Seed abscission and fruit dehiscence required for seed dispersal rely on similar genetic networks

Seed dispersal is an essential trait that enables colonization of newfavorable habitats, ensuring species survival. In plants with dehiscentfruits, such asArabidopsis, seed dispersal depends on two processes:the separation of the fruit valves that protect the seeds (fruitdehiscence) and the detachment of the seeds from the funiculusconnectingthemtothe motherplant (seed abscission).Postprint (published version

Phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate mediates the establishment of infectious bursal disease virus replication complexes in association with early endosomes

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is the archetypal member of the family Birnaviridae and the etiological agent of Gumboro disease, a highly contagious immunosuppressive infection of concern to the global poultry sector for its adverse health effects in chicks. Unlike most double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses, which enclose their genomes within specialized cores throughout their viral replication cycle, birnaviruses organize their bisegmented dsRNA genome in ribonucleoprotein (RNP) structures. Recently, we demonstrated that IBDV exploits endosomal membranes for replication. The establishment of IBDV replication machinery on the cytosolic leaflet of endosomal compartments is mediated by the viral protein VP3 and its intrinsic ability to target endosomes. In this study, we identified the early endosomal phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate [PtdIns(3)P] as a key host factor of VP3 association with endosomal membranes and consequent establishment of IBDV replication complexes in early endosomes. Indeed, our data reveal a crucial role for PtdIns(3)P in IBDV replication. Overall, our findings provide new insights into the replicative strategy of birnaviruses and strongly suggest that it resembles those of positive-strand RNA (1ssRNA) viruses, which replicate in association with host membranes. Furthermore, our findings support the role of birnaviruses as evolutionary intermediaries between 1ssRNA and dsRNA viruses and, importantly, demonstrate a novel role for PtdIns(3)P in the replication of a dsRNA virus. IMPORTANCE Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) infects chicks and is the causative agent of Gumboro disease. During IBDV outbreaks in recent decades, the emergence of very virulent variants and the lack of effective prevention/treatment strategies to fight this disease have had devastating consequences for the poultry industry. IBDV belongs to the peculiar family Birnaviridae. Unlike most dsRNA viruses, birnaviruses organize their genomes in ribonucleoprotein complexes and replicate in a core-independent manner. We recently demonstrated that IBDV exploits host cell endosomes as platforms for viral replication, a process that depends on the VP3 viral protein. In this study, we delved deeper into the molecular characterization of IBDV-endosome association and investigated the role of host cell phosphatidylinositide lipids in VP3 protein localization and IBDV infection. Together, our findings demonstrate that PtdIns(3)P serves as a scaffold for the association of VP3 to endosomes and reveal its essential role for IBDV replication.Fil: Gimenez, Maria Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos; Argentina. University of Toronto; CanadáFil: Issa, Mariam. University of Toronto; CanadáFil: Sheth, Javal. University of Toronto; CanadáFil: Colombo, Maria Isabel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos; ArgentinaFil: Terebiznik, Mauricio R.. University of Toronto; CanadáFil: Delgui, Laura Ruth. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos; Argentin

Physico-chemical characterization of centrifuged sludge from the Tamanduá water treatment plant (Foz do Iguaçu, PR)

The water treatment process generates a residue called water treatment plant (WTP) sludge, which needs tobe correctly characterized to ensure appropriate disposal or reuse. This study aimed to characterize the centrifugedsludge produced at the Tamanduá WTP, Iguaçu Falls City, Brazil, and considered opportunities for itsreuse in the production of concrete for the civil construction industry. Wet sludge (sludge in its natural form)analysis included the determination of total solids, moisture content, density, pH, and inorganic parameters(As, Al, Ba, Cd, Pb, Cr, F, Hg, Ag, and Se) through thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and chemicalanalysis by X-ray fluorescence and loss ignition. For calcined WTP sludge, chemical and mineralogicalcomposition and laser granulometry were evaluated. The results indicated that calcined sludge had the potentialto be used in the production of cement materials; conversely wet sludge did not reach the appropriatesafety standards due to the high quantity of organic matter.Keywords: Water treatment plant, water sludge, coagulant, solid waste

MADS-box and bHLH transcription factors coordinate transmitting tract development in arabidopsis thaliana

The MADS-domain transcription factor SEEDSTICK (STK) controls several aspects of plant reproduction. STK is co-expressed with CESTA (CES), a basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) transcription factor-encoding gene. CES was reported to control redundantly with the brassinosteroid positive signaling factors BRASSINOSTEROID ENHANCED EXPRESSION1 (BEE1) and BEE3 the development of the transmitting tract. Combining the stk ces-4 mutants led to a reduction in ovule fertilization due to a defect in carpel fusion which, caused the formation of holes at the center of the septum where the transmitting tract differentiates. Combining the stk mutant with the bee1 bee3 ces-4 triple mutant showed an increased number of unfertilized ovules and septum defects.Postprint (published version

Aprovechamiento de residuos agroindustriales para la elaboración de un biofertilizante

INTRODUCCIÓN: La acumulación desmedida de residuos generados por el consumo humano es un hecho evidente, por lo que las tecnologías de reutilización y conversión de éstos contribuyen a mitigar el impacto del problema. El compostaje es una práctica ampliamente aceptada para lograr ese propósito y consiste en un proceso bio-oxidativo mediante el cual se logra un producto con potencial uso en la industria agrícola. Sin embargo, los tiempos requeridos para obtener un producto final estable e inocuo pueden ser variables e incluso extensos. En este sentido, las características nutricionales de los residuos compostados y los tiempos de procesado pueden ser mejorados mediante la aplicación de un catalizador de formulación propia. OBJETIVOS: Evaluar el proceso de compostaje de residuos agroindustriales tratados con un catalizador de formulación propia y la posterior bioaumentación del producto con microorganismos beneficiosos para obtener un biofertilizante de alto valor agregado. MATERIALES YMÉTODOS: La optimización del catalizador del proceso de compostaje se realizó mediante un diseño factorial completo, evaluando concentración de fuente de nitrógeno, de carbono y de detergente. Se obtuvieron 12 mezclas diferentes que se utilizaron para regar pilas constituidas por frutos cítricos (principalmente limones),aserrín, guano de gallina y chipeo de material de poda. Paralelamente, se ensayó una pila de compost sin tratamiento (control negativo) y una pila de compost tratada con un catalizador comercial (control positivo). El proceso de compostaje duró 45 días, midiendo diferentes parámetros. Al final del mismo, se evaluó la calidad del compost obtenido en cada pila. Posteriormente, 60 g de compost optimizado se colocaron en frascos de vidrio, se inocularon con microorganismos (Bacillus, Azospirillum y Trichoderma), se ajustó la humedad y se incubaron durante 30 días a temperatura ambiente (microcosmos no estériles bioaumentados). Se realizaron los controles correspondientes: microcosmos no estériles sin bioaumentar y microcosmos estériles bioaumentados. Semanalmente, se determinaron los microorganismos heterótrofos totales mediante recuento de unidades formadoras de colonias (UFC).RESULTADOS: Teniendo en cuenta el porcentaje de biofertilizante obtenido a los 45 días y las características físico-químicas del producto, se determinó la composición óptima del catalizador: fuente de nitrógeno 1%, fuente de carbono 2% y detergente 1%. Para esta proporción, el producto obtenido presentó características físico-químicas semejantes a los valores encontrados en la bibliografía, incluso similares a las cifras obtenidas en la pila tratada con un catalizador comercial. Al bioaumentar las muestras de compost optimizado, no se encontró diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los valores de UFC g-1entre tratamientos; sin embargo, se observaría un mayor recuento microbiano en las muestras inoculadas, lo que demostraría la capacidad de los microorganismos estudiados para sobrevivir en las muestras de compost, por un período de al menos un mes. DISCUSIÓN Y CONCLUSIONES: Se optimizó un catalizador que aceleró el proceso de compostaje, logrando la estabilidad y madurez del producto en menor tiempo que los controles sin el mismo. Además, la inoculación de las muestras generaría un compost de alta calidad al tratarse de microorganismos promotores del crecimiento vegetal. El tratamiento de estos residuos minimizaría su impacto negativo en el ambiente.Fil: Raimondo, Enzo Emanuel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia; ArgentinaFil: Colombo, Mauricio. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia; ArgentinaFil: Salinas, Bárbara. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; ArgentinaFil: Chaves, Consuelo. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia; ArgentinaFil: Alvarez, Analia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; ArgentinaFil: Romero, Cintia Mariana. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos; Argentina1° Congreso Nacional de Alimentos, Salud y AmbienteCórdobaArgentinaColegio de Licenciados y Técnicos en Química e Industrias de la Alimentación de la Provincia de Córdoba

Co-infeccao por virus dengue, sorotipos 1 e 4, em paciente de cidade de porte medio no Brasil

RESUMO A co-infecção por dengue vírus pode ocorrer em áreas com circulação endêmica, nas quais diferentes sorotipos vêm circulando durante muitos anos. Neste trabalho relatamos um caso de co-infecção por DENV-1/DENV-4 em soro humano, detectado por testes moleculares. Análises filogenéticas das sequências obtidas indicaram a presença do genótipo V e II de DENV-1 e DENV-4, respectivamente.SUMMARY The natural co-infection with dengue virus can occur in highly endemic areas where different serotypes have been observed for many years. We report one case of DENV-1/DENV-4 co-infection in human serum detected by molecular tests. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences obtained indicated the presence of genotype V and II for DENV-1 and DENV-4, respectively

Improved objective bayesian estimator for a PLP model hierarchically represented subject to competing risks under minimal repair regime

In this paper, we propose a hierarchical statistical model for a single repairable system subject to several failure modes (competing risks). The paper describes how complex engineered systems may be modelled hierarchically by use of Bayesian methods. It is also assumed that repairs are minimal and each failure mode has a power-law intensity. Our proposed model generalizes another one already presented in the literature and continues the study initiated by us in another published paper. Some properties of the new model are discussed. We conduct statistical inference under an objective Bayesian framework. A simulation study is carried out to investigate the efficiency of the proposed methods. Finally, our methodology is illustrated by two practical situations currently addressed in a project under development arising from a partnership between Petrobras and six research institutes

Socioeconomic, Clinical, and Molecular Features of Breast Cancer Influence Overall Survival of Latin American Women

Molecular profile of breast cancer in Latin-American women was studied in five countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay. Data about socioeconomic characteristics, risk factors, prognostic factors, and molecular subtypes were described, and the 60- month overall cumulative survival probabilities (OS) were estimated. From 2011 to 2013, 1,300 eligible Latin-American women 18 years or older, with a diagnosis of breast cancer in clinical stage II or III, and performance status ≦̸ 1 were invited to participate in a prospective cohort study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted, and clinical and outcome data, including death, were extracted from medical records. Unadjusted associations were evaluated by Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests and the OS by Kaplan–Meier method. Log-rank test was used to determine differences between cumulative probability curves. Multivariable adjustment was carried out by entering potential confounders in the Cox regression model. The OS at 60 months was 83.9%. Multivariable-adjusted death hazard differences were found for women living in Argentina (2.27), Chile (1.95), and Uruguay (2.42) compared with Mexican women, for older (≥60 years) (1.84) compared with younger (≤40 years) women, for basal-like subtype (5.8), luminal B (2.43), and HER2-enriched (2.52) compared with luminal A subtype, and for tumor clinical stages IIB (1.91), IIIA (3.54), and IIIB (3.94) compared with stage IIA women. OS was associated with country of residence, PAM50 intrinsic subtype, age, and tumor stage at diagnosis. While the latter is known to be influenced by access to care, including cancer screening, timely diagnosis and treatment, including access to more effective treatment protocols, it may also influence epigenetic changes that, potentially, impact molecular subtypes. Data derived from heretofore understudied populations with unique geographic ancestry and sociocultural experiences are critical to furthering our understanding of this complexity.Fil: de Almeida, Liz María. Instituto Nacional de Câncer; BrasilFil: Cortés, Sandra. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; ChileFil: Vilensky, Marta. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Oncología "Ángel H. Roffo"; ArgentinaFil: Valenzuela, Olivia. Universidad de Sonora; MéxicoFil: Cortes Sanabria, Laura. Hospital de Especialidades Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI; MéxicoFil: de Souza, Mirian. Instituto Nacional de Câncer; BrasilFil: Barbeito, Rafael Alonso. Universidad de la República; UruguayFil: Abdelhay, Eliana. Instituto Nacional de Câncer; BrasilFil: Artagaveytia, Nora. Universidad de la Republica; UruguayFil: Daneri Navarro, Adrian. Universidad de Guadalajara; MéxicoFil: Llera, Andrea Sabina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires. Fundación Instituto Leloir. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Müller, Bettina. Instituto Nacional del Cáncer; ChileFil: Podhajcer, Osvaldo Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires. Fundación Instituto Leloir. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Velazquez, Carlos. Universidad de Sonora; MéxicoFil: Alcoba, Elsa. Hospital Maria Curie; ArgentinaFil: Alonso, Isabel. Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell; UruguayFil: Bravo, Alicia I.. Hospital Higa Eva Perón; ArgentinaFil: Camejo, Natalia. Universidad de la República; UruguayFil: Carraro, Dirce Maria. A. C. Camargo Cancer Center; BrasilFil: Castro, Mónica. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Oncología "Ángel H. Roffo"; ArgentinaFil: Cataldi, Sandra. Instituto Nacional del Cáncer; UruguayFil: Cayota, Alfonso. Instituto Pasteur de Montevideo; UruguayFil: Cerda, Mauricio. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Colombo, Alicia. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Crocamo, Susanne. Instituto Nacional de Câncer; BrasilFil: Silva-Garcia, Aida A.. Universidad de Guadalajara; MéxicoFil: Viña, Stella. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Oncología "Ángel H. Roffo"; ArgentinaFil: Zagame, Livia. Instituto Jalisciense de Cancerología; MéxicoFil: Jones, Beth. University of Yale; Estados UnidosFil: Szklo, Moysés. University Johns Hopkins; Estados Unido