The first case of COVID-19 in South America occurred in Brazil on February 25, 2020. By July 20, 2020, there were 2,118,646 confirmed cases and 80,120 confirmed deaths. To assist with the development ...of preventive measures and targeted interventions to combat the pandemic in Brazil, we present a geographic study to detect “active” and “emerging” space–time clusters of COVID-19. We document the relationship between relative risk of COVID-19 and mortality, inequality, socioeconomic vulnerability variables. We used the prospective space–time scan statistic to detect daily COVID-19 clusters and examine the relative risk between February 25–June 7, 2020, and February 25–July 20, 2020, in 5570 Brazilian municipalities. We apply a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) to assess whether mortality rate, GINI index, and social inequality are predictors for the relative risk of each cluster. We detected 7 “active” clusters in the first time period, being one in the north, two in the northeast, two in the southeast, one in the south, and one in the capital of Brazil. In the second period, we found 9 clusters with RR > 1 located in all Brazilian regions. The results obtained through the GLM showed that there is a significant positive correlation between the predictor variables in relation to the relative risk of COVID-19. Given the presence of spatial autocorrelation in the GLM residuals, a spatial lag model was conducted that revealed that spatial effects, and both GINI index and mortality rate were strong predictors in the increase in COVID-19 relative risk in Brazil. Our research can be utilized to improve COVID-19 response and planning in all Brazilian states. The results from this study are particularly salient to public health, as they can guide targeted intervention measures, lowering the magnitude and spread of COVID-19. They can also improve resource allocation such as tests and vaccines (when available) by informing key public health officials about the highest risk areas of COVID-19.
Grafting is an intensive commercial practice required to protect the European grapevine against the Phylloxera pest. Rootstocks resistant to this pest are hybrids of American vine species with ...different levels of compatibility with European Vitis vinifera varieties. Aiming to understand what drives grafting compatibility in grapevine, a transcriptomic approach was used to search for master regulators of graft success. Two scion/rootstock combinations, with different levels of compatibility, were compared in a nursery-grafting context at two stages, at 21 and 80 days after grafting.
In the most compatible combination, an earlier and higher expression of genes signaling the metabolic and hormonal pathways as well as a reduced expression of genes of the phenolic metabolism and of the oxidative stress response was observed. At 80 days after grafting a higher expression of transcription factors regulating vascular maintenance, differentiation and proliferation was obtained in the most compatible combination. Moreover, lower expression levels of microRNAs potentially targeting important transcription factors related to plant development was observed in the more compatible combination when compared to the less compatible one.
In this context, a set of regulators was selected as potential expression markers for early prediction of a compatible grafting.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Melatonin has been proposed as a possible treatment for the deleterious effects of hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), such as autophagy, inflammation, and apoptosis. Pathological pregnancies, such as ...preeclampsia, are associated with placental H/R, and decreased placental melatonin synthesis as well as lower melatonin levels in the placenta and maternal plasma. However, the effects of exogenous melatonin on inflammation and autophagy induced by pregnancy complications associated with H/R await investigation. This study aimed to determine as to whether melatonin protects human primary villous trophoblasts against H/R‐induced autophagy, inflammation, and apoptosis. Human primary villous cytotrophoblasts were isolated and immunopurified from normal term placentas. These cells were then exposed or not to 1 mmol/L melatonin for 72 hour in normoxia (8% O2), thereby inducing differentiation into syncytiotrophoblast that was then exposed to H/R (0.5% O2, for 4 hour) or normoxia. H/R decreased endogenous melatonin synthesis (by 68%) and interleukin (IL)‐10 levels (by 72%), coupled to increased tumor necrosis factor (TNF) (by 114%), IL‐6 (by 55%), and NFκB (by 399%), compared to normoxia. Melatonin treatment reversed the H/R effect, restoring IL‐10, TNF, and IL‐6 levels to those of the normoxia condition. Melatonin, as well as NFκB inhibition, enhanced autophagy activation, consequently increasing syncytiotrophoblast survival in H/R conditions. This study suggests that H/R, which is present in pregnancy complications, inhibits endogenous melatonin production, thereby contributing to reduced syncytiotrophoblast viability. Results indicate that exogenous melatonin treatment may afford protection against H/R‐induced damage, thereby enhancing placental cell survival, and contributing to improved fetal outcomes.
Summary
Inflammasome signalling induces the processing and secretion of interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐18 which, coupled with pyroptosis, activate further the inflammatory response. In the present study ...we evaluated the expression of genes involved in inflammasome signalling pathways in septic patients, their interaction networks and the predicted functions modulated in survivors and non‐survivors. Twenty‐seven patients with sepsis secondary to community‐acquired pneumonia admitted to intensive care units from three general hospitals in São Paulo were included into the study. We performed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array encompassing 35 genes related to the nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain and leucine‐rich repeat‐containing (NLR)‐inflammasome in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained at admission and after 7 days of follow‐up. Eleven healthy volunteers were used as the reference group. Increased NLRC4 and NLRP3 and decreased nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain (NOD1), and NLRP1 expression was observed in septic patients compared to healthy individuals; the IL‐1β and IL‐18 expression levels were also high in the patients. The gene expression changes followed the same patterns in surviving and non‐surviving patients, with higher magnitudes observed in non‐survivors. Functional analyses revealed, however, that activation and inhibition intensity for representing functions were different in survivors and non‐survivors, as for production of reactive oxygen species, synthesis of nitric oxide and for the control of bacterial infections. Our results showed that the genes involved in the activation of the NLR‐inflammasome cascades were altered substantially in septic patients, with a higher number of altered genes and a higher intensity in the disturbance of gene expression found among patients dying of sepsis.
The inflammasome has emerged as a key modulator of the immune response and has been related to the pathogenesis of inflammatory and infectious diseases through the release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and pyroptic cell death.
Genes involved in the activation of the NLR‐inflammasome cascades were substantially altered in septic patients, with a higher number of altered genes and a higher intensity in the disturbance of gene expression found among patients dying of sepsis.
Activation and inhibition intensity for representing functions were different in survivors and non‐survivors, as for production of reactive oxygen species, synthesis of nitric oxide, and for the control of bacterial infections.
Summary
The association between moderate and vigorous physical activity throughout adolescence and areal bone density (aBMD) at 18 years of age was evaluated. Vigorous-intensity physical activity at ...11, 15, and 18 years was associated with aBMD in early adulthood, especially in boys. Cross-sectional analyses showed a positive association between moderate physical activity and aBMD.
Introduction
To evaluate independent associations of moderate and vigorous physical activity (MPA, VPA) across adolescence with areal bone mineral density (aBMD).
Methods
Physical activity (PA) was assessed at 11, 15, and 18 years of age by self-report and at 18 years by accelerometry in the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study. Time spent in MPA and VPA was determined using metabolic equivalents and specific cutoffs based on raw acceleration. Lumbar spine and femoral neck aBMD were measured by DXA at 18 years. Statistical analyses evaluated the association of MPA and VPA with aBMD, after adjusting for skin color, asset index, current height and age at menarche, and peak strain score (based on ground reaction forces of PA).
Results
Lumbar spine and femoral neck aBMD were available for 3947 (49.9% of boys) and 3960 (49.6% of boys) individuals, respectively. Time spent in MPA at 11 and 15 years was not associated with aBMD. VPA at all time points was positively related to both lumbar spine and femoral neck aBMD in boys. Results were consistent for objectively measured VPA. Girls who achieved 75+ minutes/week of VPA in at least two follow-ups showed higher aBMD at 18 years of age. Boys who reached 75+ minutes/week of VPA at all follow-ups had on average 0.117 g/cm
2
(95% CI: 0.090; 0.144) higher femoral neck aBMD than those who never achieved this threshold.
Conclusions
Self-reported VPA but not MPA throughout adolescence was associated with aBMD. Recommendation for PA in young people should consider the importance of VPA.
This work evaluated the effect of seasonality on ant-plant interaction in a Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests, using as an ecological model the species Ipomoea carnea subs. fistulosa (Convolvulaceae). ...We performed systematic collection of ants, herbivores and leaves in marked plants, evaluated the efficiency of herbivorous capture by ants, and the effects of ant presence over the pollinator behavior and plant fitness in dry and rainy seasons. The presence of ants in the plants reduced the number of herbivores (dry season: F2.27=4.7617, p=0.0166; rainy season: F2.27=5.8655, p=0.0078). However, the capture efficiency was negatively affected by the presence of myrmecophilous larvae, so that the average of ants recruited on termite leaves was 2.06 ants per termite, the average recruitment of ants on larval leaves was 22.4 larva ants. In addition, the presence of ants reduced pollinator visits and promoted fruit reduction during the dry season (ANOVA: F = 3.44; p = 0.0653). In conclusion, the association with ants can result in a balance not always favorable to the host plant, and this result actually depends on abiotic (e.g. precipitation) and biotic factors (e.g. ant species composition and abundance, influence of other trophic levels and identity of associated herbivores).
Moringa oleifera seeds were investigated as a biosorbent for removing metal ions from aqueous effluents. The morphological characteristics as well as the chemical composition of M. oleifera seeds ...were evaluated using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The FT-IR spectra showed the presence of lipids and protein components. Scanning electron micrographs showed that Moringa seeds have an adequate morphological profile for the retention of metal ions. The results suggest that M. oleifera seeds have potential application in Cd(II), Pb(II), Co(II), Cu(II) and Ag(I) decontamination from aqueous effluents.
Summary
Association between three physical activity (PA) measurements throughout adolescence and bone density at 18 years of age was investigated. PA was associated with both lumbar spine and femoral ...neck bone mineral density (BMD) in early adulthood independent of type of PA used in the analysis. The results were more consistent in boys.
Introduction
This study amis to evaluate if PA during adolescence could influence BMD later in life.
Methods
A population-based birth cohort study was carried out. PA was assessed at 11 and 15 years of age by questionnaire and included sports performed while BMD (lumbar spine and femoral neck) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at 18 years. A peak strain score was generated based on ground reaction forces of different PA. PA was measured as peak strain score, peak strain score multiplied by minutes/week and minutes/week. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses were performed using linear regression.
Results
Overall, 3,811 adolescents were studied (1,866 boys and 1,945 girls). The peak strain score at 11 and 15 years was associated with lumbar and femoral neck BMD at 18 years in boys. Among girls, high-impact PA at 11 years was positively associated with lumbar and femoral BMD (
p
= 0.01;
p
< 0.001). After adjusted analysis, weekly minutes of PA at 11 years were not associated with lumbar spine but were associated with femoral neck BMD (
p
< 0.001); at 15 years, weekly minutes of PA were positively associated with BMD at both sites. Regardless of PA status at 11 years of age, attaining the recommendations of PA (300 min/week) at 15 years appears to be important for BMD at 18 years in both sites in boys and girls. The results Appeared to be more consistent in boys.
Conclusions
PA during adolescence was positively associated with both lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD in early adulthood independent of type of PA used in the analysis.
This work discusses the recombination mechanisms and the chemical nature of the emitting centers subjacent to the white-light emission of sol−gel derived amine-functionalized hybrids lacking metal ...activator ions, such as those based on 3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES), 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTES), and on urea and urethane precursors. The white-light photoluminescence (PL) results from a convolution of the emission originated in the NH (NH2) groups of the urea or urethane bridges (APTES- and GPTES-based hybrids) with electron−hole recombinations occurring in the siloxane nanoclusters. These two components reveal a radiative recombination mechanism typical of donor−acceptor pairs, mediated by some localized centers. Photoinduced proton-transfer between defects such as NH3 + and NH- (GPTES- and APTES-based hybrids) or NH2 + and N- (di-ureasils and di-urethanesils) is proposed as the mechanism responsible for the NH-related component. Electron paramagnetic resonance data suggest that the specific PL mechanism subjacent to the component associated with the siliceous nanodomains involves oxygen-related defects.
The aim of this study was to estimate the association between birth order and number of siblings with body composition in adolescents. Data are from a birth cohort study conducted in Pelotas, Brazil. ...At the age of 18 years, 4563 adolescents were located, of whom 4106 were interviewed (follow-up rate 81.3 %). Of these, 3974 had complete data and were thus included in our analysis. The variables used in the analysis were measured during the perinatal period, or at 11, 15 and/or 18 years of age. Body composition at 18 years was collected by air displacement plethysmography (BOD POD®). Crude and adjusted analyses of the association between birth order and number of siblings with body composition were performed using linear regression. All analyses were stratified by the adolescent sex. The means of BMI, fat mass index and fat-free mass index among adolescents were 23.4 (sd 4.5) kg/m², 6.1 (sd 3.9) kg/m² and 17.3 (sd 2.5) kg/m², respectively. In adjusted models, the total siblings remained inversely associated with fat mass index (β = - 0.37 z-scores, 95 % CI - 0.52, - 0.23) and BMI in boys (β = - 0.39 z-scores, 95 % CI - 0.55, - 0.22). Fat-free mass index was related to the total siblings in girls (β = 0.06 z-scores, 95 % CI - 0.04, 0.17). This research has found that number of total siblings, and not birth order, is related to the fat mass index, fat-free mass index and BMI in adolescents. It suggests the need for early prevention of obesity or fat mass accumulation in only children.
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