Immune Receptors and Co-receptors in Antiviral Innate Immunity in Plants

Plants respond to pathogens using an innate immune system that is broadly divided into PTI (pathogen-associated molecular pattern- or PAMP-triggered immunity) and ETI (effector-triggered immunity). PTI is activated upon perception of PAMPs, conserved motifs derived from pathogens, by surface membrane-anchored pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). To overcome this first line of defense, pathogens release into plant cells effectors that inhibit PTI and activate effector-triggered susceptibility (ETS). Counteracting this virulence strategy, plant cells synthesize intracellular resistance (R) proteins, which specifically recognize pathogen effectors or avirulence (Avr) factors and activate ETI. These coevolving pathogen virulence strategies and plant resistance mechanisms illustrate evolutionary arms race between pathogen and host, which is integrated into the zigzag model of plant innate immunity. Although antiviral immune concepts have been initially excluded from the zigzag model, recent studies have provided several lines of evidence substantiating the notion that plants deploy the innate immune system to fight viruses in a manner similar to that used for non-viral pathogens. First, most R proteins against viruses so far characterized share structural similarity with antibacterial and antifungal R gene products and elicit typical ETI-based immune responses. Second, virus-derived PAMPs may activate PTI-like responses through immune co-receptors of plant PTI. Finally, and even more compelling, a viral Avr factor that triggers ETI in resistant genotypes has recently been shown to act as a suppressor of PTI, integrating plant viruses into the co-evolutionary model of host-pathogen interactions, the zigzag model. In this review, we summarize these important progresses, focusing on the potential significance of antiviral immune receptors and co-receptors in plant antiviral innate immunity. In light of the innate immune system, we also discuss a newly uncovered layer of antiviral defense that is specific to plant DNA viruses and relies on transmembrane receptor-mediated translational suppression for defense

PROPOSTA DE UM CONJUNTO DE INDICADORES DE DESENVOLVIMENTO SUSTENTÁVEL PARA O CENÁRIO BRASILEIRO

A discussão sobre a forma de alcançar um desenvolvimento sustentável vem provocando uma discussão a cerca da sustentabilidade. Discussão essa em função de que o planeta enfrenta desafios econômicos, sociais e ambientais concretos. Para combatê-los, o Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) define as prioridades globais para 2030, no intuito de colocar o mundo em uma trajetória sustentável. Nesse contexto, o Brasil e todos os países membros das Nações Unidas encontram-se num processo de adoção de objetivos a favor do desenvolvimento sustentável. Assim, esse trabalho visa analisar os objetivos de desenvolvimento sustentável, os casos de utilização dos SDG no Brasil e no mundo, e propor um conjunto de indicadores segundo o SDG para a realidade brasileira. Para alcançar os objetivos apresentados, utilizou-se das pesquisas bibliográfica e documental que subsidiaram a elaboração deste estudo. Por fim, apresentou-se uma proposta de indicadores a serem utilizados de forma mais aprofundada para o cenário brasileiro

Structural characterization of a novel peptide with antimicrobial activity from the venom gland of the scorpion Tityus stigmurus: Stigmurin

AbstractA new antimicrobial peptide, herein named Stigmurin, was selected based on a transcriptomic analysis of the Brazilian yellow scorpion Tityus stigmurus venom gland, an underexplored source for toxic peptides with possible biotechnological applications. Stigmurin was investigated in silico, by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and in vitro. The CD spectra suggested that this peptide interacts with membranes, changing its conformation in the presence of an amphipathic environment, with predominance of random coil and beta-sheet structures. Stigmurin exhibited antibacterial and antifungal activity, with minimal inhibitory concentrations ranging from 8.7 to 69.5μM. It was also showed that Stigmurin is toxic against SiHa and Vero E6 cell lines. The results suggest that Stigmurin can be considered a potential anti-infective drug

Assistência de Enfermagem a paciente portador de Deiscência de Ferida Operatória: Relato de experiência / Nursing Assistance to Patients with Operative Wound Deiscence: Experience Report

INTRODUÇÃO: Deiscência de ferida é definida como a separação da fáscia anteriormente aproximada, podendo ocorrer de forma parcial ou total/evisceração possibilitando o surgimento de infecções. E a cicatrização de ferida cirúrgica envolve a interação dos processos de inflamação, epitelização, contração e metabolismo do colágeno (ANSELMO,2016). Existem diversos fatores relacionados ao ambiente físico, aos procedimentos, e aos microrganismos que podem afetar a cicatrização de uma ferida cirúrgica. O controle desses fatores parece ser impossível e considerando que a detecção precoce de alterações da ferida cirúrgica no pós-operatório torna-se uma tarefa intrínseca do enfermeiro a avaliação diária de forma sistematizada, por ser o profissional que maior tempo se dedica ao cuidar do paciente (FERREIRA, 2004). OBJETIVO: Relatar a assistência de enfermagem realizada em ferida operatória com deiscência. METODOLOGIA: Trata-se de um relato de experiência da assistência de enfermagem realizada na ferida de paciente com deiscência pós reconstrução do trânsito intestinal. O paciente foi acompanhado por enfermeiros do grupo de feridas e enfermeirandos de um hospital universitário no período de um mês, com curativos diários. RESULTADOS: A ferida era limpa diariamente com poli-hexametileno biguanida (PMHB) e, utilizando solução fisiológica 0,9% e gaze estéril. As bordas, o leito, profundidade, exsudato, odor e tamanho eram as variáveis avaliadas. Utilizava-se de cobertura com gaze estéril e filme transparente. No final de um mês a ferida evoluiu com completo fechamento. CONCLUSÃO: Concluiu-se que o curativo diário e a avaliação das variáveis especificas, realizadas pelo enfermeiro, resulta em um efeito positivo para o paciente, sendo uma boa pratica que necessita ser divulgada e continuada

Tendência e Características da Sífilis Congênita e Materna no Rio de Janeiro: 2007-2017: Trend and Characteristics of Congenital and Maternal Syphilis in Rio de Janeiro: 2007-2017

Introduction: Our aim was to describe the profile of congenital (CS), gestational syphilis (GS) notifications and temporal analysis of the incidence rate in the SINAN database, between 2007 and 2017 in Rio de Janeiro State. Methods: This quantitative, descriptive study used data from CS-SINAN and GS-SINAN databases. The temporal analysis was done through polynomial regression models using incidence rate annual distribution. Results: In CS-SINAN we observed progressive notification; 93.4% were from children up to six days old and lethality rate was 2.4%. It was found that 46,5% of CS cases’ mothers detected syphilis at prenatal and only 11.8% of sexual partners were treated. In GS-SINAN there was growth in notification and predominated women aged 20 to 30 years old, earlier diagnosed in prenatal care over the years. We found reduction of vertical transmission through the years. The temporal analysis of the incidence rates revealed a trend of growth in both CS and GS. Conclusion: Our data suggests that the increased detection in GS has slowed the spread of CS, yet the progressive annual increase in case number demonstrates that syphilis is not controlled, therefore, measures to ensure prenatal care, sexual partner treatment and health care training should be prioritized.Objetivo: Describir el perfil de las notificaciones de sífilis congénita (CS) y sífilis gestacional (SG) y el análisis temporal de las tasas de incidencia en la base de datos del SINAN, de 2007 a 2017 en el Estado de Río de Janeiro. Métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, se utilizó información del SC-SINAN y SG-SINAN. El análisis temporal probó modelos de regresión polinómica utilizando la distribución de la tasa de incidencia anual. Resultados: En SC-SINAN hay un aumento progresivo de notificaciones; El 93,4% eran niños ≤6 días y la tasa de letalidad fue del 2,4%. El 46,5% de las madres de casos de SC diagnosticó sífilis en el control prenatal y solo el 11,8% de las parejas la trató. En el SG-SINAN crecieron las notificaciones, principalmente en mujeres de 20 a 30 años, con un diagnóstico cada vez más precoz a lo largo de los años. Hubo una reducción en la transmisión vertical. El análisis temporal de la tasa de incidencia revela una tendencia al alza tanto para SC cuanto para SG. Conclusión: estos datos sugieren que el aumento en la detección de GS redujo la expansión de SC, aunque el aumento anual en el número de casos demuestra que la sífilis no se controla, por lo tanto, medidas que garanticen la atención prenatal, el tratamiento de la pareja sexual y la capacitación en salud. debe ser priorizado.Objetivo: Descrever o perfil das notificações de sífilis congênita (SC) e sífilis gestacional (SG) e da análise temporal das taxas de incidência no banco de dados do SINAN, no período de 2007 a 2017 no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Métodos: Estudo quantitativo, descritivo utilizou informações do SC-SINAN e SG-SINAN. A análise temporal testou modelos de regressão polinomial utilizando a distribuição anual da taxa de incidência. Resultados: No SC-SINAN observa-se aumento progressivo nas notificações; 93,4% eram crianças ≤ 6 dias e taxa de letalidade foi 2,4%. Das mães dos casos de SC, 46,5% foram diagnosticadas com sífilis no pré-natal e apenas 11,8% dos parceiros trataram. No SG-SINAN, as notificações cresceram, principalmente em mulheres de 20 a 30 anos, com o diagnóstico cada vez mais precoce com o passar dos anos. Houve redução na transmissão vertical. A análise temporal da taxa de incidência revela uma tendência de crescimento tanto da SC quanto SG. Conclusão: Estes dados sugerem que o aumento na detecção da SG reduziu a expansão da SC, ainda que o aumento anual no número de casos demonstre que a sífilis não está controlada, portanto medidas que garantam a assistência pré-natal, o tratamento do parceiro sexual e o treinamento em saúde deveriam ser priorizados

Revisiting the Soybean GmNAC Superfamily

The NAC (NAM, ATAF, and CUC) genes encode transcription factors involved with the control of plant morph-physiology and stress responses. The release of the last soybean (Glycine max) genome assembly (Wm82.a2.v1) raised the possibility that new NAC genes would be present in the soybean genome. Here, we interrogated the last version of the soybean genome against a conserved NAC domain structure. Our analysis identified 32 putative novel NAC genes, updating the superfamily to 180 gene members. We also organized the genes in 15 phylogenetic subfamilies, which showed a perfect correlation among sequence conservation, expression profile, and function of orthologous Arabidopsis thaliana genes and NAC soybean genes. To validate our in silico analyses, we monitored the stress-mediated gene expression profiles of eight new NAC-genes by qRT-PCR and monitored the GmNAC senescence-associated genes by RNA-seq. Among ER stress, osmotic stress and salicylic acid treatment, all the novel tested GmNAC genes responded to at least one type of stress, displaying a complex expression profile under different kinetics and extension of the response. Furthermore, we showed that 40% of the GmNACs were differentially regulated by natural leaf senescence, including eight (8) newly identified GmNACs. The developmental and stress-responsive expression profiles of the novel NAC genes fitted perfectly with their phylogenetic subfamily. Finally, we examined two uncharacterized senescence-associated proteins, GmNAC065 and GmNAC085, and a novel, previously unidentified, NAC protein, GmNAC177, and showed that they are nuclear localized, and except for GmNAC065, they display transactivation activity in yeast. Consistent with a role in leaf senescence, transient expression of GmNAC065 and GmNAC085 induces the appearance of hallmarks of leaf senescence, including chlorophyll loss, leaf yellowing, lipid peroxidation and accumulation of H2O2. GmNAC177 was clustered to an uncharacterized subfamily but in close proximity to the TIP subfamily. Accordingly, it was rapidly induced by ER stress and by salicylic acid under late kinetic response and promoted cell death in planta. Collectively, our data further substantiated the notion that the GmNAC genes display functional and expression profiles consistent with their phylogenetic relatedness and established a complete framework of the soybean NAC superfamily as a foundation for future analyses

Discordant Zika Virus Findings in Twin Pregnancies Complicated by Antenatal Zika Virus Exposure: A Prospective Cohort.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the natural history of antenatal Zika virus (ZIKV) exposure in twin pregnancies, especially regarding intertwin concordance of prenatal, placental, and infant outcomes. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included twin pregnancies referred to a single institution from September 2015 to June 2016 with maternal ZIKV. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of maternal, placental, and neonatal samples was performed. Prenatal ultrasounds were completed for each twin, and histomorphologic analysis was performed for each placenta. Abnormal neonatal outcome was defined as abnormal exam and/or abnormal imaging. Two- to three-year follow-up of infants included physical exams, neuroimaging, and Bayley-III developmental assessment. RESULTS: Among 244 pregnancies, 4 twin gestations without coinfection were identified. Zika virus infection occurred at 16-33 weeks gestation. Zika virus PCR testing revealed discordance between dichorionic twins, between placentas in a dichorionic pair, between portions of a monochorionic placenta, and between a neonate and its associated placenta. Of the 8 infants, 3 (38%) had an abnormal neonatal outcome. Of 6 infants with long-term follow-up, 3 (50%) have demonstrated ZIKV-related abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal PCR testing, placental findings, and infant outcomes can be discordant between co-twins with antenatal ZIKV exposure. These findings demonstrate that each twin should be evaluated independently for vertical transmission

Regulated Nuclear Trafficking of rpL10A Mediated by NIK1 Represents a Defense Strategy of Plant Cells against Virus

The NSP-interacting kinase (NIK) receptor-mediated defense pathway has been identified recently as a virulence target of the geminivirus nuclear shuttle protein (NSP). However, the NIK1–NSP interaction does not fit into the elicitor–receptor model of resistance, and hence the molecular mechanism that links this antiviral response to receptor activation remains obscure. Here, we identified a ribosomal protein, rpL10A, as a specific partner and substrate of NIK1 that functions as an immediate downstream effector of NIK1-mediated response. Phosphorylation of cytosolic rpL10A by NIK1 redirects the protein to the nucleus where it may act to modulate viral infection. While ectopic expression of normal NIK1 or a hyperactive NIK1 mutant promotes the accumulation of phosphorylated rpL10A within the nuclei, an inactive NIK1 mutant fails to redirect the protein to the nuclei of co-transfected cells. Likewise, a mutant rpL10A defective for NIK1 phosphorylation is not redirected to the nucleus. Furthermore, loss of rpL10A function enhances susceptibility to geminivirus infection, resembling the phenotype of nik1 null alleles. We also provide evidence that geminivirus infection directly interferes with NIK1-mediated nuclear relocalization of rpL10A as a counterdefensive measure. However, the NIK1-mediated defense signaling neither activates RNA silencing nor promotes a hypersensitive response but inhibits plant growth and development. Although the virulence function of the particular geminivirus NSP studied here overcomes this layer of defense in Arabidopsis, the NIK1-mediated signaling response may be involved in restricting the host range of other viruses