The purpose of this study was to assess photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) via irradiation, using a low power laser associated with a photosensitization dye, as an alternative to remove ...cariogenic microorganisms by drilling. Remaining dentinal samples in deep carious lesions on permanent molars (
= 26) were treated with 0.01% methylene blue dye and irradiated with a low power laser (InGaAIP - indium gallium aluminum phosphide; = 660 nm; 100 mW; 320 Jcm
; 90 s; 9J). Samples of dentin from the pulpal wall region were collected with a micropunch before and immediately after PACT and kept in a transport medium for microbiological analysis. Samples were cultured in plates of Brucella blood agar, Mitis Salivarius Bacitracin agar and Rogosa SL agar to determine the total viable bacteria, mutans streptococci and Lactobacillus spp. counts, respectively. After incubation, colony-forming units were counted and microbial reduction was calculated for each group of bacteria. PACT led to statistically significant reductions in mutans streptococci (1.38 log),
spp. (0.93 log), and total viable bacteria (0.91 log). This therapy may be an appropriate approach for the treatment of deep carious lesions using minimally invasive procedures.
In this study, we performed a proteomic analysis of plastids isolated from the endosperm of developing Jatropha curcas seeds that were in the initial stage of deposition of protein and lipid ...reserves. Proteins extracted from the plastids were digested with trypsin, and the peptides were applied to an EASY-nano LC system coupled inline to an ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap Velos mass spectrometer, and this led to the identification of 1103 proteins representing 804 protein groups, of which 923 proteins were considered as true identifications, and this considerably expands the repertoire of J. curcas proteins identified so far. Of the identified proteins, only five are encoded in the plastid genome, and none of them are involved in photosynthesis, evidentiating the nonphotosynthetic nature of the isolated plastids. Homologues for 824 out of 923 identified proteins were present in PPDB, SUBA, or PlProt databases while homologues for 13 proteins were not found in any of the three plastid proteins databases but were marked as plastidial by at least one of the three prediction programs used. Functional classification showed that proteins belonging to amino acids metabolism comprise the main functional class, followed by carbohydrate, energy, and lipid metabolisms. The small and large subunits of Rubisco were identified, and their presence in the plastids is considered to be an adaptive feature counterbalancing for the loss of one-third of the carbon as CO2 as a result of the conversion of carbohydrate to oil through glycolysis. While several enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of several precursors of diterpenoids were identified, we were unable to identify any terpene synthase/cyclase, which suggests that the plastids isolated from the endosperm of developing seeds do not synthesize phorbol esters. In conclusion, our study provides insights into the major biosynthetic pathways and certain unique features of the plastids from the endosperm of developing seeds at the whole proteome level.
The inner integument of Jatropha curcas seeds is a non-photosynthetic tissue that acts primarily as a conduit for the delivery of nutrients to the embryo and endosperm. In this study we performed a ...histological and transmission electron microscopy analysis of the inner integument in stages prior to fertilization to 25days after pollination, to establish the structural changes associated with the plastid to gerontoplast transition. This study showed that plastids are subjected to progressive changes, which include the dismantling of the internal membrane system, matrix degradation and the formation of stromule-derived vesicles. A proteome analysis of gerontoplasts isolated from the inner integument at 25days after pollination, resulted in the identification of 1923 proteins, which were involved in a myriad of metabolic functions, such as synthesis of amino acids and fatty acids. Among the identified proteins, were also a number of hydrolases (peptidases, lipases and carbohydrases), which presumably are involved in the ordered dismantling of this organelle to provide additional sources of nutrients for the growing embryo and endosperm. The dataset we provide here may provide a foundation for the study of the proteome changes associated with the plastid to gerontoplast transition in non-photosynthetic tissues.
We describe ultrastructural features of gerontoplasts isolated from the inner integument of developing seeds of Jatropha curcas, together with a deep proteome analysis of these gerontoplasts. This article explores a new aspect of the biology of plastids, namely the ultrastructural and proteome changes associated with the transition plastid to gerontoplast in a non-photosynthetic tissue.
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•Ultrastructural features of the transition plastid to gerontoplast;•Wide diversity of metabolite transporters in gerontoplasts;•Identification of several peptidases and lipases involved in the dismantling of plastids
Using histological analysis of the induction of secondary somatic embryogenesis (SSE) in cassava (
Manihot esculenta Crantz) as a guide, we performed 2-DE for protein separation and matrix-assisted ...laser desorption ionization-time of flight-tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-TOF-MS) for protein identification in cotyledons of cassava somatic embryos undergoing SSE. Reference map obtained by 2-DE within a pH range of 3–10 and a size range of 6–97
kDa revealed approximately 410 eletrophoretically resolved spots populated primarily by acidic (p
I
<
7) proteins with molecular masses between 30 and 75
kDa. Tryptic digestion of 163 of the most abundant spots led to the identification of 86 proteins with a protein identification success rate of 53%. In total, 43% of the identified proteins were involved in metabolism and energy and 11.6% in protein destination and storage. Others are, disease/defense (11.6%), transcription and protein synthesis (7%), signal transduction (5.8%), cell growth/division (3.5%), transporters (3.5%), cell structure (2.3%), secondary metabolism (1.2%) and other functional classes (10.5%). Our studies demonstrate that 2-DE-based proteomic approaches combined with histological studies can serve as tools for identifying protein markers for the developmental stages of cassava SE while providing clues on the underlying causes of the low rate of conversion of cassava somatic embryos into mature plants.
The worldwide use of ayahuasca, an entheogenic tea originally used in ceremonial context by Amazonian peoples, has increased in the last decade. In Brazil, “seringueiros” or rubber tappers have ...incorporated its use into urban settings, creating three main religions that continue to drink the sacred tea: Santo Daime, Barquinha, and União do Vegetal. A neo-ayahuascan network has arisen along with the expansion of ayahuasca, with distinct meanings associated with the tea, including using it for therapeutic, artistic, religious, and playful purposes. Brazilian ayahuascan groups (BAGs) commonly prepare the tea using the stems of
Banisteriopsis caapi
(Malpighiaceae) along with the leaves of
Psychotrya viridis
(Rubiaceae) or sometimes with those of
Diplopterys cabrerana
(Malpighiaceae). There are citations of traditional Amazonian peoples using the stem of other Malpighiaceae species to prepare ayahuasca in the literature, also several papers refer to “ethnotaxa” of
B. caapi
recognition. Fertile samples must be collected in order to identify genera and species of Malpighiaceae, which is not always possible due to the short flowering period. There is also a difficulty in collecting sacred plants due to access limitation inside the traditional communities, and due to the natural obstacles in liana sampling in the Amazon Forest. Data in the literature shows that wood anatomy is a good tool to identify plants. Our study synthesizes ethnobotanical material and wood anatomy data in order to understand: (1) whether there is consensus between the respondents of the BAGs of the identity of ethnotaxa; (2) whether there is a hierarchical classification of the ethnotaxa, and whether it can be described and reproduced, illustrating the variation of
B. caapi
in more detail; (3) whether stem anatomy can be used to distinguish the genera and ethnotaxa used in the production of ayahuasca; and (4) whether there is homogeneity in the use of ethnotaxa or if any of them is more commonly used. Thirty-eight people belonging to BAGs were interviewed. Eighteen ethnotaxa and 30 names for
B. caapi
were documented. Among the respondents, there are disagreements about the ethnotaxa identities. There is an ethnotaxa hierarchical classification based on stem morphology, which groups them as lianas with swollen nodes (
caupuri
) and without swollen nodes. However, the tea chemical effects are equally important, as there are lianas called
caupuri
which do not have swollen nodes, but have the same effect. Wood anatomy and morphology can help in understanding the categorization of ethnotaxa. Stem wood anatomy was also used to verify the identity of
Diplopterys
cf.
pubipetala
, which was cited by one respondent. Some ethnotaxa are more used for their chemical effects or their ease of cultivation. Our data suggest that
B. caapi
has some degree of domestication and that BAGs help to maintain a significant portion of
B. caapi
diversity. The role of these groups as plant “guardians” used to make ayahuasca is unique at this historical moment, in which the Amazon rainforest and its great diversity is being cruelly and irresponsibly decimated.
Abstract Aim: This study aims to investigate the concordance between two cycle ergometers for variables measured in the test of maximum incremental effort. Methods: This correlation study enrolled 15 ...inactive women (19,2 ± 4,0 years old). At random, the participants performed two maximal effort incremental tests (MEIT), using cycle ergometers (Keiser-M3 and Ergo-167) on different days with a minimum interval of 72 hours. The test had stages of two minutes, and two-step increments were carried out at the end of each stage. Lactate concentration (LAC), and rated perceived exertion (RPE) were collected, in addition to monitoring oxygen uptake (VO2) and heart rate (HR). The Paired t-test was carried out to compare physiologic variables, Lin's test was used for correlation, and Bland Altman was used to measuring concordances among variables. Results: The correlations between physiologic parameters were considered strong for HR on the anaerobic threshold (Keiser M3 = 146 ± 14 bpm; Ergo-167 = 149 ± 9 bpm; r = 0.762), greater blood lactate value (Keiser M3 = 9,97 ± 2,51 mmol/L; Ergo-167 = 9.71 ± 2.56 mmol/L; r = 0.820), VO2max (Keiser M3 = 38,37 ± 6,97 mL/kg/min; Ergo-167 = 36.06 ± 8.4 mL/kg/min; r = 0,806) and HRmax (Keiser M3 = 186 ± 53 bpm; Ergo-167 = 188 ± 11 bpm; r = 0.716). Conclusion: The results show the feasibility of using the cycle ergometer Keiser, model M3, to perform the maximal effort incremental test, whereas there was high concordance in the physiologic responses in both ergometers for inactive women.
Premise of the study: Baccharis dracunculifolia (Asteraceae) is a native plant of the Atlantic Forest that is used for the production of essential oil. Microsatellite markers were developed for this ...species to investigate the genetic diversity of three natural populations. Methods and Results: Seventeen out of 27 microsatellite loci identified in a genomic library used for the characterization of 315 individuals derived from three natural populations of B. dracunculifolia resulted in successful amplifications. Eleven polymorphic loci, ranging from two to seven alleles per locus, were obtained with expected and observed heterozygosity values ranging between 0.068 and 0.775 and 0.046 and 0.667, respectively. Conclusions: The microsatellite loci described in this study are tools that can be used for further studies of population genetics of B. dracunculifolia with a focus on deforested areas and conservation of natural populations.
Gonorrhea is the second most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection on the planet and is caused by a Gram-negative cocco,
. Currently, the preferred regimen for the management of this ...disease in Brazil is a combination of antimicrobials, in this case, ceftriaxone and azithromycin. However, over time, the gonococcus developed a decrease in susceptibility to the regimen used, which resulted in frank resistance to antimicrobials, progressively reducing the therapeutic options available. Thus, the study presented here aims to analyze and discuss the current scenario of resistance of
to the antimicrobials used to date, to encourage discussion on the subject in the academic environment. For this purpose, 47 articles indexed in the Bireme, PubMed, Scielo and UpToDate platforms were selected.
•The antral follicle count was used to predicted pregnancy rates.•Higher AFC cows had higher rates of pregnancy.•Biological pathways related to reproduction capacity can be modulated by AFC.
Antral ...follicle count (AFC) was phenotypically and genetically evaluated in a Bos taurus cow population. A total of 257 Aberdeen Angus cows underwent an ovarian ultrasound evaluation and hormonal synchronization for timed artificial insemination (TAI). These animals were between 40 and 70 d postpartum with a body score condition (BSC) between 2 and 4 (average = 2.7) on a scale of 1–5. The number of antral follicles was assessed 10 d before (D-10) the beginning of TAI. Visible follicles (≥3 mm in diameter) were counted from both ovaries (right and left) to determine the number of total follicles, and animals were allocated into groups according to the number of antral follicles: low AFC was defined as ≤ 15 follicles (n = 93); intermediate AFC as < 24 follicles and >16 follicles (n = 97); and high AFC as ≥ 25 follicles (n = 67). The comparison between the average AFC and pregnancy rate was performed using the chi-square test in the Minitab® 19.2 statistical software, adopting a P-value ≤ 0.05. Hair samples of Aberdeen Angus cows were collected for genomic DNA extraction and subsequent genotyping analysis using the GGP HD array. The associations between SNP markers and phenotypic information (AFC) were determined using the GBLUP methodology. Windows explaining more than 1% of the total additive genetic variance were selected as candidates for functional prospection using QTL colocalization and enrichment analysis using a hypergeometric test. The GWAS identified seven candidate genomic windows and 54 annotated genes within them. Among these genes, DUSP1, SOX17, XKR4, PLAG1, HFM1, PPM1K, IBSP, NCAPG-LCORL, and HMGHZ were associated with biological processes that might be related to follicle count in Angus cows. Enrichment analysis of the reproduction-related traits found enriched QTLs in BTA5 (“Inhibin level”, “Insulin-like growth factor 1 level”), BTA6 (“Calving ease”, “Calf size”, “Calving index”), and BTA14 (“Insulin-like growth factor 1 level”; “Age at puberty”, “Interval to first estrus after calving”). This study brings new knowledge of the genomic background of AFC and may lead to further investigations regarding physiological explanations for different AFCs and their relationship to fertility.
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