Animal-induced galls are considered extended phenotypes of their inducers, and therefore plant morphogenesis and metabolism may vary according to the species of gall inducers. The alterations in ...vacuolar and apoplastic polyphenols, carotenoids, chlorophyll fluorescence rates, PSII quantum yield, and phospholipid peroxidation were studied in galls induced by Ditylenchus gallaeformans (Nematoda) on Miconia albicans and M. ibaguensis (Melastomataceae), and by an unidentified Eriophyidae (Acarina) on M. ibaguensis. The focus currently addressed is gall metabolism as the extended phenotype of the gall inducers, and the neglected determination of gall functionalities over host plant peculiarities. Galls induced by D. gallaeformans on M. albicans and by the Eriophyidae on M. ibaguensis have increased accumulation of apoplastic and vacuolar phenolics, which is related to the control of phospholipid peroxidation and photoprotection. The galls induced by D. gallaeformans on M. ibaguensis have higher carotenoid and vacuolar polyphenol contents, which are related to excessive sunlight energy dissipation as heat, and photoprotection. Accordingly, antioxidant strategies varied according to the gall-inducing species and to the host plant species. The distinctive investments in carotenoid and/or in polyphenol concentrations in the studied galls seemed to be peculiar mechanisms to maintain oxidative homeostasis. These mechanisms were determined both by the stimuli of the gall-inducing organism and by the intrinsic physiological features of the host plant species. Therefore, the roles of both associated organisms in host plant-galling organisms systems over gall metabolism is attested.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
A deep understanding of the factors influencing the morphology of thin films based on conjugated polymers is essential to boost their performance in optoelectronic devices. Herein, we investigated ...the electronic structure and morphology of thin films of the copolymer poly(9,9-dioctyl-fluorenyl-
-bithiophene) (F8T2) in its pristine form as well as samples processed with the solvent additive 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO) or post-processed through thermal annealing treatment. Measurements were carried out using angle-resolved S K-edge NEXAFS (near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure) in total electron yield (TEY) and fluorescence yield (FY) detection modes. Two main transitions were observed at the S 1s NEXAFS spectra: S 1s → π* and S 1s → σ* (S-C). The observed dichroism pointed to a face-on orientation of the conjugated backbone, which was significantly increased for F8T2 films processed with DIO. Resonant Auger decay spectra were obtained and analyzed using the core-hole clock (CHC) method. An enhancement in the charge transfer process was observed for thermally annealed films, especially for samples processed with DIO, corresponding to an increase in film ordering. Furthermore, the investigated films were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, attesting to the presence of the thiophene unit in the samples and demonstrating that some of its sulfur atoms were positively polarized in the F8T2 films. All these experimental findings were compared with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of film evaporation with and without DIO. The use of MD, together with mathematical modeling, was able to explain the major effects found in the experiments, including the polarization of sulfur atoms. The simultaneous use of powerful spectroscopic techniques and theoretical methods shed light on key aspects linking film morphology with fabrication procedures.
Highlights • A pattern recognition system to classify five lung sounds is proposed. • The system is based on HOS and on a divide-and-conquer approach. • The proposed approach uses Genetic Algorithms ...to dimensionality reduction, and k-Nearest Neighbor and Naive Bayes to recognize the signals. • The system achieved a high classification accuracy and can be implemented in an embedded system.
The aim of this study is to present a sequential strategy of soft-tissue, non-osteogenic distraction with a novel device, followed by microvascular bony reconstruction for severe cases of mandibular ...hypoplasia. The case of a 21-year-old woman with Goldenhar syndrome is presented, whose mandible remained severely hypoplastic despite previous attempts at distraction and was not suitable for further osteogenic distraction. Soft tissue deficiency and pin track scarring prevented free fibular transfers. A personalized distractor, anchored to the cranium and the mandibular symphysis, was designed to expand the soft tissues while allowing for physiological temporomandibular joint (TMJ) movement without compression forces. Internal distractors were placed along the osteotomies to prevent condylar luxation. After completion of the soft tissue distraction, the native mandible was resected except for the condyles and reconstructed with two free fibula flaps. This report represents the proof of concept of a sequential approach to severe lower face soft-tissue and bone deficiency, which preserves TMJ function and avoids the transfer of poorly matched skin to the face.
Premise
Gall‐inducing organisms change the development of their host plant organs, resulting in ontogenetic patterns not observed in the non‐galled plants. Distinct taxa induce galls on Schinus spp., ...manipulating meristematic patterns in the host plant in distinct ways. Here we report ontogenetic novelties induced in the lateral buds of S. engleri by Eucecidoses minutanus, a Cecidosidae, whose galls have been poorly understood.
Methods
The anatomy, histochemistry, and histometry of galls in distinct phases of development, non‐galled buds, and stems of Schinus engleri were analyzed in parallel with the instars of E. minutanus to detail the morphogenetic changes in the host with each larval stage.
Results
Ontogenetic phases of the galls were intricately associated with larval development. First and second‐instar larvae induced pericycle and pith cells to dedifferentiate into the gall inner meristem, where hyperplasia and cell hypertrophy characterized the growth and development phase of the gall. The innermost layers were lipid‐rich nutritive cells that lined the larval chamber. Additional vascular bundle rows were produced in young galls. Third and fourth instar‐larvae were associated with the gall maturation phase: centripetal lignification of the outer parenchyma cell layers, epidermal stratification, and activation of a cambium‐like meristem (CLM). The CLM activity resulted in new layers of nutritive cells that differentiated inward as the first layers of nutritive cells were consumed by E. minutanus larvae, and, also, in more parenchyma cell layers that formed outward. All tissues between the innermost layer of nutritive tissue that surround the gall chamber and the outermost layer of the dermal system that externally covers the gall form the gall wall, and increased in thickness until the end of gall maturation.
Conclusions
E. minutanus induces a structurally complex globoid stem gall, modifying all host plant tissues and stimulating a novel meristematic pattern in S. engleri. The gall developmental stages are each related to specific gall‐inducing instars, as gall development progresses according to the development of E. minutanus.
Galls are neoformed structures induced by specific animals, fungi, bacteria, virus or some parasitic plants on their host plant organs. Developmental processes are well known in
Agrobacterium ...tumefasciens
galls, but the animal-induced galls have a striking anatomical diversity, concerning several patterns, which were reunited herein. Anatomical traits observed in animal-induced galls involve manipulation of plant morphogenesis in convergent ways. Nematode, mite and insect galls usually contain homogeneous storage parenchyma and develop due to hyperplasia and cell hypertrophy. The development of typical nutritive tissues, giant cells, or hypertrophied vascular bundles may occur. Some other anatomical features may be usually restricted to galls induced by specific taxa, but they may eventually be related to the developmental potentialities of the host plants. The combination of distinct morphogenetic peculiarities in each gall system culminates in extant gall structural diversity. Convergent anatomical traits are observed according to the feeding mode of the gall inducers, representing potentiation or inhibition of similar events of host plant morphogenesis and cell redifferentiation, independent of gall-inducing taxa.
Histochemical analyses in plants are commonly performed on hand-made sections of fresh materials. The disadvantages of embedding in historesin, paraffin or paraplast® are the alterations to cellular ...contents, the high costs and few evident results, depending on the test. Polyethylene-glycol (PEG), as a low cost, hydrophilic medium that maintains most of the cellular features similar to fresh conditions, may be useful for obtaining good histochemical results in thinner and homogeneous sections. The current study aimed to compare the efficiency of PEG as an embedding medium for histochemical analyses of primary and secondary metabolites accumulation. Using hand-made sections of fresh samples (T1) as a comparison, we tested the influence of the use of Karnovsky’s solution as a fixative (T2) versus embedding in PEG (T3). The samples herein analyzed comprise leaves, stems, seeds and insect galls of different plant species. Neither the Karnovsky’s fixative nor the embedding in PEG altered the histochemical results for starch, lipids, terpenoids, proteins and reducing sugars in T1, T2, and T3. However, PEG binds to phenols, such as tannins, flavonoids and lignins, thereby presenting false negatives in T3.
Gall-inducing Aphididae may feed directly on phloem, whereas Eriophyidae and Nematoda feed on cells lining the gall chambers. We assume that a variation in structural complexity will occur within ...galls induced by each taxon, and that the complexity of the galls could be related to the types of storage tissue they have. Histological, histometric, and histochemical analyses were used to compare six gall systems with different levels of complexity. Such levels are not taxon-related, even though eriophyid galls are usually simpler than nematode and aphid galls. The histological features of galls allowed the classification of storage tissues into three types: typical nutritive tissues (TNT), common storage tissues (CST), and nutritive-like tissues (NLT). The TNT and NLT have cells with dense cytoplasm and a prominent nucleus. The CST cells are vacuolated, and may store starch and other energy-rich molecules, as do the NLT cells. In contrast to NLT or CST, the TNT serves as a direct food source for gall inducers, and it is present in nematode and some eriophyid galls. NLTs may be present in some aphid galls, but are not the direct feeding site. The CST occurs on galls of all three inducing taxa.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
BF, DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Benznidazole (BZ) tablets are the currently prescribed treatment for Chagas disease. However, BZ presents limited efficacy and a prolonged treatment regimen with dose-dependent side effects. The ...design and development of new BZ subcutaneous (SC) implants based on the biodegradable poly-ɛ-caprolactone (PCL) is proposed in this study for a controlled release of BZ and to improve patient compliance. The BZ-PCL implants were characterized by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy, which indicated that BZ remains in its crystalline state dispersed in the polymer matrix with no polymorphic transitions. BZ-PCL implants, even at the highest doses, induce no alteration of the levels of hepatic enzymes in treated animals. BZ release from implants to blood was monitored in plasma during and after treatment in healthy and infected animals. Implants at equivalent oral doses increase the body's exposure to BZ in the first days compared with oral therapy, exhibiting a safe profile and allowing sustained BZ concentrations in plasma to induce a cure of all mice in the experimental model of acute infection by the Y strain of
. BZ-PCL implants have the same efficacy as 40 daily oral doses of BZ. Biodegradable BZ implants are a promising option to reduce failures related to poor adherence to treatment, with more comfort for patients, and with sustained BZ plasma concentration in the blood. These results are relevant for optimizing human Chagas disease treatment regimens.
Discovery of adipose-produced cytokines and gut hormones has improved the understanding obesity-related mechanisms. The developmental origins of diseases theory also helped to explain the obesity ...risk in adults exposed to adverse intrauterine environment. In contrast to maternal conditions, the role of paternal characteristics for outcomes has been less investigated. Whether paternal adiposity is associated with obesity biomarkers in adults prior to the development of metabolic disturbances is unknown. This cross-sectional analysis included 124 women (28±5yrs) who participated in the NutriHS baseline. Early life events questionnaire, anthropometry, DXA-determined body composition and blood sample were obtained. Associations of paternal BMI with outcomes were tested by multiple linear regression, using the minimal sufficient adjustments (pre-gestational maternal, paternal education levels and current family income) suggested by Directed Acyclic Graphs. Participants had mean BMI of 25±5 kg/m2 (49% were overweight but metabolically healthy). Blood pressure and biochemical values were within the normal range. Mean obestatin and visfatin levels were 58.9±22.2 mg/dl and 18.8±8.1 mg/dl, respectively; these values did not differ between subsets with BMI <25 and ≥25 kg/m2. Pre-gestational maternal BMI was correlated to paternal BMI (r=0.344, p=0.001) and 11.3% of mothers and 39.0% of fathers were overweight/obese. In linear regression model, offspring obestatin levels was inversely associated with paternal BMI (β=-0.22, p=0.049). No significant association was observed with visfatin levels. The inverse association of paternal BMI with offspring obestatin levels in healthy women raises a possibility of being a marker of protection against obesity-related disturbances in adulthood. Further analyses of the NutriHS cohort should investigate this hypothesis.
Disclosure
R.G. Freitas: None. A.J. Vasques: None. F.B. Ribeiro: None. I. Solar: None. M.G. Barbosa: None. A.S. Hanada: None. A.M. Valente: None. B. Almeida-Pititto: None. B.G. Neto: None. S.G. Ferreira-Vivolo: None.
Funding
Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (2018/11433-9); Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (2018/11401-0)
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