Extinction and emergence of genomic haplotypes during the evolution of Avian coronavirus in chicken embryos

Avian coronavirus (AvCoV) is ubiquitously present on poultry as a multitude of virus lineages. Studies on AvCoV phenotypic traits are dependent on the isolation of field strains in chicken embryonated eggs, but the mutant spectrum on each isolate is not considered. This manuscript reports the previously unknown HTS (high throughput sequencing)-based complete genome haplotyping of AvCoV isolates after passages of two field strains in chicken embryonated eggs. For the first and third passages of strain 23/2013, virus loads were 6.699 log copies/mu L and 6 log copies/mu L and, for 38/2013, 5.699 log copies/mu L and 2.699 log copies/mu L of reaction, respectively. The first passage of strain 23/2013 contained no variant haplotype, while, for the third passage, five putative variant haplotypes were found, with > 99.9% full genome identity with each other and with the dominant genome. Regarding strain 38/2013, five variant haplotypes were found for the first passage, with > 99.9% full genome identity with each other and with the dominant genome, and a single variant haplotype was found. Extinction and emergence of haplotypes with polymorphisms in genes involved in receptor binding and regulation of RNA synthesis were observed, suggesting that phenotypic traits of AvCoV isolates are a result of their mutant spectrum

Examining the Effect of Charged Lipids on Mitochondrial Outer Membrane Dynamics Using Atomistic Simulations

The outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) is involved in multiple cellular functions such as apoptosis, inflammation and signaling via its membrane-associated and -embedded proteins. Despite the central role of the OMM in these vital phenomena, the structure and dynamics of the membrane have regularly been investigated in silico using simple two-component models. Accordingly, the aim was to generate the realistic multi-component model of the OMM and inspect its properties using atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. All major lipid components, phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and phosphatidylserine (PS), were included in the probed OMM models. Because increased levels of anionic PS lipids have potential effects on schizophrenia and, more specifically, on monoamine oxidase B enzyme activity, the effect of varying the PS concentration was explored. The MD simulations indicate that the complex membrane lipid composition (MLC) behavior is notably different from the two-component PC-PE model. The MLC changes caused relatively minor effects on the membrane structural properties such as membrane thickness or area per lipid; however, notable effects could be seen with the dynamical parameters at the water-membrane interface. Increase of PS levels appears to slow down lateral diffusion of all lipids and, in general, the presence of anionic lipids reduced hydration and slowed down the PE headgroup rotation. In addition, sodium ions could neutralize the membrane surface, when PI was the main anionic component; however, a similar effect was not seen for high PS levels. Based on these results, it is advisable for future studies on the OMM and its protein or ligand partners, especially when wanting to replicate the correct properties on the water-membrane interface, to use models that are sufficiently complex, containing anionic lipid types, PI in particular.Peer reviewe

Examining the Effect of Charged Lipids on Mitochondrial Outer Membrane Dynamics Using Atomistic Simulations

The outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) is involved in multiple cellular functions such as apoptosis, inflammation and signaling via its membrane-associated and -embedded proteins. Despite the central role of the OMM in these vital phenomena, the structure and dynamics of the membrane have regularly been investigated in silico using simple two-component models. Accordingly, the aim was to generate the realistic multi-component model of the OMM and inspect its properties using atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. All major lipid components, phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and phosphatidylserine (PS), were included in the probed OMM models. Because increased levels of anionic PS lipids have potential effects on schizophrenia and, more specifically, on monoamine oxidase B enzyme activity, the effect of varying the PS concentration was explored. The MD simulations indicate that the complex membrane lipid composition (MLC) behavior is notably different from the two-component PC-PE model. The MLC changes caused relatively minor effects on the membrane structural properties such as membrane thickness or area per lipid; however, notable effects could be seen with the dynamical parameters at the water-membrane interface. Increase of PS levels appears to slow down lateral diffusion of all lipids and, in general, the presence of anionic lipids reduced hydration and slowed down the PE headgroup rotation. In addition, sodium ions could neutralize the membrane surface, when PI was the main anionic component; however, a similar effect was not seen for high PS levels. Based on these results, it is advisable for future studies on the OMM and its protein or ligand partners, especially when wanting to replicate the correct properties on the water-membrane interface, to use models that are sufficiently complex, containing anionic lipid types, PI in particular

Towards fairer conservation: Perspectives and ideas from early‐career researchers

The Black Lives Matter Movement, which gained unprecedented global momentum in mid-2020, triggered critical reflection on systemic discrimination of disadvantaged groups across many domains of society. It prompted us, as early-career researchers (ECRs) in conservation science, to examine our own awareness of ongoing injustices within our field, the role we play in perpetuating or countering these injustices, and how to move forward. Colonialist ideologies and power dynamics throughout the history of conservation practice and research have left a long-lasting legacy of inequality and systemic racism. While improvements have been made, these legacies continue to influence teaching and practice today. In this perspective piece, we reflect on the impacts of conservation’s colonial past and how the sector has developed. We then explore how current traditional routes into conservation, and the dominance of these approaches, can leave ECRs underprepared to address modern-day conservation issues due to a limited understanding of conservation’s history and key theories from other fields. We end by offering a set of suggestions encouraging others to learn and practise fairer and more inclusive conservation practices

Resíduo agroindustrial na formação de mudas ornamentais irrigadas com água residuária

O reuso de água de esgoto tratada juntamente com o uso de resíduos industriais para a formação de mudas de girassol ornamental vem sendo uma alternativa econômica para o estado da Paraíba. Nesse contexto, a pesquisa foi realizada objetivando-se a utilização de resíduo agroindustrial na formação de mudas ornamentais irrigadas com água residuária. Desenvolvido em ambiente protegido na Universidade Federal de Campina Grande – UFCG, localizado no Estado da Paraíba-PB, utilizaram-se os seguintes tratamentos: 100% substrato comercial (SC), 100% solo (S), 100% fibra de coco (FC) e 50% (SC) misturado a 50% (FC), combinados com 2 tipos de água (A1 – abastecimento; A2 – residuária). O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, num esquema fatorial de 4 x 2, com 3 repetições e 3 plantas por repetição. Foram avaliados a altura de planta (AP), o número de folhas (NF) e o diâmetro do caule (DC), comprimento radicular (CR), fitomassa fresca da parte aérea (FFPA) e da raiz (FFR), fitomassa seca da parte aérea (FSPA) e da raiz (FSR).  As maiores médias foram relacionadas à utilização de água residuária e resultados obtidos pelo uso dos diversos substratos, os quais tiveram significância para algumas variáveis, em pelo menos uma época de avaliação. Percebe-se a importância do uso de água residuária como fertirrigação das mudas e o reaproveitamento de resíduos industriais como substrato, sendo uma alternativa com grande potencial e viável para os pequenos agricultores

IFN-gamma Plays a Unique Role in Protection against Low Virulent Trypanosoma cruzi Strain

Background: T. cruzi strains have been divided into six discrete typing units (DTUs) according to their genetic background. These groups are designated T. cruzi I to VI. In this context, amastigotes from G strain (T. cruzi I) are highly infective in vitro and show no parasitemia in vivo. Here we aimed to understand why amastigotes from G strain are highly infective in vitro and do not contribute for a patent in vivo infection. Methodology/Principal Findings: Our in vitro studies demonstrated the first evidence that IFN-gamma would be associated to the low virulence of G strain in vivo. After intraperitoneal amastigotes inoculation in wild-type and knockout mice for TNF-alpha, Nod2, Myd88, iNOS, IL-12p40, IL-18, CD4, CD8 and IFN-gamma we found that the latter is crucial for controlling infection by G strain amastigotes. Conclusions/Significance: Our results showed that amastigotes from G strain are highly infective in vitro but did not contribute for a patent infection in vivo due to its susceptibility to IFN-gamma production by host immune cells. These data are useful to understand the mechanisms underlying the contrasting behavior of different T. cruzi groups for in vitro and in vivo infection.CAPES [3038.005295/2011-40]CAPESFAPEMIGFAPEMIG [APQ-00621-11]CNPqCNPqFAPESPFAPESP [10-50959-4

Oficinas sobre ferramentas e práticas de registro de campo como instrumento de valorização do patrimônio cultural e ambiental do assentamento Nova Esperança, em Olho D'água do Casado-AL.

O presente relato narra a experiência de capacitação participativa sobre o uso de ferramentas digitais em práticas de campo para registro de elementos do patrimônio cultural e ambiental do Assentamento Nova Esperança, em Olho D´Água do Casado, sertão do rio São Francisco em Alagoas. Buscou-se dialogar e indicar ferramentas digitais de fácil uso e acesso, especialmente por meio de um celular, para que, de maneira autônoma, pudessem realizar o registro do que consideram como importante para a manutenção de seus modos de vida, saúde e alimentação, com base em sistemas agroecológicos e até mesmo para busca de alternativas de renda. As oficinas envolveram adultos, jovens filhas e filhos de agricultores do assentamento, sendo estruturada com base em metodologias participativas. Foi estruturada em uma parte teórica com trocas de saberes e uma parte prática, envolvendo a construção de uma trilha de percurso com pontos de localização entre a Sede da Associação Pegadas na Caatinga e o Sítio Arqueológico do Poldinho