Fluorinated beta-sheet breaker peptides

The aggregation of amyloid-beta peptide (Ab) has been linked to the formation of neuritic plaques, which are pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. We synthesized peptides containing fluorinated amino acids and studied their effect on the Ab aggregation. The peptides were based on the sequence LVFFD, in which valine was substituted by either 4,4,4-trifluorovaline or 4-fluoroproline, or the phenylalanine at position 3 was replaced by 3,4,5-trifluorophenylalanine. Our results demonstrate that fluorination of the hydrophobic residue valine or phenylalanine is effective in preventing the Ab aggregation. This study opens up the possibility of using new sequences based on fluorinated amino acids to inhibit the amyloid- fibril formation

Coating process efficiency for polymer coated broccoli seeds in spouted bed

Broccoli seeds were coated in a conical-cylindrical spouted bed with an aqueous suspension of hydroxy ethyl cellulose aiming to improve the seeds coating technique using a fluid-dynamic process. An experimental design was applied to investigate the effects of the operating variables: gas temperature, atomizing air pressure and suspension flow rate on the germination of the seeds and on the process efficiency. Results indicated that the operating variables affect both the coating process efficiency and the germination ability. However, the analysis didn t identify differences between the germination potential of coated and uncoated seeds. Coated seeds absorbed up to 10 percent less moisture than the uncoated ones, when the environment temperature and humidity were controlled over a period of time.Neste trabalho, sementes de brócolos foram recobertas em leito de jorro cone-cilíndrico, com suspensão aquosa de hidroxietilcelulose, visando a aprimorar a técnica do recobrimento de sementes, utilizando o processo fluidodinâmico. Foram investigados os efeitos das variáveis operacionais temperatura do ar de jorro, pressão de ar de atomização e vazão de suspensão de recobrimento, na eficiência do processo e na germinação das sementes. Os resultados revelaram que houve influência das variáveis operacionais na eficiência do processo e na germinação. Verificou-se, também, que as sementes recobertas apresentaram de 2 a 10% de umidade a menos que as sementes não-recobertas, quando em ambiente com temperatura controlada e saturado de vapor de água em determinado período.30531

The Involvement of Glutamate Metabolism in the Resistance to Thermal, Nutritional, and Oxidative Stress in Trypanosoma cruzi

The inhibition of some glutamate metabolic pathways could lead to diminished parasite survival. In this study, the effects of L-methionine sulfoximine (MS), DL-methionine sulfone (MSO), and DL-methionine sulfoxide (MSE), three glutamate analogs, on several biological processes were evaluated. We found that these analogs inhibited the growth of epimastigotes cells and showed a synergistic effect with stress conditions such as temperature, nutritional starvation, and oxidative stress. The specific activity for the reductive amination of α-ketoglutaric acid, catalyzed by the NADP+-linked glutamate dehydrogenase, showed an increase in the NADP+ levels, when MS, MSE, and MSO were added. It suggests an eventual conversion of the compounds tested by the T. cruzi cells. The fact that trypomastigote bursting was not significantly inhibited when infected cells were treated with these compounds, remarks the existence of relevant metabolic differences among the different life-cycle stages. It must be considered when proposing a new therapeutic drug

Immunomodulatory effects of palladium(II) complexes of 1,2,4-triazole on murine peritoneal macrophages

The 1,2,4-triazolyl-bridged polynuclear complexes [{PdCl(2)(mu-Htrz)}(n)] (1) and [{PdBr(2)(mu-Htrz)}(n)] (2) have been obtained in this work. Compound 1 is prepared by the displacement of acetonitrile from [PdCl(2)(MeCN)(2)] by 1,2,4-triazole (Htrz). Further addition of potassium bromide to the reaction medium afforded complex 2. The new complexes have been isolated, purified and characterized by means of elemental analysis, IR and UV-visible electronic spectroscopies and thermogravimetric (TG) curves. The experimental data suggested that, in both cases, the coordination of 1,2,4-Htrz takes place through the N(2) and N(4) atoms, bridging the palladium centers. The square-planar coordination polyhedron of palladium(II) is determined by two nitrogen atoms from the triazole ligands, while the other two coordination positions are occupied by the chloro (1) or bromo (2) ligands. TG curves indicated that the nature of the anionic ligand does not affect significantly the thermal stability of 1 and 2. The final products of the thermal decompositions were identified as metallic palladium by X-ray powder diffractometry. Preliminary tests involving the evaluation of the effects of compounds 1, 2 and Htrz on H(2)O(2) and NO production in cultures of peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice were carried out in vitro

Biotecnología, sostenibilidad y mejoramiento genético * ITANOA

En un contexto mundial de cambio climático y aumento poblacional preocupante, la ciencia y el desarrollo tecnológico deberán aportar la ayuda necesaria paramitigar la creciente necesidad de alimentos y energía renovable.Este escenario plantea grandes desafíos para la producción agrícola en las próximas décadas. La ONU estimó que para el año 2030 se necesitarán mil millonesde toneladas más de cereales por año (UNDP, 2015). Esta cifra es preocupante si se piensa en lograr estos incrementos mediante la utilización de las estrategias empleadas hasta el momento, es decir, expandir la superficie cultivada avanzandosobre ecosistemas naturales e intensificando el uso de fertilizantes y otros productos agroquímicos sintéticos, ya que conduciría indefectiblemente a profundizar el daño a la salud humana y ambiental.Fil: Pardo, Esteban Mariano. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino. Provincia de Tucumán. Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo. Estación Experimental Agroindustrial "Obispo Colombres" (p). Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino; ArgentinaFil: Rocha, C. M. L.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino. Provincia de Tucumán. Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo. Estación Experimental Agroindustrial "Obispo Colombres" (p). Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino; ArgentinaFil: Garcia, M.G. M.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino. Provincia de Tucumán. Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo. Estación Experimental Agroindustrial "Obispo Colombres" (p). Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino; ArgentinaFil: Pérez Borroto, Lucía Sandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino. Provincia de Tucumán. Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo. Estación Experimental Agroindustrial "Obispo Colombres" (p). Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino; ArgentinaFil: Toum, L. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino. Provincia de Tucumán. Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo. Estación Experimental Agroindustrial "Obispo Colombres" (p). Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino; ArgentinaFil: Filippone, María Paula. Universidad Nacional de Tucuman. Facultad de Agronomia y Zootecnia. Departamento de Ecología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino. Provincia de Tucumán. Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo. Estación Experimental Agroindustrial "Obispo Colombres" (p). Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino; ArgentinaFil: Castagnaro, Atilio Pedro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino. Provincia de Tucumán. Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo. Estación Experimental Agroindustrial "Obispo Colombres" (p). Instituto de Tecnología Agroindustrial del Noroeste Argentino; Argentin

Metagenomics-resolved genomics provides novel insights into chitin turnover, metabolic specialization, and niche partitioning in the octocoral microbiome

The role of bacterial symbionts that populate octocorals (Cnidaria, Octocorallia) is still poorly understood. To shed light on their metabolic capacities, we examined 66 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) spanning 30 prokaryotic species, retrieved from microbial metagenomes of three octocoral species and seawater. Results Symbionts of healthy octocorals were affiliated with the taxa Endozoicomonadaceae, Candidatus Thioglobaceae, Metamycoplasmataceae, unclassified Pseudomonadales, Rhodobacteraceae, unclassified Alphaproteobacteria and Ca. Rhabdochlamydiaceae. Phylogenomics inference revealed that the Endozoicomonadaceae symbionts uncovered here represent two species of a novel genus unique to temperate octocorals, here denoted Ca. Gorgonimonas eunicellae and Ca. Gorgonimonas leptogorgiae. Their genomes revealed metabolic capacities to thrive under suboxic conditions and high gene copy numbers of serine-threonine protein kinases, type 3-secretion system, type-4 pili, and ankyrin-repeat proteins, suggesting excellent capabilities to colonize, aggregate, and persist inside their host. Contrarily, MAGs obtained from seawater frequently lacked symbiosis-related genes. All Endozoicomonadaceae symbionts harbored endo-chitinase and chitin-binging protein-encoding genes, indicating that they can hydrolyze the most abundant polysaccharide in the oceans. Other symbionts, including Metamycoplasmataceae and Ca. Thioglobaceae, may assimilate the smaller chitin oligosaccharides resulting from chitin breakdown and engage in chitin deacetylation, respectively, suggesting possibilities for substrate cross-feeding and a role for the coral microbiome in overall chitin turnover. We also observed sharp differences in secondary metabolite production potential between symbiotic lineages. Specific Proteobacteria taxa may specialize in chemical defense and guard other symbionts, including Endozoicomonadaceae, which lack such capacity. Conclusion This is the first study to recover MAGs from dominant symbionts of octocorals, including those of so-far unculturable Endozoicomonadaceae, Ca. Thioglobaceae and Metamycoplasmataceae symbionts. We identify a thus-far unanticipated, global role for Endozoicomonadaceae symbionts of corals in the processing of chitin, the most abundant natural polysaccharide in the oceans and major component of the natural zoo- and phytoplankton feed of octocorals. We conclude that niche partitioning, metabolic specialization, and adaptation to low oxygen conditions among prokaryotic symbionts likely contribute to the plasticity and adaptability of the octocoral holobiont in changing marine environments. These findings bear implications not only for our understanding of symbiotic relationships in the marine realm but also for the functioning of benthic ecosystems at large.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Estudo da actividade biológica do pólen do Parque Natural de Montesinho

O pólen é o elemento germinal masculino das plantas fanerogâmicas. Encontra-se na forma pulverulenta nas anteras florais situadas na parte terminal dos estames das flores

Forest restoration after severe degradation by coal mining: lessons from the first years of monitoring

Restoration after mining often requires strong interventions, including soil reconstruction, which makes vegetation establishment a challenge. We analyzed regeneration of woody plant species in the first years of restoration in areas severely degraded by coal mining in the south Brazilian Atlantic rainforest. At the four restoration sites, we collected data on cover of the herbaceous layer (including invasive grasses) and on abundance and richness of introduced trees and of spontaneously establishing woody plants. We also evaluated soil chemical features at all sites. We compared functional characteristics of the woody regeneration with nearby forest remnants (target communities) and evaluated the dynamics of regeneration over 3 years by principal coordinates analyses. The influence of biotic and abiotic variables for the regeneration of woody species was analyzed by partial redundancy analysis. We found high variation in community composition and structure among restored sites. Most of this variation was explained by variables related to soil chemistry and introduced trees. Over time, an increase in woody species establishment could be observed, and woody species communities appear to be at the start of trajectories toward target communities. Fertilization of soil, as commonly applied in restoration, seems to increase cover of exotic grasses, which clearly impedes the development of planted trees and woody species regeneration. Although the restoration of abandoned mining areas is a challenge due to the severe degradation, our results—despite the short period of observation—allow for the conclusion that restoration is possible, even with high initial costs. We highlight the importance of monitoring the initial process of restoration and of (re)defining intermediate goal and project targets, following an adaptive management approach. © 2018, Botanical Society of Sao Paulo

Immunoliposomes doubly targeted to transferrin receptor and to α-synuclein

Aim: The present study was designed to test the cellular uptake of PEGylated liposomes targeted to transferrin receptor and to alpha-synuclein by a cell model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Materials & methods: PEGylated immunoliposomes were prepared with anti-transferrin receptor OX26 and anti-alpha-synuclein LB509 antibodies to overcome the BBB in Parkinson\u27s disease. Results: The doubly targeted immunoliposomes bind to transferrin receptor and to alpha-synuclein protein, as assessed by ELISA assays. We establish that 40% of an encapsulated tested drug (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) is released in a time frame of 44 h, which is reasonable for sustained release. The cellular uptake of doubly targeted immunoliposomes in cultured brain endothelial cells hCMEC/D3 was two-times more efficient than that of PEGylated liposomes. Conclusion: Immunoliposomes targeted to BBB receptors and to alpha-synuclein could potentially enable the transport of drugs across the BBB and reach one of the drug targets in Parkinson\u27s disease. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents the distribution of drugs into the brain, making the development of new treatments for brain disorders such as Parkinson\u27s disease difficult. This is due to the presence of tight cell-cell junctions within the brain capillary endothelium. Nanocarriers that transport drugs across the BBB enable noninvasive modes of drug delivery (e.g., oral, systemic routes) to the brain. In the present study, we developed vesicles targeted with antibodies to BBB receptors and to a biological target of Parkinson\u27s disease. This technology, known as Trojan horse technology, uses endogenous molecules that are able to cross the BBB through receptors present in the brain capillary endothelium

Development, manufacturing and testing of small launcher structures from Portugal

During the last decades the industry has seen the number of Earth orbiting satellites rise, mostly due to the need to monitor Earth as well as to establish global communication networks. Nano, micro, and small satellites have been a prime tool for answering these needs, with large and mega constellations planned, leading to a potential launch gap. An effective and commercially appealing solution is the development of small launchers, as these can complement the current available launch opportunity offer, serving a large pool of different types of clients, with a flexible and custom service that large conventional launchers cannot adequately assure. Rocket Factory Augsburg has partnered with CEiiA for the development of several structures for the RFA One rocket. The objective has been the design of solutions that are low-cost, light, and custom-made, applying design and manufacturing concepts as well as technologies from other industries, like the aeronautical and automotive, to the aerospace one. This allows for the implementation of a New Space approach to the launcher segment, while also building a supply chain and a set of solutions that enables the industrialisation of such structures for this and future small launchers. The two main systems under development have been a versatile Kick-Stage, for payload carrying and orbit insertion, and a sturdy Payload Fairing. Even though the use of components off-the-shelf have been widely accepted in the space industry for satellites, these two systems pose different challenges as they must be: highly reliable during the most extreme conditions imposed by the launch, so that they can be considered safe to launch all types of payloads. This paper thus dives deep on the solutions developed in the last few years, presenting also lessons learned during the manufacturing and testing of these structures.Comment: 10 pages, 13 figures, Manuscript presented at the 73rd International Astronautical Congress, IAC 2022, Paris, France, 18 - 22 September 202