Yeast species associated with honey: different identification methods

In the present study, three different methods were used to identify yeast isolated from Trás-os-Montes, Portuguese honey. A total of 24 isolates were identified using a partial sequence of the 26S rRNA gene (rDNA), restriction patterns generated from the region spanning the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) of the 5.8S rRNA gene and the API 20C AUX kit. Nine different yeast species were identified representing six different genera. Among the isolated honey samples, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Candida magnoliae and Zygosaccharomyces mellis were the predominant species. Partial sequence of the 26S rDNA yielded the best results in terms of correct identification, followed by-5.8S-ITS analysis. The commercial identification kit API 20C AUX was able to correctly identify only 58% of the isolates. Two new 5.8S-ITS profiles were described, corresponding to Trichosporon mucoides and Candida sorbosivorans

Characterization of the Phytophthora cinnamomi lipase activity

Phyiophthora cínnamomi is soilborn pseudofungus, associated to the Oomycetes with ink disease of chestnut. Lipases (triacylglycerols hydrolases) are important enzymes in fat metabolism, catalyzing the breakdown of triacylglycerols to free fatty acids and g!ycerol. Owing to the very low so!ubility of their natural substrates, this hydrolysis is catalyzed at the interface between an insoluble substrate and the aqueous phase in which the enzyme is solubilized

Molecular markers for genetic diversity, gene flow and genetic population structure of freshwater mussel species

Freshwater mussel species are in global decline. Anthropogenic changes of river channels and the decrease of autochthonous fish population, the natural hosts of mussels larval stages (glochidia), are the main causes. Therefore, the conservation of mussel species depends not only on habitat conservation, but also on the availability of the fish host. In Portugal, information concerning most of the mussel species is remarkably scarce. One of the most known species, Unio pictorum is also in decline however, in the basins of the rivers Tua and Sabor (Northeast of Portugal), there is some indication of relatively large populations. The aforementioned rivers can be extremely important for this species conservation not only in Portugal, but also in the remaining Iberian Peninsula. Thus, it is important to obtain data concerning Unio pictorum bioecology (distribution, habitat requirements, population structure, genetic variability, reproductive cycle and recruitment rates), as well as the genetic variability and structure of the population. Concomitantly, information concerning fish population structure, the importance of the different fish species as glochidia hosts and their appropriate density to allow effective mussel recruitment, will also be assessed. The achieved data is crucial to obtain information to develop effective management measures in order to promote the conservation of this bivalve species, the conservation of autochthonous fish populations, and consequently the integrity of the river habitats

Scientifically advanced solutions for chestnut ink disease

On the north regions of Portugal and Spain, the Castanea sativa Mill. culture is extremely important. The biggest productivity and yield break occurs due to the ink disease, the causal agent being the oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi. This oomycete is also responsible for the decline of many other plant species in Europe and worldwide. P. cinnamomi and Phytophthora cambivora are considered, by the generality of the authors, as the C. sativa ink disease causal agents. Most Phytophthora species secrete large amounts of elicitins, a group of unique highly conserved proteins that are able to induce hypersensitive response (HR) and enhances plant defense responses in a systemic acquired resistance (SAR) manner against infection by different pathogens. Some other proteins involved in mechanisms of infection by P. cinnamomi were identified by our group: endo-1,3-beta-glucanase (complete cds); exo-glucanase (partial cds) responsible by adhesion, penetration, and colonization of host tissues; glucanase inhibitor protein (GIP) (complete cds) responsible by the suppression of host defense responses; necrosis-inducing Phytophthora protein 1 (NPP1) (partial cds); and transglutaminase (partial cds) which inducts defense responses and disease-like symptoms. In this mini-review, we present some scientifically advanced solutions that can contribute to the resolution of ink disease

Orbital Exenteration for Eyelid Skin Carcinoma

Exenteration of the orbit is a disfiguring and destructive procedure; it is generally performed for orbital malignancies and often provides a significant reconstructive challenge. Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical indications for orbital exenteration in a tertiary referral center and to assess the reconstructive options employed. A retrospective nonrandomized analysis was performed, selecting all patients undergoing orbital exenteration over a 5-year period, between January 2005 and January 2010. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and reconstructive techniques used were evaluated. Twenty patients with a mean age of 76.5 years underwent total orbital exenteration. Basal cell carcinoma was the main operative indication (45%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (15%). Reconstructive techniques included cover of the raw orbital cavity with a temporal muscular flap in all cases followed with split skin grafting (25%), bilaterally pedicle V-Y advancement flap (10%) and a fasciocutaneous island flap of the retroauricular region (65%). Twenty percent of patients had local complications and all were treated in a satisfactory fashion. Eyelid skin tumors remain an important cause of orbital exenteration. Temporal muscle flap is a reliable and stable reconstructive solution after orbital exenteration and additional aid is supplied with skin grafts or local flaps. This technique ensures a good aesthetic outcome and better situation for later complementary treatments and minimal associated donor site morbidity

Genes descobertos na sequenciação parcial do genoma de Phytophthora cinnamomi

Members of the oomycete cause extensive losses in agriculture and widespread degradation in natural plant communities, being responsible for the death of thousands of trees every year. Two of the representative species are Phytophthora infestans, which causes late blight of potato, and Phytophthora cinnamomi, which causes chestnut ink disease, responsible for losses on sweet chestnut production in Europe. Genome sequencing efforts have been focused on the study of three species: P. infestans, P. sojae and P. ramorum. Phytophthora infestans has been developed as the model specie for the genus, possessing excellent genetic and genomics resources including genetic maps, BAC libraries, and EST sequences. Our research team is trying to sequence the genome of P. cinnamomi in order to gain a better understanding of this oomycete, to study changes in plant-pathogen relationships including those resulting from climate change and trying to decrease the pathogens impact on crops and plants in natural ecosystems worldwide. We present here a preliminary report of partially sequenced genomic DNA from P. cinnamomi encoding putative protein-coding sequences and tRNAs. Database analysis reveals the presence of genes conserved in oomycetes.Os oomicetas causam enormes perdas na agricultura e degradação generalizada em áreas de crescimento natural, sendo responsáveis pela morte de milhares de árvores por ano. Duas das espécies representativas de oomicetas são Phytophthora infestans, que provoca o míldio da batateira, e Phytophthora cinnamomi, que causa a doença da tinta do castanheiro, responsável por perdas de produção de castanha na Europa. Os esforços de sequenciação de genomas de oomicetas têm estado focados no estudo de três espécies: P. infestans, P. sojae e P. ramorum. Phytophthora infestans foi considerada como espécie modelo para o género, pois possui excelentes recursos genéticos e de genómica, incluindo mapas genéticos, bibliotecas BAC, e sequências de EST. Esta equipa de investigadores procura sequenciar o genoma de P. cinnamomi, a fim de obter uma melhor compreensão deste oomiceta, para estudar mudanças nas relações plantapatogénio, incluindo as resultantes das alterações climáticas, e tentando diminuir o impacto do patogénio nas culturas e plantas em ecossistemas naturais em todo o mundo. É apresentada uma abordagem preliminar do DNA genómico parcialmente sequenciado a partir de P. cinnamomi, o qual codifica possíveis sequências de proteínas e tRNAs. As análises em bases de dados revelam a presença de genes conservados em oomicetas.The Project COMBATINTA/SP2.P11/02 Interreg IIIA – Cross-Border Cooperation Spain-Portugal, financed by The European Regional Development Found, supported this work.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Post-transcriptional gene silencing of glucanase inhibitor protein in Phytophthora cinnamomi

Ink disease is considered one of the most significant causes contributing to the decline of chestnut orchards. The reduced yield of Castanea sativa Mill can be attributed to two main species: Phytophthora cinnamomi and Phytophthora cambivora, with the first being the main pathogen responsible for ink disease in Portugal. P. cinnamomi is a highly aggressive and widely distributed plant pathogen, capable of infecting nearly 1000 host species. This oomycete causes substantial economic losses and is accountable for the decline of numerous plant species in Europe and worldwide. To date, no effective treatments are available to combat these pathogens. Given chestnut’s economic and ecological significance, particularly in Portugal, it is crucial to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between Phytophthora species and host plants. This can be achieved through the study of the glucanase inhibitor protein (GIP) produced by P. cinnamomi during infection. The technique of RNA interference (RNAi) was employed to suppress the GIP gene of P. cinnamomi. The resulting transformants, carrying the silenced gene, were used to infect C. sativa, allowing for the assessment of the effects of gene silencing on the plant’s phenotype. Additionally, bioinformatics tools predicted the secretion of GIP protein. The obtained results validate RNAi as a potential alternative tool for studying molecular factors and for controlling and managing P. cinnamomi.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) and FEDER under Program PT2020 for financial support to CIMO UID/AGR/00690/2019info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Effect of temperature on the bioactive properties of bee pollen

Bee pollen is flower pollen collected by the honey bee, Apis mellifera, for the purpose of feeding its larvae in the early stages of development. lt is recognized to be a valuable apitherapeutic product with potential for medical, health and nutritional applications. The objective of this work was to compares the effect of different storage conditions in the bioactive compounds and biological properties of bee pollen

An overview of the bioactive compounds, therapeutic properties and toxic effects of apitoxin

Apitoxin, also known as bee venom (BV), is produced in two specialized abdominal glands of worker bees and is used as a defence weapon of bees’ colony (Choi et al., 2015; Zhang et al., 2016). In addition, this natural product has been used since the ancient times to relieve pain and to treat chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, skin conditions and even neurologic disorders (Moreno and Giralt, 2015). This natural product is a light-yellow liquid, characterized by a bitter taste, pungent smell and a pH ranging from 4.5 to 5.5 (Eze et al., 2016; Hossen et al., 2017). Some studies have described that 88% of BV is water, yet its specific composition varies depending on bee’ species and season (Moreno and Giralt, 2015). Indeed, BV has been reported to contain a complex of biologically active compounds among which enzymes (phospholipase A2 [PLA2], lysophospholipase, hyaluronidase, acid phosphomonoesterase; α-glucosidase, dipeptidyl peptidase IV and vitellogenin), peptides (melittin [MLT], apamin, mast cell degranulating [MCD], mastocytolytic peptide, scapin, adolapin, minimine; apidaecin; tertiapin; melittin F; cadiopep; procamine A, B, pamine, and proteaseinhibitors), biogenic amines (histamine, dopamine, noradrenaline, norepinephrine, neurotransmitters) and other compounds such as amino acids (γ-aminobutyric acid, α-amino acids), carbohydrates (glucose, fructose), pheromones (Iso-pentyl acetate, n-buttyl acetate, iso-pentanol, n-hexyl acetate, n-octyl acetate, 2-nonanol, n-decyl acetate, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol and (2)-11 –eicosen-1-ol) and minerals (P, Ca and Mg) (Nguyen et al., 2015; Tusiimire et al., 2015; Rady et al., 2017; Moga et al., 2018; Lee et al., 2018). Among these compounds, MLT is the main therapeutic ingredient of BV, representing between 40 and 60% of the dry weight (Abd-Elhakim et al., 2014).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Comparison of Outcomes in Immediate Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: Acellular Dermal Matrix versus Inferior Dermal Flap

Background Implant-based breast reconstruction has evolved tremendously in the last decades, mainly due to the development of new products and techniques that make the procedure safer and more reliable. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes in immediate one-stage breast reconstruction between acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and inferior dermal flap (IDF). Methods We conducted a retrospective comparative study of patients submitted to immediate breast reconstructions with an anatomical implant and ADM or IDF in a single center between 2016 and 2018. Outcomes evaluated included major complications, early complications, reinterventions, readmissions, and reconstruction failure. Simple descriptive statistics and univariate analysis were performed. Results A total of 118 breast reconstructions (85 patients) were included in the analysis. Patients in the IDF group had a higher body mass index (median = 27.0) than patients in the ADM group (median = 24). There were no statistically significant differences among both groups regarding immediate major complication, early complications, readmissions, and reinterventions. Conclusion There are no significant differences in complications between the ADM and IDF approach to immediate implant breast reconstruction. In patients with higher body mass index and large, ptotic breasts, we recommend an immediate implant reconstruction with IDF.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio