Arbustus unedo essence: morphological and genetic characterization of the strawberry tree of Castelo de Paiva

O medronheiro é um arbusto da região mediterrânica que pode ser encontrada por todo o país. Ao contrário do que verifica na região sul do país, no concelho de Castelo de Paiva é atribuída uma reduzida importância económica a esta espécie. Com o intuito de preservar e potenciar a produção desta espécie e contribuir para a dinamização da economia do concelho, procedeu-se à caracterização morfológica e genética de uma amostra da população de medronheiros de Castelo de Paiva. A caracterização morfológica e genética foi realizada para um total de 10 genótipos. Para tal recolheram-se 70 folhas aleatoriamente em cada árvore. Em 40 folhas mediu-se o comprimento, largura, comprimento do pedúnculo, peso fresco, peso seco e determinou-se a área foliar. Dos caracteres morfológicos analisados, aqueles que se revelaram mais úteis na distinção dos vários genótipos foram: comprimento do pedúnculo, peso fresco e peso seco. As restantes 30 folhas foram utilizadas para a caracterização genética. Esta caracterização foi realizada recorrendo a um marcador de DNA, ISSR. Os 5 primeiros exemplaresutilizados na técnica de ISSR demonstraram-se polimórficos. Os resultados da caracterização genética sugerem que a variabilidade genética na população é média a alta.The strawberry tree is a shrub native in the Mediterranean region and it can be found throughout Portugal. Unlike the case in the southern region of the country, in Castelo de Paiva a minor economic importance is given to this species. In order to preserve, to enhance the production of this species and to contribute to the boosting of the economy of the region, we proceeded to the characterization of a small sample population of this fruit tree of Castelo de Paiva in what concerns to its morphology and genetics. The morphological and genetic characterization was performed for a total of 10 genotypes. For this, 70 leaves were randomly collected from each tree. For 40 leaves, it was measured the length, the width, the peduncle length, the wet weight, the dry weight and determined the leaf area. Of the morphological characteristics analyzed, the ones that proved most useful in distinguishing the various genotypes were: the length peduncle, the wet weight and the dry weight. The remaining 30 leaves were used in the genetic characterization. This characterization was performed using a DNA marker, the ISSR. The 5 primers used in the ISSR technique proved to be polymorphic. The results from the genetic characterization suggest that variability in population genetics is medium to high

Effect of sugarcane straw removal on nematodes population in soil and roots under two different edaphoclimatic situations

Os nematoides causadores de doenças em cana-de-açúcar ocasionam graves problemas no rendimento desta cultura. Os gêneros mais agressivos são Meloidogyne e Pratylenchus que formam galhas e necroses nas raízes, respectivamente. A retirada da palha de cana-de-açúcar do campo para produção de etanol de segunda geração pode resultar em mudanças no comportamento das comunidades de nematoides. Assim o objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar a abundância de nematoides em diferentes quantidades de palha presentes na superfície do solo. O experimento foi conduzido em Capivari - SP na unidade Bom Retiro (BR) e em Valparaíso - SP na unidade Univalem (UV). O tipo de solo de cada área experimental era, respectivamente, Latossolo Vermelho distrófico típico (textura média na camada superficial) e Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico típico (textura arenosa na camada superficial). O delineamento foi o de blocos ao acaso com seis tratamentos e quatro repetições, compostos por quantidades de palha em Mg ha-1 de massa de matéria seca, sendo em BR (0; 4,2; 8,7; 15,1; 18,9; 23,3), e em UV (0; 3,9; 10,2; 12,5; 16,4; 13,2). As amostragens de solo e raiz coletadas na profundidade de 0-20 cm na linha e entrelinha da cultura foram realizadas em BR em maio e em UV em junho, ambas em 2015. Pratylenchus zeae teve maior dominância nas áreas, seguido de nematoides de vida livre, e Helicotylenchus sp. e Meloidogyne javanica apenas foi observada na área de solo arenoso e em médias densidades. O manejo de remoção da palha de cana-de-açúcar não promoveu mudanças significativas nas abundâncias das comunidades contidas no solo, tanto de textura média quanto arenosa. Por outro lado, houve interferência das quantidades de palha na infecção pelos nematoides nas raízes, no solo de textura média 4,2 Mg ha-1 de palha diminuiu a comunidade de nematoides e no solo de textura arenosa a maior comunidade de nematoides foi em 13,2 Mg ha-1 de palha. Todavia, múltiplos fatores podem ter afetado esses resultados, não apenas o manejo de remoção da palha. São necessários mais estudos em longo prazo para se afirmar o real efeito da retirada de palha do campoThe nematodes that cause diseases in sugarcane represent serious yield problems. The most aggressive genera are Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus that form gall and necrosis in the roots, respectively. Sugarcane straw removal from the field for second generation ethanol production may change the behavior of nematode communities. Thus the objective of this study was to quantify nematode abundance in different quantities of sugarcane straw left on soil surface. The experiment was conducted in Capivari - SP at Bom Retiro (BR) mill and Valparaíso - SP at Univalem (UV) mill. The soil type of each experimental area was, respectively, Oxisol (medium texture in the surface layer) and Alfisol (sandy texture in the surface layer). The experimental design was a randomized block with six treatments and four replicates, composed of quantities of straw in Mg ha-1 of dry matter mass, where in BR (0; 4,2; 8,7; 15,1; 18,9; 23,3), and in UV (0; 3,9; 10,2; 12,5; 16,4; 13,2). Soil and root samples were collected at 0-20 cm depths in the row and inter-row position of the sugarcane crop in BR in May and UV in June, both in 2015. Pratylenchus zeae had greater dominance in both evaluated areas, followed by free-living nematodes, and Helicotylenchus sp., Meloidogyne javanica was only observed in the sandy soil area and in medium densities. Due to the high densities it would be necessary to control nematodes in the areas. In terms of communities abundance in the soil there was no difference in relation to the treatments in the two areas. However, there was interference of the straw in the nematodes infection in the roots, and this result cannot be inferred by the straw deposition. Additional long-term studies are needed to understanding the effect of straw removal from the field on nematode communit

Parasitismo por Polyplax spinulosa Burmeister, 1839 (Anoplura) em ratos Wistar, Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769

The laboratory rat Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769, Wistar, is used in scientific research, by presenting such characteristics, easy handling and relatively short reproductive cycle. In laboratory tests, these animals may be affected by endoparasites, pathogenic infectious agents and ectoparasites that affect their health and well-being. This study aimed to report Phthiraptera infestation in Rattus norvegicus. In specimens of Rattus norvegicus was held parasitological examinations at the Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido. During inspection body, lesions on the back and belly, and intense itching. By combing in different body areas, recovered ectoparasites which were preserved in alcohol 70° and bleached in a solution of 10% potassium hydroxide being mounted between a slide and coverslip. The identification was made with use of taxonomic keys aided stereomicroscopy and light microscopy. 200 specimens of the order Phthiraptera were retrieved and classified as Polyplax spinulosa found in different stages of life, including nymphs and adults. Join infestation of Rattus norvegicus by P. spinulosa in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. This finding concurs with the literature data on Polyplax spinulosa affect rats laboratories in Brazil and may interfere with the results of scientific studies using these animals as experimental models.O rato de laboratório Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769, linhagem Wistar, é utilizado em pesquisas científicas, por apresentar como características, fácil manipulação e ciclo reprodutivo relativamente curto. Em ensaios laboratoriais, estes animais podem ser acometidos por endoparasitos, agentes infecciosos patogênicos e ectoparasitos que interferem na sua saúde e bem-estar. Objetivou-se relatar infestação por Phthiraptera em Rattus norvegicus. Em espécimes de Rattus norvegicus, realizou-se exames parasitológicos no Laboratório de Parasitologia Animal da Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido. Durante inspeção corpórea, foram identificadas lesões no dorso e ventre, bem como prurido intenso. Através de penteamento em áreas corpóreas distintas, recuperou-se ectoparasitos que foram conservados em álcool 70º e clareados em solução de hidróxido de potássio a 10%, sendo montados entre lâmina e lamínula. A identificação foi feita com uso de chaves taxonômicas auxiliada por estereomicroscopia e microscopia óptica de luz. 200 espécimes da ordem Phthiraptera foram recuperados e classificados como Polyplax spinulosa encontrados em diferentes estágios de vida, incluindo ninfas e adultos. Registra-se a infestação em Rattus norvegicus por Polyplax spinulosa no estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Este achado corrobora com os dados da literatura sobre Polyplax spinulosa acometer ratos de laboratórios no Brasil podendo interferir nos resultados dos trabalhos científicos que utilizam estes animais como modelos experimentais

Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Mometasone Furoate in Treating Ocular Inflammation

Mometasone furoate (MF) is a medium-potency synthetic glucocorticosteroid with anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. However, its role in the treatment of ocular inflammation has not yet been explored. This work investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of MF in ocular tissues. First, the in vivo safety of the intravitreal (IVT) injection of MF (80, 160, and 240 µg) was evaluated via clinical examination (including the assessment of intraocular pressure), electroretinography (ERG), and histopathology. Second, MF was tested in an experimental model of bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG)-induced uveitis in Wistar rats. Intraocular inflammation was then evaluated via a slit-lamp and fundus examination, ERG, histopathology, and the quantification of pro-inflammatory markers. Intravitreal MF showed no toxicity in all the investigated doses, with 160 µg leading to attenuated disease progression and improvement in clinical, morphological, and functional parameters. There was a significant reduction in the levels of inflammatory markers (myeloperoxidase, interleukins 6 and 1β, CXCL-1, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) when compared to the levels in untreated animals. Therefore, MF should be further investigated as a promising drug for the treatment of ocular inflammation

Parasitismo por Gliricola porcelli (Schrank, 1781) em Cavia porcellus, em Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

Cavia porcellus, commonly known as guinea pig India is now considered a pet and company . It supply and an important laboratory animals since they are used for the experiments . May be affected by a variety of pathogens , including ectoparasites. In this line, the present study aimed to register the first time the occurrence of infestation Gliricola porcelli in C. porcellus the city of Mossoró, RN . In October 2013, a rodent identified as C. porcellus was taken to the clinical evaluation to the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido. At the time, it was noted that the animal had itching and restlessness . Thus, its surface was examined for body search of ectoparasites . Subsequently, a sample was collected by combing of the body areas of the animal. Ectoparasites recovered were classified according to specific dichotomous keys. We identified 103 specimens of G. porcellus , 76 females and 27 nymphs. In Brazil , although several studies have recorded infestation G. porcellus in C. porcellus, to Rio Grande do Norte , this is the first time it notifies this parasitismCavia porcellus, popularmente conhecido como porquinho-da-Índia, atualmente é considerado um animal de estimação e companhia. É fonte de alimentação e um importante animal de laboratório, uma vez que são usados para realização de experimentos. Pode ser acometido por uma variedade de agentes patogênicos, dentre eles os ectoparasitos. Nesta linha, o presente trabalho objetivou registrar pela primeira vez a ocorrência de infestação por Gliricola porcelli em C. porcellus da cidade de Mossoró, RN. Em outubro de 2013, um roedor identificado como C. porcellus foi levado para avaliação clínica à Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido. Na ocasião, observou-se que o animal apresentava prurido e uma inquietação. Desta forma, inspecionou-se sua superfície corporal para busca de ectoparasitos. Posteriormente, coletou-se uma amostra de pelo através do penteamento de áreas corpóreas do animal. Os ectoparasitos recuperados foram classificados segundo chaves dicotômicas específicas. Identificou-se 103 exemplares de G. porcellus, sendo 76 fêmeas e 27 ninfas. No Brasil, embora diversos trabalhos tenham registrado a infestação por G. porcelli em C. porcellus, para o Rio Grande do Norte, esta é a primeira vez que se notifica este parasitismo. Palavras-chave: Ectoparasito, Caviidae, Piolho, roedor

Identification of Immunogenic Linear B-Cell Epitopes in C. burnetii Outer Membrane Proteins Using Immunoinformatics Approaches Reveals Potential Targets of Persistent Infections

Coxiella burnetii is a global, highly infectious intracellular bacterium, able to infect a wide range of hosts and to persist for months in the environment. It is the etiological agent of Q fever—a zoonosis of global priority. Currently, there are no national surveillance data on C. burnetii’s seroprevalence for any South American country, reinforcing the necessity of developing novel and inexpensive serological tools to monitor the prevalence of infections among humans and animals—especially cattle, goats, and sheep. In this study, we used immunoinformatics and computational biology tools to predict specific linear B-cell epitopes in three C. burnetii outer membrane proteins: OMP-H (CBU_0612), Com-1 (CBU_1910), and OMP-P1 (CBU_0311). Furthermore, predicted epitopes were tested by ELISA, as synthetic peptides, against samples of patients reactive to C. burnetii in indirect immunofluorescence assay, in order to evaluate their natural immunogenicity. In this way, two linear B-cell epitopes were identified in each studied protein (OMP-H(51–59), OMP-H(91–106), Com-1(57–76), Com-1(191–206), OMP-P1(197–209), and OMP-P1(215–227)); all of them were confirmed as naturally immunogenic by the presence of specific antibodies in 77% of studied patients against at least one of the identified epitopes. Remarkably, a higher frequency of endocarditis cases was observed among patients who presented an intense humoral response to OMP-H and Com-1 epitopes. These data confirm that immunoinformatics applied to the identification of specific B-cell epitopes can be an effective strategy to improve and accelerate the development of surveillance tools against neglected diseases

Crop residue harvest for bioenergy production and its implications on soil functioning and plant growth: A review

ABSTRACT: The use of crop residues as a bioenergy feedstock is considered a potential strategy to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, indiscriminate harvesting of crop residues can induce deleterious effects on soil functioning, plant growth and other ecosystem services. Here, we have summarized the information available in the literature to identify and discuss the main trade-offs and synergisms involved in crop residue management for bioenergy production. The data consistently showed that crop residue harvest and the consequent lower input of organic matter into the soil led to C storage depletions over time, reducing cycling, supply and availability of soil nutrients, directly affecting the soil biota. Although the biota regulates key functions in the soil, crop residue can also cause proliferation of some important agricultural pests. In addition, crop residues act as physical barriers that protect the soil against raindrop impact and temperature variations. Therefore, intensive crop residue harvest can cause soil structure degradation, leading to soil compaction and increased risks of erosion. With regard to GHG emissions, there is no consensus about the potential impact of management of crop residue harvest. In general, residue harvest decreases CO2 and N2O emissions from the decomposition process, but it has no significant effect on CH4 emissions. Plant growth responses to soil and microclimate changes due to crop residue harvest are site and crop specific. Adoption of the best management practices can mitigate the adverse impacts of crop residue harvest. Longterm experiments within strategic production regions are essential to understand and monitor the impact of integrated agricultural systems and propose customized solutions for sustainable crop residue management in each region or landscape. Furthermore, private and public investments/cooperations are necessary for a better understanding of the potential environmental, economic and social implications of crop residue use for bioenergy production

Crop residue harvest for bioenergy production and its implications on soil functioning and plant growth: A review

<div><p>ABSTRACT: The use of crop residues as a bioenergy feedstock is considered a potential strategy to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, indiscriminate harvesting of crop residues can induce deleterious effects on soil functioning, plant growth and other ecosystem services. Here, we have summarized the information available in the literature to identify and discuss the main trade-offs and synergisms involved in crop residue management for bioenergy production. The data consistently showed that crop residue harvest and the consequent lower input of organic matter into the soil led to C storage depletions over time, reducing cycling, supply and availability of soil nutrients, directly affecting the soil biota. Although the biota regulates key functions in the soil, crop residue can also cause proliferation of some important agricultural pests. In addition, crop residues act as physical barriers that protect the soil against raindrop impact and temperature variations. Therefore, intensive crop residue harvest can cause soil structure degradation, leading to soil compaction and increased risks of erosion. With regard to GHG emissions, there is no consensus about the potential impact of management of crop residue harvest. In general, residue harvest decreases CO2 and N2O emissions from the decomposition process, but it has no significant effect on CH4 emissions. Plant growth responses to soil and microclimate changes due to crop residue harvest are site and crop specific. Adoption of the best management practices can mitigate the adverse impacts of crop residue harvest. Longterm experiments within strategic production regions are essential to understand and monitor the impact of integrated agricultural systems and propose customized solutions for sustainable crop residue management in each region or landscape. Furthermore, private and public investments/cooperations are necessary for a better understanding of the potential environmental, economic and social implications of crop residue use for bioenergy production.</p></div

PLoS ONE

p. 1-15Background: Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, a Gram-positive, facultative intracellular pathogen, is the etiologic agent of the disease known as caseous lymphadenitis (CL). CL mainly affects small ruminants, such as goats and sheep; it also causes infections in humans, though rarely. This species is distributed worldwide, but it has the most serious economic impact in Oceania, Africa and South America. Although C. pseudotuberculosis causes major health and productivity problems for livestock, little is known about the molecular basis of its pathogenicity. Methodology and Findings: We characterized two C. pseudotuberculosis genomes (Cp1002, isolated from goats; and CpC231, isolated from sheep). Analysis of the predicted genomes showed high similarity in genomic architecture, gene content and genetic order. When C. pseudotuberculosis was compared with other Corynebacterium species, it became evident that this pathogenic species has lost numerous genes, resulting in one of the smallest genomes in the genus. Other differences that could be part of the adaptation to pathogenicity include a lower GC content, of about 52%, and a reduced gene repertoire. The C. pseudotuberculosis genome also includes seven putative pathogenicity islands, which contain several classical virulence factors, including genes for fimbrial subunits, adhesion factors, iron uptake and secreted toxins. Additionally, all of the virulence factors in the islands have characteristics that indicate horizontal transfer. Conclusions: These particular genome characteristics of C. pseudotuberculosis, as well as its acquired virulence factors in pathogenicity islands, provide evidence of its lifestyle and of the pathogenicity pathways used by this pathogen in the infection process. All genomes cited in this study are available in the NCBI Genbank database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ genbank/) under accession numbers CP001809 and CP001829