131 research outputs found
Cebus cf. apella exhibits rapid acquisition of complex stimulus relations and emergent performance by exclusion.
Fungal communities of the Pine Wilt Disease Complex: Studying the Interaction of Ophiostomatales with Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Considered one of the most devastating plant–parasitic nematodes worldwide,
Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (commonly known as pinewood nematode, PWN) is the
causal agent of the pine wilt disease in the Eurasian coniferous forests. This migratory
parasitic nematode is carried by an insect vector (Monochamus spp.) into the host
tree (Pinus species), where it can feed on parenchymal cells and reproduce massively,
resulting in the tree wilting. In declining trees, PWN populations are strongly dependent
on fungal communities colonizing the host (predominantly ophiostomatoid fungi known
to cause sapwood blue-staining, the blue-stain fungi), which not only influence their
development and life cycle but also the number of individuals carried by the insect vector
into a new host. Our main aim is to understand if PWN-associated mycobiota plays a
key role in the development of PWD, in interaction with the PWN and the insect vector,
and to what extent it can be targeted to disrupt the disease cycle. For this purpose, we
characterized the fungal communities of Pinus pinaster trees infected and non-infected
with PWN in three collection sites in Continental Portugal with different PWD temporal
incidences. Our results showed that non-infected P. pinaster mycoflora is more diverse
(in terms of abundance and fungal richness) than PWN-infected pine trees in the most
recent PWD foci, as opposed to the fungal communities of long-term PWD history
sites. Then, due to their ecological importance for PWN survival, representatives of the
main ophiostomatoid fungi isolated (Ophiostoma, Leptographium, and Graphilbum) were
characterized for their adaptative response to temperature, competition in-between taxa,
and as food source for PWN. Under the conditions studied, Leptographium isolates
showed promising results for PWN control. They could outcompete the other species,
especially O. ips, and significantly reduce the development of PWN populations when
compared to Botrytis cinerea (routinely used for PWN lab culturing), suggesting this to
be a natural antagonist not only for the other blue-stain species but also for the PWN
Antibody reactivity against potato apyrase, a protein that shares epitopes with Schistosoma mansoni ATP diphosphohydrolase isoforms, in acute and chronically infected mice, after chemotherapy and reinfection
Human Paraoxonase Gene Polymorphisms and Coronary Artery Disease Risk
Introdução: As doenças complexas como a
doença das artérias coronárias (DAC), a
hipertensão e a diabetes, são usualmente
causadas pela susceptibilidade individual a
múltiplos genes, factores ambientais e pela
interacção entre eles. As enzimas da
paraoxonase humana (PON), particularmente a
PON1, têm sido implicadas na patogenia da
aterosclerose e da DAC. Dois polimorfismos
comuns na região codificante do gene, com
substituição Glutamina (Q) /Arginina (R) na
posição 192 e Leucina /Metionina na posição
55 influenciam a actividade da PON1. Vários
estudos têm investigado a associação entre os
polimorfismos da PON1 e a DAC, com
resultados contraditórios.
Objectivo: 1- Avaliar a associação dos
polimorfismos da PON1 com o risco de DAC.
2-Estudar a interacção destes polimorfismos
com outros situados em genes candidatos
diferentes, na susceptibilidade para o
aparecimento da DAC.
Material e Métodos: Estudámos em 298
doentes coronários e 298 controlos saudáveis,
através de um estudo caso/controlo, o risco de
DAC associado aos polimorfismos da PON1,
192Q/R e 55L/M. Numa segunda fase
avaliámos o risco das interacções polimórficas
PON1 192 RR + MTHFR 1298 AA; PON1
192 R/R + ECA DD; PON1 192 R/R + ECA 8
GG. Finalmente construímos um modelo de
regressão logística (no qual entraram todas as
variáveis genéticas, ambientais e bioquímicas,
que tinham mostrado significância estatística
na análise univariada), para determinar quais
as que se relacionavam de forma significativa e
independente com DAC.
Resultados: Verificámos que o genótipo PON155 MM tinha uma distribuição superior na
população doente mas não atingia significância
estatística como factor de risco para DAC. O
PON1 199 RR apresentou um risco relativo
80% superior relativamente à população que o
não possuía (p=0,04). A interacção da PON1
192 RR e da MTHFR 1298 AA, polimorfismos
sedeados em genes diferentes, apresentou um
risco relativo de DAC de 2,76
(OR=2,76;IC=1,20- 6,47; P=0,009), bastante
superior ao risco de cada polimorfismo isolado,
assim como a associação da PON1 RR + ECA
DD (com polimorfismos também sedeados em
genes diferentes), que apresentou um risco
337% superior relativamente aos que não
possuíam esta associação (OR=4,37;IC=1,47-
13,87; P=0,002). Da mesma forma a associação
entre a PON1 RR e ECA 8 GG, revelou um
risco ainda mais elevado (OR=6;23; IC=1,67-
27,37; P<0,001). Após modelo de Regressão
Logística as variáveis que ficaram na equação
representando factores de risco significativos e
independentes para DAC, foram os hábitos
tabágicos, doença familiar, diabetes,
fibrinogénio, Lp (a) e a associação PON1 192
RR + ECA 8 GG. Esta última associação
apresentou, na regressão logística, um
OR=14,113; p=0,018
Conclusões: O genótipo PON1 192 RR
apresentou, se avaliado isoladamente, um risco
relativo de DAC 80% superior relativamente à
população que não possuía este genótipo. A
associação deste polimorfismo com outros
polimorfismos sedeados em genes diferentes,
codificando para diferentes enzimas e
pertencendo a sistemas fisiopatológicos
distintos (MTHFR1298 AA, ECA DD e ECA 8
GG), aumentou sempre o risco de eclosão da
DAC. Após correcção para os outros factores
de risco clássicos e bioquímicos, a associação
PON1 192 RR + ECA 8 GG, continuou a ser
um factor de risco significativo e independente
para CAD.Background: Complex diseases such as
coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension
and diabetes are usually caused by individual
susceptibility to multiple genes, environmental
factors, and the interaction between them. The
paraoxonase 1 (PON1) enzyme has been
implicated in the pathogenesis of
atherosclerosis and CAD. Two common
polymorphisms in the coding region of the
PON1 gene, which lead to a glutamine
(Q)/arginine (R) substitution at position 192
and a leucine (L)/methionine (M) substitution
at position 55, influence PON1 activity. Studies
have investigated the association between these
polymorphisms and CAD, but with conflicting
results.
Aims: 1) To evaluate the association between
PON1 polymorphisms and CAD risk; and 2) to
study the interaction between PON1
polymorphisms and others in different
candidate genes.
Methods: We evaluated the risk of CAD
associated with PON1 Q192R and L55M
polymorphisms in 298 CAD patients and 298
healthy individuals. We then evaluated the risk
associated with the interaction of the PON1
polymorphisms with ACE DD, ACE 8 GG and
MTHFR 1298AA. Finally, using a logistic
regression model, we evaluated which variables
(genetic, biochemical and environmental) were
linked significantly and independently with
CAD.
Results: We found that the PON1 55MM
genotype was more common in the CAD population, but this did not reach statistical
significance as a risk factor for CAD, while
PON1 192RR presented an 80% higher
relative risk compared to the population
without this polymorphism. The interaction
between PON1 192RR and MTHFR 1298AA,
sited in different genes, increased the risk for
CAD, compared with the polymorphisms in
isolation (OR=2.76; 95% CI=1.20-6.47;
p=0.009), as did the association of PON1
192RR with ACE DD, which presented a
337% higher risk compared to the population
without this polymorphic association
(OR=4.37; 95% CI=1.47-13.87; p=0.002).
Similarly, the association between PON1
192RR and ACE 8 GG was linked to an even
higher risk (OR=6.23; 95% CI=1.67-27.37;
p<0.001). After logistic regression, smoking,
family history, fibrinogen, diabetes, Lp(a) and
the association of PON1 192RR + ACE 8 GG
remained in the regression model and proved
to be significant and independent risk factors
for CAD. In the regression model the latter
association had OR=14.113; p=0.018.
Conclusion: When analyzed separately, the
PON1 192RR genotype presented a relative
risk for CAD 80% higher than in the
population without this genotype. Its
association with other genetic polymorphisms
sited in different genes, coding for different
enzymes and belonging to different
physiological systems, always increased the
risk for CAD. After correction for other
conventional and biochemical risk factors, the
PON1 192RR + ACE 8 GG association
remained a significant and independent risk
factor for CAD.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Validación del Nursing Activities Score en unidades de cuidados intensivos portuguesas
Objective: to describe the process of adaptation and validation of the Nursing Activities Score to the Portuguese context. Method:
this was a pilot study of adaptation and validation of the Nursing Activities Score with a sample consisting of 67 patients hospitalized
in the intensive care units of three Portuguese hospitals. The construct validity was assessed through factor analysis procedures and
the internal consistency of the items was measured through the Cronbach’s alpha coeffi cient. Results: a mean workload value of
63.04% (SD = 14.25; Median = 61.30) was obtained. Psychometric data revealed a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.71 in the total scale,
indicating an acceptable accuracy. Confi rmatory factor analysis suggested an appropriate adjustment between the model and the
data (χ2 (199) = 214.5, p = 0.214; CFI = 0.95; RMSA = 0.035). Conclusion: in the present study, the Portuguese version of the Nursing
Activities Score was found to be a valid instrument, enabling a safe assessment of the workload of nurses.Objetivo: descrever o processo de adaptação e validação do Nursing Activities Score para o contexto português. Método: trata-se
de um estudo-piloto de adaptação e validação do Nursing Activities Score, com amostra de 67 doentes internados em unidades de
cuidados intensivos de três hospitais portugueses. A validade de constructo avaliou-se mediante procedimentos de análise fatorial e a
consistência interna dos itens através do coefi ciente Alpha de Cronbach. Resultados: obteve-se um valor médio da carga de trabalho
de 63,04% (DP = 14,25; Mediana = 61,30). Os dados psicométricos revelaram um Alpha de Cronbach de 0,71, na escala total,
indicando uma fi delidade aceitável. A análise fatorial confi rmatória sugeriu um ajustamento adequado entre o modelo e os dados
(χ2(199) = 214,5, p = 0,214; CFI = 0,95; RMSA = 0,035). Conclusão: neste estudo, a versão portuguesa do Nursing Activities Score
revelou-se um instrumento válido, permitindo avaliar a carga de trabalho dos enfermeiros com segurançaObjetivo: describir el proceso de adaptación y validación del Nursing Activities Score al contexto portugués. Método: estudio
piloto de adaptación y validación del Nursing Activities Score, con muestra de 67 pacientes internados en unidades de cuidados
intensivos de tres hospitales portugueses. La validez del constructo se evaluó mediante análisis factorial y por consistencia
interna de los ítems evaluados a través del coefi ciente Alpha de Cronbach. Resultados: se obtuvo un valor medio de carga
de trabajo de 63,04% (SD=14,25; Mediana=61,30). Los datos psicométricos expresaron un Alpha de Cronbach de 0,71 en
la escala total, indicando fi delidad aceptable. El análisis factorial confi rmatorio sugirió un ajuste adecuado entre el modelo y os datos (χ2 (199)=214,5; p=0,214; CFI=0,95; RMSA=0,035). Conclusión: en este estudio, la versión portuguesa del Nursing Activities Score demostró ser un instrumento válido, permitiendo evaluar la carga de trabajo de los enfermeros con precisión
Food habits and risk of cardiovascular disease in schoolchildren from Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais
Polymorphism of the ACE Gene is Associated with Extent and Severity of Coronary Disease
Introdução: Os doentes com doença das
artérias coronárias (DAC) apresentam
extensão da doença e evolução muito
variáveis, que muito vezes nos escapam e que
ultrapassam os factores de risco tradicionais.
As diferenças poderão, pelo menos em parte,
ser explicáveis por polimorfismos genéticos
menos favoráveis que lhe estejam associados.
Os polimorfismos do gene da ECA têm sido
profusamente avaliados, embora se
desconheça a ligação entre estes
polimorfismos e a extensão da DAC.
Objectivo: Os autores pretendem avaliar se os
polimorfismos do gene da enzima de conver são da Angiotensina I (ECA) constituem um
marcador da extensão e gravidade da DAC.
Métodos: Estudo descritivo, em 296 doentes
com história de enfarte do miocárdio ou
doença coronária confirmada por
coronariografia, com pelo menos 75 % de
obstrução de um dos vasos coronários.
A quantificação da gravidade e extensão, foi
feita segundo o score de Leaman, de acordo
com o número de artérias com redução do
diâmetro superior a 75 %, e com o número de
segmentos coronários afectados.
Os genotipos do ECA, foram tipados por
amplificação por PCR e os produtos de
amplificação separados por electroforese em
gel de poliacrilamida. Calculou-se a média e desvio padrão dos
scores coronários dos três polimorfismos e os
valores foram comparados estatisticamente
recorrendo ao teste T de Student para
amostras independentes.
Resultados e Conclusão: O genotipo DD
aparece neste estudo claramente ligado à
extensão da DAC, com um alto grau de
significância. A confirmar-se este conceito,
poderá justificar-se fazer uma prevenção
secundária particularmente cuidadosa nos
doentes vasculares portadores deste genotipo.Background: The progression and extent of
coronary heart disease (CHD) are extremely
variable and in many instances independent
of conventional risk factors.
The differences may be partly explained by
less favorable genetic polymorphisms that are
associated with them. The polymorphisms of
the angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE)
gene have been thoroughly evaluated, but the
connection between them and the extent of
CHD is unknown.
Aims: Our study is aimed at determining
whether any or all of the polymorphisms of
the ACE gene are markers of the extent and
severity of CHD.
Methods: This was a descriptive study of 296
patients with a history of myocardial
infarction or with coronary disease confirmed
by coronary angiography. The severity of
CHD was quantified according to Leaman’s
score (based on the number of arteries with
more than 75 % reduction in diameter and the
number of affected coronary segments). The
ACE genotypes were determined by specific
polymerase chain reaction amplification and
the segments were subjected to
polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The mean coronary score and standard deviation of the
three polymorphisms were calculated and the
values statistically compared using the
Student’s t test for independent samples.
Results: 296 patients with a mean age of
5510.3 years, 234 male, were evaluated.
Conclusion: The study clearly shows that the
DD genotype is linked to the extent of CHD,
with a high level of significance. If this is
confirmed, careful secondary prevention is
indicated in patients with this genotype.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Gene Polymorphisms and Coronary Risk in a Portuguese Population
Introdução: A história familiar de doença das
artérias coronárias (DAC) constitui um
poderoso marcador de risco de DAC,
independente dos factores de risco
tradicionais. Poderá ser descodificado
reconhecendo os polimorfismos associados ao
aumento de risco. Têm surgido resultados
contraditórios em relação à ligação entre os
polimorfismos do gene da enzima de conver são da angiotensina (ECA) e o risco de DAC.
Objectivo: Com o presente trabalho
pretendemos avaliar se os polimorfismos do
gene da ECA constituem factor de risco de
doença das artérias coronárias.
Métodos: Estudo caso-controlo, incluindo
517 controlos escolhidos aleatoriamente dos
cadernos eleitorais, sem história sugestiva de
DAC e 301 doentes com história de enfarte
agudo do miocárdio ou doença coronária
confirmada por coronariografia, com pelo
menos 75 % de obstrução de um dos vasos
coronários. Tentou-se que os casos e controlos
não fossem significativamente diferentes em
termos de sexo e idade.
Os polimorfismos dialélicos do gene da ECA
foram tipados por amplificação por PCR. Os
produtos de amplificação eram identificados
em gel de poliacrilamida, por electroforese.
Os dados foram avaliados recorrendo ao SPSS
for Windows,Background: A family history of coronary
heart disease (CHD) is a strong risk marker
for the disease, independently of classical
risk factors. It could be decoded by
recognizing the polymorphisms associated
with increased risk. Renin-angiotensin
system genes are candidate genes in CHD
and the deletion allele of the angiotensin
converting enzyme (ACE) has been reported
as deleterious. However, there is
disagreement as to the role of the
insertion/deletion polymorphism of the ACE
gene in coronary risk.
Aim: To evaluate whether ACE gene
polymorphisms constitute a CHD risk factor.
Methods: We conducted a population-based
case-control study of 301 subjects with a
history of myocardial infarction or
angiographic evidence of coronary heart
disease and 510 age- and gender-matched
controls, without CHD, living in a region with
high CHD mortality rates. Blood samples
were taken, DNA extracted and genotypes
determined by the polymerase chain reaction
(PCR). Amplification products were identified
by agarose gel electrophoresis.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
The global EPTO database: Worldwide occurrences of aquatic insects
Motivation: Aquatic insects comprise 64% of freshwater animal diversity and are widely used as bioindicators to assess water quality impairment and freshwater ecosystem health, as well as to test ecological hypotheses. Despite their importance, a comprehensive, global database of aquatic insect occurrences for mapping freshwater biodiversity in macroecological studies and applied freshwater research is missing. We aim to fill this gap and present the Global EPTO Database, which includes worldwide geo-referenced aquatic insect occurrence records for four major taxa groups: Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera and Odonata (EPTO). Main type of variables contained: A total of 8,368,467 occurrence records globally, of which 8,319,689 (99%) are publicly available. The records are attributed to the corresponding drainage basin and sub-catchment based on the Hydrography90m dataset and are accompanied by the elevation value, the freshwater ecoregion and the protection status of their location. Spatial location and grain: The database covers the global extent, with 86% of the observation records having coordinates with at least four decimal digits (11.1 m precision at the equator) in the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84) coordinate reference system. Time period and grain: Sampling years span from 1951 to 2021. Ninety-nine percent of the records have information on the year of the observation, 95% on the year and month, while 94% have a complete date. In the case of seven sub-datasets, exact dates can be retrieved upon communication with the data contributors.Major taxa and level of measurement: Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera and Odonata, standardized at the genus taxonomic level. We provide species names for 7,727,980 (93%) records without further taxonomic verification. Software format: The entire tab-separated value (.csv) database can be downloaded and visualized at https://glowa bio.org/proje ct/epto_datab ase/. Fifty individual datasets are also available at https://fred.igb-berlin. de, while six datasets have restricted access. For the latter, we share metadata and the contact details of the authors
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