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Ex situ conservation of plants is a current and urgent issue, especially in the Brazilian context. While Brazil has the world’s highest plant diversity, few consistent initiatives are aimed at conserving the potential of our living collections toward reaching Target 8 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC). Objective II of GSPC calls for the conservation of plant diversity, with Target 8 specifying 75% of threatened plant species in ex situ collections. It was only after cataloging the collection of Malvaceae from the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden (JBRJ) for scientific publication that we realized the potential of this collection for ex situ conservation. With this in mind, we carefully catalog the individuals present, updating the names of species and counting their individuals. We found that Malvaceae is represented by 63 species and 216 individuals in the arboretum, 45 species native to America, 11 from Africa, 10 from Asia, and 3 from Oceania. Using IUCN criteria, only two species are threatened and two are data-deficient, with one or two individuals each. Based on these data and the specific biology of this taxonomic group, we identified the main problems and listed recommendations to make this collection more representative of the endangered taxa of the Brazilian flora. Therefore, we expect this effort to be a solid contribution to Target 8 mandated by GSPC, as well as a replicable pilot project for other taxonomic groups of Brazilian flora.

The efficient inhibition of 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) by the broad-spectrum herbicide glyphosate validates the shikimate pathway as a promising target for developing antimicrobial, fungicidal and herbicidal agents. The last enzyme of this pathway, chorismate synthase (CS), catalyses an unusual reaction, making it an attractive target for novel inhibitors. Therefore, we tested a series of azo-dyes for their inhibitory potential against CS from the pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (PbCS) and identified the azo-dye PH011669 that exhibits a dissociation (Kd) and 50% inhibitory constant (IC50) of 1.1 ± 0.1 and 10 ± 1 µM, respectively. Molecular docking and MD simulations provided insight into the mode of inhibition, showing that PH011669 binds to the enzyme’s active site primarily through electrostatic interactions. Thus, our study is the first to integrate structural and computational methods to guide future efforts towards designing the next generation of CS inhibitors.

Rapid molecular surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 S-protein variants leading to immune escape and/or increased infectivity is of utmost importance. Among global bottlenecks for variant monitoring in diagnostic settings are sequencing and bioinformatics capacities. In this study, we aimed to establish a rapid and user-friendly protocol for high-throughput S-gene sequencing and subsequent automated identification of variants. We designed two new primer pairs to amplify only the immunodominant part of the S-gene for nanopore sequencing. Furthermore, we developed an automated “S-Protein-Typer” tool that analyzes and reports S-protein mutations on the amino acid level including a variant of concern indicator. Validation of our primer panel using SARS-CoV-2-positive respiratory specimens covering a broad Ct range showed successful amplification for 29/30 samples. Restriction to the region of interest freed sequencing capacity by a factor of 12–13, compared with whole-genome sequencing. Using either the MinION or Flongle flow cell, our sequencing strategy reduced the time required to identify SARS-CoV-2 variants accordingly. The S-Protein-Typer tool identified all mutations correctly when challenged with our sequenced samples and 50 deposited sequences covering all VOCs (December 2021). Our proposed S-protein variant screening offers a simple, more rapid, and low-cost entry into NGS-based SARS-CoV-2 analysis, compared with current whole-genome approaches.

Abstract Background Innovation contests are a novel approach to elicit good ideas and innovative practices in various areas of public health. There remains limited published literature on approaches to deliver hepatitis testing. The purpose of this innovation contest was to identify examples of different hepatitis B and C approaches to support countries in their scale-up of hepatitis testing and to supplement development of formal recommendations on service delivery in the 2017 World Health Organization hepatitis B and C testing guidelines. Methods This contest involved four steps: 1) establishment of a multisectoral steering committee to coordinate a call for contest entries; 2) dissemination of the call for entries through diverse media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, email listservs, academic journals); 3) independent ranking of submissions by a panel of judges according to pre-specified criteria (clarity of testing model, innovation, effectiveness, next steps) using a 1-10 scale; 4) recognition of highly ranked entries through presentation at international conferences, commendation certificate, and inclusion as a case study in the WHO 2017 testing guidelines. Results The innovation contest received 64 entries from 27 countries and took a total of 4 months to complete. Sixteen entries were directly included in the WHO testing guidelines. The entries covered testing in different populations, including primary care patients (n = 5), people who inject drugs (PWID) (n = 4), pregnant women (n = 4), general populations (n = 4), high-risk groups (n = 3), relatives of people living with hepatitis B and C (n = 2), migrants (n = 2), incarcerated individuals (n = 2), workers (n = 2), and emergency department patients (n = 2). A variety of different testing delivery approaches were employed, including integrated HIV-hepatitis testing (n = 12); integrated testing with harm reduction and addiction services (n = 9); use of electronic medical records to support targeted testing (n = 8); decentralization (n = 8); and task shifting (n = 7). Conclusion The global innovation contest identified a range of local hepatitis testing approaches that can be used to inform the development of testing strategies in different settings and populations. Further implementation and evaluation of different testing approaches is needed.

O artigo revisita a obra de Honório da Costa Monteiro Filho e enfatiza sua contribuição valiosa para o estudo da botânica econômica e a taxonomia das Malvaceae brasileiras. Muitos de seus cerca de setenta artigos ainda hoje são citados, mas pouco se sabe sobre seu importante papel na formação de agrônomos envolvidos com a caracterização da flora brasileira e na criação da Sociedade Botânica do Brasil, bem como sua atuação em projeto de reforma do ensino agronômico no país. Foram pesquisados a obra completa de Monteiro Filho, documentos em arquivos, sua correspondência e suas observações em etiquetas de plantas em herbários, e realizadas entrevistas com pessoas de sua convivência.The article revisits the work of Honório da Costa Monteiro Filho, highlighting his contribution to the study of economic botany and the taxonomy of Brazilian Malvaceae. Many of his seventy articles, are still cited. Yet little is known about his important role in educating agronomists involved with Brazilian flora and the creation of the Botanical Society of Brazil. These topics are discussed in the article, along with his work on a project to reform the teaching of agronomy in Brazil. The entire works of Monteiro Filho, archival documents, his correspondence with other scientists, and his observations on plant labels in herbaria were researched; interviews were also conducted with people with ties to him.

Duas novas espécies e uma nova combinação são apresentadas para o gênero Wissadula (Malvaceae): Wissadula delicata Bovini, W. krapovickasiana Bovini e Wissadula caribea (DC.) Bovini, respectivamente, além de novos sinônimos. Para as espécies apresentadas, são fornecidas descrições, ilustrações e chaves de reconhecimento para distingui-las das espécies relacionadas.Two new species and a new combination are presented for genus Wissadula (Malvaceae): Wissadula krapovickasiana Bovini, W. delicata Bovini and Wissadula caribea (DC.) Bovini, respectively, plus new synonyms. Descriptions, illustrations and keys to distinguish these species from similar species are supplied.

A historical overview of the genus Briquetia, with an analysis of its circumscription conflicts and the proposal for a new genus, Briquetiastrum, based on new morphological studies and phytogeographical data were made. A taxonomic treatment and three new combinations from Briquetia to Briquetiastrum (Briquetiastrum inermis, B. spicatum and B. sonorae) are presented and Briquetiastrum sonorae is illustrated for the first time. Descriptions and a key to the treated species are included.

São apresentadas três espécies de Loasaceae ocorrentes no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: Loasa parviflora Schrad. é a espécie mais comum, enquanto Loasa uleana Urb. & Gilg pode ser considerada ameaçada de extinção, na categoria criticamente em perigo, e Caiophora scabra (Miers.) Urb. & Gilg foi registrada como nova ocorrência para o Estado. Neste trabalho foi localizado um provável isolectótipo de L. uleana que ainda teve seu fruto descrito e ilustrado pela primeira vez.Three species of Loasaceae from State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, are presented: Loasa parviflora Schrad. is the most frequent species, while L. uleana Urb. & Gilg can be considered as critically endangered, and Caiophora scabra (Miers.) Urb. & Gilg is a new occurrence to the state. A probable isolectotype of L. uleana was located, and the fruit of this species was described and illustrated for the first time.

Keratins are cytoskeletal proteins that hierarchically arrange into filaments, starting with the dimer sub-unit. They are integral to the structural support of cells, in skin, hair and nails. In skin, keratin is thought to play a critical role in conferring the barrier properties and elasticity of skin. In general, the keratin dimer is broadly described by a tri-domain structure: a head, a central rod and a tail. As yet, no atomistic-scale picture of the entire dimer structure exists; this information is pivotal for establishing molecular-level connections between structure and function in intermediate filament proteins. The roles of the head and tail domains in facilitating keratin filament assembly and function remain as open questions. To address these, we report results of molecular dynamics simulations of the entire epithelial human K1/K10 keratin dimer. Our findings comprise: (1) the first three-dimensional structural models of the complete dimer unit, comprising of the head, rod and tail domains; (2) new insights into the chirality of the rod-domain twist gained from analysis of the full domain structure; (3) evidence for tri-subdomain partitioning in the head and tail domains; and, (4) identification of the residue characteristics that mediate non-covalent contact between the chains in the dimer. Our findings are immediately applicable to other epithelial keratins, such as K8/K18 and K5/K14, and to intermediate filament proteins in general.

RESUMO Foi realizado um estudo morfológico e taxonômico da família Solanaceae na Reserva Rio das Pedras, município de Mangaratiba situado no estado do Rio de Janeiro, um fragmento de floresta pluvial atlântica. Registrou-se 33 espécies pertencentes a 10 gêneros, sendo Solanum o mais expressivo. Solanum hirtellum e Solanum pensile são documentados pela primeira vez nesse estado. São apresentadas chave de identificação, descrições e ilustrações.

Resumo A Reserva Rio das Pedras está localizada no sul fluminense e pertence a um fragmento de floresta pluvial Atlântica, possuindo cerca de 1.360 ha. Foi realizado um estudo morfológico e taxonômico das Malvaceae s. str., no qual registrou-se 13 espécies pertencentes a seis gêneros (Abutilon, Malvastrum, Pavonia, Sida, Sidastrum e Urena), sendo Sida o gênero com maior número de espécies. São apresentadas chave de identificação, descrições e ilustrações das espécies.

Abstract An updated inventory of Brazilian seed plants is presented and offers important insights into the country's biodiversity. This work started in 2010, with the publication of the Plants and Fungi Catalogue, and has been updated since by more than 430 specialists working online. Brazil is home to 32,086 native Angiosperms and 23 native Gymnosperms, showing an increase of 3% in its species richness in relation to 2010. The Amazon Rainforest is the richest Brazilian biome for Gymnosperms, while the Atlantic Rainforest is the richest one for Angiosperms. There was a considerable increment in the number of species and endemism rates for biomes, except for the Amazon that showed a decrease of 2.5% of recorded endemics. However, well over half of Brazillian seed plant species (57.4%) is endemic to this territory. The proportion of life-forms varies among different biomes: trees are more expressive in the Amazon and Atlantic Rainforest biomes while herbs predominate in the Pampa, and lianas are more expressive in the Amazon, Atlantic Rainforest, and Pantanal. This compilation serves not only to quantify Brazilian biodiversity, but also to highlight areas where there information is lacking and to provide a framework for the challenge faced in conserving Brazil's unique and diverse flora.

RESUMO O presente trabalho compreende o levantamento florístico e o tratamento taxonômico das Malvaceae ocorrentes no Parque Estadual do Rio Doce. Foram realizadas excursões mensais no período de outubro de 1997 a janeiro de 1999 para coleta de material botânico. Os caracteres morfológicos do tubo estaminal, demonstraram ser úteis para o reconhecimento dos gêneros. Chaves acompanhadas de descrições, ilustrações, distribuição geográfica e comentários taxonômicos de cada táxon, foram realizadas. Dezenove táxons distribuídos em nove gêneros (Herissantia, Hibiscus, Malvastrum, Pavonia, Peltaea, Sida, Sidastrum, Urena e Wissadula), foram reconhecidos, sendo Sida o gênero mais representativo com sete espécies. Sida santaremensis Monteiro é nova citação de ocorrência para o Estado de Minas Gerais e Sida acuta var. obidensis Monteiro foi proposta como um sinônimo de Sida planicaulis Cav.

The efficient inhibition of 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) by the broad-spectrum herbicide glyphosate validates the shikimate pathway as a promising target for developing antimicrobial, fungicidal and herbicidal agents. The last enzyme of this pathway, chorismate synthase (CS), catalyses an unusual reaction, making it an attractive target for novel inhibitors. Therefore, we tested a series of azo-dyes for their inhibitory potential against CS from the pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (PbCS) and identified the azo-dye PH011669 that exhibits a dissociation (Kd) and 50% inhibitory constant (IC50) of 1.1 ± 0.1 and 10 ± 1 µM, respectively. Molecular docking and MD simulations provided insight into the mode of inhibition, showing that PH011669 binds to the enzyme's active site primarily through electrostatic interactions. Thus, our study is the first to integrate structural and computational methods to guide future efforts towards designing the next generation of CS inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein structure prediction and (re)design have gone through a revolution in the last 3 years. The tremendous progress in these fields has been almost exclusively driven by readily available machine learning algorithms applied to protein folding and sequence design problems. Despite these advancements, predicting site‐specific mutational effects on protein stability and function remains an unsolved problem. This is a persistent challenge, mainly because the free energy of large systems is very difficult to compute with absolute accuracy and subtle changes to protein structures are hard to capture with computational models. Here, we describe the implementation and use of ESM‐Scan, which uses the ESM zero‐shot predictor to scan entire protein sequences for preferential amino acid changes, thus enabling in silico deep mutational scanning experiments. We benchmark ESM‐Scan on its predictive capabilities for stability and functionality of sequence changes using three publicly available datasets and proceed by experimentally testing the tool's performance on a challenging test case of a blue‐light‐activated diguanylate cyclase from Methylotenera species (MsLadC), where it accurately predicted the importance of a highly conserved residue in a region involved in allosteric product inhibition. Our experimental results show that the ESM‐zero shot model is capable of inferring the effects of a set of amino acid substitutions in their correlation between predicted fitness and experimental results. ESM‐Scan is publicly available at https://huggingface.co/spaces/thaidaev/zsp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ex situ conservation of plants is a current and urgent issue, especially in the Brazilian context. While Brazil has the world's highest plant diversity, few consistent initiatives are aimed at conserving the potential of our living collections toward reaching Target 8 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC). Objective II of GSPC calls for the conservation of plant diversity, with Target 8 specifying 75% of threatened plant species in ex situ collections. It was only after cataloging the collection of Malvaceae from the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden (JBRJ) for scientific publication that we realized the potential of this collection for ex situ conservation. With this in mind, we carefully catalog the individuals present, updating the names of species and counting their individuals. We found that Malvaceae is represented by 63 species and 216 individuals in the arboretum, 45 species native to America, 11 from Africa, 10 from Asia, and 3 from Oceania. Using IUCN criteria, only two species are threatened and two are data-deficient, with one or two individuals each. Based on these data and the specific biology of this taxonomic group, we identified the main problems and listed recommendations to make this collection more representative of the endangered taxa of the Brazilian flora. Therefore, we expect this effort to be a solid contribution to Target 8 mandated by GSPC, as well as a replicable pilot project for other taxonomic groups of Brazilian flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Fruit morphology of the tribe Malveae has been discussed since the first taxonomic classifications of Malvaceae. The fruits are schizocarps, with some genera possessing an endoglossum. Besides morphological variation in the endoglossum, other differences include the number seeds per locule and ornamentation of the exocarp. An in-depth study of the fruit morphology of Malveae is essential to gain insight into the relationships among taxa of the tribe. Therefore, the present study aimed to describe the fruit morphology of Malveae, including micromorphology, variation in endoglossum structure and arrangement of seeds in the locule, to comprehensively evaluate the systematic relationships among its contained taxa. The results indicate morphological variation in fruit of various genera with regard to the number of mericarps, degree of dehiscence, relationship between calyx and fruit and their relative sizes, number and morphology of spines, number of seeds per locule, presence or absence of an endoglossum, presence and types of trichomes in exocarp and endocarp, and shape and presence of trichomes in the testa of seeds. Despite the morphological proximity of taxa, there are distinct combinations of characters that define some genera, and when one or more characters overlap, joint analysis makes it possible to clarify existing relationships.

Abstrat A new combination reestablishes the species Talipariti pernambucense (Arruda) Bovini, known before as a variety. Morphological and genetic studies by several authors have shown the need to establish this taxon at the specific level.