Efeito dos sistemas de manejo e plantio sobre a densidade de grupos funcionais de microrganismos, em solo de cerrado.

O crescimento da agricultura e pecuária, que pode resultar em abertura de novas áreas de plantio, tem motivado pesquisas que buscam sistemas de produção mais sustentáveis, cujo manejo causa menor impacto e degradação do solo. O manejo do solo e a cobertura vegetal alteram suas propriedades, principalmente, as microbiológicas, provocando mudanças na densidade de microrganismos funcionais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito dos sistemas de manejo e dos diferentes sistemas de plantio, sobre a densidade de grupos funcionais de microrganismos em solos de Cerrado. As coletas de solo foram feitas em duas profundidades (0-5 cm e 5-20 cm) e dois períodos (seco e chuvoso), nos seguintes tratamentos: plantio direto (PD), plantio direto com rotação (PDR), plantio convencional (PC), plantio convencional com rotação (PCR) e Cerrado nativo (Mata mesofítica). A vegetação nativa apresentou as maiores densidades microbianas, nos períodos seco e chuvoso, em ambas as profundidades analisadas. Em geral, os tratamentos PDR e PD apresentaram maiores densidades microbianas nas camadas mais superficiais. Os dados de correlação linear (r) entre os grupos totais e funcionais de microrganismos e os atributos químicos do solo variaram entre os sistemas de preparo do solo. A correlação entre grupos funcionais de microrganismos e os atributos químicos do solo foram variáveis nos diferentes sistemas de manejo. Concluiu-se que o solo de cerrado apresentou maior densidade microbiana, não houve diferença na densidade microbiana entre os sistemas de preparo no período seco

How water-mediated hydrogen bonds affect chlorophyll a/b selectivity in Water-Soluble Chlorophyll Protein

The Water-Soluble Chlorophyll Protein (WSCP) of Brassicaceae is a remarkably stable tetrapyrrole- binding protein that, by virtue of its simple design, is an exceptional model to investigate the interactions taking place between pigments and their protein scaffold and how they affect the photophysical properties and the functionality of the complexes. We investigated variants of WSCP from Lepidium virginicum (Lv) and Brassica oleracea (Bo), reconstituted with Chlorophyll (Chl) b, to determine the mechanisms by which the different Chl binding sites control their Chl a/b specificities. A combined Raman and crystallographic investigation has been employed, aimed to characterize in detail the hydrogen-bond network involving the formyl group of Chl b. The study revealed a variable degree of conformational freedom of the hydrogen bond networks among the WSCP variants, and an unexpected mixed presence of hydrogen-bonded and not hydrogen-bonded Chls b in the case of the L91P mutant of Lv WSCP. These findings helped to refine the description of the mechanisms underlying the different Chl a/b specificities of WSCP versions, highlighting the importance of the structural rigidity of the Chl binding site in the vicinity of the Chl b formyl group in granting a strong selectivity to binding sites

Modelling the interaction of the Astro Bio Cube Sat with the Van Allen’s Belt radiative field using Monte Carlo transport codes

Purpose: The AstroBio Cube Satellite (ABCS) will deploy within the inner Van Allen belt on the Vega C Maiden Flight launch opportunity of the European Space Agency. At this altitude, ABCS will experience radiation doses orders of magnitude greater than in low earth orbit, where CubeSats usually operate. The paper aims to estimate the irradiation effect on the ABCS payload in the orbital condition, their possible mitigation designing shielding solutions and performs a preliminary representativity simulation study on the ABCS irradiation with fission neutron at the TAPIRO (TAratura Pila Rapida Potenza 0) nuclear research reactor facility at ENEA. Methods: We quantify the contributions of geomagnetically trapped particles (electron and proton), Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR ions), Solar energetic particle within the ABCS orbit using the ESA’s SPace ENVironment information system. FLUKA (Fluktuierende Kaskade—Fluctuating Cascade) code models the ABCS interaction with the orbital source. Results: We found a shielding solution of the weight of 300 g constituted by subsequent layers of tungsten, resins, and aluminium that decreases on average the 20% overall dose rate relative to the shielding offered by the only satellite’s structure. Finally, simulations of neutron irradiation of the whole ABCS structure within the TAPIRO’s thermal column cavity show that a relatively short irradiation time is requested to reach the same level of 1 MeV neutron Silicon equivalent damage of the orbital source. Conclusions: The finding deserves the planning of a future experimental approach to confirm the TAPIRO’s performance and establish an irradiation protocol for testing aerospatial electronic components

Acute kidney injury in a preterm infant homozygous for the C3435T polymorphism in the ABCB1 gene given oral morphine

A 34-week infant born from a mother with a history of drug abuse developed neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in the first hours of life. Urine drug screening was positive for cocaine and heroin. The infant developed acute kidney injury and bilateral hydronephrosis while receiving oral morphine for control of NAS. Cessation of morphine therapy and urinary catheterization resulted in a rapid and complete resolution of the symptoms. Our patient was homozygous for the C3435T polymorphism in the ABCB1 gene, a polymorphism previously associated with impaired P-glycoprotein activity. We hypothesize that acute renal toxicity was related to accumulation of morphine within urothelial cells due to genetically determined impaired P-glycoprotein activity

Probiotics for prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) affects predominantly preterm infants, who have specific risk factors leading to intestinal dysbiosis. Manipulations of gut microbiota through probiotics have the potential to prevent NEC. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of probiotics for NEC prevention in preterm infants, with a focus on specific strains, microbiological strength of currently available studies, and high-risk populations. PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched for trials published within 4th February 2015. Randomized-controlled trials reporting on NEC and involving preterm infants who were given probiotics in the first month of life were included in the systematic review. Twenty-six studies were suitable for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Data about study design, population, intervention and outcome were extracted and summarized independently by two observers. Study quality and quality of evidence were also evaluated. Fixed-effects models were used and random-effects models where significant heterogeneity was present. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity among studies. Results were expresses as risk ratio (RR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI). The main outcome was incidence of NEC stage 652 according to Bell\u2019s criteria. Probiotics prevented NEC in preterm infants (RR 0.47 [95 % CI 0.36\u20130.60], p\u2009<\u20090.00001). Strain-specific sub-meta-analyses showed a significant effect for Bifidobacteria (RR 0.24 [95 % CI 0.10\u20130.54], p\u2009=\u20090.0006) and for probiotic mixtures (RR 0.39 [95 % CI 0.27\u20130.56], p\u2009<\u20090.00001). Probiotics prevented NEC in very-low-birth-weight infants (RR 0.48 [95 % CI 0.37\u20130.62], p\u2009<\u20090.00001); there were insufficient data for extremely-low-birth-weight infants. The majority of studies presented severe or moderate microbiological flaws. Probiotics had an overall preventive effect on NEC in preterm infants. However, there are still insufficient data on the specific probiotic strain to be used and on the effect of probiotics in high-risk populations such as extremely-low-birth-weight infants, before a widespread use of these products can be recommended

Probiotics Prevent Late-Onset Sepsis in Human Milk-Fed, Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants : Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Growing evidence supports the role of probiotics in reducing the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, time to achieve full enteral feeding, and late-onset sepsis (LOS) in preterm infants. As reported for several neonatal clinical outcomes, recent data have suggested that nutrition might affect probiotics' efficacy. Nevertheless, the currently available literature does not explore the relationship between LOS prevention and type of feeding in preterm infants receiving probiotics. Thus, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of probiotics for LOS prevention in preterm infants according to type of feeding (exclusive human milk (HM) vs. exclusive formula or mixed feeding). Randomized-controlled trials involving preterm infants receiving probiotics and reporting on LOS were included in the systematic review. Only trials reporting on outcome according to feeding type were included in the meta-analysis. Fixed-effects models were used and random-effects models were used when significant heterogeneity was found. The results were expressed as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Twenty-five studies were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, probiotic supplementation resulted in a significantly lower incidence of LOS (RR 0.79 (95% CI 0.71-0.88), p < 0.0001). According to feeding type, the beneficial effect of probiotics was confirmed only in exclusively HM-fed preterm infants (RR 0.75 (95% CI 0.65-0.86), p < 0.0001). Among HM-fed infants, only probiotic mixtures, and not single-strain products, were effective in reducing LOS incidence (RR 0.68 (95% CI 0.57-0.80) p < 0.00001). The results of the present meta-analysis show that probiotics reduce LOS incidence in exclusively HM-fed preterm infants. Further efforts are required to clarify the relationship between probiotics supplementation, HM, and feeding practices in preterm infants

Epidemiological and clinical features of rotavirus among children younger than 5 years of age hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in Northern Italy

BACKGROUND: Rotavirus is the major cause of acute gastroenteritis and severe dehydrating diarrhea in young children. METHODS: To estimate the proportion of hospital admissions for rotavirus acute gastroenteritis and identify the circulating G and P genotypes among children under five years of age, we conducted a prospective observational study from January to December 2008, recruiting children consecutively admitted to six hospitals in Milan and nearby towns in northern Italy. Typing was done on stool samples by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction amplification. RESULTS: Of the 521 stool samples from children with acute gastroenteritis, 34.9% (95%CI, 30.8 to 39.2%) were rotavirus-positive. Two thirds (67.6%) were under two years of age, and 13.2% were under six months. The predominant G type was G1 (40.7%), followed by G9 (22.5%), G2 (13.2%), G3 (5.5%), G4 (3.8%) and G10 (1.6%). Twenty-one (11.7%) mixed-G infections were identified: G1+G10 (8.8%); G1+G9 (1.6%); and G2+G10 (1.2%). Only P[8] (67.6%) and P[4] (12.6%) types were P genotyped. The predominant single G/P combination was G1P[8] (39.7%), followed by G9P[8] (25.3%), G2P[4] (14.3%), and G3P[8] (4.1%). All G-mixed types combined with P[8]. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show an high prevalence of rotavirus infections among children admitted to hospital for acute gastroenteritis caused by different rotavirus strains circulating in the area studied

CaCu3Ru4O12: a high-kondo-temperature transition-metal oxide

遷移金属酸化物の近藤効果を初めて実証 --電子相関物性の設計・探索の新たなプラットホームを開拓--. 京都大学プレスリリース. 2022-01-31.Open access publication funded by the Max Planck Society.We present a comprehensive study of CaCu₃Ru₄O₁₂ using bulk sensitive hard and soft x-ray spectroscopy combined with local-density approximation + dynamical mean-field theory (DMFT) calculations. Correlation effects on both the Cu and Ru ions can be observed. From the Cu 2p core-level spectra, we deduce the presence of magnetic Cu²⁺ ions hybridized with a reservoir of itinerant electrons. The strong photon energy dependence of the valence band allows us to disentangle the Ru, Cu, and O contributions and, thus, to optimize the DMFT calculations. The calculated spin and charge susceptibilities show that the transition metal oxide CaCu₃Ru₄O₁₂ must be classified as a Kondo system and that the Kondo temperature is in the range of 500–1000 K

Induction of alternatively activated macrophages enhances pathogenesis during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection

Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) causes acute lung injury (ALI) that often leads to severe lung disease. A mouse model of acute SARS-CoV infection has been helpful in understanding the host response to infection; however, there are still unanswered questions concerning SARS-CoV pathogenesis. We have shown that STAT1 plays an important role in the severity of SARS-CoV pathogenesis and that it is independent of the role of STAT1 in interferon signaling. Mice lacking STAT1 have greater weight loss, severe lung pathology with pre-pulmonary-fibrosis-like lesions, and an altered immune response following infection with SARS-CoV. We hypothesized that STAT1 plays a role in the polarization of the immune response, specifically in macrophages, resulting in a worsened outcome. To test this, we created bone marrow chimeras and cell-type-specific knockouts of STAT1 to identify which cell type(s) is critical to protection from severe lung disease after SARS-CoV infection. Bone marrow chimera experiments demonstrated that hematopoietic cells are responsible for the pathogenesis in STAT1(−/−) mice, and because of an induction of alternatively activated (AA) macrophages after infection, we hypothesized that the AA macrophages were critical for disease severity. Mice with STAT1 in either monocytes and macrophages (LysM/STAT1) or ciliated lung epithelial cells (FoxJ1/STAT1) deleted were created. Following infection, LysM/STAT1 mice display severe lung pathology, while FoxJ1/STAT1 mice display normal lung pathology. We hypothesized that AA macrophages were responsible for this STAT1-dependent pathology and therefore created STAT1/STAT6(−/−) double-knockout mice. STAT6 is essential for the development of AA macrophages. Infection of the double-knockout mice displayed a lack of lung disease and prefibrotic lesions, suggesting that AA macrophage production may be the cause of STAT1-dependent lung disease. We propose that the control of AA macrophages by STAT1 is critical to regulating immune pathologies and for protection from long-term progression to fibrotic lung disease in a mouse model of SARS-CoV infection

The SSDC Role in the LICIACube Mission: Data Management and the MATISSE Tool

Light Italian Cubesat for Imaging of Asteroids (LICIACube) is an Italian mission managed by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and part of the NASA Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) planetary defense mission. Its main goals are to document the effects of the DART impact on Dimorphos, the secondary member of the (65803) Didymos binary asteroid system, characterizing the shape of the target body and performing dedicated scientific investigations on it. Within this framework, the mission Science Operations Center will be managed by the Space Science Data Center (ASI-SSDC), which will have the responsibility of processing, archiving, and disseminating the data acquired by the two LICIACube onboard cameras. In order to better accomplish this task, SSDC also plans to use and modify its scientific webtool Multi-purpose Advanced Tool for Instruments for the solar system Exploration (MATISSE), making it the primary tool for the LICIACube data analysis, thanks to its advanced capabilities for searching and visualizing data, particularly useful for the irregular shapes common to several small bodies