The increase in importations of elite garlic (
Allium sativum
L.) in Brazil to meet the local demand in many cities may affect the cultivation of garlic landraces in small family farming systems by ...driving to the reduction of the harvested area and genetic diversity. The landraces are fundamental sources of genetic variability and adapted germplasm that could be potentially be implemented in breeding programs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in the patterns of genetic diversity in landraces cultivated in family farming systems after three decades of competitiveness with imported garlic. Three landraces of garlic currently cultivated on family farms in the Picos municipality and immediate regions (7° 04′ 55.5″ S 41° 28′ 04.2″ W) and a landrace collected in the same region in the 1970s, before the increase of imports of garlic in Brazil, were selected for this study. Additionally, six garlic accessions from the Garlic Germplasm Bank from ESALQ/USP (Sao Paulo—Brazil) were selected to parallel the genetic diversity present in landraces with other varieties collected in Brazil, completing a set of ten accessions. A randomized block design was used to evaluate nine agro-morphological traits and rank the landraces according to the economically important agronomic traits. The potential changes in genetic diversity patterns and population structure in these populations were also evaluated at a molecular level using eight microsatellite markers. The agro-morphological evaluation indicates that there is genetic diversity in the garlic populations, and it is structured between Picos landraces and ESALQ/USP accessions. There is also evidence of genetic structure between the landraces and populations of the ESALQ/USP accessions (K = 3) based on a Bayesian clustering approach. The moderate genetic differentiation (FST = 0.09) accessed by the microsatellite markers may be associated with the existence of these two different gene pools: Picos landraces and ESALQ/USP accessions. The results indicate that the reduction in harvested areas in the past decades did not affect most morphological characteristics in the landraces, but there was a reduction in the quality of the bulbs. The garlic landraces cultivated nowadays in Picos municipality present a higher number of cloves per bulb, an undesirable characteristic that may affect its commercial value. However, we demonstrate that even with such reduction in harvested areas due to the lack of competitiveness of landraces, there was no reduction in the molecular genetic diversity in these landraces accessed by the microsatellite markers. These are promising results since there is genetic diversity to implement these landraces in genetic breeding programs.
NADPH oxidases are pharmacological targets for the treatment of inflammation-based diseases. This work presents the synthesis and study of a caffeic acid/phthalimide hybrid compound (
C2
) as a ...potential inhibitor of NADPH oxidases. Throughout the study, we have compared compound
C2
with its precursor caffeic acid (
C1
). The redox properties were compared using three different antioxidant methodologies and showed that
C2
was slightly less effective than
C1
, a well-established and robust antioxidant. However,
C2
was three-fold more effective than albumin (used as a model protein). This chemical feature was decisive for the higher efficiency of
C2
as an inhibitor of the release of superoxide anions by stimulated neutrophils and enzymatic activity of cell-free NADPH oxidase. Docking simulation studies were performed using the crystal structure of the recombinant dehydrogenase domain of the isoform NOX5 of
C. stagnale
, which retains the FAD cofactor (PDB:
5O0X
). Considering that
C2
could bind at the FAD redox site of NOX5, studies were conducted by comparing the interactions and binding energies of
C1
and
C2
. The binding energies were −50.30 (
C1
) and −74.88 (
C2
) (kJ mol
−1
), which is in agreement with the higher efficacy of the latter as an NADPH oxidase inhibitor. In conclusion, incorporating the phthalimide moiety into caffeic acid was decisive for its effectiveness as an NADPH oxidase inhibitor.
The incorporation of the phthalimide moiety into caffeic acid was decisive for its effectiveness as an NADPH oxidase inhibitor.
We aimed to describe the profile of adult patients and analyze the predictors of death from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the state of Rio de ...Janeiro. Knowledge of the predictors of death by COVID-19 in Rio de Janeiro, a state with one of the highest mortality rates in Brazil, is essential to improve health care for these patients. Data from the Information System for Epidemiological Surveillance of Influenza and the Mortality Information System were used. A binary logistic regression model evaluated the outcome of death, sociodemographic data, and clinical-epidemiological and health care covariates. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistics were performed with the R program, version 4.0.0. Overall, 51,383 cases of SARS due to COVID-19 among adults were reported in the state between March 5 and December 2, 2020. Mortality was high (40.5%). The adjusted final model presented the following predictors of death in SARS patients due to COVID-19: male sex (odds ratio OR = 1.10, 95% confidence interval CI, 1.04-1.17); age (OR = 5.35, 95%CI, 4.88-5.88; greater than or equal to75 years); oxygen saturation <95% (OR = 1.48, 95%CI, 1.37-1.59), respiratory distress (OR = 1.31, 95%CI, 1.21-1.41) and dyspnoea (OR = 1.25, 95%CI, 1.15-1.36), the presence of at least one risk factor/comorbidity (OR = 1.32, 95%CI, 1.23-1.42), chronic kidney disease (OR = 1.94, 95%CI, 1.69-2.23), immunosuppression (OR = 1.51, 95%CI, 1.26-1.81) or chronic neurological disease (OR = 1.36, 95%CI, 1.18-1.58), and ventilatory support, invasive (OR = 8.89, 95%CI, 8.08-9.79) or non-invasive (OR = 1.25, 95%CI, 1.15-1.35). Factors associated with death were male sex, old age, oxygen saturation <95%, respiratory distress, dyspnoea, chronic kidney and neurological diseases, immunosuppression, and use of invasive or noninvasive ventilatory support. Identifying factors associated with disease progression can help the clinical management of patients with COVID-19 and improve outcomes.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
ABSTRACT Some germplasm collections have a high number of accessions, which makes it difficult to explore the genetic variability present in the germplasm bank due to the redundancy and the ...difficulty of detailed analysis of all conserved accessions. Therefore, our study aimed to analyze the genetic diversity of 153 lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) accessions for the purpose of constructing a core collection. Eleven SSRs were used for this purpose. The 153 lima bean accessions can be represented by low redundancy using a minimum of 34 accessions, thus representing 22 % of the size of the entire germplasm bank. The core collection had a higher Shannon diversity index and expected heterozygosity (1.906 and 0.811, respectively) than those presented by the entire germplasm bank (1.605 and 0.713, respectively), indicating a higher polymorphism of the representative cultivars in relation to the entire collection. The accessions selected for the core collection may be used in future studies of genome association as well as in genetic crosses in breeding programs aimed at developing improved cultivars with high genetic diversity which can meet current and future market needs.
Lima bean
(Phaseolus lunatus
L.) is the second most important domesticated species of
Phaseolus
in the world and it could be a valuable alternative resource for food security and quality. Worldwide, ...and in Latin America especially, Lima bean may also contribute to sustainability in the face of climate change. Currently, many experts on conservation, domestication, genetic improvement, and plant-rhizosphere relationships of Lima bean have been working alone or in small groups. This situation has limited the progress and reach of their research and demonstrated the need to connect Lima bean researchers worldwide. To increase collaboration between experts in the study of Lima bean, we present the International Lima Bean Network (ILBN). The main objectives of ILBN are to deepen the knowledge on this species and to promote its use around the world. The success of ILBN will depend on the collaboration of the international scientific community interested in the study of Lima bean. Therefore, we are inviting people from different sectors of society (researchers, producers, companies, NGOs, governments) to participate in this initiative. To learn more, you can visit
https://www.cicy.mx/sitios/red-internacional-frijol-lima
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at an elevated risk of endometrial cancer, which may be associated with the continuous proliferative state caused by the interaction between hormones ...and metabolic factors.
To investigate the impact of hormones and metabolic factors in the proliferation and death of endometrium during the proliferative phase.
Cross-sectional study with 11 women with PCOS and eight normal-cycling non-PCOS controls at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro from February 2011 to June 2019. Clinical, biochemical, and hormonal data were collected to analyze their influence on the expression of biomarkers related to the endometrial tissue breakdown. Hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsies were conducted, and the endometrial samples underwent immunohistochemistry for markers of apoptosis B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), cleaved caspase-3 (CASP3), fas cell surface death receptor (FAS), FAS ligand (FASLG), BCL2 associated X (BAX), marker of proliferation Ki-67 (MKI67), and cell death using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick and labeling (TUNEL).
CASP3 and TUNEL expressions were lower in both stroma and endometrium gland of PCOS women than in controls. MKI67 and homeostasis indexes (BCL2/BAX; FASLG/FAS) in the endometrium of the PCOS group were significantly higher. Body mass index (BMI) values were positively correlated with the expression of MKI67 and MKI67/TUNEL ratio in the endometrial stroma compartment. Fasting insulin levels were positively correlated with the expression of BCL2, and DHEA-S levels were negatively correlated with the expression of CASP3 of women with PCOS.
BMI, insulin, and DHEA-S influence the endometrial homeostasis breakdown in PCOS in the endometrium stroma.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Cajui (Anacardium spp.) is a native fruit tree (small cashew) of the Brazilian Cerrado and possesses the potential for commercialization. However, cajui exploitation occurs exclusively through ...extractivism in the absence of conservation strategies. The lack of conservation strategies may lead to a decrease in genetic diversity of Anacardium. In this work, the genetic diversity and population structure of three natural populations in Sete Cidades National Park (PNSC; PI, Brazil) were assessed using ISSR analysis of 56 cajui accessions and two A. occidentale accessions (outgroup) from Pacajus (CE, Brazil). A total of 112 markers were obtained, 93 (83.04%) of which were polymorphic. The diversity indices of these populations indicated moderate levels of genetic diversity. According to AMOVA, 96.17% of the genetic variability lay within populations, with low genetic differentiation among populations (ΦST = 0.03828). Furthermore, STRUCTURE analysis indicated the existence of four connected genetic groups. The findings show that the individuals from the three collection sites did not represent different subpopulations, likely due to the high gene flow (Nm = 6.7) favored by the floral biology of Anacardium, pollinators and small-animal seed dispersers. This research identifies genetically divergent individuals (C-03, C-05, C-22, C-26, C-34 and C-39), which should be considered priority individuals for conservation and can inform conservation programs for Anacardium spp.
Concurrently, leishmaniasis and AIDS are global public health issues and the overlap between these diseases adds additional treats to the management of co-infected patients. Lopinavir (LPV) has a ...well characterized anti-HIV and leishmanicidal action, and to analyze its combined action with miltefosine (MFS) could help to envisage strategies to the management of co-infected patients. Here, we evaluate the interaction between LPV and MFS against
infection by
and
approaches. The effect of the compounds alone or in association was assessed for 72 h in mouse peritoneal macrophages infected with
by the determination of the IC
s and FICIs. Subsequently, mice were orally treated twice daily during 5 days with the compounds alone or in association and evaluated after 30 days. The
assays revealed an IC
of 0.24 μM and 9.89 μM of MFS and LPV, respectively, and an additive effect of the compounds (FICI 1.28). The
assays revealed that LPV alone reduced the parasite load in the spleen and liver by 52 and 40%, respectively. The combined treatment of infected BALB/c mice revealed that the compounds alone required at least two times higher doses than when administered in association to virtually eliminate the parasite. Mice plasma biochemical parameters assessed revealed that the combined therapy did not present any relevant hepatotoxicity. In conclusion, the association of MFS with LPV allowed a reduction in each compound concentration to achieve the same outcome in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. Although a pronounced synergistic effect was not evidenced, it does not discard that such combination could be useful in humans co-infected with HIV and
parasites.
A root-knot nematode parasitizing rice (
Oryza sativa
L
.
) in Santa Catarina state (Brazil) was identified as
Meloidogyne oryzae
Maas, Sanders and Dede, 1978 using different approaches. The ...specimens studied from this Brazilian population were compared with the type description of
M. oryzae
from Suriname, with additional morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization. The female has a longer stylet (15.0 μm) when compared with
M. graminicola
(11.2 μm) with irregularly shaped knobs, vulva offset and slightly protruding in posterior region. The lip region was distinct from first body annuli, and labial disc and the medial lips form an anchor-shaped structure. Perineal patterns were similar to
M. graminicola
. The male has a lip region offset and the presence of few short and irregular lines; medial lips divided, not fused with labial disc and stylet (18.2 μm) longer than in
M. graminicola
(16.8 μm). Second-stage juvenile (J2) tail (75.8 μm) was longer than in
M. graminicola
(70.9 μm) with a very long narrow hyaline portion (22 μm in
M. oryzae
and 17.9 μm in
M. graminicola
). Biochemically, it presented a distinct esterase profile (Est O1=R1), differentiating it from
M. graminicola
(Est VS1). The number of chromosomes was 3n = 50–56, and in DNA sequences of ITS1–5.8S–ITS2 rRNA the two populations of
M. oryzae
clustered together with other mitotic parthenogenetic species, differentiating them from
M. graminicola
with
n
= 18 chromosomes and clustered with meiotic species. Phylogenetic analysis using neutral markers (AFLP and RAPD) showed that both
M. oryzae
populations form a coherent, closely related cluster separately from
M. graminicola
isolates. This study represented the first detection of
M. oryzae
in Brazil and the second in the world after the species description in 1971.
Feline sporotrichosis is a major clinical problem among cats in Brazil and is also a neglected, but important, public health issue, due to its zoonotic potential. The nasal clinical form of the ...disease is particularly challenging, having treatment refractoriness and clinical signs relapse as common features. This case series study aimed to preliminarily describe the effects of the azolic antifungal drug, clotrimazole, as a topical 1% solution spray, together with
itraconazole on inducing disease remission, as well as treatment tolerability and safety. Medical records of the Feline Medicine Service from the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro were reviewed, and 7 feline patients met the inclusion criteria (confirmatory diagnostic reached, available follow-up records, and use of intranasal clotrimazole 1% solution -1 spray per nostril every 24 hours- as adjunctive therapy to itraconazole - 100 mg/cat
every 24 hours). Among these, 4 had a history of treatment refractoriness done until then. Follow-up records included clinical evaluation, along with complementary tests and owner reports on tolerability and occurrence of adverse reactions. All patients have undergone clinical remission within 60 days. Tolerability were satisfactory, and adverse reactions were only found on complementary tests (hepatic enzyme elevation), without clinical repercussion. The intranasal use of 1% clotrimazole solution has shown as a promising adjunctive therapy to itraconazole for feline nasal sporotrichosis, even in previous refractory cases.
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