Diversidade genética de bactérias que colonizam nódulos radiculares de Phaseolus vulgaris L. cultivado em campo e em casa de vegetação.

Foi realizado o sequenciamento parcial dos genes 16S rRNA e glnII de seis isolados de nódulos radiculares de feijoeiro comum (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), sendo três de plantas cultivadas a campo (LGMB10, LGMB57 e LGMB58) e três de plantas cultivadas em casa de vegetação (LGMB73, LGMB88 e LGMB99). Foi observada uma preferência de colonização de acordo com o experimento avaliado

Bioprospecção de bactérias isoladas de milho para promoção de crescimento de plantas.

Isolados bacterianos associados a raízes de milho identificados por sequenciamento parcial do gene 16S RNAr foram avaliados em testes de promoção de crescimento vegetal. Também foram conduzidos testes in vitro para a capacidade de produção de sideróforos, solubilização de fosfato, produção de AIA, FBN e produção de enzimas líticas. Cinco isolados apresentaram resultados promissores na caracterização enzimática e nos testes de atividade promotora de crescimento e, portanto, poderão ser avaliados in vivo quanto a parâmetros de crescimento vegetal em ensaios em casa de vegetação

Caracterização morfofisiológica e genética de bactérias endofíticas isoladas de raízes de diferentes genótipos de milho (Zea mays L.).

A cultura do milho (Zea mays L.) tem relevante expressão no cenário mundial e o Estado do Paraná desempenha importante papel como maior produtor de milho no Brasil. Assim, todas as estratégias que permitam otimizar a produção deste importante cultivo são importantes para a pesquisa aplicada. Bactérias endofíticas apresentam alto potencial na elevação dos índices de produtividade, por mecanismos como a fixação biológica do nitrogênio, a promoção do crescimento de plantas pela produção de fitohormônios, o controle de patógenos, entre outros. Objetivos: Isolar bactérias que se associam endofiticamente com diferentes genótipos de milho (linhagens e híbridos) e caracterizá-las quanto a diversas propriedades morfofisiológicas e genéticas. Métodos: Inicialmente foi estabelecida uma coleção de 217 isolados de bactérias endofíticas de raízes de milho e destes, 98 foram mantidos em condições de laboratório. Foram realizadas caracterizações morfofisiológicas, incluindo morfologia de colônias, diversos testes bioquímicos (crescimento em diferentes meios de cultura, redução do nitrato, urease, catalase, tolerância intrínseca a antibióticos) e avaliação da capacidade de fixação do nitrogênio in vitro. Como etapa subsequente, avaliou-se o perfil genético das bactérias através da amplificação do DNA com o primer BOX-PCR, relacionado a regiões repetitivas e não codificantes do DNA. Foi realizado, ainda, o sequenciamento parcial do gene 16S RNAr de bactérias representantes dos principais agrupamentos obtidos com os dados morfofisiológicos, sendo identificados os gêneros Pantoea, Bacillus, Burkholderia e Klebsiella. Resultados: Foi observada alta variabilidade entre os isolados obtidos em todos os parâmetros analisados, confirmando que populações com elevado grau de diversidade morfofisiológica e genética se estabelece endofiticamente com o milho. É interessante constatar que essa diversidade ocorre mesmo em linhagens e híbridos de milho obtidos em condições normais de melhoramento para a gramínea, que não consideram a capacidade de associação com bactérias endofíticas. Conclusão: O estabelecimento dessa importante coleção, com microrganismos pertencentes a gêneros pouco estudados com a cultura do milho no Brasil permitirá a condução de estudos para a avaliação da capacidade promotora de crescimento ou mesmo fixação biológica de nitrogênio nesses isolados bacterianos

Endophytic and pathogenic Phyllosticta species, with reference to those associated with Citrus Black Spot

We investigated the identity and genetic diversity of more than 100 isolates belonging to Phyllosticta (teleomorph Guignardia), with particular emphasis on Phyllosticta citricarpa and Guignardia mangiferae s.l. occurring on Citrus. Phyllosticta citricarpa is the causal agent of Citrus Black Spot and is subject to phytosanitary legislation in the EU. This species is frequently confused with a taxon generally referred to as G. mangiferae, the presumed teleomorph of P. capitalensis, which is a non-pathogenic endophyte, commonly isolated from citrus leaves and fruits and a wide range of other hosts. DNA sequence analysis of the nrDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1, 5.8S nrDNA, ITS2) and partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1), actin and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) genes resolved nine clades correlating to seven known, and two apparently undescribed species. Phyllosticta citribraziliensis is newly described as an endophytic species occurring on Citrus in Brazil. An epitype is designated for P. citricarpa from material newly collected in Australia, which is distinct from P. citriasiana, presently only known on C. maxima from Asia. Phyllosticta bifrenariae is newly described for a species causing leaf and bulb spots on Bifrenaria harrisoniae (Orchidaceae) in Brazil. It is morphologically distinct from P. capitalensis, which was originally described from Stanhopea (Orchidaceae) in Brazil; an epitype is designated here. Guignardia mangiferae, which was originally described from Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae) in India, is distinguished from the non-pathogenic endophyte, P. brazilianiae sp. nov., which is common on M. indica in Brazil. Furthermore, a combined phylogenetic tree revealed the P. capitalensis s.l. clade to be genetically distinct from the reference isolate of G. mangiferae. Several names are available for this clade, the oldest being P. capitalensis. These results suggest that endophytic, non-pathogenic isolates occurring on a wide host range would be more correctly referred to as P. capitalensis. However, more genes need to be analysed to fully resolve the morphological variation still observed within this clade

Demographic, Psychosocial and Perceived Environmental Factors Associated with Depression Severity in a Midwest Micropolitan Community

The purpose of this study was to inform a community-engaged partnership concerned with mental health in their community by exploring factors associated with depression among a sample of residents in a micropolitan city in a rural state. Social and contextual factors are important influences on depression risk, but most research in this area has focused on urban settings. Micropolitan areas (midsize rural communities centered around a population core of 10,000-50,000 people) are home to the majority of rural residents and this specific social and economic context may have unique influences on depression risk. Using a random-digit-dial sampling method, adult residents completed a phone interview that assessed a range of health behaviors and measures of quality of life, social support, neighborhood context, and discrimination (n = 1101). Results indicated that being male, having a partner, and being a high school graduate protected against moderate to severe depression, whereas inadequate social support, perceived unfair treatment, and lower neighborhood cohesion were associated with moderate to severe depression. Increases in poverty were significantly associated with greater odds of reporting moderate to severe depression. This study demonstrated that factors associated with depression are similar factors in rural and urban areas, however, the prevalence of these factors may differ along the rural-urban continuum, and should be considered when developing and implementing mental health prevention and control interventions

Bactérias endofíticas e rizobactérias como promotoras de crescimento em plantas de milho.

A cultura de milho se destaca no cenário mundial e o Paraná é o maior produtor nacional dessa cultura. O uso e inoculantes a partir de bactérias que interagem com a planta de forma direta ou indireta, é uma alternativa de redução de custos e impacto ambiental. Na interação planta e bactéria, são encontradas rizobactérias e bactérias endofíticas, diazotróficas e/ou promotoras de crescimento vegetal. A promoção de crescimento pode ser direta pela produção de fitormônios, como auxinas; disponibilidade de nutrientes por meio de solubilização de fosfato e produção de sideróforos; ou no caso das dizotróficas, por fixação biológica de nitrogênio. Também, a promoção de crescimento vegetal pode ser de forma indireta por meio de produção de substâncias inibidoras do crescimento de fitopatógenos ou por competição por espaço e/ou nutrientes. A identificação genética de cepas bacterianas contrib ui para a seleção de estirpes com melhor desempenho para atividade promotora de crescimento vegetal e, portanto, promissoras para produção de inoculantes. O sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA é uma ferramenta molecular importante para determinar a posição taxonômica de estirpes de bactérias. Assim, o presente trabalho tem por objetivo selecionar bactérias com atividade promotora de crescimento vegetal e caracterizá-las geneticamente. Para isso, foram isoladas cepas bacterianas de raízes de milho para estabelecer uma coleção. As cepas foram submetidas aos testes in vitro para promoção de crescimento vegetal e sequenciamento do gene ribossomal 16S para identificação molecular. As bactérias com melhor desempenho nos testes in vitro são selecionadas para experimentação em casa de vegetação

A scoping review of research on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and the mass media: Looking back, moving forward

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has become more common in Western developed countries in recent years, as has media reporting on CAM and related issues. Correspondingly, media reports are a primary information source regarding decisions to use CAM. Research on CAM related media reports is becoming increasingly relevant and important; however, identifying key concepts to guide future research is problematic due to the dispersed nature of completed research in this field. A scoping review was conducted to: 1) determine the amount, focus and nature of research on CAM and the mass media; and 2) summarize and disseminate related research results.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The main phases were: 1) searching for relevant studies; 2) selecting studies based on pre-defined inclusion criteria; 3) extracting data; and 4) collating, summarizing and reporting the results.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of 4,454 studies identified through various search strategies, 16 were relevant to our objectives and included in a final sample. CAM and media research has focused primarily on print media coverage of a range of CAM therapies, although only a few studies articulated differences within the range of therapies surveyed. Research has been developed through a variety of disciplinary perspectives, with a focus on representation research. The research reviewed suggests that journalists draw on a range of sources to prepare media reports, although most commonly they cite conventional (versus CAM) sources and personal anecdotes. The tone of media reports appears generally positive, which may be related to a lack of reporting on issues related to risk and safety. Finally, a variety of discourses within media representations of CAM are apparent that each appeal to a specific audience through resonance with their specific concerns.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Research on CAM and the mass media spans multiple disciplines and strategies of inquiry; however, despite the diversity in approach, it is clear that issues related to production and reception of media content are in need of research attention. To address the varied issues in a comprehensive manner, future research needs to be collaborative, involving researchers across disciplines, journalists and CAM users.</p

Genome of Herbaspirillum seropedicae Strain SmR1, a Specialized Diazotrophic Endophyte of Tropical Grasses

The molecular mechanisms of plant recognition, colonization, and nutrient exchange between diazotrophic endophytes and plants are scarcely known. Herbaspirillum seropedicae is an endophytic bacterium capable of colonizing intercellular spaces of grasses such as rice and sugar cane. The genome of H. seropedicae strain SmR1 was sequenced and annotated by The Paraná State Genome Programme—GENOPAR. The genome is composed of a circular chromosome of 5,513,887 bp and contains a total of 4,804 genes. The genome sequence revealed that H. seropedicae is a highly versatile microorganism with capacity to metabolize a wide range of carbon and nitrogen sources and with possession of four distinct terminal oxidases. The genome contains a multitude of protein secretion systems, including type I, type II, type III, type V, and type VI secretion systems, and type IV pili, suggesting a high potential to interact with host plants. H. seropedicae is able to synthesize indole acetic acid as reflected by the four IAA biosynthetic pathways present. A gene coding for ACC deaminase, which may be involved in modulating the associated plant ethylene-signaling pathway, is also present. Genes for hemagglutinins/hemolysins/adhesins were found and may play a role in plant cell surface adhesion. These features may endow H. seropedicae with the ability to establish an endophytic life-style in a large number of plant species

Kava and ethno-cultural identity in Oceania

Garibaldi and Turner (Ecol Soc 9:1, 5, 2004) explain the role that particular plants play in facilitating the shared ancestry, practices, and social experience of an ethnicity. This can include spiritual connections, cultural expression and practice, ceremony, exchange, linguistic reflection, socialization, and medicinal and/or dietary systems. They term these plants “cultural keystone species” and icons of identity, plants that if removed would cause some disruptions to the cultural practices and identity of an ethnic group. Undoubtedly, kava (Piper methysticum) is the cultural keystone species for many Oceanic and Pacific peoples, a “differentiating element of common culture” (Zagefka, Ethnicity, concepts of. In: Smith AD, Hou X, Stone J, Dennis R, Rizova P (eds) The Wiley Blackwell encyclopedia of race, ethnicity, and nationalism. West Wiley, Sussex, pp 761–763, 2016) informing their ethno-cultural identity. That influence is also extending to new non-Pacific Island user groups who have embraced elements of kava ethno-cultural identity in what has been termed diasporic identity formation in reverse. This chapter will discuss kava with specific reference to ethnic positionality in Fiji while recognizing the tensions from inside and outside the region that support and threaten the continuance of the kava drinking tradition