CLONAL MICROPLANT PRODUCTION, MORPHOLOGICAL EVALUATION AND GENETIC STABILITY OF Dendrocalamus asper (Schult. & Schult.) Backer ex. K. Heyneke

ABSTRACT: Bamboo species have many commercial applications, considering that homogeneous plantations (formed from clonal plants) are essential to high sustainable biomass production. The cloning of selected plants on an industrial scale through in vitro cultivation has many advantages, being important for the supply of plants in sufficient quantity and quality to meet commercial demand. The control of the cloning is the basis for an industrial scale, and its knowledge can optimize the process. This work aimed to evaluate the cloning of Dendrocalamus asper selected plant through micropropagation. Morphological features by scanning electron microscopy and genetic stability with ISSR molecular markers were evaluated. Four times of immersion in sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on in vitro establishment of nodal segments were evaluated. The established explants were transferred to a culture medium that was supplemented with three concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). Three concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) to the in vitro adventitious rooting were evaluated. NaOCl application for 10 min resulted in 71.4 % of establishment in 30 d. Supplementation of the culture medium with 2.0 and 3.0 mg L-1 BAP de resulted in the highest averages for multiplication and elongation stages. The formation of adventitious roots occurred with 4.0 mg L-1 IBA of supplementation. Micropropagated plants showed normal morphological features and genetic stability, confirming the cloning of selected plant. Keywords: bamboo; micropropagation; vegetative propagation; In vitro culture; ISSR; plant growth regulator.   Produção de microplantas clonais, avaliação morfofisiológica e estabilidade genética de Dendrocalamus asper (Schult. & Schult.) Backer ex. K. Heyneke   RESUMO: Espécies de bambus apresentam diversas aplicações comerciais, visto que os plantios homogêneos (formados a partir de plantas clonais) são essenciais para a alta produção de biomassa sustentável. A clonagem de plantas selecionadas em escala industrial por meio do cultivo in vitro apresenta muitas vantagens, sendo uma importante ferramenta para o fornecimento de plantas em quantidade e qualidade suficientes para atender a demanda comercial. O controle da clonagem é a base para escala industrial, e seu conhecimento pode otimizar os processos. O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a clonagem de planta selecionada de Dendrocalamus asper por meio da técnica de micropropagação. Foram avaliadas as características morfológicas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura e estabilidade genética por meio de marcadores moleculares ISSR. Além disso, foram avaliados quatro tempos de imersão em hipoclorito de sódio (NaOCl) no estabelecimento in vitro de segmentos nodais. Os explantes estabelecidos foram transferidos para um meio de cultura que foi suplementado com três concentrações de benzilaminopurina (BAP). Por fim, foram avaliadas três concentrações de ácido indolbutírico (AIB) durante o enraizamento adventício in vitro. A adição de NaOCl por 10 min resultou em 71,4 % de estabelecimento em 30 d. A suplementação do meio de cultura com 2,0 e 3,0 mg L-1 BAP resultou nas maiores médias para as fases de multiplicação e alongamento. A formação de raízes adventícias ocorreu com a suplementação de 4,0 mg L-1 de AIB. Plantas micropropagadas apresentaram características morfológicas normais e estabilidade genética, confirmando a clonagem da planta selecionada. Palavras-chave: bambu; micropropagação; propagação vegetativa; cultivo in vitro; ISSR; regulador de crescimento vegetal.ABSTRACT: Bamboo species have many commercial applications, considering that homogeneous plantations (formed from clonal plants) are essential to high sustainable biomass production. The cloning of selected plants on an industrial scale through in vitro cultivation has many advantages, being important for the supply of plants in sufficient quantity and quality to meet commercial demand. The control of the cloning is the basis for an industrial scale, and its knowledge can optimize the process. This work aimed to evaluate the cloning of Dendrocalamus asper selected plant through micropropagation. Morphological features by scanning electron microscopy and genetic stability with ISSR molecular markers were evaluated. Four times of immersion in sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on in vitro establishment of nodal segments were evaluated. The established explants were transferred to a culture medium that was supplemented with three concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). Three concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) to the in vitro adventitious rooting were evaluated. NaOCl application for 10 min resulted in 71.4 % of establishment in 30 d. Supplementation of the culture medium with 2.0 and 3.0 mg L-1 BAP de resulted in the highest averages for multiplication and elongation stages. The formation of adventitious roots occurred with 4.0 mg L-1 IBA of supplementation. Micropropagated plants showed normal morphological features and genetic stability, confirming the cloning of selected plant. Keywords: bamboo; micropropagation; vegetative propagation; In vitro culture; ISSR; plant growth regulator.   Produção de microplantas clonais, avaliação morfofisiológica e estabilidade genética de Dendrocalamus asper (Schult. & Schult.) Backer ex. K. Heyneke   RESUMO: Espécies de bambus apresentam diversas aplicações comerciais, visto que os plantios homogêneos (formados a partir de plantas clonais) são essenciais para a alta produção de biomassa sustentável. A clonagem de plantas selecionadas em escala industrial por meio do cultivo in vitro apresenta muitas vantagens, sendo uma importante ferramenta para o fornecimento de plantas em quantidade e qualidade suficientes para atender a demanda comercial. O controle da clonagem é a base para escala industrial, e seu conhecimento pode otimizar os processos. O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a clonagem de planta selecionada de Dendrocalamus asper por meio da técnica de micropropagação. Foram avaliadas as características morfológicas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura e estabilidade genética por meio de marcadores moleculares ISSR. Além disso, foram avaliados quatro tempos de imersão em hipoclorito de sódio (NaOCl) no estabelecimento in vitro de segmentos nodais. Os explantes estabelecidos foram transferidos para um meio de cultura que foi suplementado com três concentrações de benzilaminopurina (BAP). Por fim, foram avaliadas três concentrações de ácido indolbutírico (AIB) durante o enraizamento adventício in vitro. A adição de NaOCl por 10 min resultou em 71,4 % de estabelecimento em 30 d. A suplementação do meio de cultura com 2,0 e 3,0 mg L-1 BAP resultou nas maiores médias para as fases de multiplicação e alongamento. A formação de raízes adventícias ocorreu com a suplementação de 4,0 mg L-1 de AIB. Plantas micropropagadas apresentaram características morfológicas normais e estabilidade genética, confirmando a clonagem da planta selecionada. Palavras-chave: bambu; micropropagação; propagação vegetativa; cultivo in vitro; ISSR; regulador de crescimento vegetal

MASSIVE INFESTATION BY Ascaris lumbricoides: CASE REPORT

A ascaridíase é endêmica em países em desenvolvimento e está relacionada a baixas condições socioeconômicas. É a helmintíase mais prevalente, principalmente nos pacientes pediátricos, sendo assintomática na maioria dos casos. Na infestação maciça, pode evoluir com complicações tais como obstrução intestinal e invasão das vias biliares. Radiografia abdominal e ultrassonografia são os principais exames médicos diagnósticos. Inicialmente o tratamento é conservador, no entanto pode se tornar cirúrgico. O objetivo desse trabalho é analisar a apresentação clínica, o diagnóstico e o tratamento de infestação maciça por Ascaris lumbricoides através do relato de um caso de ascaridíase maciça em criança de Macapá – AP, que evoluiu com suboclusão intestinal e invasão da vesícula e das vias biliares. Os dados foram coletados do prontuário médico e foi feita revisão da literatura nos principais acervos médicos digitais no período de 2000 a 2014. Uma vez conhecendo suas formas de apresentação e complicações, os médicos estarão aptos a manejá-la apropriadamente, contribuindo para diminuir sua morbimortalidade nas regiões endêmicas.Palavras-chave: Ascaridíase maciça, migração errática, suboclusão intestinal, invasão das vias biliares, invasão da vesícula biliar.Ascariasis is endemic in developing countries and it is related to substandard socioeconomic conditions. It is the most prevalent helminthiasis, especially in pediatric patients, being asymptomatic in most cases. In massive infestation, it can develop complications such as intestinal obstruction and invasion of the biliary tract. Abdominal radiography and ultrassonography are the main medical tests for diagnosis. Initially treatment is conservative but it can change into surgery. The aim of this paper is to analyze clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of massive infestation by Ascaris lumbricoides through the report of a case of massive ascariasis in a child from Macapá – AP, that developed into intestinal subocclusion and invasion of the biliary tree and gallbladder. Data was collected from the medical records and it was made a review of the literature in the main medical database available on digital pile on the period of 2000 to 2014. Once they know its forms of presentation and complications, doctors will be able to appropriately manage it, contributing to diminishing its morbimortality in endemic regionsKeywords: Massive ascariasis; Erratic migration; Intestinal subcclusion; Invasion of the biliary tract; Invasion of gallbladde

Protective effect of Melissa officinalis aqueous extract against Mn-induced oxidative stress in chronically exposed mice

AbstractManganese (Mn) is an essential element for biological systems; however occupational exposure to high levels of this metal may lead to neurodegenerative disorders, resembling Parkinson's disease (PD). While its mechanisms of neurotoxicity have yet to be fully understood, oxidative stress plays a critical role. Thus, the main goal of this study was to investigate the efficacy of aqueous extract of Melissa officinalis in attenuating Mn-induced brain oxidative stress in mice. Sixteen male mice were randomly divided into two groups and treated for 3 months: the first group consumed tap water (control group) and the second group was treated with Mn (50mg/kg/day for habituation during the first 15 days followed by 100mg/kg/day for additional 75 days) in the drinking water. After 3 months both groups were sub divided (n=4 per group) and treated for additional 3 months with Mn and/or M. officinalis in the drinking water. The first group (control) was treated with water and served as control; the second group (M. officinalis) was treated with M. officinalis (100mg/kg/day); the third group was treated with Mn (100mg/kg/day); the fourth group (Mn+M. officinalis) was treated with both Mn and M. officinalis (100mg/kg/day each). Mn-treated mice showed a significant increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) levels (a marker of oxidative stress) in both the hippocampus and striatum. These changes were accompanied by a decrease in total thiol content in the hippocampus and a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase and catalase) in the hippocampus, striatum, cortex and cerebellum. Co-treatment with M. officinalis aqueous extract in Mn-treated mice significantly inhibited the antioxidant enzyme activities and attenuated the oxidative damage (TBARS and decreased total thiol levels). These results establish that M. officinalis aqueous extract possesses potent antioxidative properties, validating its efficacy in attenuating Mn-induced oxidative stress in the mouse brain

The Barretos Cancer Hospital Animal Facility: implementation and results of a dedicated platform for preclinical oncology models

The Barretos Cancer Hospital Animal Facility (BCHAF) is a unique facility in Brazil exclusively dedicated to working with animal models for cancer research. In this article, we briefly present our modern facility and the main experiments performed, focusing on mutant strains of mice (PTCH-knockout and ApcMin mice), xenograft models, and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Our results show the progress and challenges in establishing these models and the need for having an appropriate representation of our cancer population to better understand tumor biology and to identify cancer biomarkers, which could be putatively targeted, allowing for personalized therapy.This study was funded by the Public Ministry of Labor Campinas (Research, Prevention and Education of Occupational Cancer) and by Pio XII Foundation, Barretos Cancer Hospital internal funds, Grant Number: 13/2021

Impact of ERT and follow-up of 17 patients from the same family with a mild form of MPS II

Background: Mucopolysaccharidosis type II, also known as Hunter syndrome, is a rare X-linked recessive disorder caused by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme Iduronate-2- Sulfatase (IDS), leading to progressive accumulation of Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in several organs. Over the years, Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) has provided significant benefits for patients, retarding the natural progression of the disease. Results: The authors evaluated 17 patients from the same family with a mild form of MPS type II; the proband had developed acute decompensated heart failure refractory to clinical measurements at 23 years and needed a rather urgent heart transplant; however, he died from surgical complications shortly after the procedure. Nevertheless, subsequent to his tragic death, 16 affected male relatives were detected after biochemical tests identifying the low or absent activity of the IDS enzyme and confirmed by molecular analysis of the IDS gene. Following diagnosis, different options of treatment were chosen: 6 patients started ERT with Elaprase® (Idursulfase) soon after, while the other 10 remained without ERT. Eventually, 4 patients in the latter group began ERT with Hunterase® (Idursulfase Beta). None presented adverse effects to either form of the enzyme. Among the 6 individuals without any ERT, two died of natural causes, after reaching 70 years. Despite the variable phenotype within the same family (mainly heart dysfunctions and carpal tunnel syndrome), all 14 remaining patients were alive with an independent lifestyle. Conclusion: Here, the authors report the variable progress of the disease with and without ERT in a large Brazilian family with a slowly progressive form of MPS II, harboring the same missense variant in the IDS gene

GRUPO DE ESTUDOS DA AGRICULTURA FAMILIAR GEAF-UFMG

A Agricultura Familiar (AF) no Brasil representa a maioria das propriedades rurais e ocupa a maior parte da mão de obra agrí­cola, mas tem acesso marginal e oprimido à posse da terra. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste estudo de caso é apresentar as ações, resultados e impactos do "Grupo de Estudos da Agricultura Familiar da Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (GEAF-UFMG)" . O GEAF-UFMG foi idealizado com o objetivo de realizar discussões e estabelecer trocas de informações acerca da AF. O grupo é composto por estudantes de graduação e pós-graduação de diversos cursos. Se configura como um espaço onde, por meio de encontros semanais, são organizados cursos, eventos, e outras atividades de extensão voltadas à atenção à AF. A partir do grupo de estudos, os estudantes têm oportunidade de aprofundar estudos na temática, promover politização, estabelecer ví­nculos com movimentos sociais e grupos que representam a AF, além de gerar habilidades e competências para o trabalho cooperado e em grupo

High frequency of WNT-activated medulloblastomas with CTNNB1 wild type suggests a higher proportion of hereditary cases in a Latin-Iberian population

PurposeMedulloblastomas are the most common primary malignant brain tumors in children. They are divided into molecular subgroups: WNT-activated, SHH-Activated, TP53 mutant or wild type, and non-WNT/non-SHH (Groups 3 and 4). WNT-activated medulloblastomas are usually caused by mutations in the CTNNB1 gene (85%–90%), and most remaining cases of CTNNB1 wild type are thought to be caused by germline mutations in APC. So far, the frequencies of CTNNB1 have been reported mainly in North American and European populations. The aim of this study was to report the frequency of CTNNB1 mutations in WNT-activated medulloblastomas in a Latin-Iberian population and correlate with their clinicopathological characteristics.MethodsA total of 266 medulloblastomas from seven different institutions from Brazil (n=211), Portugal (n=38), and Argentina (n=17) were evaluated. Following RNA and DNA isolation from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues, the molecular classification and CTNNB1 mutation analysis were performed by nCounter and Sanger sequencing, respectively.ResultsWNT-activated medulloblastomas accounted for 15% (40/266) of the series. We observed that 73% of WNT-activated medulloblastomas harbored CTNNB1 mutations. CTNNB1 wild-type cases (27%) were more prevalent in female individuals and suggested to be associated with a worse outcome. Among the CTNNB1 wild-type cases, the available analysis of family history revealed two cases with familiar adenomatous polyposis, harboring APC germline variants.ConclusionWe observed a lower incidence of CTNNB1 mutations in WNT-activated medulloblastomas in our Latin-Iberian cohort compared to frequencies previously described in other populations. Considering that CTNNB1 wild-type cases may exhibit APC germline mutations, our study suggests a higher incidence (~30%) of hereditary WNT-activated medulloblastomas in the Latin-Iberian population

An extensive reef system at the Amazon River mouth

Large rivers create major gaps in reef distribution along tropical shelves. The Amazon River represents 20% of the global riverine discharge to the ocean, generating up to a 1.3 x 10(6)-km(2) plume, and extensive muddy bottoms in the equatorial margin of South America. As a result, a wide area of the tropical North Atlantic is heavily affected in terms of salinity, pH, light penetration, and sedimentation. Such unfavorable conditions were thought to imprint a major gap in Western Atlantic reefs. We present an extensive carbonate system off the Amazon mouth, underneath the river plume. Significant carbonate sedimentation occurred during lowstand sea level, and still occurs in the outer shelf, resulting in complex hard-bottom topography. A permanent near-bottom wedge of ocean water, together with the seasonal nature of the plume's eastward retroflection, conditions the existence of this extensive (similar to 9500 km(2)) hard-bottom mosaic. The Amazon reefs transition from accretive to erosional structures and encompass extensive rhodolith beds. Carbonate structures function as a connectivity corridor for wide depth-ranging reef-associated species, being heavily colonized by large sponges and other structure-forming filter feeders that dwell under low light and high levels of particulates. The oxycline between the plume and subplume is associated with chemoautotrophic and anaerobic microbial metabolisms. The system described here provides several insights about the responses of tropical reefs to suboptimal and marginal reef-building conditions, which are accelerating worldwide due to global changes.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq)Coordenadoria de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES)Fundacao Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERS)Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP)BrasoilMCTIBrazilian NavyU.S. NSFGordon and Betty Moore Foundation (GBMF)Univ Fed Rio de Janeiro UFRJ, Inst Biol, BR-21941599 Rio De Janeiro, RJ, BrazilUniv Fed Rio de Janeiro, COPPE, Inst Alberto Luiz Coimbra Posgrad & Pesquisa Engn, Lab Sistemas Avancados Gestao Prod, BR-21941972 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BrazilInst Pesquisas Jardim Bot Rio de Janeiro, BR-22460030 Rio De Janeiro, RJ, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Inst Oceanog, BR-05508120 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Espirito Santo, Dept Oceanog, BR-29199970 Vitoria, ES, BrazilUniv Estadual Norte Fluminense, Lab Ciencias Ambientais, Ctr Biociencias & Biotecnol, BR-28013602 Campos Dos Goytacazes, RJ, BrazilUniv Fed Fluminense, Inst Geociencias, BR-24210346 Niteroi, RJ, BrazilUniv Fed Fluminense, Inst Biol, BR-24210130 Niteroi, RJ, BrazilUniv Fed Rio de Janeiro, Museo Nacl, BR-20940040 Rio De Janeiro, RJ, BrazilFed Univ Para, Inst Estudos Costeiros, BR-68600000 Braganca, PA, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Ciencias Mar, BR-11070100 Santos, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Pernambuco, Dept Oceanog, BR-50670901 Recife, PE, BrazilUniv Georgia, Dept Marine Sci, Athens, GA 30602 USAUniv Fed Paraiba, BR-58297000 Rio Tinto, PB, BrazilUniv Estadual Santa Cruz, Dept Ciencias Biol, BR-45650000 Ilheus, BA, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Ciencias Mar, BR-11070100 Santos, SP, BrazilU.S. NSF: OCE-0934095GBMF: 2293GBMF: 2928Web of Scienc