exclusion probabilities and real parentage allocation tests using parent-offspring information confirmed their robustness and effectiveness for parental assignment. These new SSR markers were combined with previously published SSRs (in total 229 makers) to construct a new and improved integrated genetic map containing 21 linkage groups that matched with the expected number of chromosomes. Synteny analysis with respect to C. semilaevis provided new clues on chromosome evolution in flatfish and the formation of metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes in Senegalese sole. This study was funded by project RTA2017-00054-C03-01, RTA2017-00054-C03-02 and RTA2017-00054-C03-03 funded from MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE. IGC is funded by a predoctoral fellowship from INIA

BACKGROUND Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) reduce circulating cytokines produced by monocytes. Nevertheless, whether the omega-3 LCPUFA regulate the monocytes and their cytokines in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether circulating pro-inflammatory monocytes are increased and whether omega-3 LCPUFA selectively suppress these monocytes and their cytokines in patients with DMD. METHODS This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study carried out in patients with DMD supplemented with omega-3 LCPUFA (n = 6) or sunflower oils (placebo, n = 6) for 6 months. Monocytes and their cytokines were measured at baseline and after 1, 2, 3, and 6 months of supplementation. RESULTS The anti-inflammatory monocytes (median, [95% CI]) are increased at month 3 (-0.46 [-13.5-9.5] vs. 8.4 [5.5-12.5], p = 0.05) in the omega-3 LCPUFA group compared with the placebo group. The pro-inflammatory monocytes (-5.7 [-63.8-114.1] vs. -51.9 [-91.2 to -25.4], p = 0.026 and -16.4 [-50.8-50.6] vs. -57.9 [-86.9 to -18.5], p = 0.045 at months 3 and 6, respectively) and their cytokine interleukin 6 (-11.9 [-93.5-148.9] vs. -64.7 [-77.8 to -42.6], p = 0.019 at month 6) decreased in the omega-3 LCPUFA group compared with the placebo group. Pro-inflammatory monocytes decreased and anti-inflammatory monocytes were augmented (p

espanolLa reproduccion por semilla promueve la diversidad genetica en el maguey (Agave salmiana), si la fertilizacion es la adecuada, podria incrementarse el crecimiento. En el maguey pulquero es una practica poco comun que es necesario estudiar, por lo cual los objetivos de esta investigacion fueron: 1) evaluar el efecto del abono y la fertilizacion en el crecimiento; 2) determinar la tasa de intercambio de CO2 (TIC) en dos condiciones de humedad del suelo, de tres variantes de A. salmiana (subsp. crassispina, var.salmiana y var. ferox)obtenidas de semilla yplantadas en San Bar-tolome Actopan, municipio de Temascalapa, Estado de Mexico. La hipotesis fue que las plantas tratadas con fertilizacion quimica tendran mayor crecimiento que las abonadas y el testigo; y las plantas fertilizadas y abonadas tendran mayor TIC en las dos condiciones de humedad del suelo. El diseno experimental fue completamente al azar con n=11 para variables de crecimiento, n=3 para contenido nutrimental y tasa de intercambio de CO2. El crecimiento se midio cada mes en plantas de 2.9 a 3.6 anos; la tasa de intercambio de CO2 se midio en plantas de 3.6 anos con riego y 3.75 anos con estres hidrico. El abono con cerdaza favo-recio la altura, el diametro de la planta y el numero de pencas. La subespecie crassispina mostro los valores mas altos en las variables evaluadas y A. salmiana var. salmiana cultivada con fertilizacion destaco por los hijuelos emitidos. La tasa maxima de intercambio de CO2 ocurrio entre las 22:00 y 02:00 h y fue mayor en plantas con humedad abundante en el suelo (riego) que en las plantas con humedad por debajo de marchitez permanente (PMP); en esta ultima condicion, las plantas abonadas y fertilizadas tuvieron 60% mas de asimilacion que en el testigo EnglishReproduction by seed promotes genetic diversity in maguey (Agave salmiana), and if fertilization is adequate, it can increase growth. In pulque maguey, although reproduction by seed is not a common practice, its study is necessary. For this reason, the objectives of this study were 1) to evaluate the effect of organic and chemical fertilization on growth and 2) to determine the CO2 exchange rate (CER) in two conditions of soil moisture in three variants of A. salmiana (subsp. crassispina, var. salmiana andvar. ferox) obtained from seed in San Bartolome Actopan, municipality of Temascalapa, State of Mexico. The hypothesis was that plants treated with chemical fertilizer will have greater growth than those treated with organic fertilizer and the control, and plants fertilized with organic and chemical fertilizer will have a higher CER in two conditions of soil moisture. The experimental design was completely randomized with n=11 for growth variables, n=3 for nutrient content and CO2 exchange rate. Growth was measured every month in 2.9- to 3.6-year-old plants, and CO2 exchange rate was measured in 3.6-year-old plants with irrigation and in 3.75-year-old plants under water stress. Organic fertilizer from pig manure favored plant height and diameter and number of leaves. The subespecies crassispina had the highest values of the evaluated variables, and A. salmiana var. salmiana cultivated with chemical fertilization was outstanding for the number of shoots emitted. The highest CO2 exchange rate occurred between 22:00 and 02:00 h and was higher in plants with abundant soil moisture (irrigated) than in plants with moisture below permanent wilting point. In the latter condition, the plants grown with organic and chemical fertilizer assimilated 60% more CO2 than the control.

Climate change represents a real threat to biodiversity conservation worldwide. Although the effects on several species of conservation priority are known, comprehensive information about the impact of climate change on reptile populations is lacking. In the present study, we analyze outcomes on the potential distribution of the black beaded lizard (Heloderma alvarezi Bogert & Martin del Campo, 1956) under global warming scenarios. Its potential distribution, at present and in projections for the years 2050 and 2070, under both optimistic and pessimistic climate change forecasts, were computed using current data records and seven bioclimatic variables. General results predict a shift in the future potential distribution of H. alvarezi due to temperature increase. The optimistic scenario (4.5 W/m2) for 2070 suggests an enlargement in the species’ distribution as a response to the availability of new areas of suitable habitat. On the contrary, the worst-case scenario (7 W/m2) shows a distribution decrease by 65%. Moreover, the range distribution of H. alvarezi is directly related to the human footprint, which consequently could magnify negative outcomes for this species. Our research elucidates the importance of conservation strategies to prevent the extinction of the black beaded lizard, especially considering that this species is highly threatened by aversive hunting.

The Espiritu Santo Island (ESI) has the highest elasmobranch richness among the Gulf of California islands, exemplifying its importance for conservation. In the present study, we assessed the temporal variation of the batoid assemblages captured in the southern ESI. Using the monthly artisanal fishing fleet catch data between 2013 and 2015, we applied three methods to evaluate changes in diversity: descriptive (i.e., richness, dominance, evenness, and Shannon–Wiener index), taxonomic diversity, and functional diversity. Four orders, ten families, ten genera, and 15 species were identified. Mobula munkiana, Hypanus dipterurus, Narcine entemedor, and Rhinoptera steindachneri were the most numerically abundant (dominant) during the study period. The Biological Values Index of these species indicated temporary changes mainly attributable to sea surface temperature. Diversity and average taxonomic distinctiveness values were high, indicating stability in the batoids assemblage assessed. Further, we identified nine functional groups classified mainly into two life history types, benthic and pelagic. The former group was characterized as having small- to medium-sized species and circular and oval body shape with preferences to remain buried or on sea bottom. The second group was formed by large–body size species and rhomboid body shape with high motility in the water column and with migrations. The ESI community of batoids has a stable taxonomic structure over time, whose functional groups have adapted to the ESI environmental conditions and available resources. This study confirms and highlights the importance of ESI as a critical site for these batoid species within the Gulf of California and thus their conservation.

Conventional in vitro propagation may affect normal morphophysiological characteristics and survival during the acclimatization of commercial plants, such as Etlingera Elatior (Jack) R.M. Smith. CO2 enrichment, gas-permeable membranes, and reduced carbohydrate concentration in culture media can be used to mitigate these effects. Here, we aimed to determine the impact of photomixotrophic and photoautotrophic growth on morphophysiological responses of E. elatior and its survival during ex vitro acclimatization. In vitro-established plants were placed in flasks containing semisolid MS medium with 0.54 µM α-naphthalene acetic acid and sucrose (0 or 15 g L−1). The flasks were sealed with lids with or without orifices covered by gas-permeable membranes and kept for 45 days under forced-air ventilation (360 or 1000 µmol−1 CO2). Growth variables, anatomical and physiological characteristics, and survival rate were evaluated. Overall, 1000 µmol mol−1 CO2, gas-permeable membranes, and 15 g L−1 sucrose resulted in plants with higher fresh and dry mass, higher level of photosynthetic pigments, as well as more developed secondary ribs in the leaves, prominent midribs, highly organized and differentiated chlorenchyma cells (palisade and spongy parenchyma), more developed vascular bundles, and intercellular gaps were reduced, compared to conventionally in vitro-propagated plants. Moreover, these conditions promote morphophysiological responses and favored survival of E. elatior plants (75%) when transferred to ex vitro conditions.

Anti-CRISPRs are molecules typically encoded in mobile elements and capable of blocking CRISPR-Cas systems. Since their discovery, numerous anti-CRISPR families have been identified. However, the spread and sequence diversity of members within a family, and the implications of the underlying patterns of dissemination and genetic variation for the evolution and function of the anti-CRISPR, have not been investigated. Here, we use AcrIF7 as a model to explore the distribution and molecular evolution of an anti-CRISPR family. Our comparative analyses uncovered five sub-clusters and prevalent sequence variants within the group. AcrIF7 homologs display high similarity, particularly within sub-clusters, and are mainly associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Still, acrIF7 genes were identified in distinct genetic backgrounds, indicating horizontal dissemination, primarily by phages. Using random mutagenesis, we recreated variation observed in databases and extended the sequence diversity of the group considerably. Characterisation of the generated variants revealed that the anti-CRISPR is tolerant to the introduction of diverse mutations, but also identified residues essential for its function predicted to impact the stability of the protein. Our analysis of the genome data publicly available and variants generated in this study suggest that the dominant AcrIF7 type corresponds to both the optimal and minimal functional unit, possibly explaining the conservation versus mutational tolerance paradox. Our study provides a blueprint to investigate molecular evolution in other anti-CRISPR families.

espanolObjetivo: Comparar la incidencia de diabetes mellitus gestacional (DMG) en mujeres con tres o mas factores de riesgo para desarrollar DMG suplementadas con mioinositol mas probioticos versus mujeres sin suplementacion. Material y metodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo, grupo 1, mujeres con suplementacion (mioinositol 2 g mas Bifidobacterium lactis y Lactobacillus rhamnosus 5x108unidades formadoras de colonias, dos veces al dia, de las 12-14 hasta las 28 semanas de gestacion); grupo 2, mujeres con control prenatal habitual sin suplementacion, pareadas por edad e indice de masa corporal (IMC). El resultado primario fue la incidencia de DMG utilizando los criterios de la Asociacion Internacional de Grupos de Estudio de Diabetes y Embarazo. Resultados: Grupo 1, n = 48, y grupo 2 n = 96. No hubo diferencias significativas en caracteristicas basales como edad, IMC, y numero de factores de riesgo entre los grupos. La incidencia de DMG en el grupo 1 fue n = 14 (29.2%) y en el grupo 2 n = 46 (47.9%); RR: 0.61 (IC 95%: 0.37-0.99; p = 0.03). Conclusiones: La suplementacion desde las 12-14 semanas de gestacion con mioinositol mas probioticos disminuye la incidencia de DMG en mujeres mexicanas. EnglishAim: To compare the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in women with three or more risk factor to developing GDM supplemented with myo-inositol plus probiotics versus women care without supplementation. Methods: Retrospective cohort study, group 1, women with supplementation (myo-inositol 2g plus Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus 5x108 UFC, twice per day, from 12-14 to 28 weeks of gestation; group 2, women with prenatal care without supplementation, matched by age and body mass index (BMI). The primary outcome was the incidence of GDM using the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria. Results: Group 1 n=48, group 2 n=96. There were no significant baseline differences between groups in age, BMI and number of risk factors. The incidence of GDM in group 1 was n=14 (29.2%), and for group 2 n=46 (47.9%); RR: 0.61 (95% CI: 0.37-0.99; p = 0.03). Conclusions: Supplementation from 12-14 weeks of gestation with myo-inositol plus probiotics decrease the incidence of GDM in Mexican women.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is of great importance due to its medicinal properties and industrial uses. However, as in most plants, physiological and biochemical changes occur in turmeric plants subjected to saline conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the growth and antioxidant response of turmeric plants, and the yield and composition of turmeric essential oil under saline stress. The study was greenhouse-based, and 180 days old turmeric plants were treated with 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl solutions for 130 days. Plants grown under high NaCl concentrations showed significantly reduced shoot length and shoot and rhizome biomass accumulation. Large amounts of proline accumulated in the leaves at 150 mM NaCl. Lipid peroxidation and malondialdehyde content increased with salinity in both leaves and rhizomes. Antioxidant enzymes showed greater activity in the leaves of plants exposed to high NaCl concentrations. Salinity altered the yield and chemical composition of the essential oil in the rhizomes. A total of 114 compounds were identified in the essential oil, with the main compounds from the sesquiterpenes class. Sesquiterpenes can constitute a secondary antioxidant system which can assist the primary antioxidant defense system to maintain the levels of hydrogen peroxide in cells at concentrations sub-lethal to turmeric plants. In addition, the presence of rhizomes has a mitigating effect on salt stress in this species due to the antioxidant activity of the essential oil present in the rhizomes.

Orchidaceae is the most diverse botanical family in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with 79 genera and 250 species. Vegetation in Rio de Janeiro is mostly restricted to small fragments of Atlantic Forest, many of which are located within conservation units and act as refuges for flora. Some of the best-known postcards of the city, such as Corcovado and Sugar Loaf mountains, and the Christ the Redeemer statue, are located within urban conservation units. This work presents the results of a floristic-taxonomic study of Orchidaceae in the Parque Estadual da Chacrinha (PE Chacrinha), a state park located extremely near the famous Copacabana beach in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. Brief morphological descriptions of the species are provided and an identification key for the orchids of PE Chacrinha is presented, based mainly on vegetative morphological characters. Orchidaceae of PE Chacrinha is represented by thirteen genera and 16 species, most of which restricted to Brazil, seven of them are also endemic to the Atlantic Forest, or South America and occur as terricolous or rupicolous. We highlighted the occurrences of Acianthera limae, Epidendrum ammophilum and Prescottia spiranthophylla, species that grow exclusively or predominantly on rocky outcrops. With these findings, our goal is to raise awareness among the local population about the importance of conserving the regional flora; stimulate visits to PE Chacrinha and promote the inclusion of this conservation unit in the tourist itinerary of the city of Rio de Janeiro. RESUMEN Orchidaceae es la familia botánica más diversa en la ciudad de Río de Janeiro, Brasil, con 79 géneros y 250 especies. La vegetación en Río de Janeiro se limita principalmente a pequeños fragmentos de Mata Atlántica, muchos de los cuales se localizan dentro de unidades de conservación y actúan como refugios para la flora. Algunas de las postales más conocidas de la ciudad, como las montañas Corcovado y Pan de Azúcar, y la estatua del Cristo Redentor, se encuentran dentro de unidades de conservación urbanas. Este trabajo presenta los resultados del estudio florístico-taxonómico de Orchidaceae en el Parque Estadual da Chacrinha (PE Chacrinha), un parque estatal ubicado muy cerca de la famosa playa de Copacabana en el corazón de Río de Janeiro. Se proporcionan breves descripciones morfológicas de las especies y una clave de identificación para las Orchidaceae del PE Chacrinha, basadas principalmente en caracteres morfológicos vegetativos. La familia Orchidaceae del PE Chacrinha está representada por trece géneros y 16 especies, la mayoría de las cuales están restringidas a Brasil, siete de ellas son también endémicas de la Mata Atlántica, o Sudamérica y crecen como terrestres o rupícolas. Destacamos la presencia de Acianthera limae, Epidendrum ammophilum y Prescottia spiranthophylla, especies que habitan exclusiva o predominantemente en afloramientos rocosos. Con estos hallazgos, nuestro objetivo es crear conciencia entre la población local sobre la importancia de conservar la flora regional; estimular visitas al PE Chacrinha; y promover la inclusión de esta unidad de conservación en el itinerario turístico de Río de Janeiro.

Mutations linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, such as intellectual disability (ID), are frequently found in genes that encode for proteins of the excitatory synapse. Transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory proteins (TARPs) are AMPA receptor auxiliary proteins that regulate crucial aspects of receptor function. Here, we investigate a mutant form of the TARP family member stargazin, described in an ID patient. Molecular dynamics analyses predicted that the ID-associated stargazin variant, V143L, weakens the overall interface of the AMPAR:stargazin complex and impairs the stability of the complex. Knock-in mice harboring the V143L stargazin mutation manifest cognitive and social deficits and hippocampal synaptic transmission defects, resembling phenotypes displayed by ID patients. In the hippocampus of stargazin V143L mice, CA1 neurons show impaired spine maturation, abnormal synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation specifically in basal dendrites, and synaptic ultrastructural alterations. These data suggest a causal role for mutated stargazin in the pathogenesis of ID and unveil a new role for stargazin in the development and function of hippocampal synapses. This work was supported by a NARSAD Independent Investigator Grant (#23151) and a NARSAD Young Investigator Grant (#20733) from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, by a research grant from the Jérôme Lejeune Foundation (#1530), by “la Caixa” Foundation (ID 100010434), and FCT, I.P under the project code LCF/PR/HP20/52300003, by a Marie Curie Integration Grant (618525), by a Bial Foundation Grant (266/2016), by national funds through the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation (FCT: UID/NEU/04539/2013, UIDB/04539/2020, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-28541, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016682, PTDC/QUI-OUT/32243/2017 and CPCA/A0/7302/2020), and by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), through the Centro 2020 Regional Operational Programme, under project CENTRO-01-0145-FEDER-000008:BrainHealth 2020. GLC, NB, MVR, ME and CAVB were supported by FCT through Ph.D. scholarships SFRH/BD/51962/2012, SFRH/BD/144881/2019, SFRH/BD/129236/2017, SFRH/BD/51958/2012 and SFRH/BD/145457/2019, respectively. ASI and JG were supported by FCT through Postdoctoral fellowship SFRH/BPD122299/2016 and SFRH/BPD/120611/2016, respectively. RPG and RM received support from FCT/DGES, under the program “Verão com Ciência”.

Epiphyte communities comprise important components of many forest ecosystems in terms of biomass and diversity, but little is known regarding trade-offs that underlie diversity and structure in these communities or the impact that microclimate has on epiphyte trait allocation. We measured 22 functional traits in vascular epiphyte communities across six sites that span a microclimatic gradient in a tropical montane cloud forest region in Costa Rica. We quantified traits that relate to carbon and nitrogen allocation, gas exchange, water storage, and drought tolerance. Functional diversity was high in all but the lowest elevation site where drought likely limits the success of certain species with particular trait combinations. For most traits, variation was explained by relationships with other traits (trait co-variance), rather than differences in microclimate across sites. Although there were significant differences in microclimate, epiphyte abundance, and diversity, we found substantial overlap in multivariate trait space across five of the sites. We found significant correlations between functional traits, many of which related to water storage, drought tolerance, and carbon allocation. This suite of trait correlations suggests that the epiphyte community has evolved functional strategies along a drought avoidance versus drought tolerance continuum where leaf succulence emerged as a pivotal overall trait.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has affected millions of people worldwide. Considerably lower prevalence and fatality rates resulting from COVID-19 are reported in Africa and Asia than in the industrialized world. In this Viewpoint, we discuss the possibility that this intriguing phenomenon could be, among other factors, due to protective immunity of the oligosaccharide galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal). The α-Gal immunity induced by gut microbiota that express the same glycan modification may prevent COVID-19 through the activation of different mechanisms involved in SARS-CoV-2 neutralization and the downregulation of the inflammatory response in the lungs of infected patients., We thank the members of our group for fruitful discussions. The investigation of the anti-α-Gal antibody response in patients with COVID-19 was partially supported by the Consejeria de Educacion, Cultura y Deportes, JCCM, Spain, ́ Project CCM17-PIC-036 (SBPLY/17/180501/000185).

The aim of this study is to provide preliminary observations on the microanatomy of Rhincodon typus skin using histology and electron microscopy analyses. Skin biopsies were obtained from a deceased juvenile male shark (548 cm total length) stranded in La Paz, Mexico, during February 2018. The results of this study evidenced the basic structure of the dermal denticles in the epidermis of the trunk of the shark, as well as the composition of the connective tissue in the hypodermis. Histological images of the hypodermis showed a high concentration of collagen fibres, formed by a large number of fine and wavy fibres of compact shape and little intercellular substance.

Dpto. Medio Ambiente y Agronomía (INIA), The current environmental hazard assessment is based on the testing of the pristine substance. However, it cannot be excluded that (nano)pharmaceuticals are excreted into sewage during the use phase followed by entry into wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Sorption to sewage sludge or release via effluent can result in modified ecotoxicological effects which possibly can only be detected with a modified test approach. The objective of our study was to investigate a realistic exposure scenario for metallic nanoparticles (NPs) in pharmaceutical products, excreted into effluent, and released into the environment after treatment in WWTPs. The test approach was illustrated by using gold (Au) NPs. Effluent from model WWTPs were investigated in aquatic tests (Daphnia magna, fish cell lines). Sewage sludge was used as a sole food source (Eisenia fetida) or mixed with soil and used as test medium (soil microorganisms, Folsomia candida, Enchytraeus crypticus). To cover the aspect of regulation, the test systems described in OECD-test guidelines (OECD TG 201, 211, 220, 232, 249, 317) were applied. Modifications and additional test approaches were included to meet the needs arising out of the testing of nanomaterials and of the exposure scenarios. The results were assessed regarding the suitability of the test design and the toxicity of Au-NPs. Except for activated sludge as a sole food source for E.fetida, the selected test approach is suitable for the testing of nanomaterials. Additional information can be gained when compared to the common testing of the pristine nanomaterials in the standardized test systems. Effects of Au-NPs were observed in concentrations exceeding the modeled environmental., This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under BIORIMA grant agreement No 760928 for the testing and under NANORIGO grant agreement No 814530 regarding risk governance. Further, to FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia) / MCTES (Ministério da Ciência e Tecnologia do Ensino Superior) for the financial support to CESAM (UIDP/50017/2020+UIDB/50017/2020). S.I.L. Gomes is funded by National Funds (OE), through FCT, I.P., in the scope of the framework contract foreseen in the numbers 4, 5 and 6 of the article 23, of the Decree-Law 57/2016, of August 29, changed by Law 57/2017, of July 19.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer worldwide. According to the Lauren classification, gastric adenocarcinoma is divided into two subtypes: diffuse and intestinal. The development of intestinal gastric cancer (IGC) can take years and involves multiple factors. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protein profile of tumor samples from patients with IGC in comparison with adjacent nontumor tissue samples. METHODS: We used label-free nano-LC-MS/MS to identify proteins from the tissues samples. The results were analyzed using MetaCore™ software to access functional enrichment information. Protein-protein interactions (PPI) were predicted using STRING analysis. Hub proteins were determined using the Cytoscape plugin, CytoHubba. Survival analysis was performed using KM plotter. We identified 429 differentially expressed proteins whose pathways and processes were related to protein folding, apoptosis, and immune response. RESULTS: The PPI network of these proteins showed enrichment modules related to the regulation of cell death, immune system, neutrophil degranulation, metabolism of RNA and chromatin DNA binding. From the PPI network, we identified 20 differentially expressed hub proteins, and assessed the prognostic value of the expression of genes that encode them. Among them, the expression of four hub genes was significantly associated with the overall survival of IGC patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals important findings that affect IGC development based on specific biological alterations in IGC patients. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the pathogenesis of IGC patients is complex and involves different interconnected biological processes. These findings may be useful in research on new targets to develop novel therapies to improve the overall survival of patients with IGC.

Background: Aedes aegypti is the primary dengue vector, a significant public health problem in many countries. Controlling the growth of Ae. aegypti is the biggest challenge in the mosquito control program, and there is a need for finding bioactive molecules to control Ae. aegypti in order to prevent dengue virus transmission. Objective: To assess the mosquitocidal property of lawsone and its 3-methyl-4H-chromen-3-yl-1-phenylbenzo[6,7]chromeno[2,3,c]pyrazole-dione derivatives (6a-6h) against various life stages of Ae. aegypti. Besides, to study the mode of action of the active compound by molecular docking and histopathological analysis. Methods: All derivatives were synthesized from the reaction between 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, chromene-3-carbaldehyde, and 1-phenyl-3-methyl-pyrazol-5-one by using one pot sequential multicomponent reaction. The mosquito life stages were subjected to diverse concentrations ranging from 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, and 10 ppm for lawsone and its derivatives. The structure of all synthesized compounds was characterized by spectroscopic analysis. Docking analysis was performed using autodock tools. Midgut sections of Ae. aegypti larvae were analyzed for histopathological effects. Results: Among the nine compounds screened, derivative 6e showed the highest mortality on Ae. aegypti life stages. The analyzed LC50 and LC90 results of derivative 6e were 3.01, 5.87 ppm, and 3.41, 6.28 ppm on larvae and pupae of Ae. aegypti, respectively. In the ovicidal assay, the derivative 6e recorded 47.2% egg mortality after 96-hour post-exposure to 10 ppm concentration. In molecular docking analysis, the derivative 6e confirmed strong binding interaction (-9.09 kcal/mol and -10.17 kcal/mol) with VAL 60 and HIS 62 of acetylcholinesterase 1 (AChE1) model and LYS 255, LYS 263 of kynurenine aminotransferase of Ae. aegypti, respectively. The histopathological results showed that the derivative 6e affected the columnar epithelial cells (CC) and peritrophic membrane (pM). Conclusion: The derivative 6e is highly effective in the life stages of Ae. aegypti mosquito and it could be used in the integrated mosquito management programme.

Classic adenoid cystic carcinomas (C-AdCCs) of the breast are rare, relatively indolent forms of triple negative cancers, characterized by recurrent MYB or MYBL1 genetic alterations. Solid and basaloid adenoid cystic carcinoma (SB-AdCC) is considered a rare variant of AdCC yet to be fully characterized. Here, we sought to determine the clinical behavior and repertoire of genetic alterations of SB-AdCCs. Clinicopathologic data were collected on a cohort of 104 breast AdCCs (75 C-AdCCs and 29 SB-AdCCs). MYB expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry and MYB-NFIB and MYBL1 gene rearrangements were investigated by fluorescent in-situ hybridization. AdCCs lacking MYB/MYBL1 rearrangements were subjected to RNA-sequencing. Targeted sequencing data were available for 9 cases. The invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed in C-AdCC and SB-AdCC. SB-AdCCs have higher histologic grade, and more frequent nodal and distant metastases than C-AdCCs. MYB/MYBL1 rearrangements were significantly less frequent in SB-AdCC than C-AdCC (3/14, 21% vs 17/20, 85% P

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:36:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2022-01-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) The neonatal period in dogs remains associated with high mortality rates. Sepsis is the main cause of neonatal losses during the first three weeks of life. Additionally, failure in the clinical assessment and early diagnosis of sick newborns is still common, leading to inadequate care, which contributes to a high mortality rate. Thus, the objective of this study was to describe the incidence of sepsis in canine newborns, the clinical aspects involved, the main isolated bacterial agents and mortality rates to facilitate clinicians’ early recognition of this condition. Of the 152 litters and 762 neonates evaluated, 14.8% (113/762) had sepsis or septic shock, and the mortality rate among affected puppies was 25.6% (29/113). Among the puppies with sepsis that died, early mortality (0–2 days of age) occurred in 69% (20/29) of affected neonates, and late mortality (3–30 days of age) occurred in 31% (9/29) of affected neonates. Significant differences (p < 0.0001) in clinical parameters (heart and respiratory rates, blood glucose, body temperature, peripheral oxygen saturation and reflexes) were noted among healthy neonates and neonates with sepsis and septic shock. The main and most relevant clinical signs were apathy, a reduced sucking reflex, diarrhea, the neonatal triad, failure to gain weight, bradycardia, dyspnea, cyanotic mucous membranes, body erythema, reduced peripheral oxygen saturation, cyanosis and tissue necrosis in the extremities. The mother may have been the main source of infection for 87.6% (99/113) of neonates with sepsis. Most infections were transmitted during pregnancy (68%, 77/113) in cases of neonatal sepsis. The major source of infection for neonates was the uterus, followed by breast milk and maternal oropharyngeal secretions. The most frequently isolated bacterial agent was Escherichia coli, accounting for 25.6% (29/113) of sepsis cases. The morbidity and mortality of neonatal sepsis in dogs is high. The clinical evaluation and diagnosis of sepsis in neonates differ from those in adult animals. Thus, knowledge of the neonatal particularities of sepsis is essential for proper clinical management and greater survival of these patients. Veterinary Neonatology Research Group São Paulo State University (Unesp) School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Department of Veterinary Clinics São Paulo State University (Unesp) School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Department of Animal Improvement and Nutrition São Paulo State University (Unesp) School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction Veterinary Neonatology Research Group São Paulo State University (Unesp) School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Department of Veterinary Clinics São Paulo State University (Unesp) School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Department of Animal Improvement and Nutrition São Paulo State University (Unesp) School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction

Uterine perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm that occasionally shares morphologic and immunohistochemical overlap with low- and high-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (LGESS and HGESS). In this study, we sought to characterize the clinical, morphologic, genetic, and epigenetic features of five uterine sarcomas that display histologic features of LGESS, HGESS, and PEComa. All tumors demonstrated epithelioid cells often associated with a low-grade spindled component resembling LGESS, with both regions expressing CD10, ER, PR, variable HMB45, and Melan-A immunoreactivity, and strong cathepsin K and pS6 expression. Targeted massively parallel sequencing analysis revealed the presence of somatic TSC2 mutations in all five cases, of which four harbored concurrent or consecutive JAZF1-SUZ12 gene fusions. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis of methylation profiles of TSC2-mutant uterine sarcomas (n = 4), LGESS (n = 10), and HGESS (n = 12) demonstrated two clusters consisting of (1) all LGESS and TSC2-mutant uterine sarcomas and (2) all HGESS. KEGG pathway analysis detected methylation differences in genes involved in PI3K/AKT, calcium, and Rap1 signaling. TSC2-mutant uterine sarcomas were responsive to hormone suppression, and mTOR inhibition demonstrated clinical benefit in four patients with these neoplasms. Our results suggest that these tumors represent histologically distinctive LGESS with TSC2 mutations. TSC2 mutations and JAZF1-SUZ12 fusion may help diagnose these tumors and possibly direct effective treatment.

Randia aculeata (Rubiaceae) is a medicinal plant distributed in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. In folk medicine it is used to counteract the effects produced by the bite of snakes and other poisonous insects. However, there are no reports of new alternatives to use the plant in a sustainable way. The main objective of this study was to establish a cell culture of R. aculeata, evaluate its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial potential and determine the phytochemical profile. In addition, we determine the total phenolics content and antioxidant activity of methanol extracts. Cell suspension cultures (CSC) was established with 2.0 mg/L 1-naphthaleneacetic acid and 0.5 mg/L 6-furfurylaminopurine in MS culture medium. CSC produced 13.77 ± 0.49 g/L biomass in dry weight at 36 days of culture. GC-MS analysis showed high amounts of β-sitosterol for hexane (HE-L: 22.02 ± 0.44%) and dichloromethane (DE-L: 19.69 ± 0.49%) leaf extracts. Hexane CSC extract (HE-CSC) stood out for containing high amount of palmitic acid (43.95 ± 0.02%) and dichloromethane extract (DE-CSC) had mainly palmitic acid (30.16 ± 2.14%) and vanillic acid (10.23 ± 0.34%). The methanol CSC extract (ME-CSC) showed antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 16.49 ± 0.25 µg/mL, which was almost equal to the methanol leaf extract (ME-L) that showed a IC50 of 14.37 ± 0.20 µg/mL. The HE-CSC and DE-CSC were the only ones that showed inhibition against S. aureus, S. aureus-MRSA, S. typhimurium and E. coli. However, S. aureus was the most susceptible with HE-CSC (MIC = 62.5 µg/mL) and DE-CSC (MIC = 125 µg/mL). The HE-CSC exhibited the highest percentages of inhibition of NO production (36.88 ± 4.35%) at 40 µg/mL in RAW 264.7 macrophages, which was slightly lower than indomethacin (47.45 ± 7.41%) tested at 30 µg/mL. This extract was also the most effective against bacteria. The results suggest that cell culture extracts of R. aculeata may be a sustainable source for obtaining bioactive compounds.

Although most studies describing coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine responses have focused on antibodies, there is increasing evidence that T cells play a critical role. Here the authors evaluated T-cell responses in seronegative donors before and after vaccination to define responses to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 reference strain as well as to mutations in the variant strains Alpha/B.1.1.7 and Beta/B.1.351. The authors observed enhanced T-cell responses to reference and variant spike strains post-vaccination.

In the present communication, the simultaneous co-immobilization by covalent binding of lipase A from Candida antarctica (CALA) and lipase B from Candida antarctica (CALB) in glutaraldehyde (GLU) activated chitosan (CHI) was optimized using the Taguchi method. Under optimized conditions (pH 9, 5 mM, 6:1 (protein load/g of support and 1 h), it was possible to reach 80.00 ± 0.01% for the immobilization yield (IY) and 46.01 ± 0.35 U/g for the activity of the derivative (AtD); in this case, load protein and ionic strength were the only statistically significant parameters and, therefore, those that most influenced the immobilization process. Furthermore, at pH 7, CALA-CALB-CHI had a half-life 2–6 times longer than the mixture of CALA and CALB for a temperature range of 50−80 °C. CALA-CALB showed the highest activity at pH 7, whereas CALA-CALB-CHI, except at pH 7, was more active than the soluble lipase mixture in the pH range (5–9), especially at pH 9. CHI, CHI-GLU, and CALA-CALB-CHI were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Thermogravimetry (TGA), and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), proving the immobilization of CALA and CALB in chitosan. CALA-CALB-CHI derivative evaluated in the kinetic resolution of halohydrins acetates rac-2-bromo-1-(2-chlorophenyl) ethyl acetate (2a) and rac-2-chloro-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl) ethyl acetate (2b), to produce the corresponding halohydrins 3a-b, which are intermediates in the synthesis of the drugs chlorprelanine (antiarrhythmic) and luliconazol (antifungal), respectively. (S)-bromohydrin 3a was obtained with 79% enantiomeric excess (ee), whereas (S)-chlorohydrin 3b produced with 98% ee, conversion of 46% and E > 200. Additionally, molecular docking was performed to elucidate the hydrolysis interaction reaction between β-halohydrin acetates and lipases CALA-CALB.

In the state of Hidalgo, México, chinicuil (CH) and maguey white worm (MW) are consumed as well as used in different culinary preparations. Few studies are available on the effect of butter-frying (BF) and dehydration (DN) on their chemical composition. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of DN and BF on the chemical composition and fatty acids (FA) content of CH and MW. CH and MW were purchased and then fried in butter. The fresh samples were dehydrated at 70 °C for 4 h, and their chemical analysis was performed. The Soxhlet method was used for the extraction of oils (DNCH, DNMW, BFCH, and BFMW), which were analysed with regard to the quality parameters (i.e. moisture, acidity, iodine, and peroxide). The FA contents were determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer. The DNCH (72.82%) and DNMW (76.81%), revealed high concentrations of saturated FA. Free FA and hydro-peroxides were produced, which affected the percentage of saturated FA in the BFCH (15%) and BFMW (17%) samples, and unsaturated FA by 85 and 84%, respectively, along with the production of trans-FA. Therefore, it is necessary to regulate the frying conditions, as BF causes harmful changes in their chemical composition and in their fatty acid structure, in CH and MW, which can cause health problems to humans.