62 research outputs found
Isolation and characterization of cgchi3, a nodule-specific gene from Casuarina glauca encoding a class III chitinase
Chitinases (EC 3.2.1.14) catalyse the hydrolysis of chitin, a homopolymer of
b-1,4-linked N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues. Plant chitinases are involved in
a wide variety of processes; in particular, their expression has been found to be
enhanced in symbiotic and pathogenic plant–microbe interactions. During this
work we have cloned and characterized a gene encoding a class III chitinase from
actinorhizal nodules of Casuarina glauca (cgchi3). CGCHI3 was found to be
encoded by a single gene that was specifically activated in nodules as compared
with uninoculated control roots and leaves. The expression of this gene was
further enhanced in nodules after salicylic acid treatment and completely
repressed after wounding. In situ hybridisation analysis revealed that cgchi3 is
an early nodulin gene, being expressed in the meristem and in the uninfected
cortical cells of young nodules. Based on the obtained results we suggest that this
gene is involved in nodule development. This is the first report on a class III
chitinase coding gene that is specifically activated during actinorhizal symbiosis.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Olive tree (Olea europaea L.) diversity in traditional small farms of Ficalho, Portugal
The genetic diversity of “Gama” and “Bico de Corvo”, local cultivars of olive tree
(Olea europaea) from seven traditional orchards of Ficalho (Alentejo region, Portugal), was studied
to characterize the local diversity and assess the level of on farm diversity. Two different analytical
systems were used: endocarp morphological characteristics and genetic analysis by microsatellite
markers (Simple Sequence Repeats or SSR). The seven screened loci were polymorphic and allowed
the identification of 23 distinct SSR profiles within the 27 trees analyzed. A total of 52 different
alleles were scored, with an average of 7.43 alleles/SSR locus, and considerable genetic diversity
was found. Neighbor-Joining algorithm cluster analysis and principal co-ordinate analysis (PCoA)
allowed for the identification of the genetic relationships between several accessions. The 27 Olea
accessions were clearly separated into three different groups. SSR analysis was more precise than
endocarp characterization in the classification of genetic diversity among the olive tree cultivars.
The study shows reasonable olive tree diversity in Ficalho, indicating that these traditional orchards
are important reservoirs of old minor cultivars and incubators of new genotypesinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Experimental Frog Virus 3 infection using Brazilian strain: amphibians susceptibility
Um número alarmante de notificações globais sobre surtos de mortalidade de anfíbios tem sido realizado nos últimos anos. As doenças emergentes destacam-se como as principais causas potenciais. O ranavírus é uma doença altamente infecciosa disseminada em todo o mundo, capaz de afetar até outros animais ectotérmicos como peixes e répteis. Uma questão importante em relação a essa patologia é a falta de sinais clínicos antes de levar à morte. Com o objetivo de compreender melhor a suscetibilidade dos anuros, o presente trabalho analisou a taxa de sobrevivência de rãs-touro (Lithobates catesbeianus), desafiadas com três doses de uma estirpe brasileira do Frog virus 3 (FV3). A análise de qPCR indicou baixa taxa de infectividade nesses animais, tanto como larvas quanto como adultos. Procurando esclarecer os resultados, foram formuladas as seguintes hipóteses: 1) A quantidade de inóculo aplicada nas rãs foi insuficiente para desencadear uma infecção; 2) Para que o FV3 dê sinais clínicos nesta espécie, é necessário um cofator; 3) Os animais sofreram infecção por FV3, mas se recuperaram no decorrer do experimento, e 4) O inóculo utilizado pode ter sido de baixa virulência. Finalmente, foi discutida a presença de sinais clínicos reais de ranavírus e levantada a hipótese mais provável.An alarming number of global warnings concerning amphibian mortality outbreaks have been released in recent years. Emerging diseases stand out as the main potential causes. Ranavirus is a worldwide-spread highly infectious disease capable of affecting even other ectothermic animals such as fish and reptiles. One major issue regarding this pathology is the lack of clinical signs before it leads up to death. Aiming at having a better understanding of anurans susceptibility, this study analyzed bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) survival rate, when challenged with three doses of a Brazilian strain of Frog Virus 3 (FV3). The qPCR analysis indicated a low infectivity rate in these animals both as larvae and as adults. To elucidate the results, the following hypothesis was performed: 1) The amount of inoculum used on the frogs was insufficient to trigger an infection; 2) For the FV3 to produce clinical signs in this species, there is the need for a cofactor; 3) The animals did undergo FV3 infection but recovered in the course of the experiment, and 4) The inoculum utilized might have been low-virulence. Finally, the presence of actual clinical signs of ranavirus is discussed, with the more likely hypothesis
La importancia de la calificación de los recursos humanos en turismo: un estudio aplicado a las agencias de viajes en Portugal
El turismo se ha consolidado como uno de los sectores económicos más importantes y de más rápido
crecimiento del mundo. El éxito de esta actividad económica depende, en gran medida, de recursos humanos
cualificados. En el caso de las agencias de viajes y turismo (AVT), las agencias de viajes (AV) son el pilar fundamental
de toda la dinámica de este subsector. Dado que no existen muchos estudios específicos sobre estos profesionales
y sus niveles de cualificación y satisfacción laboral, este artículo tiene como objetivo definir un perfil del agente de
viajes en Portugal, pudiendo dividirlo en cuatro elementos: sociodemográfico, profesional, económico y psicológico,
y comprender la influencia del nivel de cualificación. Se utilizó una metodología descriptiva cuantitativa con
análisis univariado y bivariado, utilizando la recolección de datos primarios basada en la encuesta por cuestionario
a un número significativo de agentes de viajes que trabajan en Portugal, representativo del espesor territorial
nacional. Los resultados empíricos de este estudio nos permitieron concluir, en términos generales, que la gran
mayoría de los agentes de viajes cuentan con títulos de educación superior con impacto en la zona. Los agentes de
viajes con más años en la profesión tienden a ganar mejores salarios, aunque los agentes de grupos de mayor edad
muestran una menor cualificación formativa. Sin embargo, también se concluye que las mejores cualificaciones
académicas de los agentes de viajes no suponen necesariamente una mayor remuneración; del mismo modo, los
agentes de viajes con el grado de turismo se sienten menos satisfechos con la profesión como consecuencia de una
remuneración inadecuada y altos niveles de estrés.Tourism has established itself as one of the most important and fastest growing economic sectors
in the world. The success of this economic activity depends heavily on qualified human resources. In the
case of travel agencies and tourism, travel agents are the pillar of all the dynamics of this subsector. In the
absence of many specific studies on these professionals and their levels of qualification and job satisfaction,
this article aims to define a profile of the travel agent in Portugal, by dividing it into four elements: socio‑demographic,
professional, economic and psychological and also to understand the influence of the level of
qualification. A descriptive quantitative methodology with univariate and bivariate analysis was applied
using primary data collection, based on the questionnaire survey of a significant number of travel agents
operating in Portugal, representative of the national territorial density. The empirical results of this study
allowed the general conclusion that the vast majority of travel agents have higher education qualifications
with incidence in the area. Travel agents with more years of profession tend to earn better wages, although
agents in higher age brackets show lower educational qualifications. However, it is not because travel agents
have more education that they will get better pay; such as travel agents with a degree in tourism feel less
satisfied with their profession, this correlates with inappropriate pay and high levels of stress
Lack of detectable allergenicity of transgenic maize and soya samples
Background: The safety issues regarding foods derived from
genetically modified (GM) plants are central to their
acceptance into the food supply. The potential allergenicity
of proteins newly introduced in GM foods is a major safety
concern.
Objective: We sought to monitor, in potentially sensitive
human populations, the allergenicity effects of 5 GM
materials obtained from sources with no allergenic potential
and already under commercialization in the European Union.
Methods: We have performed skin prick tests with protein
extracts prepared from transgenic maize (MON810, Bt11, T25,
Bt176) and soya (Roundup Ready) samples and from
nontransgenic control samples in 2 sensitive groups: children
with food and inhalant allergy and individuals with asthmarhinitis.
We have also tested IgE immunoblot reactivity of sera
from patients with food allergy to soya (Roundup Ready) and
maize (MON810, Bt11, Bt176) samples, as well as to the pure
transgenic proteins (CryIA[b] and CP4 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-
3-phosphate synthase).
Results: None of the individuals undergoing tests reacted
differentially to the transgenic and nontransgenic samples
under study. None of the volunteers tested presented detectable
IgE antibodies against pure transgenic proteins.
Conclusion: The transgenic products under testing seem to be
safe in terms of allergenic potential. We propose postmarket
testing as an important screening strategy for putative allergic
sensitization to proteins introduced in transgenic plants.Supported by Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, research project SDH.SP.I.01.11 and by Comissão de Fomento da Investigação em Cuidados de Saúde, research project no. 186/0
ANÁLISE DA DISTRIBUIÇÃO DE HEMOCOMPONENTES NA HEMORREDE DO DISTRITO FEDERAL
Este estudo analisou a distribuição de hemocomponentes nas agências transfusionais da Hemorrede do Distrito Federal, a partir do índice de descarte/expurgo, por vencimento, de bolsas de concentrado de hemácias. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com abordagem quantitativa e descritiva, a partir do Sistema de Gerenciamento do Ciclo do Sangue. Foram analisados descartes no período de 2013 a 2015 de 16 agências transfusionais. A análise estatística descreveu as frequências absolutas e relativas além do cálculo de medianas (Md), primeiro quartil (Q1) e terceiro quartil (Q3). Compõem o estudo as seguintes variáveis: total de bolsas de concentrado de hemácias; percentual de bolsas em cada serviço em relação ao total distribuído; quantidade de bolsas descartadas por vencimento; proporção de bolsas descartadas em relação ao total recebido em cada serviço. Alguns serviços indicaram um alto índice de descarte e outros apresentaram índices estáveis ou com tendência a discreta redução. O índice de descarte por vencimento não coincidiu com o quantitativo de bolsas distribuídas, revelando fortes possibilidades de descarte atrelado à má gestão do estoque ou a fragilidades na definição de critérios de solicitação das bolsas, desvinculando-as das necessidades reais e potenciais da população coberta pelas agências estudadas. É necessário aprimorar a gestão da distribuição e estoque, para racionalizar a oferta e as perdas de bolsas na maioria das agências transfusionais. Recomendam-se avaliações periódicas das demandas, inclusive nas agências que apresentaram altos índices de descarte persistentes, de modo a readequar a oferta e racionalizar a distribuição de bolsas
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Wild Beets (Beta spp.) from the Western Iberian Peninsula and the Azores and Madeira Islands
In this work, using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, we present new insights into the
genetic diversity, differentiation, and structure of Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima of western Iberia and
the Azores and Madeira islands and of B. macrocarpa from southern Portugal. B. macrocarpa occurs
only in southern Portugal and frequently in sympatry with B. vulgaris subsp. maritima, showing
genetic introgression. B. macrocarpa has a better-defined structure than B. vulgaris subsp. maritima,
which has a high degree of admixture. A great differentiation (FST ranging from 0.277 to 0.184) was
observed among the northern populations of B. vulgaris subsp. maritima. In contrast, only a small
differentiation (FST ranging from 0.000 to 0.026) was detected among the southern B. vulgaris subsp.
maritima populations. The inland B. vulgaris subsp. maritima populations (“RIO” and “VMT”) are
distinct from each other, which also occurs with the two islands’ populations (“MAD” and “AZO”).
The existence of two distinct Atlantic Sea currents can explain the fact that Madeira is related to the
southern populations, while the Azores is related to the northern populations. We consider that
understanding the relationships existing within Beta spp. is key to future genetic studies and for the
establishment of conservation measures. Our results show that the southern coastal areas of Portugal
should be considered as a potential site for in situ conservation of the beet wild relatives. Special
attention is needed in what concerns B. macrocarpa because this is a rare species that also occurs in a
sympatric relationship with B. vulgaris subsp. maritimainfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Population structure in Quercus suber L. revealed by nuclear microsatellite markers
Quercus suber L. is a sclerophyllous tree species native to the western Mediterranean,
a region that is considered highly vulnerable to increased temperatures and severe dry
conditions due to environmental changes. Understanding the population structure
and demographics of Q. suber is essential in order to anticipate whether populations at
greater risk and the species as a whole have the genetic background and reproductive
dynamics to enable rapid adaptation. The genetic diversity of Q. suber has been subject
to different studies using both chloroplast and nuclear data, but population structure
patterns remain unclear. Here, we perform genetic analyses on Q. suber using 13
nuclear microsatellite markers, and analysed 17 distinct locations across the entire
range of the species. Structure analyses revealed that Q. suber may contain three major
genetic clusters that likely result from isolation in refugia combined with posterior
admixture and putative introgression from other Quercus species. Our results show a
more complex structure scenario than previously inferred for Q. suber using nuclear
markers and suggest that different southern populations contain high levels of genetic
variation that may contribute to the resilience of Q. suber in a context of environmental
change and adaptive pressureinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Haplotype diversity patterns in Quercus suber (Fagaceae) inferred from cpDNA sequence data
Chloroplast genome diversity in cork oak (Quercus suber) is characterised by the occurrence of haplotypes that are akin to those found in other Mediterranean oak species, particularly in Q. ilex and Q. rotundifolia, suggesting the possible presence of an introgressed chloroplast lineage. To further investigate this pattern, we reconstructed chloroplast haplotypes by sequencing four chloroplast markers (cpDNA), sampled across 181 individuals and 10 taxa. Our analyses resulted in the identification of two diversified chloroplast haplogroups in Q. suber, corresponding to a geographically widespread lineage and an Afro-Iberian lineage. Time-calibrated phylogenetic analyses of cpDNA point to a Miocene origin of the two haplogroups in Q. suber, suggesting that the Afro-Iberian lineage was present in cork oak before the onset of glaciation periods. The persistence of the two haplogroups in the western part of the species distribution range may be a consequence of either ancient introgression events or chloroplast lineage sorting, combined with different fixation in refugia through glaciation periods. Our results provide a comprehensive insight on the origins of chloroplast diversity in these ecologically and economically important Mediterranean oaks.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Haplotype diversity patterns in Quercus suber (Fagaceae) inferred from cpDNA sequence data
Chloroplast genome diversity in cork oak (Quercus suber) is characterised by the occurrence of haplotypes that are akin
to those found in other Mediterranean oak species, particularly in Q. ilex and Q. rotundifolia, suggesting the possible presence
of an introgressed chloroplast lineage. To further investigate this pattern, we reconstructed chloroplast haplotypes by
sequencing four chloroplast markers (cpDNA), sampled across 181 individuals and 10 taxa. Our analyses resulted in the
identification of two diversified chloroplast haplogroups in Q. suber, corresponding to a geographically widespread lineage
and an Afro-Iberian lineage. Time-calibrated phylogenetic analyses of cpDNA point to a Miocene origin of the two haplogroups
in Q. suber, suggesting that the Afro-Iberian lineage was present in cork oak before the onset of glaciation periods.
The persistence of the two haplogroups in the western part of the species distribution range may be a consequence of either
ancient introgression events or chloroplast lineage sorting, combined with different fixation in refugia through glaciation
periods. Our results provide a comprehensive insight on the origins of chloroplast diversity in these ecologically and economically
important Mediterranean oaks.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
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