Structure, diversity and heterogeneity of regeneration stratum in an urban forest fragment after 10 years of forest succession.

AbstractThis research aimed to evaluate the floristic composition, phytosociology and species diversity of the regenerating woody stratum of a small fragment (0.5 ha) of Semideciduous Forest, after 10 years of abandonment, in the municipality of Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil. All woody individuals (height ≥ 1 m dbh 90%) of species of early successional stages (pioneer and early secondary). Reflecting the strong observed ecological dominance, exercised primarily by the high density of the species Dalbergia nigra and Siparuna guianensis, species diversity value (Shannon index H '= 2.38) was much lower than the values found for mature forest fragments in this region. Although a small fragment, isolated and in early stages of secondary succession, the multivariate analysis (cluster and DCA) revealed the formation of distinct floristic groups and a strong differentiation in the arrangement of the species, showing the tropical forests typical heterogeneity. Although it has a low diversity, this urban fragment has ecological and social importance to the region, that present lack of green areas to conserve the native flora. Este estudo visou avaliar a composição florística, a fitossociologia e a diversidade de espécies do estrato regenerante arbóreo de um pequeno fragmento (0,5 ha) de Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, após 10 anos de abandono, no perímetro urbano do município de Juiz de Fora, MG, Brasil. Os indivíduos da regeneração arbórea (altura ≥ 1 m e DAP 90%) de espécies de estágios sucessionais iniciais (pioneiras e secundárias iniciais). Como reflexo da forte dominância ecológica observada, exercida principalmente pela elevada densidade das espécies Dalbergia nigra e Siparuna guianensis, o valor do índice de diversidade de espécies de Shannon (H’ = 2,38) foi muito inferior aos valores encontrados para fragmentos florestais maduros. Mesmo sendo um fragmento pequeno, isolado e em estágio inicial de sucessão secundária, análises multivariadas (agrupamento e DCA) evidenciaram a formação de grupos florísticos e uma forte diferenciação no arranjo das espécies, evidenciando a heterogeneidade típica de florestas tropicais. Embora apresente uma baixa diversidade, esse fragmento urbano tem funções ecológicas e sociais importantes para a região, que carece de áreas verdes para a conservação da flora nativa.AbstractStructure, diversity and heterogeneity of regeneration stratum in an urban forest fragment after 10 years of forest succession. This research aimed to evaluate the floristic composition, phytosociology and species diversity of the regenerating woody stratum of a small fragment (0.5 ha) of Semideciduous Forest, after 10 years of abandonment, in the municipality of Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil. All woody individuals (height ≥ 1 m dbh 90%) of species of early successional stages (pioneer and early secondary). Reflecting the strong observed ecological dominance, exercised primarily by the high density of the species Dalbergia nigra and Siparuna guianensis, species diversity value (Shannon index H '= 2.38) was much lower than the values found for mature forest fragments in this region. Although a small fragment, isolated and in early stages of secondary succession, the multivariate analysis (cluster and DCA) revealed the formation of distinct floristic groups and a strong differentiation in the arrangement of the species, showing the tropical forests typical heterogeneity. Although it has a low diversity, this urban fragment has ecological and social importance to the region, that present lack of green areas to conserve the native flora.Keywords:  Phytosociology; multivariate analysis; gradient analysis; ecological groups

Efeito da aplicação de calcário e de doses de enxofre sobre propriedades químicas do solo, produção e composição mineral do sorgo (Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench).

Com o proposito de comparar os efeitos da calagem e de doses crescentes de enxofre sobre as propriedades químicas de dois solos: Latossolo Vermelho Amarelo (LV) e Latossolo Vermelho escuro (LE), produção de matéria seca, teor e acumulo de N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S do sorgo granífero, procedeu-se a incubação, por 25 dias, de amostras de solo com calcário e conduziu-se um ensaio em casa de vegetação com seis doses de enxofre: 0; 10; 20; 40; 80 e 160 mg/dm1, na forma de Na2SO4. Cinquenta dias apos a semeadura, coletou-se a parte aérea das plantas e determinaram-se os teores e acúmulos de N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S. Os teores das bases trocáveis do solo aumentaram com a calagem, sendo que a saturação em bases ficou próxima a 80% nos dois solos. Os valores de pH e os teores de Ca e Mg nos tecidos de sorgo aumentaram com as adições de CaO e MgO aos solos. A produção de matéria seca do sorgo cultivado no solo LV foi superior em relação ao solo LE, e as doses crescentes de enxofre não influenciaram os teores foliares de N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S nos dois solos

Acute Neuromuscular, Physiological and Performance Responses After Strength Training in Runners: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Strength training (ST) is commonly used to improve muscle strength, power, and neuromuscular adaptations and is recommended combined with runner training. It is possible that the acute effects of the strength training session lead to deleterious effects in the subsequent running. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to verify the acute effects of ST session on the neuromuscular, physiological and performance variables of runners. Methods: Studies evaluating running performance after resistance exercise in runners in the PubMed and Scopus databases were selected. From 6532 initial references, 19 were selected for qualitative analysis and 13 for meta-analysis. The variables of peak torque (PT), creatine kinase (CK), delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), countermovement jump (CMJ), ventilation (VE), oxygen consumption (VO2), lactate (La) and heart rate (HR) were evaluated. Results: The methodological quality of the included studies was considered reasonable; the meta-analysis indicated that the variables PT (p = 0.003), DOMS (p < 0.0001), CK (p < 0.0001), RPE (p < 0.0001) had a deleterious effect for the experimental group; for CMJ, VE, VO2, La, FC there was no difference. By qualitative synthesis, running performance showed a reduction in speed for the experimental group in two studies and in all that assessed time to exhaustion. Conclusion: The evidence indicated that acute strength training was associated with a decrease in PT, increases in DOMS, CK, RPE and had a low impact on the acute responses of CMJ, VE, VO2, La, HR and submaximal running sessions. Keywords: Aerobic performance; Competitive training; Running; Strength training

Targeting MAGE-C1/CT7 Expression Increases Cell Sensitivity to the Proteasome Inhibitor Bortezomib in Multiple Myeloma Cell Lines

The MAGE-C1/CT7 encodes a cancer/testis antigen (CTA), is located on the chromosomal region Xq26-27 and is highly polymorphic in humans. MAGE-C1/CT7 is frequently expressed in multiple myeloma (MM) that may be a potential target for immunotherapy in this still incurable disease. MAGEC1/CT7 expression is restricted to malignant plasma cells and it has been suggested that MAGE-C1/CT7 might play a pathogenic role in MM; however, the exact function this protein in the pathophysiology of MM is not yet understood. Our objectives were (1) to clarify the role of MAGE-C1/CT7 in the control of cellular proliferation and cell cycle in myeloma and (2) to evaluate the impact of silencing MAGE-C1/CT7 on myeloma cells treated with bortezomib. Myeloma cell line SKO-007 was transduced for stable expression of shRNA-MAGE-C1/CT7. Downregulation of MAGE-C1/CT7 was confirmed by real time quantitative PCR and western blot. Functional assays included cell proliferation, cell invasion, cell cycle analysis and apoptosis. Western blot showed a 70-80% decrease in MAGE-C1/CT7 protein expression in inhibited cells (shRNA-MAGE-C1/CT7) when compared with controls. Functional assays did not indicate a difference in cell proliferation and DNA synthesis when inhibited cells were compared with controls. However, we found a decreased percentage of cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle among inhibited cells, but not in the controls (p < 0.05). When myeloma cells were treated with bortezomib, we observed a 48% reduction of cells in the G2/M phase among inhibited cells while controls showed 13% (empty vector) and 9% (ineffective shRNA) reduction, respectively (p < 0.01). Furthermore, inhibited cells treated with bortezomib showed an increased percentage of apoptotic cells (Annexin V+/PI-) in comparison with bortezomib-treated controls (p < 0.001). We found that MAGE-C1/CT7 protects SKO-007 cells against bortezomib-induced apoptosis. Therefore, we could speculate that MAGE-C1/CT7 gene therapy could be a strategy for future therapies in MM, in particular in combination with proteasome inhibitors.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, São Paulo Branch, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Disciplina Hematol & Hemoterapia, São Paulo, BrazilLudwig Inst Canc Res, Lab Mol Biol & Genom, São Paulo, BrazilRecepta Biopharma, Ludwig Inst Canc Res, São Paulo, BrazilInCor, Fac Med, Setor Vetores Virais, Lab Genet & Cardiol Mol, São Paulo, BrazilJohns Hopkins Univ, Sch Med, Dept Neurosurg, Ludwig Collaborat Grp, Baltimore, MD 21205 USAUniv Med Ctr Hamburg Eppendorf, Dept Med 2, Hamburg, GermanyUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Disciplina Hematol & Hemoterapia, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Cacao agroforestry systems beyond the stigmas: Biotic and abiotic stress incidence impact

Low technological knowledge in production chains, global climate change, and misinformation are concrete threats to food security. In addition, these combined threats also trigger ecological instability in megadiverse areas of the world, especially in some cacao-producing countries in South America, where this crop plays an important socio-economic role, even being used to replace illicit crops. Accordingly, the use of agroforestry systems approaches has emerged as a good alternative to maintain productivity, add high-value commodities to producers, and provide important ecosystem services for sustainable agriculture. However, limitations associated with the competition for resources between the species composing the system, and the higher incidence of some diseases, have led many producers to abandon this strategy, opting for monoculture. In this review, we seek to gather the main information available in the literature, aiming to answer the question: what is the real scientific evidence that supports the benefits and harms of adopting agroforestry systems in cacao production? We seek to make critical scrutiny of the possible negative effects of certain associations of the agroforestry system with biotic and abiotic stress in cacao. Here, we review the possible competition for light and nutrients and discuss the main characteristics to be sought in cacao genotypes to optimize these inter-specific relationships. In addition, we review the research advances that show the behavior of the main cacao diseases (Witch’s broom disease, frosty pod rot, black pod rot) in models of agroforestry systems contrasted with monoculture, as well as the optimization of agronomic practices to reduce some of these stresses. This compendium, therefore, sheds light on a major gap in establishing truly sustainable agriculture, which has been treated much more from the perspective of negative stigma than from the real technological advantages that can be combined to the benefit of a balanced ecosystem with generating income for farmers

Desmame precoce em crianças atendidas na Estratégia Saúde da Família

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de desmame precoce e fatores associados em crianças atendidas na Estratégia Saúde da Família. Trata-se depesquisa quantitativa, descritiva e exploratória realizada com 241 crianças atendidas pela equipe de saúde. Para coleta dos dados foram usados um formulário e um questionário. Nas análises, para variáveis em que foram encontradas associações estatisticamente significativas foi realizado teste de regressão logística binária. A prevalência de desmame precoce foi de 58,51%. Maiores proporções de desmame precoce ocorreram em crianças com idade entre um e três meses. Pertencer a classe econômica B/C e ter recebido orientação sobre amamentação no pré-natal apresentaram-se significativamente associados com o desmame precoce. A prevalência do desmame precoce foi elevada, e considerada semelhante à prevalência nacional e descrita para o estado do Piauí. Houve associação entre o desmame precoce, classe econômica B/C e ter recebido orientação sobre amamentação no pré-natal

Impairment of peroxisomal APX and CAT activities increases protection of photosynthesis under oxidative stress

Retrograde signalling pathways that are triggered by changes in cellular redox homeostasis remain poorly understood. Transformed rice plants that are deficient in peroxisomal ascorbate peroxidase APX4 (OsAPX4-RNAi) are known to exhibit more effective protection of photosynthesis against oxidative stress than controls when catalase (CAT) is inhibited, but the mechanisms involved have not been characterized. An in-depth physiological and proteomics analysis was therefore performed on OsAPX4-RNAi CAT-inhibited rice plants. Loss of APX4 function led to an increased abundance of several proteins that are involved in essential metabolic pathways, possibly as a result of increased tissue H2O2 levels. Higher photosynthetic activities observed in the OsAPX4-RNAi plants under CAT inhibition were accompanied by higher levels of Rubisco, higher maximum rates of Rubisco carboxylation, and increased photochemical efficiencies, together with large increases in photosynthesis-related proteins. Large increases were also observed in the levels of proteins involved in the ascorbate/glutathione cycle and in other antioxidant-related pathways, and these changes may be important in the protection of photosynthesis in the OsAPX4-RNAi plants. Large increases in the abundance of proteins localized in the nuclei and mitochondria were also observed, together with increased levels of proteins involved in important cellular pathways, particularly protein translation. Taken together, the results show that OsAPX4-RNAi plants exhibit significant metabolic reprogramming, which incorporates a more effective antioxidant response to protect photosynthesis under conditions of impaired CAT activity.</p

Position statement of the Brazilian Academy of Rhinology on the use of antihistamines, antileukotrienes, and oral corticosteroids in the treatment of inflammatory sinonasal diseases

Introduction: Inflammatory conditions of the nose and paranasal sinuses are very prevalent in the general population, resulting in marked loss of quality of life in affected patients, as well as significant work, leisure, and social activity losses. These patients require specific and specialized treatment. A wide range of oral medications are available. Objective: The present document is aimed to clarify, for professionals treating patients with inflammatory sinonasal diseases, both specialists and general practitioners, specific oral therapies in noninfectious nasal inflammatory conditions. Methods: The methodology used to create this article included the search for the key words: oral corticosteroids, antihistamines, antileukotrienes, rhinitis, rhinosinusitis in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases in the last 5 years. Since no relevant article was found for the text on the subject of interest in the last 5 years, the search was extended for another 5 years, and so on, according to the authors' needs. Results: Relevant literature was found regarding the use of antihistamines, antileukotrienes and oral corticosteroids in these conditions. The Brazilian Academy of Rhinology emphasizes, after extensive discussion by the collegiate, key points in the treatment with these drugs. Conclusion: There is support in the literature for the use of these drugshowever, final considerations about the role of each of them have been made. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. on behalf of Associacao Brasileira de Otorrino-laringologia e Cirurgia Cervico-Facial.Univ Sao Paulo, Disciplina Otorrinolaringol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Dept Otorrinolaringol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Dept Otorrinolaringol, Ribeirao Preto, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Ciencias Saude, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Otorrinolaringol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Minas Gerais, Fac Med, Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Ribeirao Preto, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Bahia, Fac Med, Disciplina Otorrinolaringol, Salvador, BA, BrazilHosp Inst Paranaense Otorrinolaringol, Centro Rinite & Alergia, Curitiba, PR, BrazilUniv Estado Rio De Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro, RJ, BrazilUniv Brasilia, Fac Med, Brasilia, DF, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Otorrinolaringol & Cabeca & Pescoco, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Luterana Brasil, Fac Med, Otorrinolaringol, Canoas, RS, BrazilMt Sinai Hosp, Dept Othorhinolaryngol, Toronto, ON, CanadaUniv Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Ciencias, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Dept Oftalmol Otorrinolaringol & Cirurgia Cabeca, Ribeirao Preto, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Ciencias Saude, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Otorrinolaringol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Otorrinolaringol & Cabeca & Pescoco, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Local selection in the presence of high levels of gene flow: Evidence of heterogeneous insecticide selection pressure across Ugandan Culex quinquefasciatus populations

Background: Culex quinquefasciatus collected in Uganda, where no vector control interventions directly targeting this species have been conducted, was used as a model to determine if it is possible to detect heterogeneities in selection pressure driven by insecticide application targeting other insect species. Methodology/Principal findings: Population genetic structure was assessed through microsatellite analysis, and the impact of insecticide pressure by genotyping two target-site mutations, Vgsc-1014F of the voltage-gated sodium channel target of pyrethroid and DDT insecticides, and Ace1-119S of the acetylcholinesterase gene, target of carbamate and organophosphate insecticides. No significant differences in genetic diversity were observed among populations by microsatellite markers with HE ranging from 0.597 to 0.612 and low, but significant, genetic differentiation among populations (FST = 0.019, P = 0.001). By contrast, the insecticide-resistance markers display heterogeneous allelic distributions with significant differences detected between Central Ugandan (urban) populations relative to Eastern and Southwestern (rural) populations. In the central region, a frequency of 62% for Vgsc-1014F, and 32% for the Ace1-119S resistant allele were observed. Conversely, in both Eastern and Southwestern regions the Vgsc-1014F alleles were close to fixation, whilst Ace1-119S allele frequency was 12% (although frequencies may be underestimated due to copy number variation at both loci). Conclusions/Significance: Taken together, the microsatellite and both insecticide resistance target-site markers provide evidence that in the face of intense gene flow among populations, disjunction in resistance frequencies arise due to intense local selection pressures despite an absence of insecticidal control interventions targeting Culex