Search

International audience; Biomagnetic monitoring increasingly is applied to assess particulate matter (PM) concentrations, mainly using plant leaves sampled in small geographical area and from a limited number of species. Here, the potential of magnetic analysis of urban tree trunk bark to discriminate between PM exposure levels was evaluated and bark magnetic variation was investigated at different spatial scales. Trunk bark was sampled from 684 urban trees of 39 genera in 173 urban green areas across six European cities. Samples were analysed magnetically for the Saturation Isothermal Remanent Magnetisation (SIRM). The bark SIRM reflected well the PM exposure level at city and local scale, as the bark SIRM (i) differed between the cities in accordance with the mean atmospheric PM concentrations and (ii) increased with the cover of roads and industrial area around the trees. Furthermore, with increasing tree circumferences, the SIRM values increased, as a reflection of a tree age effect related to PM accumulation over time. Moreover, bark SIRM was higher at the side of the trunk facing the prevailing wind direction. Significant relationships between SIRM of different genera validate the possibility to 2 combine bark SIRM from different genera to improve sampling resolution and coverage in biomagnetic studies. Thus, the SIRM signal of trunk bark from urban trees is a reliable proxy for atmospheric coarse to fine PM exposure in areas dominated by one PM source, as long as variation caused by genus, circumference and trunk side is taken into account.

Purpose Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is a key signaling protein required for proper development of many organ systems. Only one prior study has associated an inherited GDF11 variant with a dominant human disease in a family with variable craniofacial and vertebral abnormalities. Here, we expand the phenotypic spectrum associated with GDF11 variants and document the nature of the variants. Methods We present a cohort of six probands with de novo and inherited nonsense/frameshift (4/6 patients) and missense (2/6) variants in GDF11. We generated gdf11 mutant zebrafish to model loss of gdf11 phenotypes and used an overexpression screen in Drosophila to test variant functionality. Results Patients with variants in GDF11 presented with craniofacial (5/6) , vertebral (5/6), neurological (6/6), visual (4/6), cardiac (3/6), auditory (3/6) and connective tissue abnormalities (3/6). gdf11 mutant zebrafish show craniofacial abnormalities and body segmentation defects that match some patient phenotypes. Expression of the patients’ variants in the fly showed that one nonsense variant in GDF11 is a severe loss-of-function (LOF) alleles whereas the missense variants in our cohort are partial LOF variants. Conclusion GDF11 is needed for human development, particularly neuronal development, and LOF GDF11 alleles can affect the development of numerous organs and tissues.

Purpose We characterize the clinical and molecular phenotypes of six unrelated individuals with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder who carry heterozygous missense variants of the PRKAR1B gene, which encodes the R1β subunit of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA). Methods Variants of PRKAR1B were identified by single- or trio-exome analysis. We contacted the families and physicians of the six individuals to collect phenotypic information, performed in vitro analyses of the identified PRKAR1B-variants, and investigated PRKAR1B expression during embryonic development. Results Recent studies of large patient cohorts with neurodevelopmental disorders found significant enrichment of de novo missense variants in PRKAR1B. In our cohort, de novo origin of the PRKAR1B variants could be confirmed in five of six individuals, and four carried the same heterozygous de novo variant c.1003C>T (p.Arg335Trp; NM_001164760). Global developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, and apraxia/dyspraxia have been reported in all six, and reduced pain sensitivity was found in three individuals carrying the c.1003C>T variant. PRKAR1B expression in the brain was demonstrated during human embryonal development. Additionally, in vitro analyses revealed altered basal PKA activity in cells transfected with variant-harboring PRKAR1B expression constructs. Conclusion Our study provides strong evidence for a PRKAR1B-related neurodevelopmental disorder.

Parasitic diseases affect millions of individuals worldwide, mainly in low-income regions. There is no cure for most of these diseases, and the treatment relies on drugs that have side effects and lead to drug resistance, emphasizing the urgency to find new treatments. Snake venom has been gaining prominence as a rich source of molecules with antiparasitic potentials, such as phospholipases A2 (PLA2s). Here, we compile the findings involving PLA2s with antiparasitic activities against helminths, Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, and trypanosomatids. We indicate their molecular features, highlighting the possible antiparasitic mechanisms of action of these proteins. We also demonstrate interactions between PLA2s and some parasite membrane components, shedding light on potential targets for drug design that may provide better treatment for the illnesses caused by parasites.

Background The repair of burns in diabetic patients is a clinical problem. It is relevant to study alternative therapies that can improve the healing process. Our aim was to investigate the effects of Solidago chilensis associated or not with laser on burns in diabetic rats. Methods The animals were divided in four groups (n = 30): C- without treatment; S– S. chilensis extract; L-laser irradiated; LS- laser and S. chilensis. In 7, 14 and 21 days samples were collected after the injury to structural, morphometric and molecular analysis. Results Our results demonstrate the association of S. chilensis and laser reduced the inflammatory infiltrate and favored the angiogenesis. In the groups treated only with laser or with the plant, extract showed higher levels of VEGF. The LLLT promoted higher collagen I and reduction of collagen III. It was also observed higher MMP-2 activation and a decreasing of the active isoform of MMP-9 in the S, L and LS groups. Conclusions The treatments improved the repair of burns in diabetic rats, since it reduced the inflammatory infiltrate and favored the collagen organization presenting similar effects in the burn repair of the diabetics.

Background: The coccidian protozoan, Caryospora cheloniae, has been associated with severe enteritis and encephalitis in immature farm-raised green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Cayman Islands, immature green turtles off the coast of Florida, and immature stranded sea turtles in Australia. An effective anti-coccidial drug that is both orally absorbed and well-distributed throughout the body is needed for treatment of turtles diagnosed with coccidiosis in rehabilitation facilities. Ponazuril is a triazine antiprotozoal drug that is approved in the USA for the treatment of another Apicomplexan, Sarcocystis neurona, and has also been successfully used in the therapy of other coccidian parasites.Aim: To perform an oral dose-ranging pilot study (10-100 mg/kg of body weight ponazuril) in green turtles (N = 9), followed by oral administration of ponazuril at 100 mg/kg body weight (N = 8) to assess its disposition. Another goal of this study was to optimize the method of oral drug administration to green turtles.Method: Plasma ponazuril concentrations were quantified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Data were fit to standard compartmental models with first order absorption.Results: Ponazuril was absorbed after oral administration at 100 mg/kg BW, with a maximum plasma concentration of 3.3 µg/ml. Dose-dependent pharmacokinetic parameters only weakly correlated with the dose rate, apparently due to considerable pharmacokinetic variability observed between turtles. Administration of ponazuril in gelatin capsules using a balling gun was deemed the least variable and most successful method of drug administration.Conclusion: Further studies are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ponazuril in sea turtles with coccidiosis.

Spiders are key predators in many agroecosystems, including orchards. Despite the importance of spiders in biological control, pesticide nontarget effects on this group are poorly described. This is especially true for herbicides, which spiders frequently encounter as they move between the ground cover and tree canopy. We sought to determine the nontarget effects of seven herbicides used in orchards on three species of spiders that are commonly found in Washington state (USA) orchards: Pelegrina aeneola (Curtis) (Araneae: Salticidae), Philodromus cespitum (Walckenaer) (Araneae: Philodromidae), and Phanias watonus (Chamberlin & Ivie) (Araneae: Salticidae). Immature spiders were collected from orchards and used in laboratory assays. Single spiders were placed in vials with dried herbicide residues and mortality was evaluated after 1, 2, and 5 d. We also evaluated herbicide impacts on prey consumption rates and on spider movement using motion-tracking software. Only oxyfluorfen caused significant spider mortality. P. cespitum seemed to be less acutely sensitive to oxyfluorfen than the two salticid species. Several herbicide treatments significantly increased locomotion in P. cespitum, whereas rimsulfuron numerically decreased movement of P. aeneola. Sulfonylurea herbicides (rimsulfuron, halosulfuron) decreased prey consumption of P. aeneola. Our work indicates that although spiders may be less acutely sensitive to some pesticides than beneficial insects, they can be affected by sublethal effects of herbicides. Future work should determine if herbicide applications impact spider abundance in the field and reduce biological control services. In general, more work is needed on the impacts of herbicides on natural enemies.

Three 2-year field studies were conducted to evaluate 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) as a suppressant of suckers in European hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.). Treatments were basal-directed applications of NAA at 5, 10, and 20 g·L−1 a.i. applied once per season, and two sequential applications of NAA 10 g·L−1 a.i., 28 days apart, compared with 2,4-D (3.8 g·L−1 acid equivalent), and a nontreated control. Treatments were applied early in spring and repeated the following year. Both NAA and 2,4-D delayed sucker growth by 1.2- to 3.0-fold compared with the nontreated control, and response varied with experimental site and year. Sequential treatments of NAA significantly reduced sucker height and fresh weight 120 days after treatment. NAA applied in sequential treatments increased tree trunk cross-sectional area and canopy volume in two of the three experimental sites. Yield of hazelnuts increased when suckers were removed with NAA or 2,4-D compared with nontreated. Results indicate that NAA is an effective option to control suckers in hazelnuts and can help reduce herbicide and labor in sucker control.

Zika virus (ZIKV) has the ability to cross placental and brain barriers, causing congenital malformations in neonates and neurological disorders in adults. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of ZIKV-induced neurological complications in adults and congenital malformations are still not fully understood. Gas6 is a soluble TAM receptor ligand able to promote flavivirus internalization and downregulation of immune responses. Here we demonstrate that there is a correlation between ZIKV neurological complications with higher Gas6 levels and the downregulation of genes associated with anti-viral response, as type I IFN due to Socs1 upregulation. Also, Gas6 gamma-carboxylation is essential for ZIKV invasion and replication in monocytes, the main source of this protein, which was inhibited by warfarin. Conversely, Gas6 facilitates ZIKV replication in adult immunocompetent mice and enabled susceptibility to transplacental infection. Our data indicate that ZIKV promotes the upregulation of its ligand Gas6, which contributes to viral infectivity and drives the development of severe adverse outcomes during ZIKV infection.

INTRODUCTION: Legionnaires' disease (LD) is a recognised cause of community-acquired pneumonia. However, Legionella is an overlooked pathogen in hospital-acquired pneumonia. The European Surveillance System 2008-2017 found 23% of the Belgian LD reported cases being healthcare-related, with a higher death-rate than in community-acquired patients. This study aims to describe patients admitted for community-acquired LD or affected by hospital-acquired LD and investigate discriminants associated with lethality. METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed at three Belgian University Hospitals, between 1 January 2016 up to 31 January 2019. Hospital-acquired LD was defined as symptom onset at 10 days or more after admission, according to the Centres for Disease Control and prevention. Community-acquired LD was defined as diagnosis at admission or within 10 days after admission. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included in the study, among them 26% were diagnosed with hospital-acquired LD. The case-fatality rate was 22%, with eight of the eleven deceased patients (73%) being in the hospital-acquired LD group. Medical history of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and higher sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score at diagnosis were more frequently observed in the hospital-acquired LD group. Furthermore, significantly lower SOFA score at diagnosis of LD and higher rates of treatment with levofloxacin or moxifloxacin were observed in survivors. CONCLUSION: In the current cohort, LD death-rate was mainly driven by hospital-acquired LD patients. Hospital-acquired LD might especially affect patients with chronic respiratory disease. Respiratory fluoroquinolones treatment and lower SOFA score at diagnosis may be associated with favourable outcomes.

Although hypothermia has received substantial attention as an indicator of severity in anaphylaxis, it has been neglected from the perspective of whether it could act as a disease-modifying factor in this condition. Here, the impact of naturally occurring (spontaneous) hypothermia on anaphylaxis was evaluated in a murine model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergy. Nonextreme changes in the ambient temperature (Ta) were used to modulate the magnitude of spontaneous hypothermia. At a Ta of 24°C, challenge with OVA intraperitoneally or intravenously resulted in a rapid, transient fall in body core temperature, which reached its nadir 4-6°C below baseline in 30 min. This hypothermic response was largely attenuated when the mice were kept at a Ta of 34°C. The Ta-dependent attenuation of hypothermia resulted in a survival rate of only 30%, as opposed to survival of 100% in the condition that favored the development of hypothermia. The protective effect of hypothermia did not involve changes in the rate of mast cell degranulation, as assessed by the concentration of mast cell protease-1 in bodily fluids. On the other hand, hypothermia improved oxygenation of the brain and kidneys, as indicated by higher NAD+/NADH ratios. Therefore, it is plausible to propose that naturally occurring hypothermia makes organs more resistant to the anaphylactic insult.

Background: The changes and the availability of processed foods have increased the demand for ready-to-eat foods, such as Minimally Processed Vegetables (MPVs). The purpose of this work was to evaluate the microbiological status and quality traits of the MPVs obtained from retail outlets of Córdoba, Argentina. Methods: Totally, 60 MPVs of 12 brands (30 single-ingredient salads and 30 mixed salad trays) were randomly sampled from different retail outlets of Córdoba, Argentina. The samples were analyzed according to international standards for Total Coliforms (TC), Fecal Coliforms (FC), Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Yeast and Molds (YM). The quality traits (respect to physical and sensory properties) of the MPVs were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed with InfoStat. Results: All 60 MPV samples were positive for TC, ranging from 1.32 to 3.38 log Most Probable Number (MPN)/g. FC counts ranged from 0.30 to 1.95 log MPN/g. Out of 60 samples, 15 (25%) were positive for E. coli. Three brands of mixed trays were positive for S. aureus. Regarding sensory characteristics, the parameters such as freshness, turgid, normal color, decay, and dehydration were compliance in 42 out of 60 (70%) samples. Conclusion: Some MPVs sampled from Córdoba, Argentina showed low microbiological quality and imperfect quality traits.

Protein lysine acetylation has emerged as a major regulatory post-translational modification in different organisms, present not only on histone proteins affecting chromatin structure and gene expression but also on nonhistone proteins involved in several cellular processes. The same scenario was observed in protozoan parasites after the description of their acetylomes, indicating that acetylation might regulate crucial biological processes in these parasites. The demonstration that glycolytic enzymes are regulated by acetylation in protozoans shows that this modification might regulate several other processes implicated in parasite survival and adaptation during the life cycle, opening the chance to explore the regulatory acetylation machinery of these parasites as drug targets for new treatment development.

Despite over 30 years of enormous effort and progress in the field, no preventative and/or therapeutic vaccines against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are available. Here, we briefly summarize the vaccine strategies and vaccine candidates that in recent years advanced to efficacy trials with mostly unsatisfactory results. Next, we discuss a novel and somewhat contrarian approach based on biological and epidemiological evidence, which led us to choose the HIV protein Tat for the development of preventive and therapeutic HIV vaccines. Toward this goal, we review here the role of Tat in the virus life cycle as well as experimental and epidemiological evidence supporting its key role in the natural history of HIV infection and comorbidities. We then discuss the preclinical and clinical development of a Tat therapeutic vaccine, which, by improving the functionality and homeostasis of the immune system and by reducing the viral reservoir in virologically suppressed vaccinees, helps to establish key determinants for intensification of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and a functional cure. Future developments and potential applications of the Tat therapeutic vaccine are also discussed, as well as the rationale for its use in preventative strategies. We hope this contribution will lead to a reconsideration of the current paradigms for the development of HIV/AIDS vaccines, with a focus on targeting of viral proteins with key roles in HIV pathogenesis.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-05-01T07:59:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-09-01 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Stimulant fertilization isthe supplementary application of low doses of foliar fertilizers to otherwise well-fertilized crops, and literature suggests that it may increase grain yield. However, the physiological mechanisms behind this potential yield increase are not well understood. This study investigated the effect of supplementary foliar nitrogen (N) in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and maize (Zea mays) nutrition, photosynthetic parameters, antioxidant metabolism, agronomic parameters, and grain yield. We tested the presence or absence of low rates of late season (R3 and V10 of soybean and maize, respectively) foliar N fertilization in a main season soybean followed by an off-season maize. While there were no effects of N application on leaf nutrient concentration, the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, and carboxylation efficiency increased due to foliar N fertilization in both crops. The improvement in photosynthesis occurred due to a concomitant increase in Rubisco activity and in the concentration of sugar in the leaves prior to grain filling. Foliar N fertilization also improved antioxidant metabolism, suggesting that fertilized plants were less affected by environmental stresses during their cycle. The improvement in the metabolic activity due to foliar N did not affect grains per plant but increased a hundred grain mass and grain yield of both soybean and maize. Our results suggest that foliar N applied as stimulant fertilizer is a promising strategy to increase yield of maize and soybean crops. Dep. of Crop Science College of Agricultural Sciences São Paulo State Univ. (UNESP) Dep. of Agronomy Kansas State Univ., 2004 Throckmorton Plant Sciences Center, 1712 Claflin Road Dep. of Crop Science College of Agricultural Sciences São Paulo State Univ. (UNESP) CNPq: 134588/2018-5 CNPq: 303119/2016-0

Headwater streams harbor diverse macroinvertebrate communities and are hotspots for leaf litter breakdown. The process of leaf litter breakdown mediated by macroinvertebrates forms an important link between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Yet, how the vegetation type in the local riparian zone influences leaf-associated macroinvertebrate assemblages and leaf litter breakdown rates is still not resolved. We investigated how leaf-associated macroinvertebrate assemblages and leaf litter fragmentation rates differ between forested and non-forested sites using experimental leaf litter bags in sixteen sites paired across eight headwater streams in Switzerland. Our results show that sensitive taxa of the invertebrate orders Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) and the functional group of shredders were strongly associated with forested sites with overall higher values of abundance, diversity, and biomass of EPTs in forested compared to non-forested sites. However, the importance of riparian vegetation differed between study regions, especially for shredders. Fragmentation rates, which are primarily the result of macroinvertebrate shredding, were on average three times higher in forested compared to non-forested sites. Our results demonstrate that not only the composition of the aquatic fauna but also the functioning of an essential ecosystem process depend on the vegetation type in the local riparian zone.

Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) Wells, Raju et al., 1986 is a bacterium that causes plant diseases in the Americas. In Europe, it was first detected on the Salento Peninsula (Italy), where it was found to be associated with the olive quick decline syndrome. Here, we present the results of the first tree-ring study of infected and uninfected olive trees (Olea europaea L.) of two different cultivars, one resistant and one susceptible, to establish the effects induced by the spread of the pathogen inside the tree. Changes in wood anatomical characteristics, such as an increase in the number of vessels and in ring width, were observed in the infected plants of both the cultivars Cellina di Nardò (susceptible to Xf infection) and Leccino (resistant to Xf infection). Thus, whether infection affects the mortality of the tree or not, the tree shows a reaction to it. The presence of occlusions was detected in the wood of both 4-year-old branches and the tree stem core. As expected, the percentage of occluded vessels in the Xf-susceptible cultivar Cellina di Nardò was significantly higher than in the Xf-resistant cultivar Leccino. The δ 18O of the 4-year-old branches was significantly higher in infected trees of both cultivars than in noninfected trees, while no variations in δ 13C were observed. This suggests a reduction in leaf transpiration rates during infection and seems to be related to the occlusions observed in rings of the 4-year-old branches. Such occlusions can determine effects at leaf level that could influence stomatal activity. On the other hand, the significant increase in the number of vessels in infected trees could be related to the tree’s attempt to enhance water conductivity in response to the pathogen-induced vessel occlusions.

Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman) is one of onion’s most damaging insect pests and has a history of developing resistance across insecticide classes. The susceptibility of T. tabaci populations to insecticides can be determined using laboratory bioassays. Three types of bioassays have been documented in the literature specifically for use with T. tabaci: vial assay (contact only), feeding assay (ingestion only), and leaf-dip assay (contact + ingestion). The objectives of this study were to 1) compare insecticide susceptibility levels of a T. tabaci population using these three assays and 2) determine which bioassay’s results were most similar to those generated from exposing thrips to whole plants treated with insecticide. All experiments were conducted using a colony of T. tabaci known to be susceptible to insecticides and all were evaluated for their susceptibility to spinetoram (Radiant SC). Results indicated that 1) each bioassay generated a unique concentration-mortality relationship and LC50 value (0.01, 0.03 and 1.6 ppm for leaf-dip, vial, and feeding assays, respectively), and 2) all bioassays overestimated the susceptibility of the population relative to the whole-plant assay (LC50 = 5.3 ppm). Attributes of these bioassays are discussed relative to their future use in insecticide resistance monitoring programs for T. tabaci.

Sao Paulo State, currently experiences a second COVID‐19 wave overwhelming the healthcare system. Due to the paucity of SARS‐CoV‐2 complete genome sequencing, we established a Network for Pandemic Alert of Emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 Variants to rapidly understand and monitor the spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants into the state. Through analysis of 210 SARS‐CoV‐2 complete genomes obtained from the largest regional health departments we identified cocirculation of multiple SARS‐CoV‐2 lineages such as B.1.1 (0.5%), B.1.1.28 (23.2%), B.1.1.7 (alpha variant, 6.2%), B.1.566 (1.4%), B.1.544 (0.5%), C.37 (0.5%) P.1 (gamma variant, 66.2%), and P.2 (zeta variant, 1.0%). Our analysis allowed also the detection, for the first time in Brazil, the South African B.1.351 (beta) variant of concern, B.1.351 (501Y.V2) (0.5%), characterized by the following mutations: ORF1ab: T265I, R724K, S1612L, K1655N, K3353R, SGF 3675_F3677del, P4715L, E5585D; spike: D80A, D215G, L242_L244del, A262D, K417N, E484K, N501Y, D614G, A701V, C1247F; ORF3a: Q57H, S171L, E: P71L; ORF7b: Y10F, N: T205I; ORF14: L52F. The most recent common ancestor of the identified strain was inferred to be mid‐October to late December 2020. Our analysis demonstrated the P.1 lineage predominance and allowed the early detection of the South African strain for the first time in Brazil. We highlight the importance of SARS‐CoV‐2 active monitoring to ensure the rapid detection of potential variants for pandemic control and vaccination strategies. Highlights Identification of B.1.351 (beta) variant of concern in the Sao Paulo State. Dissemination of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concern and interest in the Sao Paulo State. Mutational Profile of the circulating variants of concern and interest.

The endophytic bacterium Pantoea agglomerans DAPP‐PG 734 was previously isolated from olive knots caused by infection with Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi DAPP‐PG 722. Whole‐genome analysis of this P. agglomerans strain revealed the presence of a Hypersensitive response and pathogenicity (Hrp) type III secretion system (T3SS). To assess the role of the P. agglomerans T3SS in the interaction with P. savastanoi pv. savastanoi, we generated independent knockout mutants in three Hrp genes of the P. agglomerans DAPP‐PG 734 T3SS (hrpJ, hrpN, and hrpY). In contrast to the wildtype control, all three mutants failed to cause a hypersensitive response when infiltrated in tobacco leaves, suggesting that P. agglomerans T3SS is functional and injects effector proteins in plant cells. In contrast to P. savastanoi pv. savastanoi DAPP‐PG 722, the wildtype strain P. agglomerans DAPP‐PG 734 and its Hrp T3SS mutants did not cause olive knot disease in 1‐year‐old olive plants. Coinoculation of P. savastanoi pv. savastanoi with P. agglomerans wildtype strains did not significantly change the knot size, while the DAPP‐PG 734 hrpY mutant induced a significant decrease in knot size, which could be complemented by providing hrpY on a plasmid. By epifluorescence microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy, we found that the localization patterns in knots were nonoverlapping for P. savastanoi pv. savastanoi and P. agglomerans when coinoculated. Our results suggest that suppression of olive plant defences mediated by the Hrp T3SS of P. agglomerans DAPP‐PG 734 positively impacts the virulence of P. savastanoi pv. savastanoi DAPP‐PG 722., The presence of an active Hrp‐1 T3SS in Pantoea agglomerans (Pag) DAPP‐PG 734 can suppress plant defences and therefore Pag synergistically interacts with Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi DAPP‐PG 722 inside the olive knot.

The control of the impact of diseases on plants can be carried out via breeding, through the development of cultivars less susceptible to pathogens. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the severity of fungal diseases in upland rice strains from the Cultivation and Use Value test, belonging to the Upland Rice Breeding Program” of Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), in partnership with “EMBRAPA Rice and Beans” and the “Minas Gerais Agricultural Research Company” (EPAMIG). The experiment was installed in the municipalities of Lambari and Lavras, both in Minas Gerais, Brasil, in the 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 seasons, in a randomized block design with three replications. Were evaluated 14 lines, 11 lines of the program and 3 commercial witnesses, regarding the intensity of diseases (leaf and neck blast, brown spot, grain spot and scalding). There was a significant difference between lineages for all traits, except brown spot, indicating the presence of genetic variability for the characters in question. The study of the interaction was performed, decomposing the statistically significant ones in simple and complex interactions. The experiment presented a coefficient of variation from 29% to 56% and accuracy from 56% to 95.5%, indicating that the estimates were obtained with good to medium experimental precision. It is essential to evaluate diseases in breeding programs in order to select cultivars that are increasingly resistant, as these affect not only productivity, but the quality and final yield of grains. The genotypes CMG 2119 (5), CMG 2162 (1), CMG 1896 (13) and CMG 2168 (2) were shown to be more tolerant to all diseases simultaneously, being, therefore, the most suitable for the launch, considering the character disease resistance. The Upland Rice Breeding Program of UFLA has lines with variability for resistance, strains with potential for release.

Background Variants in SCN1A gene, encoding the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.1, are associated with distinct epilepsy syndromes ranging from the relatively benign genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) to Dravet syndrome, a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). Most SCN1A pathogenic variants are heterozygous changes inherited in a dominant or de novo inheritance and many cause a loss-of-function of one allele. To date, recessive inheritance has been suggested in only two families with affected children harboring homozygous SCN1A missense variants while their heterozygous parents were asymptomatic. The aim of this report is to describe two additional families in which affected individuals have biallelic SCN1A variants possibly explaining their phenotype. Methods and results We report two novel homozygous SCN1A missense variants in two patients from related parents. Both patients had fever-sensitive epilepsy beginning in the first months of life, followed by afebrile seizures, without severe cognitive impairment. Parents were asymptomatic. Next generation sequencing excluded a pathogenic variant in other genes involved in DEE. Estimation of pathogenicity scores by in-silico tools suggests that the impact of these SCN1A variants is less damaging than that of dominant pathogenic variants. Conclusion This study provides additional evidence that homozygous variants in SCN1A can cause GEFS+. This recessive inheritance would imply that hypomorphic variants may not necessarily cause epilepsy at the heterozygous state but may decrease the seizure threshold when combined.

Italian ryegrass has become a problematic weed in hazelnut orchards of Oregon because of the presence of herbicide-resistant populations. Resistant and multiple-resistant Italian ryegrass populations are now the predominant biotypes in Oregon; there is no information on which herbicides effectively control Italian ryegrass in hazelnut orchards. Six field studies were conducted in commercial orchards to evaluate Italian ryegrass control with POST herbicides. Treatments included flazasulfuron, glufosinate, glyphosate, paraquat, rimsulfuron, and sethoxydim applied alone or in selected mixtures during early spring when plants were in the vegetative stage. Treatment efficacy was dependent on the experimental site. The observed range of weed control 28 d after treatment was 13% to 76% for glyphosate, 1% to 72% for paraquat, 58% to 88% for glufosinate, 16% to 97% for flazasulfuron, 8% to 94% for rimsulfuron, and 25% to 91% for sethoxydim. Herbicides in mixtures improved control of Italian ryegrass compared to single active ingredients based on contrast analysis. Herbicides in mixture increased control by 27% compared to glyphosate, 18% to rimsulfuron, 15% to flazasulfuron, 19% to sethoxydim, and 12% compared to glufosinate when averaged across all sites, but mixture did not always improve reduction of ground coverage or of biomass. This complex site-specific response highlights the importance of record-keeping for efficient herbicide use. Glufosinate is an effective option to manage Italian ryegrass. However, the glufosinate-resistant biotypes documented in Oregon may jeopardize this practice. Nonchemical weed control options are needed for sustainable weed management in hazelnuts.

INTRODUCTION: Tissue fibrosis is characterized by progressive extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffening and loss of viscoelasticity that ultimately impairs organ functionality. Cells bind to the ECM through integrins, where αv integrin engagement in particular has been correlated with fibroblast activation into contractile myofibroblasts that drive fibrosis progression. There is a significant unmet need for in vitro hydrogel systems that deconstruct the complexity of native tissues to better understand the individual and combined effects of stiffness, viscoelasticity, and integrin engagement on fibroblast behavior. METHODS: We developed hyaluronic acid hydrogels with independently tunable cell-instructive properties (stiffness, viscoelasticity, ligand presentation) to address this challenge. Hydrogels with mechanics matching normal or fibrotic lung tissue were synthesized using a combination of covalent crosslinks and supramolecular interactions to tune viscoelasticity. Cell adhesion was mediated through incorporation of either RGD peptide or engineered fibronectin fragments promoting preferential integrin engagement via αvβ3 or α5β1. RESULTS: On fibrosis-mimicking stiff elastic hydrogels, preferential αvβ3 engagement promoted increased spreading, actin stress fiber organization, and focal adhesion maturation as indicated by paxillin organization in human lung fibroblasts. In contrast, preferential α5β1 binding suppressed these metrics. Viscoelasticity, mimicking the mechanics of healthy tissue, largely curtailed fibroblast spreading and focal adhesion organization independent of adhesive ligand type, highlighting its role in reducing fibroblast-activating behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these results provide new insights into how mechanical and adhesive cues collectively guide disease-relevant cell behaviors. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12195-021-00672-1.

Extensive research projects have been carried out on thermal modification of wood material, yet thermal properties of thermally modified poplar wood have not been comprehensively investigated. Black poplar (Populus nigra L.) is a Eurasian species native to Italy which is rarely used for the production of high-performance products, though it is one of the least expensive hardwoods on the market. To explore alternative applications of poplar wood such as building facade or fire resistance materials, reliable data of thermal behaviour of thermally modified wood at high temperatures are needed. In this work, the thermal behaviour of native black poplar wood after thermal modification at different temperatures (180 °C, 200 °C and 220 °C) was analyzed. Thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and porosity were measured on poplar wood boards, as well as mass loss and wood color changes after heat treatment were quantified. Thermal conductivity of wood samples showed significant changes after treatment at 200 and 220 °C, but not at 180 °C. Wood porosity showed significant differences with the control when the samples were modified at a temperature of 220 °C. Increasing color differences were observed in wood samples by increasing the thermal modification temperature. Also, the mass loss of wood samples increased and equilibrium moisture content significantly dropped down after thermal modification. Our results showed that the use of thermally-modified black poplar wood could be considered as a viable alternative to chemically treated wood products for specific applications where high insulation is needed, such as saunas or windows, and for facades elements.

Diabetes mellitus, which is characterized by hyperglycemia, leads to poor wound healing. Azadirachta indica has antidiabetic properties and further promotes the healing of epidermal wounds. Here, we investigated the effects of topical application of A. indica extract on excisional lesions in hyperglycemic rats. The animals were divided into four groups (n=15): non-hyperglycemic and treated with carbopol gel (NH), non-hyperglycemic and treated with A. indica + carbopol gel (NHT), hyperglycemic and treated with carbopol gel (H), and hyperglycemic and treated with A. indica + carbopol gel (HT). Lesions were made on the animals’ back, with a punch of 1.5-cm diameter. Samples of the skin/lesion were collected on the 2nd, 7th, and 14th days post-injury for histological examination (inflammatory infiltrate, blood vessels, and fibroblasts), biochemical analysis (MPO [myeloperoxidase], neutrophilic infiltrate and NAG [N-acetylglycosaminidase], and macrophagic infiltrate), oxidative stress (oxidants such as NO [nitric oxide] and DCF [2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate], oxidative damage by carbonyl sulfhydryl radicals, and antioxidants such as SOD [superoxide dismutase] and GSH [glutathione]), and analysis of reepithelialization by assessing the wound healing rate. The topical application of A. indica extract in the excisional wounds of hyperglycemic rats accelerated wound healing through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, angiogenic, and fibrillogenic effects. Thus, these results show that A. indica extract has the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent for treating excisional wounds in hyperglycemic.

Located in the critical 1p36 microdeletion region, the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 5 (CHD5) gene encodes a subunit of the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylation (NuRD) complex required for neuronal development. Pathogenic variants in six of nine chromodomain (CHD) genes cause autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorders, while CHD5-related disorders are still unknown. Thanks to GeneMatcher and international collaborations, we assembled a cohort of 16 unrelated individuals harboring heterozygous CHD5 variants, all identified by exome sequencing. Twelve patients had de novo CHD5 variants, including ten missense and two splice site variants. Three familial cases had nonsense or missense variants segregating with speech delay, learning disabilities, and/or craniosynostosis. One patient carried a frameshift variant of unknown inheritance due to unavailability of the father. The most common clinical features included language deficits (81%), behavioral symptoms (69%), intellectual disability (64%), epilepsy (62%), and motor delay (56%). Epilepsy types were variable, with West syndrome observed in three patients, generalized tonic–clonic seizures in two, and other subtypes observed in one individual each. Our findings suggest that, in line with other CHD-related disorders, heterozygous CHD5 variants are associated with a variable neurodevelopmental syndrome that includes intellectual disability with speech delay, epilepsy, and behavioral problems as main features.

Plant pathogenic fungi colonizing living plant tissue secrete a cocktail of effector proteins to suppress plant immunity and reprogramme host cells. Although many of these effectors function inside host cells, delivery systems used by pathogenic bacteria to translocate effectors into host cells have not been detected in fungi. Here, we show that five unrelated effectors and two membrane proteins from Ustilago maydis, a biotrophic fungus causing smut disease in corn, form a stable protein complex. All seven genes appear co-regulated and are only expressed during colonization. Single mutants arrest in the epidermal layer, fail to suppress host defence responses and fail to induce non-host resistance, two reactions that likely depend on translocated effectors. The complex is anchored in the fungal membrane, protrudes into host cells and likely contacts channel-forming plant plasma membrane proteins. Constitutive expression of all seven complex members resulted in a surface-exposed form in cultured U. maydis cells. As orthologues of the complex-forming proteins are conserved in smut fungi, the complex may become an interesting fungicide target., This study reports that five effectors and two transmembrane proteins from the plant pathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis form a stable cell surface-exposed protein complex required for virulence.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent degenerative joint disease and the main cause of pain and disability in elderly people. OA currently represents a significant social health problem, since it affects 250 million individuals worldwide, mainly adults aged over 65. Although OA is a multifactorial disease, depending on both genetic and environmental factors, it is reported that joint degeneration has a higher prevalence in former athletes. Repetitive impact and loading, joint overuse and recurrent injuries followed by a rapid return to the sport might explain athletes’ predisposition to joint articular degeneration. In recent years, however, big efforts have been made to improve the prevention and management of sports injuries and to speed up the athletes’ return-to-sport. Biophysics is the study of biological processes and systems using physics-based methods or based on physical principles. Clinical biophysics has recently evolved as a medical branch that investigates the relationship between the human body and non-ionizing physical energy. A physical stimulus triggers a biological response by regulating specific intracellular pathways, thus acting as a drug. Preclinical and clinical trials have shown positive effects of biophysical stimulation on articular cartilage, subchondral bone and synovia. This review aims to assess the role of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in the prevention and treatment of joint degeneration in athletes.

Acute leukemias (ALs) of ambiguous lineage are a heterogeneous group of high-risk leukemias characterized by coexpression of myeloid and lymphoid markers. In this study, we identified a distinct subgroup of immature acute leukemias characterized by a broadly variable phenotype, covering acute myeloid leukemia (AML, M0 or M1), T/myeloid mixed-phenotype acute leukemia (T/M MPAL), and early T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ETP-ALL). Rearrangements at 14q32/BCL11B are the cytogenetic hallmark of this entity. In our screening of 915 hematological malignancies, there were 202 AML and 333 T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias (T-ALL: 58, ETP; 178, non-ETP; 8, T/M MPAL; 89, not otherwise specified). We identified 20 cases of immature leukemias (4% of AML and 3.6% of T-ALL), harboring 4 types of 14q32/BCL11B translocations: t(2,14)(q22.3;q32) (n = 7), t(6;14)(q25.3;q32) (n = 9), t(7;14)(q21.2;q32) (n = 2), and t(8;14)(q24.2;q32) (n = 2). The t(2;14) produced a ZEB2-BCL11B fusion transcript, whereas the other 3 rearrangements displaced transcriptionally active enhancer sequences close to BCL11B without producing fusion genes. All translocations resulted in the activation of BCL11B, a regulator of T-cell differentiation associated with transcriptional corepressor complexes in mammalian cells. The expression of BCL11B behaved as a disease biomarker that was present at diagnosis, but not in remission. Deregulation of BCL11B co-occurred with variants at FLT3 and at epigenetic modulators, most frequently the DNMT3A, TET2, and/or WT1 genes. Transcriptome analysis identified a specific expression signature, with significant downregulation of BCL11B targets, and clearly separating BCL11B AL from AML, T-ALL, and ETP-ALL. Remarkably, an ex vivo drug-sensitivity profile identified a panel of compounds with effective antileukemic activity.

Background Glioblastoma is the most frequent and high-grade adult malignant central nervous system tumor. The prognosis is still poor despite the use of combined therapy involving maximal surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Metabolic reprogramming currently is recognized as one of the hallmarks of cancer. Glutamine metabolism through glutaminolysis has been associated with tumor cell maintenance and survival, and with antioxidative stress through glutathione (GSH) synthesis. Methods In the present study, we analyzed the glutaminolysis-related gene expression levels in our cohort of 153 astrocytomas of different malignant grades and 22 non-neoplastic brain samples through qRT-PCR. Additionally, we investigated the protein expression profile of the key regulator of glutaminolysis (GLS), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLUD1), and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT2) in these samples. We also investigated the glutathione synthase (GS) protein profile and the GSH levels in different grades of astrocytomas. The differential gene expressions were validated in silico on the TCGA database. Results We found an increase of glutaminase isoform 2 gene (GLSiso2) expression in all grades of astrocytoma compared to non-neoplastic brain tissue, with a gradual expression increment in parallel to malignancy. Genes coding for GLUD1 and GPT2 expression levels varied according to the grade of malignancy, being downregulated in glioblastoma, and upregulated in lower grades of astrocytoma (AGII–AGIII). Significant low GLUD1 and GPT2 protein levels were observed in the mesenchymal subtype of GBM. Conclusions In glioblastoma, particularly in the mesenchymal subtype, the downregulation of both genes and proteins (GLUD1 and GPT2) increases the source of glutamate for GSH synthesis and enhances tumor cell fitness due to increased antioxidative capacity. In contrast, in lower-grade astrocytoma, mainly in those harboring the IDH1 mutation, the gene expression profile indicates that tumor cells might be sensitized to oxidative stress due to reduced GSH synthesis. The measurement of GLUD1 and GPT2 metabolic substrates, ammonia, and alanine, by noninvasive MR spectroscopy, may potentially allow the identification of IDH1mut AGII and AGIII progression towards secondary GBM.

Background To determine if following specific diets was associated with reporting behaviors that are consistent with disordered eating compared to non-diet-adherent athletes. We hypothesized that athletes adhering to specific diets were more likely to report disordered eating than those not following a diet. Methods One thousand female athletes (15–30 years) completed a comprehensive survey about athletic health and wellness. Athletes were asked to specify their diet and completed 3 eating disorder screening tools: the Brief Eating Disorder in Athletes Questionnaire, the Eating Disorder Screen for Primary Care, and self-reported current or past history of eating disorder or disordered eating. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all study measures and chi-squared tests assessed relationships between athletes’ dietary practices and their responses to eating disorder screening tools. Statistical significance was defined as p, Plain English summary Female athletes may follow special diets for various reasons including sociocultural practices, environmental concerns, or health and weight-management benefits. These practices may put them at risk for developing eating disorders, which peak during adolescence, and are more common among athletes. Eating disorders or disordered eating in athletes may lead to inadequate fueling or low energy availability and its subsequent health and performance-related complications, also known as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). It may be difficult to detect eating disorders among athletes due to the secretive nature behind these behaviors. In addition, objective information such as low weight or body mass index (BMI) may not be reliable due to their increased muscle mass. The results of this study revealed that female athletes who reported practicing special diets, especially those who follow a low-carbohydrate diet may be associated with developing eating disorders compared to female athletes who did not report any dietary restrictions. These findings should prompt healthcare providers to evaluate these individuals further in order to enhance their nutritional knowledge and help treat and prevent consequences linked to eating disorders or disordered eating.

The activation of the T cell mediated immune response relies on the fine interaction between the T cell receptor on the immune cell and the antigen-presenting major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on the membrane surface of antigen-presenting cells. Both the distribution and quantity of MHC/peptide complexes and their adequate morphological presentation affect the activation of the immune cells. In several types of cancer the immune response is down-regulated due to the low expression of MHC-class I (MHC-I) molecules on the cell's surface, and in addition, the mechanical properties of the membrane seem to play a role. Herein, we investigate the distribution of MHC-I molecules and the related nanoscale mechanical environment on the cell surface of two cell lines derived from colon adenocarcinoma and a healthy epithelial colon reference cell line. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) force spectroscopy analysis using an antibody-tagged pyramidal probe specific for MHC-I molecules and a formula that relates the elasticity of the cell to the energy of adhesion revealed the different population distributions of MHC-I molecules in healthy cells compared to cancer cells. We found that MHC-I molecules are significantly less expressed in cancer cells. Moreover, the local elastic modulus is significantly reduced in cancer cells. We speculate that these results might be related to the proven ability of cancer cells to evade the immune system, not only by reducing MHC-I cell surface expression but also by modifying the local mechanical properties affecting the overall morphology of MHC-I synapse presentation to immune cells.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether zinc phosphate treatments of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) can attenuate bacterial speck disease severity through reduction of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) growth in planta and induce morphological and biochemical plant defence responses. Tomato plants were treated with 10 ppm (25.90 µM) zinc phosphate and then spray inoculated with strain DAPP-PG 215, race 0 of Pst. Disease symptoms were recorded as chlorosis and/or necrosis per leaf (%) and as numbers of necrotic spots. Soil treatments with zinc phosphate protected susceptible tomato plants against Pst, with reductions in both disease severity and pathogen growth in planta. The reduction of Pst growth in planta combined with significantly higher zinc levels in zinc-phosphate-treated plants indicated direct antimicrobial toxicity of this microelement, as also confirmed by in vitro assays. Morphological (i.e. callose apposition) and biochemical (i.e., expression of salicylic-acid-dependent pathogenesis-related protein PR1b1 gene) defence responses were induced by the zinc phosphate treatment, as demonstrated by histochemical and qPCR analyses, respectively. In conclusion, soil treatments with zinc phosphate can protect tomato plants against Pst attacks through direct antimicrobial activity and induction of morphological and biochemical plant defence responses.

The aim of this study was to evaluate if the cottonseed intake during gestation and lactation affects the ovarian population in ewes and lambs. Therefore, 39 ewes were evaluated during 10 months under two treatments: Cottonseed and soybeans. The quantification of ovarian follicular dynamics was analyzed by ultrasound and the determination of progesterone and estradiol levels was interpreted by radioimmunoassay. After weaning, ovaries of lambs (n = 10) were collected by ovariectomy and fixed for the assessment of follicular parameters as normality, classification, diameter, ultrastructure, stereology, and as well as immunoexpression of the α-estradiol receptor α (ER-α). The results showed that the cottonseed consumption altered neither the ovarian nor the hormonal follicular dynamics of Santa Ines ewes after calving and did not affect the normality, classification, diameter, stereology and follicular ultrastructure of offspring. Nevertheless, the offspring of ewes fed with cottonseed showed high ER-α immunoexpression in the ovarian structures. It is concluded that cottonseed did not affect the maternal-descendant follicular dynamics. However, lambs' ovaries had highest α-ER immunoexpression in oocytes, granulosa and theca cells and corpus luteum. This fact warns of a possible change in the future steroidogenic response of these lambs that had progenitors consuming cottonseed in their reproductive period.

Mutations in Dystrophin, one of the largest proteins in the mammalian body, are causative for a severe form of muscle disease, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), affecting not only skeletal muscle, but also the heart. In particular, exons 45–52 constitute a hotspot for DMD mutations. A variety of molecular therapies have been developed, comprising vectors encoding micro- and minidystrophins as well as utrophin, a protein with partially overlapping functions. With the advent of the CRISPR-Cas9-nuclease, genome editing offers a novel option of correction of the disease-cuasing mutations. Full restoration of the healthy gene by homology directed repair is a rare event. However, non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) may restore the reading frame by causing exon excision. This approach has first been demonstrated in mice and then translated to large animals (dogs, pigs). This review discusses the potential opportunities and limitations of genome editing in DMD, including the generation of appropriate animal models as well as new developments in genome editing tools.

Hairy fleabane and horseweed are pervasive weed species in agriculture. Glyphosate-resistant (GR) and glyphosate/paraquat–resistant (GPR) biotypes challenge current management strategies. These GR and GPR biotypes have non–target site resistance, which can confer resistance to herbicides with different sites of action (SOAs). This study’s objective was to characterize the response of GR, GPR, and glyphosate/paraquat–susceptible (GPS) biotypes of both weed species to herbicides with a different SOA. Whole-plant dose–response bioassays indicated a similar response among tested biotypes of both weed species to rimsulfuron, dicamba, hexazinone, glufosinate, flumioxazin, saflufenacil, or mesotrione. The hairy fleabane GR and GPR biotypes were 2.7- and 2.9-fold resistant to 2,4-D relative to the GPS biotype (GR50 766.7 g ai ha–1), confirming 2,4-D resistance in hairy fleabane for the first time in California. The GR and GPR biotypes were not cross-resistant to dicamba. No differences in response to 2,4-D were observed among horseweed biotypes with a GR50 ranging from 150.2 to 277.4 g ai ha–1. The GPR biotypes of both species were cross-resistant to diquat, with a 44.0-fold resistance in hairy fleabane (GR50 863.7 g ai ha–1) and 15.6-fold resistance in horseweed (GR50 563.1 g ai ha–1). The confirmation of multiple resistances to glyphosate, paraquat, and 2,4-D in hairy fleabane curtails herbicide SOA alternatives and jeopardizes resistance management strategies based on herbicide rotation and tank mixtures, underscoring the critical need for nonchemical weed control alternatives.

Sabellaria species are among the most important frame-builders in temperate, shallow marine areas. These polychaetes are suspension feeders able to build bioconstructions using sand and shell fragments cemented with a sticky mucous. Such feature makes these invertebrates “unusual bioconstructors”, as they do not produce calcium carbonate. Sabellaridae reefs are widespread in the Mediterranean and along the Atlantic coast of Europe, but their sedimentological aspects are still poorly known. Over short time intervals, these bioconstructions can rapidly alternate between phases of growth, stasis and destruction during different seasons. In this paper, we compare reefs of two Sabellaria species (S. alveolata—Ostia, Roma and Tyrrhenian Sea, S. spinulosa—Torre Mileto, Foggia and Adriatic Sea) found at two different sites along the Italian coast. We describe the morphology of worm tubes at the macro- and microscale. Similarities and differences are discussed based on eco-biological features and physical environmental conditions. This work shows a measurement and observation scheme for this type of bioconstructions that has been verified at both the macro- and microscale and which was shown to be useful for defining evolutionary trends of sabellarian bioconstructions. The monitoring parameters were identified and verified over a long period.

Muscle injuries occur frequently in athletes, accounting for more than one-third of sport-related trauma. Athletes most affected by these injuries are those practicing football and track and field, with hamstrings and gastrocnemius-soleus as the mainly involved sites. Muscle injuries lead to loss of competitions, long recovery times and risk of re-injury with a consequent increase of the management costs. It is therefore advisable to make an accurate and timely diagnosis to establish appropriate interventions for proper healing in the shortest time. In this context, ultrasound imaging is widely used for diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders because of several advantages including absence of radiation, portability, good spatial resolution, and the ability to perform dynamic tests. The aim of this review is to address the role of US in the evaluation of athletes with muscle injuries. US may play a pivotal role for the management of sport-related muscle injuries because it is fast and relatively cheap, allowing dynamic muscle assessment and time series evaluation of the healing process.

The literature has shown the beneficial effects of microcurrent (MC) therapy on tissue repair. We investigated if the application of MC at 10 μA/90 s could modulate the expression of remodeling genes transforming growth factor beta (Tgfb), connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf), insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf1), tenascin C (Tnc), Fibronectin (Fn1), Scleraxis (Scx), Fibromodulin (Fmod) and tenomodulin in NIH/3T3 fibroblasts in a wound healing assay. The cell migration was analyzed between days 0 and 4 in both fibroblasts (F) and fibroblasts + MC (F+MC) groups. On the 4th day, cell viability and gene expression were also analyzed after daily MC application. Higher expression of Ctgf and lower expression of Tnc and Fmod, respectively, were observed in the F+MC group in relation to F group (p

Italian ryegrass [Lolium perenne L. spp. multiflorum (Lam.) Husnot] is one of the most troublesome weeds worldwide. Lolium multiflorum is also a grass seed crop cultivated on 50,000 ha in Oregon, where both diploid and tetraploid cultivars are grown. For this work, we will refer to the species as L. multiflorum, since the common names annual ryegrass and Italian ryegrass both refer to the same species. A survey was conducted to understand the distribution and frequency of L. multiflorum and its susceptibility to selected herbicides used in its control. The herbicides selected were clethodim, glufosinate, glyphosate, mesosulfuron-methyl (mesosulfuron), paraquat, pinoxaden, pyroxsulam, quizalofop-P-ethyl (quizalofop), pronamide, flufenacet + metribuzin, and pyroxasulfone. The ploidy levels of the populations were also tested. A total of 150 fields were surveyed between 2017 and 2018, of which 75 (50%) had L. multiflorum present. Herbicide-resistant populations were documented in 88% of the 75 populations collected. The most frequent resistances were to acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase), acetolactate synthase (ALS), 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) inhibitors, and combinations thereof. Multiple resistance and cross-resistance, found in 75% of the populations, were the most frequent patterns of resistance. Paraquat-resistant biotypes were confirmed in six orchard crop populations for the first time in Oregon. Herbicide resistance was spatially clustered, with most cases of resistance in the northern part of the surveyed area. Populations resistant to ALS and ACCase inhibitors were prevalent in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) fields. Multiple resistance was positively correlated with plant density. Tetraploid feral populations were identified, but no cases of herbicide resistance were documented. This is the first survey of herbicide resistance and ploidy diversity in L. multiflorum in western Oregon. Resistant populations were present across the surveyed area, indicating that the problem is widespread.

International audience; Scientific communication is facilitated by a data-driven, scientifically sound taxonomy that considers the end-user's needs and established successful practice. Previously (Geiser et al. 2013; Phytopathology 103:400-408. 2013), the Fusarium community voiced near unanimous support for a concept of Fusarium that represented a clade comprising all agriculturally and clinically important Fusarium species, including the F. solani Species Complex (FSSC). Subsequently, this concept was challenged by one research group (Lombard et al. 2015 Studies in Mycology 80: 189-245) who proposed dividing Fusarium into seven genera, including the FSSC as the genus Neocosmospora, with subsequent justification based on claims that the Geiser et al. (2013) concept of Fusarium is polyphyletic (Sandoval-Denis et al. 2018; Persoonia 41:109-129). Here we test this claim, and provide a phylogeny based on exonic nucleotide sequences of 19 orthologous protein-coding genes that strongly support the monophyly of Fusarium including the FSSC. We reassert the practical and scientific argument in support of a Fusarium that includes the FSSC and several other basal lineages, consistent with the longstanding use of this name among plant pathologists, medical mycologists, quarantine officials, regulatory agencies, students and researchers with a stake in its taxonomy. In recognition of this monophyly, 40 species recently described as Neocosmospora were recombined in Fusarium, and nine others were renamed Fusarium. Here the global Fusarium community voices strong support for the inclusion of the FSSC in Fusarium, as it remains the best scientific, nomenclatural and practical taxonomic option available.

Objectives In cancer survivors, chemotherapy-associated adverse neurological effects are described as side effects in non-targeted tissue. We investigated the role of redox-imbalance in neuronal damage by a relative low dose of Docetaxel (DTX). Methods The neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y cells) were exposed to DTX at a dose of 1.25 nM for 6 h. Antioxidant defenses (i.e. ascorbic acid, glutathione, and catalase) and lipid oxidation products (i.e. F2-isoprostanes) were evaluated. To investigate cell ultrastructure and tubulin localisation, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunofluorescence techniques were applied. Results In the SH-SY5Y cells, DTX induced a significant reduction of total glutathione (P

During the last decade, the advent of modern sequencing methods (next generation techniques, NGS) has helped describe the composition of the human gut microbiome, enabling us to understand the main characteristics of a healthy gut microbiome and, conversely, the magnitude of its disease-related changes. This new knowledge has revealed that healthy gut microbiota allow the maintenance of several crucial physiological functions, such as the ability to regulate the innate and adaptive immune systems. Increasing evidence has pointed out a condition of dysbiosis in several autoimmune/immune mediated dermatological conditions and specific gut microbial signatures have also been reported to correlate with clinical and prognostic parameters of such diseases. Based on a literature search of relevant published articles, this review debates the current knowledge and the possible pathogenic implications of bacterial gut microbiota composition assessed through NGS techniques in systemic lupus erythematosus, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and alopecia areata. Evidence of a potential role of specific gut microbiota signatures in modulating the clinical course of such diseases and their main comorbidities has been also reviewed., Plain Language Summary The gut microbiota is defined as the collection of microbes (bacteria, fungi, archaea, and viruses) inhabiting the human gut. If healthy, it allows the maintenance of several crucial physiological functions, such as the ability to regulate the immune system. Accordingly, increasing evidence has pointed out a condition of imbalance in the gut microbial community (dysbiosis) in several autoimmune/immune mediated dermatological conditions. Specific gut dysbioses have also been reported to correlate with clinical and prognostic parameters of such diseases. In this review, the current knowledge and the possible pathogenic implications of bacterial gut microbiota composition assessed through advanced techniques in systemic lupus erythematosus, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and alopecia areata are discussed. Furthermore, evidence of a potential role of specific gut microbiota signatures affecting the clinical course and main associated diseases is also reviewed. In this scenario, an increased knowledge of gut microbiota composition and functions in autoimmune/immune mediated dermatological diseases might suggest additional treatments besides conventional therapies, and predict clinical evolution and comorbidities association.

Frequentes falhas de manejo da Sarna da Macieira (SDM) nos pomares, associadas aos problemas ambientais devido a utilização incorreta dos fungicidas, impulsionam o desenvolvimento de medidas alternativas. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a possibilidade de uso dos bioestimulantes de forma isolada ou em mistura com fungicidas para o manejo da SDM. Para isto plantas de macieira ‘Gala’ foram pulverizadas de setembro a novembro dos anos de 2014 a 2018, entre um e dois dias antes de um período chuvoso com diferentes classes de bioestimulantes (aminoácidos, fosfitos, regulador de crescimento, fertilizantes foliares a base de extrato vegetal, algas e minerais). Alguns bioestimulantes testados reduziram a incidência da SDM em folhas e/ou frutos, bem como melhoraram os parâmetros de qualidade, no entanto este efeito foi dependente da classe de bioestimulante utilizado, forma que foi aplicado (isolado ou mistura), e ciclo da macieira avaliado.