Interacciones de microorganismos promotores del crecimiento vegetal y su uso potencial en formulaciones para el cultivo de papa.

Peer Revie

A transient homotypic interaction model for the influenza A virus NS1 protein effector domain

Influenza A virus NS1 protein is a multifunctional virulence factor consisting of an RNA binding domain (RBD), a short linker, an effector domain (ED), and a C-terminal 'tail'. Although poorly understood, NS1 multimerization may autoregulate its actions. While RBD dimerization seems functionally conserved, two possible apo ED dimers have been proposed (helix-helix and strand-strand). Here, we analyze all available RBD, ED, and full-length NS1 structures, including four novel crystal structures obtained using EDs from divergent human and avian viruses, as well as two forms of a monomeric ED mutant. The data reveal the helix-helix interface as the only strictly conserved ED homodimeric contact. Furthermore, a mutant NS1 unable to form the helix-helix dimer is compromised in its ability to bind dsRNA efficiently, implying that ED multimerization influences RBD activity. Our bioinformatical work also suggests that the helix-helix interface is variable and transient, thereby allowing two ED monomers to twist relative to one another and possibly separate. In this regard, we found a mAb that recognizes NS1 via a residue completely buried within the ED helix-helix interface, and which may help highlight potential different conformational populations of NS1 (putatively termed 'helix-closed' and 'helix-open') in virus-infected cells. 'Helix-closed' conformations appear to enhance dsRNA binding, and 'helix-open' conformations allow otherwise inaccessible interactions with host factors. Our data support a new model of NS1 regulation in which the RBD remains dimeric throughout infection, while the ED switches between several quaternary states in order to expand its functional space. Such a concept may be applicable to other small multifunctional proteins

Structure-based statistical analysis of transmembrane helices

Recent advances in determination of the high-resolution structure of membrane proteins now enable analysis of the main features of amino acids in transmembrane (TM) segments in comparison with amino acids in water-soluble helices. In this work, we conducted a large-scale analysis of the prevalent locations of amino acids by using a data set of 170 structures of integral membrane proteins obtained from the MPtopo database and 930 structures of water-soluble helical proteins obtained from the protein data bank. Large hydrophobic amino acids (Leu, Val, Ile, and Phe) plus Gly were clearly prevalent in TM helices whereas polar amino acids (Glu, Lys, Asp, Arg, and Gln) were less frequent in this type of helix. The distribution of amino acids along TM helices was also examined. As expected, hydrophobic and slightly polar amino acids are commonly found in the hydrophobic core of the membrane whereas aromatic (Trp and Tyr), Pro, and the hydrophilic amino acids (Asn, His, and Gln) occur more frequently in the interface regions. Charged amino acids are also statistically prevalent outside the hydrophobic core of the membrane, and whereas acidic amino acids are frequently found at both cytoplasmic and extra-cytoplasmic interfaces, basic amino acids cluster at the cytoplasmic interface. These results strongly support the experimentally demonstrated biased distribution of positively charged amino acids (that is, the so-called the positive-inside rule) with structural data

The potential antimalarial efficacy of hemocompatible silver nanoparticles from Artemisia species against P. falciparum parasite

Malaria represents one of the most common infectious diseases which becoming an impel-lent public health problem worldwide. Antimalarial classical medications include quinine-based drugs, like chloroquine, and artesunate, a derivative of artemisinin, a molecule found in the plant Artemisia annua. Such therapeutics are very effective but show heavy side effects like drug resistance. In this study, “green” silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been prepared from two Artemisia species (A. abrotanum and A. arborescens), traditionally used in folk medicine as a remedy for different conditions, and their potential antimalarial efficacy have been assessed. AgNPs have been characterized by UV-Vis, dynamic light scattering and zeta potential, FTIR, XRD, TEM and EDX. The structural characterization has demonstrated the spheroidal shape of nanoparticles and dimensions under 50 nm, useful for biomedical studies. Zeta potential analysis have shown the stability and dispersion of green AgNPs in aqueous medium without aggregation. AgNPs hemocompatibility and antimalarial activity have been studied in Plasmodium falciparum cultures in in vitro experiments. The antiplasmodial effect has been assessed using increasing doses of AgNPs (0.6 to 7.5 μg/ mL) on parasitized red blood cells (pRBCs). Obtained data showed that the hemocompatibility of AgNPs is related to their synthetic route and depends on the administered dose. A. abrotanum-AgNPs (1) have shown the lowest percentage of hemolytic activity on pRBCs, underlining their hemocompatibility. These results are in accordance with the lower levels of parasitemia observed after A. abrotanum-AgNPs (1) treatment respect to A. arborescens-AgNPs (2), and AgNPs (3) derived from a classical chemical synthesis. Moreover, after 24 and 48 hours of A. abrotanum-AgNPs (1) treatment, the parasite growth was locked in the ring stage, evidencing the effect of these nanoparticles to hinder the maturation of P. falciparum. The anti-malarial activity of A. abrotanum-AgNPs (1) on pRBCs was demonstrated to be higher than that of A. arborescens-AgNPs (2)

Factors Influencing Greenways Use in Italy: Definition of a Method for Estimation

The issue of non-motorized mobility in the last decades has seen increasing attention at the international level. Also in Italy we assisted at the creation of hundreds of miles of trails dedicated to cycling and walking, many of which meet the greenway definition of the European Greenways Association: “Communication routes reserved exclusively for non-motorized journeys, developed in an integrated manner which enhances both the environment and quality of life of the surrounding area. These routes should meet satisfactory standards of width, gradient, and surface condition to ensure that they are both user-friendly and low-risk for users of all abilities. In this respect, canal towpaths and disused railway lines are a highly suitable resource for the development of greenways” (EGWA, 2002). More generally, greenways are green infrastructures that can be planned at different scales and for multiple purposes (ecological, recreational, cultural, non-motorized mobility) (Fabos, 1995; Ahern, 1995). Various methodologies and several studies on greenways planning have been conducted also in Italy (Rovelli et al., 2004; Toccolini et al., 2006; Senes et al., 2010). The growing number of infrastructures built and the related costs, combined with the recent economic crisis, led to an increasing need for public bodies to evaluate each project in terms of its ability to meet the needs of the communities, particularly in terms of attractiveness for users and benefits (not only economic) for local communities. To do this, planners and decision makers need to be provided with: 1) updated and consistent data on greenways and trails users; 2) models, based on the previous data, that can help to predict the number of users on a planned infrastructure. In such a context, the aim of this research was to assess the relationships between the number of users detected along some Italian greenways and the characteristics of the territory crossed (in terms of population and environment), in order to define a model capable of estimating the potential users of a greenway before it is realized. It represents one of the first attempts in Italy

Anterior mitral valve aneurysm is an uncommon complication of aortic valve infective endocarditis. A case report

Objective: Rare disease Background: Mitral valve aneurysms (MVAs) are uncommon conditions frequently associated with aortic valve endocarditis. They may be complicated by perforation and severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Optimal treatment of MVA, and in particular the best timing for surgery, are uncertain. Case Report: A 62-year-old man with a recent history of dental surgery presented to the Emergency Department complaining relapsing fever. A first echocardiogram demonstrated infective endocarditis of the aortic valve. The patient was primarily managed with specific antibiotic therapy. Despite this, a few days later he suffered from splen-ic embolization and an MVA with MR was detected. Surgical replacement of the mitral and aortic valves was therefore performed. Conclusions: MVAs are infrequent but potentially severe complications of AV endocarditis. In the absence of definite treatment indication, the correct time for surgery should depend on concomitant clinical and infective features

A minimum indicator set for assessing fontanili (lowland springs) of the Lombardy Region in Italy

This paper reports on the issue of fontanili assessment.A fontanile is a lowland spring, excavated by humans for the use of underground water for irrigation. From the XII century on, fontanili have been dug to extend water availability throughout the year and increase agricultural land use in the lowlands of Northern Italy. Because water of the fontanile stays at temperature without great changes throughout the year (between 8 and 15\ub0C), this environment is host to a vast variety of flora and fauna and has ecological and landscaping value. Because these springs are typical and unique landscape features of Northern Italy, there is not an international background on assessing methods of fontanili functions inside the countryside. The first goal has been to define a set of simple and consolidated indicators to evaluate watering, ecological and recreational function of 1160 fontanili of the Lombardy Region. The second one has been to identify homogenous areas with groups of fontanili in close proximity and with similar indicator values using interpolation tools. This classification can be used by Regional Administration to assign money to recover and maintain fontanili. The most important areas will be protected by regional and local planning instruments

Nutritional management of hyperlipaemia in a jenny: a brief report

An adult jenny (5-years-old, non-pregnant) was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) of the University of Sassari, with a recent history of appetite loss, extreme underweight condition and reluctance to move. On physical inspection, emaciation [body condition score, BCS: 3/9], muscular waste [muscular condition score, MCS: 1/5], loose/running faeces [faecal score, FS: 2/8], and a general state of mild dehydration were found. Blood analyses outlined a general undernourishment condition [circulating albumins, ALB: 17.6 g/L (21.6-31.6 g/L)] with underlying systemic inflammatory profile and moderate increase in circulating enzymes to explore liver function [aspartate amino-transferase, AST: 657 u/L (279-430 u/L); alanine amino-transferase ALT: 60 u/L (5-14 u/L); gamma-glutamyl-transferase, γ-GT: 87 IU/L (14-69 IU/L); total bilirubin close to the upper limit, TB: 0.20 mg/dL(0.07-0.21 mg/dL)]and hyperlipaemia [TG: 8.70 mmol/L (0.60-2.87 mmol/L)], following fat depots mobilisation, with total cholesterol closed to the lower limit of the physiological range. Hyper-phosphataemia was linked to haemolytic anaemia [P:1.81 mmol/L (0.77-1.39 mmol/L) and red blood cells, RBC: 4.14 1012/L (4.40-7.10 1012)] aligned with the TB to the upper limit. On ultrasound abdominal imaging, enlarged and hyper-echogenic liver was observed. Based on the clinical evaluation, a condition of hepatic lipidosis was diagnosed, requiring dedicated nutritional treatment to solve the extreme emaciation along with the metabolic disorder in support of medical therapy. A two-step feeding protocol was planned to support treatments aiming at immediate re-hydration (Ringer lactate solution 2 ml/kg/8 h). The nutritional objectives were meant at first to restart the voluntary feed intake. Gradual increasing energy provision through a palatable hay-based diet was planned to cover one fourth of daily metabolizable energy requirement calculated on the expected metabolic weight, adjusted according to the daily intake of feed and clinical condition. At the conclusion of this first 7-day phase, circulating blood parameters were closer to the reference values and the BCS moved from 3 to 4 out of 9. Bowel motility was restored, and faecal score improved (4/8). In the second phase, allowance to pasture and a combination diet with compound mixed feed were designed. Within four weeks of starting the nutritional plan, blood parameters were re-established to reference values. The gradual feed provision calculated in this two-phase approach proved successful in support of the overall clinical improvement observed after four weeks of treatment, in a severely undernourished jenny with compromised liver functions

Estimation of genetic parameters for reproductive indices in sheep.

This study aimed to estimate two reproductive efficiency indices in sheep based on the ratio between litter weight (at birth and weaning) and dam weight, as well as their genetic parameters. Phenotypic and pedigree data comprising the period from 1990 to 2018 were obtained from the Santa Inês sheep database of Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros. For estimation of the genetic parameters of the indices, a repeatability model was applied in single- and two-trait analyses by a Bayesian approach. The mean reproductive efficiency index was 0.069±0.0163 and 0.43±0.0955 at birth and weaning, respectively. These values indicate that, on average, ewes give birth to 69 g of lamb per kg body weight and wean 430 g of lamb per kg body weight. Described here for the first time, the heritability estimate obtained in single- and two-trait analyses was 0.24 for the index based on birth weights and ranged from 0.13 to 0.15 for the index based on weaning weights. The estimates indicate the possibility of genetic gain by selection and are similar to those reported for reproductive traits in sheep, representing an option for selection criterion. The genetic correlation between indices was positive and moderate (0.26). The repeatability estimates were high (0.49 for the birth weight index and 0.71 for the weaning weight index). These values indicate good prediction of future performance with few observations. The weaning weight index might be a good culling criterion of females

Plasma cells in the carotid plaque: occurrence and significance

OBJECTIVE: Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide. Inflammation, including monocytes, T and B cells, plays a key role in its pathogenesis. Our purpose was to evaluate plasma cells’ presence in a large series of carotid artery plaques and the clinical association. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-eight consecutive patients treated with carotid endarterectomy were retrospectively analyzed to assess plasma cells’ presence inside the plaque. A semiquantitative grading score was applied, ranging from absence, scattered, clusters of 5-10, and sheets of >10 plasma cells. Plasma cell’s location, as intraplaque, subendothelial or peri-adventitial, was also defined. RESULTS: In 75% of plaques analyzed, plasma cells were detected: scattered in 63.9%, in clusters in 22.2%, and in sheets in 13.9% of cases. In all cases, plasma cells were observed only inside the plaque. In 13.9% and in 11.1% of cases, plasma cells showed, respectively, a concomitant subendothelial or peri-adventitial distribution. In 5.6% of plaques, there was a simultaneous distribution in subendothelial, peri-adventitial layer, and intraplaque. Association between the presence of symptoms and plasma cells infiltrate was found. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that plasma cells could be a key parameter linked to plaque instability. Some types of configurations are significantly associated with the occurrence of cerebrovascular symptoms