Litter stock in three forest types in cerrado at Distrito Federal

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o estoque mensal e anual de serapilheira e sazonalidade em duas fitofisionomias (Cerrado stricto sensu e Mata de Galeria) e em um povoamento de eucalipto, localizados na Fazenda Água Limpa, DF. O estoque de serapilheira foi coletado mensalmente, pelo período de um ano, com auxílio de um gabarito metálico de 0,25 m2. O material foi separado manualmente nas frações folhas, cascas, galhos, raízes, flores/frutos e material particulado. O estoque de serapilheira na Mata de Galeria (9,36 t ha-1) foi estatisticamente igual ao observado no povoamento de eucalipto (9,12 t ha-1), valores maiores que o verificado no Cerrado Típico (6,08 t ha-1). A fração folha apresentou maior quantidade nas fitofisionomias e no povoamento quando comparada às demais frações. Verificaram-se dois padrões divergentes de sazonalidade do estoque de serapilheira: maior estoque no Cerrado Típico e no povoamento de eucalipto na estação seca e maior estoque na Mata de Galeria na estação chuvosa.The aim of this study was to evaluate the monthly and annual litter stock, and the seasonality in two phytophysiognomies (Cerrado stricto sensu and Gallery Forest) and one eucalyptus plantation, located in Fazenda Água Limpa, DF. The litter stock was monthly collected by using a metal jig of 0.25 m2, during one year. The material was manually sorted into leaves, bark, twigs, roots, flowers/fruits and particulate matter. There were no significant differences in the litter stock between the Gallery Forest (9.36 t ha-1) and the eucalyptus plantation (9.12 t ha-1), which were both higher than the Cerrado stricto sensu (6.08 t ha-1). The leaf fraction presented a larger amount in the three vegetation types when compared to the other fractions. There were two different patterns of litter stock seasonality: higher litter stock in the Cerrado stricto sensu and eucalyptus plantation in the dry season; and higher stock in Gallery Forest in the rainy season

Non-Natural Linker Configuration in 2,6-Dipeptidyl-Anthraquinones Enhances the Inhibition of TAR RNA Binding/Annealing Activities by HIV-1 NC and Tat Proteins

The HIV-1 nucleocapsid (NC) protein represents an excellent molecular target for the development of antiretrovirals by virtue of its well-characterized chaperone activities, which play pivotal roles in essential steps of the viral life cycle. Our ongoing search for candidates able to impair NC binding/annealing activities led to the identification of peptidylanthraquinones as a promising class of nucleic acid ligands. Seeking to elucidate the inhibition determinants and increase the potency of this class of compounds, we have now explored the effects of chirality in the linker connecting the planar nucleus to the basic side chains. We show here that the non-natural linker configuration imparted unexpected TAR RNA targeting properties to the 2,6-peptidyl-anthraquinones and significantly enhanced their potency. Even if the new compounds were able to interact directly with the NC protein, they manifested a consistently higher affinity for the TAR RNA substrate and their TARbinding properties mirrored their ability to interfere with NC-TAR interactions. Based on these findings, we propose that the viral Tat protein, sharing the same RNA substrate but acting in distinct phases of the viral life cycle, constitutes an additional druggable target for this class of peptidyl-anthraquinones. The inhibition of Tat-TAR interaction for the test compounds correlated again with their TAR-binding properties, while simultaneously failing to demonstrate any direct Tat-binding capabilities. These considerations highlighted the importance of TAR RNA in the elucidation of their inhibition mechanism, rather than direct protein inhibition. We have therefore identified anti-TAR compounds with dual in vitro inhibitory activity on different viral proteins, demonstrating that it is possible to develop multitarget compounds capable of interfering with processes mediated by the interactions of this essential RNA domain of HIV-1 genome with NC and Tat proteins

Access to Autism Spectrum Disorder Services for Rural Appalachian Citizens

Background: Low-resource rural communities face significant challenges regarding availability and adequacy of evidence-based services. Purposes: With respect to accessing evidence-based services for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), this brief report summarizes needs of rural citizens in the South-Central Appalachian region, an area notable for persistent health disparities. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data during focus groups with 33 service providers and 15 caregivers of children with ASD in rural southwest Virginia. Results: Results supported the barriers of availability and affordability of ASD services in this region, especially relating to the need for more ASD-trained providers, better coordination and navigation of services, and addition of programs to assist with family financial and emotional stressors. Results also suggested cultural attitudes related to autonomy and trust towards outside professionals that may prevent families from engaging in treatment. Implications: Relevant policy recommendations are discussed related to provider incentives, insurance coverage, and telehealth. Integration of autism services into already existing systems and multicultural sensitivity of providers are also implicated

Modeling deforestation in the state of Rondônia

This study applied a deforestation model for the entire State of Rondônia assuming three scenarios of deforestation: business as usual, optimistic and pessimistic. Those scenarios were constructed for the time-period of 2012-2050 using the Dinamica EGO software. Rondônia deforestation dataset was provided by the Agência Ambiental do Estado de Rondônia (Rondônia State Environmental Agency) and was used as input of the deforestation modeling. Based on this study results, we estimated that 32%, 37% and 47% of Rondônia’s native forest could be fully deforested by 2050 assuming the optimistic, business as usual and pessimistic scenarios, respectively. Regardless of the chosen scenario, we expect that deforestation will be spatially concentrated in Northern Rondônia in the next decades. The greatest concern, however, could be the integrity of the protected areas assuming the business as usual and/or pessimistic scenario. In addition, we expect a substantial increase of the forest fragmentation by 2050

Indagini fitosanitarie in giovani impianti forestali in Puglia

Si riportano i risultati di un'indagine volta a rilevare l'incidenza delle avversita fitopatologiche di natura biotica ed abiotica negli imboschimenti realizzati in Puglia in attuazione del Reg. CEE 2080/92. Tra le patologie piu ricorrenti sono risultate l'antracnosi del Noce causata da Marssonina juglandis, il mal bianco delle Querce causato da Microsphaera alphitoides, i cancri rameali da Diplodia corticola e le necrosi fogliari causate da Blumeriella jaapii su Ciliegio. Per quanto concerne i danni da insetti, molto frequenti si sono rivelati quelli provocati dagli afidi, con conseguente sviluppo di fumaggini. Le operazioni colturali, talvolta non eseguite correttamente, hanno, infine, indotto ferite e lesioni corticali costituendo facili vie d'accesso a patogeni fungini. Si ritiene che l'impiego di piantine sane e di provenienza autoctona e l'attuazione di tecniche colturali razionali, soprattutto nei primi 4-5 anni dopo l'impianto, favoriscano l'attecchimento e il vigore vegetativo delle piante nonche la loro resistenza agli attacchi dei patogeni. Un costante monitoraggio degli impianti permetterebbe di limitare l'impatto sulle piante delle malattie piu pericolose e la diffusione incontrollata degli agenti patogeni

Chemical composition, phytotoxic potential, biological activities and antioxidant properties of Myrcia hatschbachii D. Legrand essential oil

Myrcia hatschbachii D. Legrand (Myrtaceae) is a native and endemic species from Brazil. This study investigated the essential oil composition, phytotoxic potential, in vitro toxicity, antioxidant properties and antibacterial activity of species. Chromatographic analysis of essential oil identified trans-calamanene, (E)-caryophyllene and spathulenol as major components. Antioxidant capacity was determined by the DPPH• scavenging method and phosphomolybdenum complex formation assay. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration test, demonstrating that the essential oil was active toward Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. Phytotoxic activity of essential oil was analyzed by testing interference on germination and growth of Lactuca sativa, demonstrating significant inhibition of the hypocotyls and radicles of seeds. Preliminary toxicity studies were determined using Artemia salina, resulting in an LC50 of 409.92 µg/mL, and through hemolytic activity. The results of the phytotoxic activity point to a possible application for Myrcia hatschbachii in the development of natural herbicides and the in vitro toxicity assays suggests the performance of antitumoral activity tests, having in mind the prospection of antineoplastic drugs

Nutrient cycling and balance in the Eucalyptus sp. soil-plant system in the Distrito Federal, Brazil

As espécies do gênero Eucalyptus são as mais plantadas no mundo, tornando-se solução para diminuir a pressão sobre as florestas nativas. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a biomassa seca e sua distribuição nos diferentes compartimentos das árvores (folhas, galhos, casca, lenho e raízes), bem como examinar o conteúdo de macronutrientes dela e o balanço de nutrientes no sistema solo-planta, em um plantio de Eucalyptus urophylla x E. grandis, aos 60 meses de idade, na Fazenda Água Limpa, no Distrito Federal. Os dados foram obtidos de três árvores de eucalipto, que foram cubadas rigorosamente e tiveram as raízes escavadas até a profundidade de 60 cm. Esses dados foram submetidos à análise estatística pela correlação de Pearson. Grande parte da biomassa seca das árvores foi verificada no compartimento lenho (69,19 %), seguido de raízes (10,15 %), galhos (9,75 %), casca (6,06 %) e folhas (4,85 %). Os maiores teores de macronutrientes foram detectados nas folhas (N = 13,55 g kg-1; P = 1,33 g kg-1; K = 8,52 g kg-1; Ca = 7,12 g kg-1; Mg = 2,44 g kg-1; e S = 1,76 g kg-1), enquanto o lenho apresentou os menores (N = 1,73 g kg-1; P = 0,23 g kg-1; K = 0,34 g kg-1; Ca = 0,20 g kg-1; Mg = 0,03 g kg-1; e S = 0,43 g kg-1). A ordem dos conteúdos totais de macronutrientes verificada para a parte aérea foi: N > K > Ca >S > Mg > P, enquanto para as raízes, N > Ca > K > Mg > S > P. As raízes são responsáveis por acumular aproximadamente 11,90 % dos nutrientes contidos na biomassa das árvores; essa quantidade diminui com o aumento da profundidade. O balanço de nutrientes indica que P e S não são suficientes para um novo ciclo da floresta.The species of the Eucalyptus genus are the most cultivated in the world and have become a solution for reducing the pressure on native forests. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dry biomass and its distribution in the different compartments of the trees (leaves, branches, bark, wood and roots), and assess their macronutrient content and nutrient balance in the soil-plant system in a Eucalyptus urophylla x E. grandis plantation at 60 months of age on the Água Limpa Farm in the Distrito Federal, Brazil. Data were obtained from three eucalyptus trees that had been rigorously scaled and the roots dug to a depth of 60 cm. Data were statistically analyzed by Pearson correlation. Most of the dry weight of the trees was observed in the wood compartment (69.19 %), followed by roots (10.15 %), branches (9.75 %), bark (6.06 %) and leaves (4.85 %). The highest levels of macronutrients were observed in leaves (N = 13.55 g kg-1, P = 1.33 g kg-1, K = 8.52 g kg-1, Ca = 7.12 g kg-1, Mg = 2.44 g kg-1, and S = 1.76 g kg-1), while the wood had the lowest concentrations (N = 1.73 g kg-1, P = 0.23 g kg-1, K = 0.34 g kg-1, Ca = 0.20 g kg-1, Mg = 0.03 g kg-1, and S = 0.43 g kg-1). The order of total contents of macronutrients observed for tree shoots was N > K > Ca > S > Mg > P while for the roots it was N > Ca > K > Mg > S > P. The roots accumulate approximately 11.90 % of the nutrients in the biomass of trees, and this amount decreases with increasing depth. The nutrient balance indicates that P and S are not enough for a new growth cycle in the forest

DIVERSIDADE DE INVERTEBRADOS EM DIFERENTES USOS DO SOLO NA FLORESTA DA AMAZÔNIA

The objective was to evaluate the effects of different land use systems on soil quality. The study was carried out at the Confiança Experimental Field - Embrapa - RR. Eight land uses were evaluated in 50 x 50 m plots; forest, capoeira (a kind of secondary forest), managed capoeira, agroforestry without using inputs, agroforestry using inputs, altered pasture, managed pasture and a peach palm/heart palm production system. Mesofauna was obtained using a Berlese-Tullgren funnel, samples were collected with a 5 x 5 cm probe, introduced into the soil at a depth of 5 cm. The samples were sorted using the group experts key. The following were evaluated: biological characterization of the mesofauna and frequency and diversity of the Collembola group. The environments showed high diversification of mesofauna orders, with the highest frequencies in environments with greater ground cover. The use of peach palm/heart palm soil stood out, with high diversity of order and individuals, equivalent to environments with greater soil cover. Invertebrates soil diversity can be better studied and is a good indicator of soil quality.O objetivo foi avaliar os efeitos de diferentes sistemas do uso da terra na qualidade do solo. O estudo foi realizado no Campo Experimental Confiança - Embrapa - RR. Foram avaliados oito usos da terra em parcelas de 50 x 50 m; floresta, capoeira, capoeira manejada, agrofloresta sem insumos, agrofloresta com insumos, pastagem alterada, pastagem manejada e um sistema de produção de pupunha/palmito. Em cada uso do solo projetou-se sobre um transecto na diagonal do terreno, para obtenção de cinco pontos amostrais, onde foram realizadas coletas de solo/serapilheira. A mesofauna foi obtida utilizando funil de Berlese-Tullgren, as amostras foram coletadas com sonda de 5 x 5 cm, introduzida no solo a 5 cm de profundidade. As amostras foram triadas adontando-se a chave de especialistas do grupo. Foram avaliadas: caracterização biológica da mesofauna e frequência e diversidade do grupo Collembola. Os ambientes apresentaram elevada diversificação de ordens de mesofauna, com as maiores frequências em ambientes com maior cobertura do solo. Houve destaque no uso do solo pupunheira/palmito, com alta diversidade de ordem e indivíduos, equivalentes aos ambientes de maior cobertura do solo. A diversidade de invertebrados do solo pode ser mais bem estudada e apresenta-se como bom indicador de qualidade do solo. Palavras-chave: ação antrópica; manejo do solo; biodiversidade.   Land use on the diversity of soil invertebrates in the forest region of the amazon   ABSTRACT: The objective was to evaluate the effects of different land use systems on soil quality. The study was carried out at the Confiança Experimental Field - Embrapa - RR. Eight land uses were evaluated in 50 x 50 m plots; forest, capoeira (a kind of secondary forest), managed capoeira, agroforestry without using inputs, agroforestry using inputs, altered pasture, managed pasture and a peach palm/heart palm production system. Mesofauna was obtained using a Berlese-Tullgren funnel, samples were collected with a 5 x 5 cm probe, introduced into the soil at a depth of 5 cm. The samples were sorted using the group experts key. The following were evaluated: biological characterization of the mesofauna and frequency and diversity of the Collembola group. The environments showed high diversification of mesofauna orders, with the highest frequencies in environments with greater ground cover. The use of peach palm/heart palm soil stood out, with high diversity of order and individuals, equivalent to environments with greater soil cover. Invertebrates soil diversity can be better studied and is a good indicator of soil quality. Keywords: human action; soil management; diversity

DNA damage contributes to neurotoxic inflammation in Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome astrocytes

Aberrant induction of type I IFN is a hallmark of the inherited encephalopathy Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS), but the mechanisms triggering disease in the human central nervous system (CNS) remain elusive. Here, we generated human models of AGS using genetically modified and patient-derived pluripotent stem cells harboring TREX1 or RNASEH2B loss-of-function alleles. Genome-wide transcriptomic analysis reveals that spontaneous proinflammatory activation in AGS astrocytes initiates signaling cascades impacting multiple CNS cell subsets analyzed at the single-cell level. We identify accumulating DNA damage, with elevated R-loop and micronuclei formation, as a driver of STING- and NLRP3-related inflammatory responses leading to the secretion of neurotoxic mediators. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of proapoptotic or inflammatory cascades in AGS astrocytes prevents neurotoxicity without apparent impact on their increased type I IFN responses. Together, our work identifies DNA damage as a major driver of neurotoxic inflammation in AGS astrocytes, suggests a role for AGS gene products in R-loop homeostasis, and identifies common denominators of disease that can be targeted to prevent astrocyte-mediated neurotoxicity in AGS