Taking Root: Enduring Effect of Rhizosphere Bacterial Colonization in Mangroves

Mangrove forests are of global ecological and economic importance, but are also one of the world's most threatened ecosystems. Here we present a case study examining the influence of the rhizosphere on the structural composition and diversity of mangrove bacterial communities and the implications for mangrove reforestation approaches using nursery-raised plants.A barcoded pyrosequencing approach was used to assess bacterial diversity in the rhizosphere of plants in a nursery setting, nursery-raised transplants and native (non-transplanted) plants in the same mangrove habitat. In addition to this, we also assessed bacterial composition in the bulk sediment in order to ascertain if the roots of mangrove plants affect sediment bacterial composition. We found that mangrove roots appear to influence bacterial abundance and composition in the rhizosphere. Due to the sheer abundance of roots in mangrove habitat, such an effect can have an important impact on the maintenance of bacterial guilds involved in nutrient cycling and other key ecosystem functions. Surprisingly, we also noted a marked impact of initial nursery conditions on the rhizosphere bacterial composition of replanted mangrove trees. This result is intriguing because mangroves are periodically inundated with seawater and represent a highly dynamic environment compared to the more controlled nursery environment.In as far as microbial diversity and composition influences plant growth and health, this study indicates that nursery conditions and early microbial colonization patterns of the replants are key factors that should be considered during reforestation projects. In addition to this, our results provide information on the role of the mangrove rhizosphere as a habitat for bacteria from estuarine sediments

Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Fingerprinting Of Propolis.

Crude ethanolic extracts of propolis, a natural resin, have been directly analysed using electrospray ionization mass (ESI-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) in the negative ion mode. European, North American and African samples have been analyzed, but emphasis has been given to Brazilian propolis which displays diverse and region-dependent chemical composition. ESI-MS provides characteristic fingerprint mass spectra, with propolis samples being divided into well-defined groups directly related to their geographical origins. Chemometric multivariate analysis statistically demonstrates the reliability of the ESI-MS fingerprinting method for propolis. On-line ESI-MS/MS tandem mass spectrometry of characteristic [M - H](-) ion markers provides an additional dimension of fingerprinting selectivity, while structurally characterizing the ESI-MS marker components of propolis. By comparison with standards, eight such markers have been identified: para-coumaric acid, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxycinnamaldehyde, 2,2-dimethyl-6-carboxyethenyl-2H-1-benzopyran, 3-prenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, chrysin, pinocembrin, 3,5-diprenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid and dicaffeoylquinic acid. The negative mode ESI-MS fingerprinting method is capable of discerning distinct composition patterns to typify, to screen the sample origin and to reveal characteristic details of the more polar and acidic chemical components of propolis samples from different regions of the world.129739-4

Telephone-based psychological crisis intervention: the Portuguese experience with COVID-19

Published online: 07 Jun 2020Portugal is one of the European countries that implemented early protective measures in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Portugal declared a state of emergency on 18 March, and a set of regional and national preventive public health measures was progressively implemented. Studies on the psychological impact of pandemics show evidence of the negative impact on mental health. Of particular concern are individuals with previous fragility (e.g. personal, family or occupational) and those undergoing life transitions. In this paper, we present a telephone-based psychological crisis intervention that was implemented to provide brief, appropriate, and timely psychological help. This intervention follows standard models of crisis intervention and is structured in five phases and five different intervention modules to take into account the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of specific risk groups. With these support services, we hope to help our community better cope with the immediate impact of the pandemic and to contribute to preventing serious mental health problems in the medium and long term.This study was partially conducted at the Psychology Research Centre (PSI/01662), University of Minho, and supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology and the Portuguese Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education (UID/PSI/01662/2019), through the national funds (PIDDAC). We acknowledge Associação de Psicologia da Universidade do Minho (APsi-UMinho) and APsiUMinho collaborators for supporting the telephone-based psychological crisis intervention: Ana Daniela Silva, Ana Isabel Gonçalves, Ana Rita Pereira, Andreia Milhazes, Ângela Ferreira, Alexandra Vieira, Célia Sampaio, Carina Magalhães, Cátia Braga, Delfina Fernandes, Dulce Lopes, Dulce Pinto, Inês Castro, Inês Marques, Gabriela Santana, Joana Andrade, Joana Coutinho, Joana Guimarães, Joana Soares, Joana Teixeira, Joana Torres, João Batista, João Tiago Oliveira, Mariana Leite, Marta Sousa, Patrícia Mendes, Sara Lima, Soraia Mesquita, Teresa Castanho. We would like to thanks P5 and affiliated Psychologists: Liliana Amorim, and Inês Fernandes. We gratefully acknowledge OutSystems for the financial support through OutSystems COVID-19 Community Response Program

The Abca7V1613M variant reduces Aβ generation, plaque load, and neuronal damage

BackgroundVariants in ABCA7, a member of the ABC transporter superfamily, have been associated with increased risk for developing late onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD).MethodsCRISPR-Cas9 was used to generate an Abca7V1613M variant in mice, modeling the homologous human ABCA7V1599M variant, and extensive characterization was performed.ResultsAbca7V1613M microglia show differential gene expression profiles upon lipopolysaccharide challenge and increased phagocytic capacity. Homozygous Abca7V1613M mice display elevated circulating cholesterol and altered brain lipid composition. When crossed with 5xFAD mice, homozygous Abca7V1613M mice display fewer Thioflavin S-positive plaques, decreased amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides, and altered amyloid precursor protein processing and trafficking. They also exhibit reduced Aβ-associated inflammation, gliosis, and neuronal damage.DiscussionOverall, homozygosity for the Abca7V1613M variant influences phagocytosis, response to inflammation, lipid metabolism, Aβ pathology, and neuronal damage in mice. This variant may confer a gain of function and offer a protective effect against Alzheimer's disease-related pathology.HighlightsABCA7 recognized as a top 10 risk gene for developing Alzheimer's disease. Loss of function mutations result in increased risk for LOAD. V1613M variant reduces amyloid beta plaque burden in 5xFAD mice. V1613M variant modulates APP processing and trafficking in 5xFAD mice. V1613M variant reduces amyloid beta-associated damage in 5xFAD mice

Self-productivity and complementarities in human development : evidence from MARS

This paper investigates the role of self-productivity and home resources in capability formation from infancy to adolescence. In addition, we study the complementarities between basic cognitive, motor and noncognitive abilities and social as well as academic achievement. Our data are taken from the Mannheim Study of Children at Risk (MARS), an epidemiological cohort study following the long-term outcome of early risk factors. Results indicate that initial risk conditions cumulate and that differences in basic abilities increase during development. Self-productivity rises in the developmental process and complementarities are evident. Noncognitive abilities promote cognitive abilities and social achievement. There is remarkable stability in the distribution of the economic and socio-emotional home resources during the early life cycle. This is presumably a major reason for the evolution of inequality in human development