Integrating metabolomics and targeted gene expression to uncover potential biomarkers of fungal/oomycetes-associated disease susceptibility in grapevine

Vitis vinifera, one of the most cultivated fruit crops, is susceptible to several diseases particularly caused by fungus and oomycete pathogens. In contrast, other Vitis species (American, Asian) display different degrees of tolerance/resistance to these pathogens, being widely used in breeding programs to introgress resistance traits in elite V. vinifera cultivars. Secondary metabolites are important players in plant defence responses. Therefore, the characterization of the metabolic profiles associated with disease resistance and susceptibility traits in grapevine is a promising approach to identify trait-related biomarkers. In this work, the leaf metabolic composition of eleven Vitis genotypes was analysed using an untargeted metabolomics approach. A total of 190 putative metabolites were found to discriminate resistant/partial resistant from susceptible genotypes. The biological relevance of discriminative compounds was assessed by pathway analysis. Several compounds were selected as promising biomarkers and the expression of genes coding for enzymes associated with their metabolic pathways was analysed. Reference genes for these grapevine genotypes were established for normalisation of candidate gene expression. The leucoanthocyanidin reductase 2 gene (LAR2) presented a significant increase of expression in susceptible genotypes, in accordance with catechin accumulation in this analysis group. Up to our knowledge this is the first time that metabolic constitutive biomarkers are proposed, opening new insights into plant selection on breeding programsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Classificação de hidrópsia endolinfática em pacientes com suspeita de doença de Menière utilizando ressonância magnética

Mestrado em Radiações Aplicadas às Tecnologias da Saúde - Ramo de especialização: Imagem por Ressonância Magnética.A doença de Ménière (DM) é uma patologia idiopática do ouvido interno, caracterizada por episódios de vertigem recorrentes, hipoacusia flutuante e acufenos. Esta tríade de sintomas foi descrita pela primeira vez em 1861 por Prosper Ménière, apontando a disfunção do ouvido interno como a origem do complexo de sintomas auditivo e vestibular. Quando a etiologia de Hidrópsia Endolinfática (HE) é conhecida, designa-se por Síndrome de Ménière (SM). A classificação morfológica da HE no vestíbulo e na cóclea é feita com recurso à utilização de imagem por Ressonância Magnética (RM) através da escala de Nagoya, 2008. Esta dissertação tem como objetivos compreender os benefícios da utilização da RM na Doença de Ménière, avaliar a sensibilidade da RM para a diferenciação entre ouvido sintomático e ouvido assintomático e comparar a sintomatologia associada a estes pacientes com o grau atribuído pelo observador através da análise das imagens de RM. Para a elaboração deste estudo foi utilizada uma amostra de 51 pacientes que foram submetidos a exame de RM dos ouvidos. Para a aquisição das imagens de RM foi utilizado um protocolo específico com administração de contraste endovenoso (Gadolíneo) e 4h após a sua injeção foram incluídas as sequências específicas, sendo estas T1 3D IR e 3D Fluid Atennuation Inversion Recovery (3D-FLAIR). As regiões de interesse para a análise deste estudo foram o vestíbulo e a cóclea. A RM evidenciou uma sensibilidade de 74,5% para a deteção da DM em pacientes com sintomas característicos da patologia, bem como que um maior numero de sintomas associados à mesma é fator preponderante para um diagnóstico de DM confirmado pelas imagens de RM. A RM permite a realização de um diagnóstico diferencial para a caracterização de um paciente com ouvido sintomático.ABSTRACT - Ménière's disease (MD) is an idiopathic pathology of the inner ear, characterized by episodes of recurrent vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, and tinnitus. This triad of symptoms was first described in 1861 by Prosper Ménière, pointing to dysfunction of the inner ear as the origin of the complex of auditory and vestibular symptoms. When the etiology of Endolymphatic Hydropsy (HE) is known, it is called Ménière's Syndrome (SM). The morphological classification of HE in the vestibule and cochlea is made using the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) image using the Nagoya scale, 2008. This dissertation aims to understand the benefits of using Ménière's Disease, to evaluate MRI sensitivity for the differentiation between the symptomatic ear and asymptomatic ear, and to compare the symptomatology associated with these patients with the degree assigned by the observer through the analysis of MRI. For the preparation of this study, a sample of 51 patients who underwent MRI of the ears was used. For the acquisition of MR imaging, a specific protocol with intravenous contrast administration (Gadolíneo) and 4h after its injection were included in the specific sequences, being these T1 3D IR and 3D Fluid Attenuation Inversion Recovery (3D-FLAIR). The regions of interest for the analysis of this study were the vestibule and the cochlea. MRI showed a sensitivity of 74.5% for the detection of DM in patients with symptoms characteristic of the pathology, as well as a greater number of symptoms associated with it, which is a preponderant factor for a diagnosis of DM confirmed by MR images. MRI allows the performance of a differential diagnosis for the characterization of a patient with the symptomatic ear.N/

DINÂMICA DA COBERTURA DO SOLO NA MICROBACIA DO RIO LAGARTO, AMAZÔNIA OCIDENTAL, BRASIL

Studies related to spatial and temporal analysis of soil cover are of great importance to understand anthropic impacts on natural resources and, later, to propose more appropriate conservation practices to mitigate the anthropic effects on ecosystems, enabling the increase of the sustainability of agricultural establishments. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the spatial and temporal dynamics of soil cover in the watershed and riparian zone of the Lagarto River. For data acquisition and preparation of ground cover maps, images of Landsat 5 (1984, 1997 and 2010) and Landsat 8 (2022) and QGIS 2.10.1 satellites were used. In the period from 1984 to 2022 (38 years), there was great pressure on the native forest, leaving only 23.87% of the area of this vegetation in the watershed and 24.32% in the riparian zone, in the last year evaluated by the research. On the other hand, there was the growth of agriculture, reaching, respectively, 75.42% and 71.89% of the total areas of the watershed and riparian zone in 2022. It is concluded that the excessive advance of agriculture tends to compromise water resources, and, consequently, sustainable development. It is recommended to insert the tree component in the productive systems (agroforestry systems - SAFs, integration of Till-Livestock-Forest - ILPF silvopastoral systems - SSP and reforestation), and the recomposition of native vegetation in the riparian area that is occupied with agriculture. Studies are also recommended to assess the situation of native vegetation in legal reserves, to see if there is a need for recomposition.Los estudios relacionados con el análisis espacial y temporal de la cobertura del suelo son de gran importancia para comprender los impactos antrópicos sobre los recursos naturales y, posteriormente, proponer prácticas de conservación más apropiadas para mitigar los efectos antrópicos sobre los ecosistemas, permitiendo el aumento de la sostenibilidad de los establecimientos agrícolas. Por lo tanto, este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la dinámica espacial y temporal de la cobertura del suelo en la cuenca y la zona ribereña del río Lagarto. Para la adquisición de datos y la preparación de mapas de cobertura del suelo, se utilizaron imágenes de los satélites Landsat 5 (1984, 1997 y 2010) y Landsat 8 (2022) y QGIS 2.10.1. En el período de 1984 a 2022 (38 años), hubo una gran presión sobre el bosque nativo, dejando solo el 23,87% del área de esta vegetación en la cuenca y el 24,32% en la zona ribereña, en el último año evaluado por la investigación. Por otro lado, se produjo el crecimiento de la agricultura, alcanzando, respectivamente, 75.42% y 71.89% de las áreas totales de la cuenca y zona ribereña en 2022. Se concluye que el avance excesivo de la agricultura tiende a comprometer los recursos hídricos y, en consecuencia, el desarrollo sostenible. Se recomienda insertar el componente arbóreo en los sistemas productivos (sistemas agroforestales - SAFs, integración de Till-Ganadería-Bosque - ILPF silvopastoriles - SSP y reforestación), y la recomposición de la vegetación nativa en el área ribereña que se ocupa de la agricultura.Os estudos relacionados à análise espacial e temporal da cobertura do solo são de grande importância para entender os impactos antrópicos sobre os recursos naturais e, posteriormente, propor práticas conservacionistas mais adequadas para mitigar os efeitos antrópicos sobre os ecossistemas, propiciando o aumento da sustentabilidade dos estabelecimentos agropecuários. Diante disso, este trabalho teve por objetivo analisar a dinâmica espacial e temporal da cobertura do solo na microbacia e zona ripária do rio Lagarto. Para a aquisição dos dados e elaboração dos mapas de cobertura de solo, foram utilizadas imagens dos satélites Landsat 5 (1984, 1997 e 2010) e Landsat 8 (2022), e o software QGIS 2.10.1. No período de 1984 a 2022 (38 anos), houve uma grande pressão sobre a floresta nativa, restando apenas 23,87% da área desta vegetação na microbacia e 24,32% na zona ripária, no último ano avaliado pela pesquisa. Em contrapartida, ocorreu o crescimento da agropecuária, chegando a ocupar, respectivamente, 75,42% e 71,89% das áreas totais da microbacia e zona ripária no ano de 2022. Conclui-se que o avanço excessivo da agropecuária tende a comprometer os recursos hídricos, e, consequentemente, o desenvolvimento sustentável. Recomenda-se a inserção do componente arbóreo nos sistemas produtivos (sistemas agroflorestais - SAFs, integração de Lavoura-Pecuária-Floresta - ILPF sistemas silvipastoris - SSP e reflorestamentos), e a recomposição da vegetação nativa na zona ripária que está ocupada com agropecuária. Também são recomendados estudos para avaliar a situação da vegetação nativa nas reservas legais, para ver se há a necessidade de recomposição.Os estudos relacionados à análise espacial e temporal da cobertura do solo são de grande importância para entender os impactos antrópicos sobre os recursos naturais e, posteriormente, propor práticas conservacionistas mais adequadas para mitigar os efeitos antrópicos sobre os ecossistemas, propiciando o aumento da sustentabilidade dos estabelecimentos agropecuários. Diante disso, este trabalho teve por objetivo analisar a dinâmica espacial e temporal da cobertura do solo na microbacia e zona ripária do rio Lagarto. Para a aquisição dos dados e elaboração dos mapas de cobertura de solo, foram utilizadas imagens dos satélites Landsat 5 (1984, 1997 e 2010) e Landsat 8 (2022), e o software QGIS 2.10.1. No período de 1984 a 2022 (38 anos), houve uma grande pressão sobre a floresta nativa, restando apenas 23,87% da área desta vegetação na microbacia e 24,32% na zona ripária, no último ano avaliado pela pesquisa. Em contrapartida, ocorreu o crescimento da agropecuária, chegando a ocupar, respectivamente, 75,42% e 71,89% das áreas totais da microbacia e zona ripária no ano de 2022. Conclui-se que o avanço excessivo da agropecuária tende a comprometer os recursos hídricos, e, consequentemente, o desenvolvimento sustentável. Recomenda-se a inserção do componente arbóreo nos sistemas produtivos (sistemas agroflorestais - SAFs, integração de Lavoura-Pecuária-Floresta - ILPF sistemas silvipastoris - SSP e reflorestamentos), e a recomposição da vegetação nativa na zona ripária que está ocupada com agropecuária. Também são recomendados estudos para avaliar a situação da vegetação nativa nas reservas legais, para ver se há a necessidade de recomposição

Clinical Manifestations and Complications of Children With COVID-19 Compared to Other Respiratory Viral Infections: A Cohort Inpatient Study From Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

IntroductionThe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) clinical manifestations in children and adolescents are diverse, despite the respiratory condition being the main presentation. Factors such as comorbidities and other respiratory infections may play a role in the initial presentation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. This study aims to describe the epidemiological aspects, clinical, and laboratory manifestations of pediatric patients admitted to a tertiary pediatric hospital in Rio de Janeiro, diagnosed with COVID-19, and compare these with other viral conditions during the first year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.MethodsAll patients under 18 years of age that were admitted with upper airway infection were enrolled and followed up for 30 days. The main dependent variable was the laboratorial diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, and independent variables were studied through logistic regression.ResultsA total of 533 patients were recruited, and 105 had confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Detection of other viruses occurred in 34% of 264 tested participants. Six patients died (two in SARS-CoV-2 infected group). The variables independently associated with COVID-19 were older age (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 1.0–1.1), lower leukocytes count at entry (OR = 0.9, 95% CI = 0.8–0.9), and contact with suspected case (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.0–2.6). Patients with COVID-19 presented higher odds to be admitted in an intensive care unit (OR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.08–3.66).ConclusionsEven during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, several other respiratory viruses were present in admitted pediatric patients. Variables associated with COVID-19 infection were older age, lower leukocytes count at entry, and a domiciliary suspect contact. Although patients with COVID-19 were more frequently admitted to ICU, we did not observe higher mortality in this group

A SARS-CoV-2 Negative Antigen Rapid Diagnostic in RT-qPCR Positive Samples Correlates With a Low Likelihood of Infectious Viruses in the Nasopharynx

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) transmission occurs even among fully vaccinated individuals; thus, prompt identification of infected patients is central to control viral circulation. Antigen rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) are highly specific, but sensitivity is variable. Discordant RT-qPCR vs. Ag-RDT results are reported, raising the question of whether negative Ag-RDT in positive RT-qPCR samples could imply the absence of infectious viruses. To study the relationship between negative Ag-RDT results with virological, molecular, and serological parameters, we selected a cross-sectional and a follow-up dataset and analyzed virus culture, subgenomic RNA quantification, and sequencing to determine infectious viruses and mutations. We demonstrated that RT-qPCR positive while SARS-CoV-2 Ag-RDT negative discordant results correlate with the absence of infectious virus in nasopharyngeal samples. A decrease in sgRNA detection together with an expected increase in detectable anti-S and anti-N IgGs was also verified in these samples. The data clearly demonstrate that a negative Ag-RDT sample is less likely to harbor infectious SARS-CoV-2 and, consequently, has a lower transmissible potential

Rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high in-hospital mortality. Alveolar recruitment followed by ventilation at optimal titrated PEEP may reduce ventilator-induced lung injury and improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS, but the effects on mortality and other clinical outcomes remain unknown. This article reports the rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART). Methods/Design: ART is a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized (concealed), controlled trial, which aims to determine if maximum stepwise alveolar recruitment associated with PEEP titration is able to increase 28-day survival in patients with ARDS compared to conventional treatment (ARDSNet strategy). We will enroll adult patients with ARDS of less than 72 h duration. The intervention group will receive an alveolar recruitment maneuver, with stepwise increases of PEEP achieving 45 cmH(2)O and peak pressure of 60 cmH2O, followed by ventilation with optimal PEEP titrated according to the static compliance of the respiratory system. In the control group, mechanical ventilation will follow a conventional protocol (ARDSNet). In both groups, we will use controlled volume mode with low tidal volumes (4 to 6 mL/kg of predicted body weight) and targeting plateau pressure <= 30 cmH2O. The primary outcome is 28-day survival, and the secondary outcomes are: length of ICU stay; length of hospital stay; pneumothorax requiring chest tube during first 7 days; barotrauma during first 7 days; mechanical ventilation-free days from days 1 to 28; ICU, in-hospital, and 6-month survival. ART is an event-guided trial planned to last until 520 events (deaths within 28 days) are observed. These events allow detection of a hazard ratio of 0.75, with 90% power and two-tailed type I error of 5%. All analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: If the ART strategy with maximum recruitment and PEEP titration improves 28-day survival, this will represent a notable advance to the care of ARDS patients. Conversely, if the ART strategy is similar or inferior to the current evidence-based strategy (ARDSNet), this should also change current practice as many institutions routinely employ recruitment maneuvers and set PEEP levels according to some titration method.Hospital do Coracao (HCor) as part of the Program 'Hospitais de Excelencia a Servico do SUS (PROADI-SUS)'Brazilian Ministry of Healt

José Carlos Barros: em terra de gigantes e dragões voadores

Catálogo da exposição patente no Espaço Artes Politécnico de Lisboa, de 25 de janeiro a 24 de fevereiro de 2023info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

José Carlos Barros: em terra de gigantes e dragões voadores

Catálogo da exposição patente no Espaço Garrett na Escola Superior de Teatro e Cinema, de 25 de janeiro a 24 de fevereiro de 2023info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio