A Specific Activity-Based Probe to Monitor Family GH59 Galactosylceramidase, the Enzyme Deficient in Krabbe Disease

Galactosylceramidase (GALC) is the lysosomal β-galactosidase responsible for the hydrolysis of galactosylceramide. Inherited deficiency in GALC causes Krabbe disease, a devastating neurological disorder characterized by accumulation of galactosylceramide and its deacylated counterpart, the toxic sphingoid base galactosylsphingosine (psychosine). We report the design and application of a fluorescently tagged activity-based probe (ABP) for the sensitive and specific labeling of active GALC molecules from various species. The probe consists of a β-galactopyranose-configured cyclophellitol-epoxide core, conferring specificity for GALC, equipped with a BODIPY fluorophore at C6 that allows visualization of active enzyme in cells and tissues. Detection of residual GALC in patient fibroblasts holds great promise for laboratory diagnosis of Krabbe disease. We further describe a procedure for in situ imaging of active GALC in murine brain by intra-cerebroventricular infusion of the ABP. In conclusion, this GALC-specific ABP should find broad applications in diagnosis, drug development, and evaluation of therapy for Krabbe disease

Development Of A Computer Program For Economical Implantation Of Sugarcane Plantations [desenvolvimento De Um Programa Computacional Para Implantação Econômica De Lavouras Canavieiras]

An algorithm was developed for conventional implantation of sugarcane crap. In addition, a differentiated implantation was developed with the purpose of providing same production (tons), in subsequent years of the implantation. Since sugarcane productivities in the following years are different. However the new methodology is limited to the maximum planting area, and in some cases annual production falls due to impossibility to increase planted area. A third methodology was also developed, in which the area does not become a limiting factor, and therefore production remain constant. To evaluate the viability of proposed methods, calculations of the cost of crop implantation, of sugarcane maintenance, annual income and the net incomes were converted later to the Present Value. The results showed that in spite of the higher initial investment, the new methods always provide highest real profit abilities in the time course and that recovery time of the invested capital is also smaller. The algorithms were transformed in the software "canavial.exe", which can be assessed freely at site: "http://dl.winsite.com/bin/downl? 500000027058".102289293(2001) Anuário Estatístico Da Agricultura Brasileira. para Aumentar O Lucro Na Cana-de-açúcar, pp. 248-265. , Agrianual. São Paulo: FNP/M&S, 2000Antunes, L.M., Angel, A., (1996) A Informática Na Agropecuária, 175p. , Guaíba: AgropecuáriaAscough, J.C., Hoag, D.L., Frasier, W.M., Mcmaster, G.S., Computer use in agriculture: An analysis of great plains producers (1999) Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2, pp. 189-204. , DavisBrugnaro, C., Modelos aritméticos de implantação de canaviais. Cadernos (1983) Planalsucar, 2 (1), pp. 3-10. , PiracicabaCalliari, M., (2001) Gerenciamento Do Canavial para Otimização Da Produção de Sacarose Em Usina Sucroalcooleira, 201p. , Campinas: FEAGRI/UNICAMP, Tese DoutoradoFernandes, A.C., (2000) Cálculos Na Agroindústria Da Cana-de-açúcar, 193p. , Piracicaba: STABFrizzone, J.A., Botrel, T.A., Freitas, H.A.C., Análise comparativa dos custos de irrigação por pivô-central, em culturas de feijão, utilizando energia elétrica e óleo diesel (1994) Engenharia Rural, 5 (1), pp. 34-53. , PiracicabaMatsuoka, S., Botânica da cana-de-açúcar (1996) Botânica e Ecofisiologia Da Cana-de-açúcar, pp. 1-9. , Matsuoka, S. Araras: UFSCar, cap IMatsuoka, S., Arizono, H., Bassinello, A.I., Gheller, A.C.A., Hoffmann, H.P., Matsuda, Y., Variedades superprecoces de cana-deaçúcar (1995) Álcool & Açúcar, 15 (78), pp. 22-29. , São PauloStupiello, J.P., Alguns aspectos de qualidade da matéria-prima (1989) STAB-Açúcar, Álcool e Subprodutos, 7 (3-5), pp. 52-54. , PiracicabaWeick, C.W., Agribusiness technology in 2010: Directions and challenges (2001) Technology in Society, 23, pp. 59-72. , New Yor

Teor e rendimento de flavonóides em calêndula (Calendula officinalis L.) cultivada com diferentes lâminas de irrigação

A Calendula officinalis L. apresenta uso ornamental, culinário e terapêutico. A inflorescência é usada com ação cicatrizante e antiinflamatória. O experimento analisou o efeito de quatro lâminas de irrigação em condições de campo, na produção de flavonóides em calêndula. As lâminas baseadas na evaporação do Tanque Classe A (ECA) foram: 0, 50, 100 e 150% ECA; sendo aplicadas desde o início do florescimento até o final do ciclo da cultura. O teor de flavonóides não apresentou diferenças estatísticas. Os maiores valores de matéria seca de flores e rendimento de flavonóides foram obtidos no tratamento sem irrigação. O teor de prolina foi maior para o tratamento com estresse por excesso hídrico. A deficiência hídrica acumulada para o tratamento sem irrigação sinalizou uma possível morte por deficiência hídrica. Com a ocorrência da precipitação no período de pré-florescimento, a planta, originária do Mediterrâneo, respondeu com florescimento abundante em massa e em número de flores. Assim, para Presidente Prudente, caso não ocorra a reposição hídrica do solo por precipitação, é necessário o uso de irrigação complementar com 200 mm apenas no período de pré-florescimento, para induzir ao máximo florescimento e máximo rendimento de flavonóides por hectare

Spatial variation of herbaceous cover species community in Cu-contaminated vineyards in Pampa biome

Study\u2019s objective was to evaluate spatial variability of herbaceous cover species community in vineyards cultivated in soil with increasing Cu levels in Pampa biome. Three vineyards, with increasing soil Cu available contents and a natural field area (NF), were selected. In each experimental area, soil Cu content, botanical composition, cumulative aerial biomass, and aerial part Cu concentration, in most frequent species, were evaluated. In total, 39 vascular plant species were identified, including four exotic species. Biodiversity indicators did not significantly correlate with soil Cu. However, botanical composition variation could be observed. In NF, Poaceae and Asteraceae families presented greater dry mass contribution, while this contribution decreased in higher soil Cu concentration areas. The Cu concentration and accumulation in plant aerial part were higher in older vineyards, as plant aerial part accumulated, in average, 13.8 mg Cu m 122. Among species found in experimental fields, Ageratum conyzoides, a species known to form Cu-tolerant populations, occurred in most areas, especially in vineyards, presenting higher aerial Cu concentrations, with a mean of 126.47 mg kg 121. Soil enrichment with Cu did not alter the vegetation\u2019s biodiversity, but may have contributed to the botanical composition modification. The native species, P. plicatulum and A. conyzoides, presented a high bio-accumulation factor and are potential candidates for phytoremediation techniques