Transcriptional regulatory networks controlling woolliness in peach in response to preharvest gibberellin application and cold storage

BACKGROUND: Postharvest fruit conservation relies on low temperatures and manipulations of hormone metabolism to maintain sensory properties. Peaches are susceptible to chilling injuries, such as ‘woolliness’ that is caused by juice loss leading to a ‘wooly’ fruit texture. Application of gibberellic acid at the initial stages of pit hardening impairs woolliness incidence, however the mechanisms controlling the response remain unknown. We have employed genome wide transcriptional profiling to investigate the effects of gibberellic acid application and cold storage on harvested peaches. RESULTS: Approximately half of the investigated genes exhibited significant differential expression in response to the treatments. Cellular and developmental process gene ontologies were overrepresented among the differentially regulated genes, whereas sequences in cell death and immune response categories were underrepresented. Gene set enrichment demonstrated a predominant role of cold storage in repressing the transcription of genes associated to cell wall metabolism. In contrast, genes involved in hormone responses exhibited a more complex transcriptional response, indicating an extensive network of crosstalk between hormone signaling and low temperatures. Time course transcriptional analyses demonstrate the large contribution of gene expression regulation on the biochemical changes leading to woolliness in peach. CONCLUSION: Overall, our results provide insights on the mechanisms controlling the complex phenotypes associated to postharvest textural changes in peach and suggest that hormone mediated reprogramming previous to pit hardening affects the onset of chilling injuries. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12870-015-0659-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Dual-Band Infrared Scheimpflug Lidar Reveals Insect Activity in a Tropical Cloud Forest

We describe an entomological dual-band 808 and 980 nm lidar system which has been implemented in a tropical cloud forest (Ecuador). The system was successfully tested at a sample rate of 5 kHz in a cloud forest during challenging foggy conditions (extinction coefficients up to 20 km–1). At times, the backscattered signal could be retrieved from a distance of 2.929 km. We present insect and bat observations up to 200 m during a single night with an emphasis on fog aspects, potentials, and benefits of such dual-band systems. We demonstrate that the modulation contrast between insects and fog is high in the frequency domain compared to intensity in the time domain, thus allowing for better identification and quantification in misty forests. Oscillatory lidar extinction effects are shown in this work for the first time, caused by the combination of dense fog and large moths partially obstructing the beam. We demonstrate here an interesting case of a moth where left- and right-wing movements induced oscillations in both intensity and pixel spread. In addition, we were able to identify the dorsal and ventral sides of the wings by estimating the corresponding melanization with the dual-band lidar. We demonstrate that the wing beat trajectories in the dual-band parameter space are complementary rather than covarying or redundant, thus a dual-band entomological lidar approach to biodiversity studies is feasible in situ and endows species specificity differentiation. Future improvements are discussed. The introduction of these methodologies opens the door to a wealth of possible experiments to monitor, understand, and safeguard the biological resources of one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth

The effects, beliefs and practices of puerperal women's self-care

Objetivou-se neste estudo exploratório-descritivo conhecer as crenças, influências e práticas que permeiam o autocuidado das mulheres no puerpério. Foram informantes quinze puérperas de Rio Grande-RS. Colheram-se os dados em setembro e outubro de 2010, com entrevistas semiestruturadas, realizadas entre quinze e trinta dias pós-parto. Adotou-se a análise temática para o tratamento dos dados. Fundamentadas no cuidado/autocuidado durante o puerpério, o qual provinha da orientação familiar realizada em âmbito doméstico, delinearam-se duas categorias: uma referente a restrições, aquilo que devia ser evitado por gerar malefícios; outra envolvendo incentivos, ou seja, práticas que traziam benefícios à puérpera ou ao recém-nascido. Este estudo mostra a importância dos profissionais terem consciência a respeito da quarentena, pois é uma herança cultural que ainda perdura nos dias atuais. Concluiu-se que o saber popular é muito valorizado por essas mulheres e, embora careça de embasamento científico, não se mostrou como desencadeador de problemas ao binômio mãe-bebê.Se objetivó en este estudio exploratorio-descriptivo conocer las creencias, influencias y prácticas que afectan el autocuidado de mujeres en el puerperio. Fueron entrevistadas 15 puérperas en Rio Grande-RS. Datos fueran recolectados en setiembre y octubre 2010, mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas efectuadas entre quince y treinta días postparto. Hemos adoptado un análisis temático para el tratamiento de datos. Se delinearon dos categorías fundamentadas en la orientación familiar sobre cuidado/autocuidado puerperal. Una, referente a restricciones, aquello que debía evitarse por generar eventos no beneficiosos; otra, involucrando incentivos, prácticas positivas para la puérpera o el recién nacido. El estudio muestra la importancia de que los profesionales tengan conciencia respecto de la cuarentena, herencia cultural que perdura en la actualidad. Se concluye en que el saber popular es altamente valorizado por esas mujeres y, aunque no responda a bases científicas, no se muestra como desencadenante de problemas para el binomio madre-bebé.The objective of this exploratory-descriptive study was to identify the beliefs, effects and practices that permeate women's self-care during puerperium. The participants were fifteen puerperal women from Rio Grande/RS. Data collection was performed in September and October of 2010 using semi-structured interviews, performed between fifteen and thirty days postpartum. Thematic analysis was used. Two categories emerged regarding self-care during puerperium, which was performed based on the family guidance received at home. One referred to restrictions, or activities that should be avoided to prevent harm; the other involved encouragement, i.e., practices that promoted benefits to the puerperal woman or newborn. This study shows the importance of professionals being aware of the quarantine period, as it is a cultural heritage that remains in effect today. In conclusion, common knowledge is highly valued by these women, and despite the need for scientific evidence supporting such knowledge it was not a trigger for problems in either the mothers or infants in this study

Caracterización por Espectrometría de Masas MALDI de Cucurbit[n]uriles (n = 6,7,8)

The characterization of a mixture of cucurbit[n]uril (n = 6,7,8) was carried out by MALDI MS (Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Mass Spectrometry). The solid mixture of the titled compounds was synthesized as part of a research study involving supramolecular chemistry at the Departamento de Química e Ingeniería Química at USFQ. For the MALDI analysis, an appropriate procedure was implemented for sample preparation, which includes the effective dissolution of the solid mixture of cucurbit[n]uril in a solution of water and formic acid, and the addition of alpha-cyano-4-hydroxy cinamic acid as MALDI matrix (10g/l in 70:30 (v:v) of methanol: acetonitrile). In the sample preparation process for MALDI, other solvents were employed to try dissolving the cucurbit[n]uril mixture with poor results. The addition of formic acid to deionized water was important to achieve satisfactory dissolution of the cucurbit[n]uril compounds and to assure its compatibility with the matrix. To acquire the corresponding mass spectra, a MALDI-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (MALDI-TOF MS) was used, which was built in the Departamento de Física at EPN. The mass spectra of the detected cucurbit[n]uril ions were characterized by the presence of the single protonated peaks of three molecular species corresponding to n = 6,7,8 as inferred from their m/z values. Additionally, the mass spectra contained abundant peaks of the MALDI matrix in the mass region up to 500 Da. The mass spectra were satisfactorily internally calibrated with the help of multiple peaks of a PEG600 polymer that was introduced as an internal standard in the sample. The instrumental molecular mass resolution allowed for isotopical resolution over the whole mass range and the overall mass accuracy was about 0.1 %. The most intense signal among the cucurbit[n]uril peaks was assigned to the cucurbit[7]uril compound. A discussion is advanced to rationalize the observed molecular cucurbit[n]uril species under the used methodology.La caracterización de una mezcla de cucurbit[n]uriles (n = 6,7,8) se ha realizado por medio de espectrometría de masas con la técnica de ionización MALDI (Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization). Los cucurbit[n]uriles fueron sintetizados como parte de una investigación de química supramolecular dentro del Departamento de Química e Ingeniería Química de la USFQ. Para el análisis con MALDI se ha introducido un procedimiento adecuado para la preparación de muestras, que incluye la disolución efectiva de la mezcla sólida de cucurbit[n]uriles en una solución de agua y ácido fórmico, y el uso del ácido alfa-ciano-4-hidroxi-cinámico como matriz MALDI, en una solución 10g/l en 70:30 (v:v) de metanol y acetronitrilo. En el proceso de preparación de muestras para MALDI se intentó utilizar otros solventes para el cucurbit[n]uril con pobres resultados. La adición del ácido fórmico al agua desionizada fue importante para lograr la correcta disolución del compuesto y asegurar su compatibilidad con la solución de matriz. Para obtener los espectros de masas correspondientes se utilizó un espectrómetro de masas de tiempo de vuelo MALDI (MALDI TOF-MS) construido en el Departamento de Física de la EPN. Los espectros de masa de los cucurbit[n]uriles se caracterizaron por la presencia de los iones protonados con una carga de las especies moleculares correspondientes a n = 6,7,8, según se infiere de los valores m/z medidos. Adicionalmente, los espectros de masa contuvieron picos abundantes de la matriz MALDI en la región de masas hasta 500 Da. Los espectros de masa se calibraron internamente de forma satisfactoria con la ayuda de os múltiples picos del polímero PEG600 que se introdujo como un estándar interno en las muestras. La resolución de masas instrumental permitió separar las componentes isotópicas a lo largo de todo el rango de masas y una precisión general en la detrminación de la masa de alrededor de 0.1 %. La señal más intensa entre los cucurbit[n]uriles se la asignó al compuesto cucurbit[7]uril. Se hace una corta discusión tendiente a racionalizar la observación de las especies observadas con nuestra metodología experimental

Determinação de cádmio em cogumelos da espécie Lentinus edodes

Many studies have drawn attention to the occurrence and concentration of toxic elements found in the fruiting body of mushrooms. Some edible mushroom species are known to accumulate high levels of inorganic contaminants, mainly cadmium, mercury, and lead. There are about 2,000 known edible mushroom species, but only 25 of them are cultivated and used as food. In Brazil, the most marketed and consumed mushroom species are Agaricus bisporus, known as Paris champignon, Lentinus edodes, or Shitake and Pleurotus sp, also called Shimeji or Hiratake. In this study, the concentration of cadmium was determined in Lentinus edodes mushrooms from different cities in São Paulo state and some samples imported from Japan and China. The analyses were performed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after HNO3-H2O2 digestion. The results showed a lower concentration of Cd in the mushrooms cultivated in São Paulo (0.0079 to 0.023 mg.kg-1 in natura) than that of the mushrooms cultivated abroad (0.125 to 0.212 mg.kg-1 in natura). Although there is no tolerance limit for Cd in mushrooms in Brazil, the results show that Lentinus edodes mushrooms can be safely consumed

Current Bioengineering and Regenerative Strategies for the Generation of Kidney Grafts on Demand

[EN] Currently in the USA, one name is added to the organ transplant waiting list every 15 min. As this list grows rapidly, fewer than one-third of waiting patients can receive matched organs from donors. Unfortunately, many patients who require a transplant have to wait for long periods of time, and many of them die before receiving the desired organ. In the USA alone, over 100,000 patients are waiting for a kidney transplant. However, it is a problem that affects around 6% of the word population. Therefore, seeking alternative solutions to this problem is an urgent work. Here, we review the current promising regenerative technologies for kidney function replacement. Despite many approaches being applied in the different ways outlined in this work, obtaining an organ capable of performing complex functions such as osmoregulation, excretion or hormone synthesis is still a long-term goal. 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Transplantation of metanephroi across the major histocompatibility complex in rats. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2001;280:R132–6.Vera-Donoso CD, García-Dominguez X, Jiménez-Trigos E, García-Valero L, Vicente JS, Marco-Jiménez F. Laparoscopic transplantation of metanephroi: a first step to kidney xenotransplantation. Actas Urol Esp. 2015;39:527–34.•• Marco-Jiménez F, Garcia-Dominguez X, Jimenez-Trigos E, Vera-Donoso CD, Vicente JS. Vitrification of kidney precursors as a new source for organ transplantation. Cryobiology. 2015;70:278–82. This study found that it is possible to create a long-term biobank of kidney precursors as an unlimited source of organs for transplantation and open new therapeutic possibilities for the patients with chronic renal failure.Garcia-Dominguez X, Vicente JS, Vera-Donoso C, Jimenez-Trigos E, Marco-Jiménez F. First steps towards organ banks: vitrification of renal primordia. 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Cryobiology. 2014;68:294–302

HTLV-1 infection in solid organ transplant donors and recipients in Spain

HTLV-1 infection is a neglected disease, despite infecting 10-15 million people worldwide and severe illnesses develop in 10% of carriers lifelong. Acknowledging a greater risk for developing HTLV-1 associated illnesses due to immunosuppression, screening is being widely considered in the transplantation setting. Herein, we report the experience with universal HTLV testing of donors and recipients of solid organ transplants in a survey conducted in Spain. All hospitals belonging to the Spanish HTLV network were invited to participate in the study. Briefly, HTLV antibody screening was performed retrospectively in all specimens collected from solid organ donors and recipients attended since the year 2008. A total of 5751 individuals were tested for HTLV antibodies at 8 sites. Donors represented 2312 (42.2%), of whom 17 (0.3%) were living kidney donors. The remaining 3439 (59.8%) were recipients. Spaniards represented nearly 80%. Overall, 9 individuals (0.16%) were initially reactive for HTLV antibodies. Six were donors and 3 were recipients. Using confirmatory tests, HTLV-1 could be confirmed in only two donors, one Spaniard and another from Colombia. Both kidneys of the Spaniard were inadvertently transplanted. Subacute myelopathy developed within 1 year in one recipient. The second recipient seroconverted for HTLV-1 but the kidney had to be removed soon due to rejection. Immunosuppression was stopped and 3 years later the patient remains in dialysis but otherwise asymptomatic. The rate of HTLV-1 is low but not negligible in donors/recipients of solid organ transplants in Spain. Universal HTLV screening should be recommended in all donor and recipients of solid organ transplantation in Spain. Evidence is overwhelming for very high virus transmission and increased risk along with the rapid development of subacute myelopathy

6ª Diretriz de monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial e 4ª diretriz de monitorização residencial da pressão arterial

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Canagliflozin and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes and nephropathy

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide, but few effective long-term treatments are available. In cardiovascular trials of inhibitors of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), exploratory results have suggested that such drugs may improve renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS In this double-blind, randomized trial, we assigned patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease to receive canagliflozin, an oral SGLT2 inhibitor, at a dose of 100 mg daily or placebo. All the patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 30 to <90 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area and albuminuria (ratio of albumin [mg] to creatinine [g], >300 to 5000) and were treated with renin–angiotensin system blockade. The primary outcome was a composite of end-stage kidney disease (dialysis, transplantation, or a sustained estimated GFR of <15 ml per minute per 1.73 m2), a doubling of the serum creatinine level, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes. Prespecified secondary outcomes were tested hierarchically. RESULTS The trial was stopped early after a planned interim analysis on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring committee. At that time, 4401 patients had undergone randomization, with a median follow-up of 2.62 years. The relative risk of the primary outcome was 30% lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group, with event rates of 43.2 and 61.2 per 1000 patient-years, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59 to 0.82; P=0.00001). The relative risk of the renal-specific composite of end-stage kidney disease, a doubling of the creatinine level, or death from renal causes was lower by 34% (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.81; P<0.001), and the relative risk of end-stage kidney disease was lower by 32% (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.86; P=0.002). The canagliflozin group also had a lower risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.95; P=0.01) and hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.80; P<0.001). There were no significant differences in rates of amputation or fracture. CONCLUSIONS In patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular events was lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group at a median follow-up of 2.62 years