Summary
Photoreceptor engineering has recently emerged as a means for improving agronomically beneficial traits in crop species. Despite the central role played by the red/far‐red photoreceptor ...phytochromes (PHYs) in controlling fruit physiology, the applicability of PHY engineering for increasing fleshy fruit nutritional content remains poorly exploited. In this study, we demonstrated that the fruit‐specific overexpression of a constitutively active GAF domain Tyr252‐to‐His PHYB2 mutant version (PHYB2Y252H) significantly enhances the accumulation of multiple health‐promoting antioxidants in tomato fruits, without negative collateral consequences on vegetative development. Compared with the native PHYB2 overexpression, PHYB2Y252H‐overexpressing lines exhibited more extensive increments in transcript abundance of genes associated with fruit plastid development, chlorophyll biosynthesis and metabolic pathways responsible for the accumulation of antioxidant compounds. Accordingly, PHYB2Y252H‐overexpressing fruits developed more chloroplasts containing voluminous grana at the green stage and overaccumulated carotenoids, tocopherols, flavonoids and ascorbate in ripe fruits compared with both wild‐type and PHYB2‐overexpressing lines. The impacts of PHYB2 or PHYB2Y252H overexpression on fruit primary metabolism were limited to a slight promotion in lipid biosynthesis and reduction in sugar accumulation. Altogether, these findings indicate that mutation‐based adjustments in PHY properties represent a valuable photobiotechnological tool for tomato biofortification, highlighting the potential of photoreceptor engineering for improving quality traits in fleshy fruits.
Atrazine is one of the most widespread chlorinated herbicides, leaving large bulks in soils and groundwater. The biodegradation of atrazine by bacteria is well described, but many aspects of the ...fungal metabolism of this compound remain unclear. Thus, we investigated the toxicity and degradation of atrazine by 13 rainforest basidiomycete strains.
In liquid medium, Pluteus cubensis SXS320, Gloelophyllum striatum MCA7, and Agaricales MCA17 removed 30, 37, and 38%, respectively, of initial 25 mg L
of the herbicide within 20 days. Deficiency of nitrogen drove atrazine degradation by Pluteus cubensis SXS320; this strain removed 30% of atrazine within 20 days in a culture medium with 2.5 mM of N, raising three metabolites; in a medium with 25 mM of N, only 21% of initial atrazine were removed after 40 days, and two metabolites appeared in culture extracts. This is the first report of such different outcomes linked to nitrogen availability during the biodegradation of atrazine by basidiomycetes. The herbicide also induced synthesis and secretion of extracellular laccases by Datronia caperata MCA5, Pycnoporus sanguineus MCA16, and Polyporus tenuiculus MCA11. Laccase levels produced by of P. tenuiculus MCA11 were 13.3-fold superior in the contaminated medium than in control; the possible role of this enzyme on atrazine biodegradation was evaluated, considering the strong induction and the removal of 13.9% of the herbicide in vivo. Although 88% of initial laccase activity remained after 6 h, no evidence of in vitro degradation was observed, even though ABTS was present as mediator.
This study revealed a high potential for atrazine biodegradation among tropical basidiomycete strains. Further investigations, focusing on less explored ligninolytic enzymes and cell-bound mechanisms, could enlighten key aspects of the atrazine fungal metabolism and the role of the nitrogen in the process.
The use of renewable materials with unique properties has brought new perspectives regarding their use as potential substitutes to the petroleum-based products. The aim of this work was to evaluate ...the effects caused by the addition of Kraft lignins, selectively precipitated in acid and alkaline medium, on the thermal, thermo-oxidative, UV-blocking, antioxidant, antimicrobial and mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films. Kraft lignins (KL) were selectively precipitated in alkaline (KL A) and acid (KL B) media. KL A and KL B were characterized by FTIR, 1H-13C HSQC, 31P NMR and GPC. PVA films were produced through casting method and characterized by TGA, DSC, OOT, UV–Vis, mechanical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The selective precipitation process yielded lignins with different concentration of phenolic and total hydroxyls for KL A and KL B. The addition of KL A and KL B at 1.0% wt. in PVA films produced materials with enhanced thermal, thermo-oxidative, UV-blocking, mechanical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It can be concluded that the selective precipitation of lignin represents an alternative for obtaining fractions with peculiar structural features that can improve their compatibility with thermoplastics, yielding potential bio-based products with suitable features to be used as packaging materials.
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•Selective acid precipitation was used to obtain Kraft lignins with peculiar structural features.•The main structural difference between the Kraft lignins was their hydroxyl groups concentration.•KL A and KL B enhanced the thermal, UV-blocking, mechanical and biological properties of PVA films.•The hydroxyls concentration of KL A and KL B had significant effect on PVA films properties.•The PVA incorporated films presented physicochemical features to be used as packaging materials.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is the main systemic complication and cause of death in viperid envenomation. Although there are hypotheses for the development of AKI, the mechanisms involved are still not ...established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical-laboratorial-epidemiological factors associated with AKI in victims of Bothrops sp envenomation. This is an observational study carried out at the Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado. AKI was defined according to the guidelines of the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN). Among the 186 patients evaluated, AKI was observed in 24 (12.9%) after 48 hours of admission. Stage I was present in 17 (70.8%) patients, II in 3 (12.5%) and III in 4 (16.7%). Epidemiological characterization showed predominance of men, occurrence in rural areas, aged between 16-60 years, feet as the most affected anatomical region, and time to medical assistance less than 3 hours. Hypertension and diabetes were the comorbidities identified. Most of the accidents were classified as moderate, and clinical manifestations included severe pain, mild edema, local bleeding and headache. Laboratory results showed blood uncoagulability, hypofibrinogenemia, leukocytosis, increase of creatine kinase, and high lactate dehydrogenase levels. Multivariate analysis showed an association with high LDH levels AOR = 1.01 (95% CI = 1.01-1.01, p<0.002), local bleeding AOR = 0.13 (95%CI = 0.027-0.59, p<0.009), and the presence of comorbidities AOR = 60.96 (95%CI = 9.69-383.30; p<0.000). Herein, laboratory markers such as high LDH levels along with local bleeding and comorbidities may aid in the diagnosis of AKI.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two sowing densities and levels of NPK (02-24- 12) on the production components of the JLM 08 strain of vegetable soybean, in the Savannah of Boa ...Vista, in the state of Roraima, Brazil. The experiment was carried out from November 2013 to March 2014 in the experimental area of the Centre for Agrarian Sciences at the Cauamé Campus of the Federal University of Roraima in Boa Vista. The experimental design was of randomised blocks in a factorial scheme (2 x 5) with three replications. The two densities (40,000 and 80,000 plants per hectare) comprised the first factor, while five levels of NPK (02-24-12) made up the second (0, 200, 400, 600 and 800 kg ha-1). The following were evaluated: height of insertion of the first and last pod; stem diameter; number of pods per plant having 1, 2, and 3 grains; total number of pods per plant; 100 grain weight and estimated grain yield. The height of insertion of the first and last pod in the JLM 08 genotype of the vegetable soybean is not influenced by the planting densities or levels of formulated fertiliser. At a density of 80,000 plants per hectare, the number of pods per plant is influenced by the levels of fertiliser, demonstrating a positive quadratic response. The level of fertiliser with the maximum technical efficiency (492.86 kg ha-1) gives an 18% increase in grain yield at the highest planting density. = Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o efeito de duas densidades de semeadura e doses de NPK (02-24-12) nos componentes de produção da soja hortaliça linhagem JLM 08, na Savana de Boa Vista, Roraima. O experimento foi conduzido no período de novembro de 2013 a março de 2014, na área experimental do Centro de Ciências Agrária da Universidade Federal de Roraima, Campus Cauamé, em Boa Vista, Roraima. O delineamento experimental adotado foi em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial (2 x 5), com três repetições. O primeiro fator correspondeu a duas densidades (40.000 e 80.000 plantas por hectare), enquanto o segundo a cinco doses de NPK (02-24-12) (0, 200, 400, 600 e 800 kg ha-1). Avaliaram-se a altura de inserção da primeira e da última vagem, diâmetro do caule, número de vagens por planta com 1, 2 e 3 grãos, número de vagens totais por planta, massa de 100 grãos, bem como a estimativa da produtividade de grãos. A altura de inserção da primeira e da última vagem do genótipo de soja-hortaliça JLM 08 não é influenciada pelas densidades de plantio nem pelas doses do adubo formulado. Na densidade de 80.000 plantas por hectare, o número de vagem por planta é influenciado pelas doses do adubo, apresentando resposta quadrática positiva. A dose de máxima eficiência técnica (492,86 kg ha-1) do adubo determina aumento de 18% na produtividade de grãos para a maior densidade de plantio.
As possíveis mudanças do clima na região amazônica têm sido foco de discussões de estudo em diversas áreas de conhecimento. São crescentes as especulações de como as atividades humanas, econômicas e ...ambientais, tanto em nível global, como regional, influenciam o clima de uma determinada região. Questões pertinentes a este tema podem ser levantadas, e esse trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar se ocorreram mudanças nos padrões das variáveis meteorológicas: temperatura do ar (média, máxima e mínima), umidade relativa média do ar e no total anual de precipitação pluviométrica, no município de Porto Velho, Rondônia, na região Norte do Brasil. Foram analisadas as séries temporais das variáveis meteorológicas: temperatura do ar (média, máxima e mínima), umidade relativa do ar e precipitação pluviométrica, do município de Porto Velho, referente ao período de 1945 a 2005. No período de estudo, as séries de dados de temperatura do ar (média, máxima e mínima), umidade relativa do ar e precipitação pluviométrica apresentaram desvios positivos e negativos em relação à sua média histórica, apresentando tendências não significativas de aumento ou diminuição em relação ao valor médio. Os resultados observados para o período (1945 a 2005) corroboram com os estudos de simulação climática sobre possíveis impactos do desmatamento no clima da Amazônia. Porém, as informações disponíveis e os testes estatísticos aplicados não foram suficientes para comprovar que ocorreram alterações climáticas significativas na região.
Asymptomatic 'Leishmania infantum', when associated with HIV, can become severe and potentially fatal. In this co-infection, the worst prognosis May be influenced by the host's immuno- logical ...aspects, which are crucial in determining susceptibility. Chemokines play an important role in this process by influencing the cellular composition at affected sites and impacting the disease's outcome. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate proinflammatory chemokines in HIV patients with the asymptomatic 'L. infantum' infection. In this cross-sectional study, the levels of CCL2, CCL5, CXCL8, MIG, and IP-10 were measured in 160 serum samples from co-infected patients (n equivalent 53), patients with HIV (n equivalent 90), and negative controls (n equivalent 17). Quantification was determined by flow cytometry. The obtained data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by the Dunn's post-test and the Spearman's correlation coefficient. Significance was set at p < 0.05. The chemokines CCL2, CCL5, MIG, and IP-10 exhibited higher levels in the HIV group compared to co-infection. However, the elevated levels of all these chemokines and their increased connectivity in co-infected patients appear to be important in identifying proinflammatory immune responses associated with the asymptomatic condition. Furthermore, a weak negative correlation was observed between higher levels of CXCL8 and lower viral loads in co-infected patients.
The main organochlorinated compounds used on agricultural crops are often recalcitrant, affecting nontarget organisms and contaminating rivers or groundwater. Diuron ...(N-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-N′,N′-dimethylurea) is a chlorinated herbicide widely used in sugarcane plantations. Here, we evaluated the ability of 13 basidiomycete strains of growing in a contaminated culture medium and degrading the xenobiotic. Dissipation rates in culture medium with initial 25 mg/L of diuron ranged from 7.3 to 96.8%, being Pluteus cubensis SXS 320 the most efficient strain, leaving no detectable residues after diuron metabolism. Pycnoporus sanguineus MCA 16 removed 56% of diuron after 40 days of cultivation, producing three metabolites more polar than parental herbicide, two of them identified as being DCPU and DCPMU. Despite of the strong inductive effect of diuron upon laccase synthesis and secretion, the application of crude enzymatic extracts of P. sanguineus did not catalyzed the breakdown of the herbicide in vitro, indicating that diuron biodegradation was not related to this oxidative enzyme.
Since the advent of Covid-19, several natural products have been investigated regarding their in silico interactions with SARS-CoV-2 proteases ˗ 3CLpro and PLpro, two of the most important ...pharmacological targets for antiviral development. Phenylethanoid glycosides (PG) are a class of natural products present in important medicinal plants and a drug containing this group of active ingredients has been successfully used in the treatment of Covid-19 in China. Thus, a dataset with 567 derivatives of this class was built from reviews published between 1994 and 2020, and their interaction against both SARS-CoV-2 proteases was investigated. The virtual screening was performed by filtering the PGs through the evaluation of scores based on the AutoDock Vina, GOLD/ChemPLP, and GOLD/GoldScore evaluation functions. The bRO5 pharmacokinetic parameters of the PGs ranked in the previous step were analyzed and their interaction with key amino acid residues of the 3CLpro and PLpro enzymes was evaluated. Ninety-eight compounds were identified by computational approaches against PLpro and 80 PGs against 3CLpro. Of these, four interacted with key catalytic residues of PLpro, which is an indicative of inhibitory activity, and three compounds interacted with catalytic key residues of 3CLpro. Of these, five PGs occur in plants of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), while two are components of plants/formulations currently used in the Covid-19 protocols in China. The data presented here show the potential of PGs as selective inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro and PLpro.
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Abstract
Background
The release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is associated with inflammation, coagulopathy, and organ damage found in severe cases of COVID-19. However, the molecular ...mechanisms underlying the release of NETs in COVID-19 remain unclear.
Objectives
We aim to investigate the role of the Gasdermin-D (GSDMD) pathway on NETs release and the development of organ damage during COVID-19.
Methods
We performed a single-cell transcriptome analysis in public data of bronchoalveolar lavage. Then, we enrolled 63 hospitalized patients with moderate and severe COVID-19. We analyze in blood and lung tissue samples the expression of GSDMD, presence of NETs, and signaling pathways upstreaming. Furthermore, we analyzed the treatment with disulfiram in a mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Results
We found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus directly activates the pore-forming protein GSDMD that triggers NET production and organ damage in COVID-19. Single-cell transcriptome analysis revealed that the expression of GSDMD and inflammasome-related genes were increased in COVID-19 patients. High expression of active GSDMD associated with NETs structures was found in the lung tissue of COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, we showed that activation of GSDMD in neutrophils requires active caspase1/4 and live SARS-CoV-2, which infects neutrophils. In a mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the treatment with disulfiram inhibited NETs release and reduced organ damage.
Conclusion
These results demonstrated that GSDMD-dependent NETosis plays a critical role in COVID-19 immunopathology and suggests GSDMD as a novel potential target for improving the COVID-19 therapeutic strategy.
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