Strategy for selection of soybean genotypes tolerant to drought during germination

Water deficit is the main reason for instability in the context of soybean culture. The development of strategies for the selection of more tolerant genotypes is necessary. These strategies include the use of polyethylene glycol 6000 solutions (PEG-6000) for conducting the germination test under conditions of water restriction. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the osmotic potential and the main characteristics that promote the discrimination of soybean genotypes with regard to water stress tolerance during germination and the vigor test. Thirteen soybean cultivars were used. The seeds were allowed to germinate on sheets of germitest paper moistened in solution with PEG-6000, simulating different levels of water availability, which is expressed as osmotic potential (0.0, -0.2, -0.4, and -0.6 MPa). We assessed germination, length, and dry mass for seedlings and seeds, as well as reserve dynamics. Germination and variables related to the dynamics of reservation have great influence on the expression of variability in environments under stress. Among the different osmotic potentials, the -0.2 MPa was the most efficient for the expression of genetic variability among the cultivars. Conducting the germination test with PEG-6000 solution to -0.2 MPa was efficient for selecting soybean cultivars tolerant to water stress. This was accomplished by evaluating the percentage of germination, along with variables related to the dynamics of reservation

Temperature-responsive nanomagnetic logic gates for cellular hyperthermia

While a continuous monitoring of temperature at the micro- and nano-scales is clearly of interest in many contexts, in many others a yes or no answer to the question "did the system locally exceed a certain temperature threshold?" can be more accurate and useful. This is the case of hard-to-detect events, such as those where temperature fluctuations above a defined threshold are shorter than the typical integration time of micro/nanothermometers and systems where fluctuations are rare events in a wide time frame. Herein we present the synthesis of iron selenide magnetic nanoplatelets and their use as non-volatile logic gates recording the near infrared (NIR) dose that triggers a temperature increase above a critical temperature around 42 °C in prostate cancer cell cultures. This use is based on the bistable behavior shown by the nanoplatelets below a magnetic phase transition at a tunable temperature T C and on their photothermal response under NIR light. The obtained results indicate that the synthesized nanomagnets may be employed in the future as both local heaters and temperature monitoring tools in a wide range of contexts involving systems which, as cells, are temperature-sensitive around the tunable T C

The effects of the invasive seaweed asparagopsis armata on native rock pool communities: evidences from experimental exclusion

Biological invasions represent a threat to ecosystems, through competition and habitat destruction, which may result in significant changes of the invaded community. Asparagopsis armata Harvey 1855 is a red macroalgae (Rodophyta) globally recognized as an invasive species. It is found from the intertidal to shallow subtidal areas, on rock or epiphytic, forming natural vegetation belts on exposed coasts. This study evaluated the variations on native intertidal seaweed and macroinvertebrate assemblages inhabiting rock pools with and without the presence of the invasive macroalgae A. armata. To achieve this, manipulation experiments on Atlantic (Portugal) rock pools were done. Three rock pools were maintained without A. armata by manual removal of macroalgae, and three others were not experimentally manipulated during the study period and A. armata was freely present. In this study the variations between different rock pools were assessed. Results showed different patterns in the macroalgae composition of assemblages but not for the macrobenthic communities. Ellisolandia elongata (J. Ellis & Solander) K.R. Hind & G.W. Saunders 2013 was the main algal species affected by the invasion of A. armata. Invaded pools tended to show less macroalgal species richness, showing a more constant and conservative structure, with lower variation of its taxonomic composition than the pools not containing A. armata, where the variability between samples was always higher. Despite the importance of the achieved results, further data based on observation of long-term series are needed, in order to further understand more severe effects of the invader A. armata on native macroalgal assemblage.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Asparagopsis armata exudate cocktail: the quest for the mechanisms of toxic action of an invasive seaweed on marine invertebrates

The seaweed Asparagopsis armata exhibits a strong invasive behavior, producing halogenated compounds with effective biological effects. This study addresses the biochemical responses to sublethal concentrations of A. armata exudate on the marine snail Gibbula umbilicalis whole body and the shrimp Palaemon elegans eyes and hepatopancreas. Antioxidant defenses superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), oxidative damage endpoints lipid peroxidation (LPO) and DNA damage, the neuronal parameter acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and the fatty acid profile were evaluated. Results revealed different metabolic responses in both species. Despite previous studies indicating that the exudate affected G. umbilicalis’ survival and behavior, this does not seem to result from oxidative stress or neurotoxicity. For P. elegans, the inhibition of AChE and the decrease of antioxidant capacity is concomitant with the increase of LPO, suggesting neurotoxicity and oxidative stress as contributor mechanisms of toxicity for this species. Fatty acid profile changes were more pronounced for P. elegans with a general increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with the exudate exposure, which commonly means a defense mechanism protecting from membrane disruption. Nonetheless, the omega-3 PUFAs arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) increased in both invertebrates, indicating a common regulation mechanism of inflammation and immunity responsesinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

<i>Vibrio communis</i> sp. nov., isolated from the marine animals <i>Mussismilia hispida, Phyllogorgia dilatata, Palythoa caribaeorum, Palythoa variabilis</i> and <i>Litopenaeus vannamei</i>

Eight Vibrio isolates originating from the marine corals Mussismilia hispida and Phyllogorgia dilatata and the zoanthids Palythoa caribaeorum and Palythoa variabilis in Brazil and the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in Ecuador were studied by means of a polyphasic approach. The novel isolates formed a tight monophyletic group in the genus Vibrio and were closely related to species of the Vibrio harveyi group, to which they showed more than 99?% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Analysis based on concatenated sequences of the following seven genes, 16S rRNA, gyrB, recA, rpoA, topA, pyrH and mreB (5633 bp in length), showed clear separation between the isolates and species of the V. harveyi group. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis, performed previously, revealed that a representative isolate of this group, LMG 20370, was clearly separate from known Vibrio species (it belonged to the so-called AFLP cluster A31). DNA–DNA hybridization (DDH) experiments with representative isolates and type strains of the V. harveyi species group revealed high DDH between the novel isolates (more than 74?%) and less than 70?% DDH towards type strains of related Vibrio species, proving the novel species status of the isolates. Phenotypically, the novel species belongs to the arginine dihydrolase (A)-negative, lysine decarboxylase (L)-positive and ornithine decarboxylase (O)-positive (A-/L+/O+) cluster reported previously. Most species of the V. harveyi group (i.e. Vibrio rotiferianus, V. harveyi, V. parahaemolyticus and V. alginolyticus) also belong to this A-/L+/O+ cluster. However, several phenotypic features can be used for the identification of the novel species. In contrast to its closest phylogenetic neighbours, the novel species exhibits esterase (C4) and N-acetyl-ß-glucosaminidase activities, but it does not produce acetoin, does not use citrate, a-ketoglutaric acid or propionic acid and does not ferment melibiose. The novel species can also be differentiated on the basis of the presence of the fatty acids C17?:?0, C17?:?1?8c, iso-C17?:?0 and iso-C13?:?0 and the absence of the fatty acid C18?:?0. The name Vibrio communis sp. nov. is proposed for this taxon. Strain R-40496T (=LMG 25430T =CAIM 1816T) is the type strain

Effect of artificial shading on performance and reproductive parameters of semi-confined young Brangus bulls

Thirty Brangus bulls were used in a 90-d study to assess the effect of artificial shading on the performance and reproductive characteristics of semi-confined cattle. Animals were kept in four one-ha paddocks in two groups of eight for shade treatment (5 m²/animal of 80% solar block shade cloth) and two groups of seven animals in no-shade treatment. Each treatment had two homogeneous groups, each divided into heavy-bulls (351-450 kg) and light-bulls (300-350 kg). Time spent under shade, time standing, average daily gain, testicular development and sperm quality were investigated. Animals spent 24% of the daylight under the shade and no-shaded bulls spent more time standing (P 0.05) and testicular development between shaded and no-shaded animals. However, scrotal perimeter was higher for shaded light animals compared to no-shaded light bulls (P < 0.10). Sperm motility increase during the experimental period for shaded animals (P < 0.05) and sperm abnormalities were higher for the shaded ones (P < 0.05). Although the results did not indicate pronounced benefits on cattle performance, this resource was an important alternative because it appears to provide an improvement in some reproductive parameters and ensure a better thermal comfort to the animals

A Política De Desenvolvimento Produtivo Da Saúde E A Capacitação Dos Laboratórios Públicos Nacionais

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Technological innovations play a decisive role in societies’ development by contributing to economic growth and the population’s welfare. The state has a key role in this process by inducing innovative behavior, strategies, and decisions. This study addresses Brazil’s current policy for development of the health industry and its effects on qualification of national public laboratories by contextualizing different cycles of interaction between health policy and the industrial base, discussing the government’s development strategy and the transfer and absorption of health technology (through Industrial Development Partnerships), and presenting two current partnerships involving public laboratories in the production of medicines and vaccines. © 2016, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz. All rights reserved.32supl.2CNPq, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e TecnológicoConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

Caracterização química e avaliação das atividades antibacteriana, antifúngica, antimicobacteriana e citotóxica de Talinum paniculatum

In this study, the bioactivity of Talinum paniculatum was evaluated, a plant widely used in folk medicine. The extract from the T. paniculatum leaves (LE) was obtained by percolation with ethanol-water and then subjecting it to liquid-liquid partitions, yielding hexane (HX), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), butanol (BuOH), and aqueous (Aq) fractions. Screening for antimicrobial activity of the LE and its fractions was evaluated in vitro through broth microdilution method, against thirteen pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms, and the antimycobacterial activity was performed through agar diffusion assay. The cytotoxic concentrations (CC90) for LE, HX, and EtOAc were obtained on BHK-21 cells by using MTT reduction assay. The LE showed activity against Serratia marcescens and Staphylococcus aureus, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values of 250 and 500 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, HX demonstrated outstanding activity against Micrococcus luteus and Candida albicans with a MIC of 31.2 µg/mL in both cases. The MIC for EtOAc also was 31.2 µg/mL against Escherichia coli. Conversely, BuOH and Aq were inactive against all tested microorganisms and LE proved inactive against Mycobacterium tuberculosisand Mycobacterium bovisas well. Campesterol, stigmasterol, and sitosterol were the proposed structures as main compounds present in the EF and HX/EtOAc fractions, evidenced by mass spectrometry. Therefore, LE, HX, and EtOAc from T. paniculatumshowed potential as possible sources of antimicrobial compounds, mainly HX, for presenting low toxicity on BHK-21 cells with excellent Selectivity Index (SI = CC90/MIC) of 17.72 against C. albicans.Neste estudo foi avaliada a bioatividade de Talinum paniculatum, planta amplamente utilizada na medicina popular. O extrato das folhas (EF) de T. paniculatum foi obtido por percolação com etanol-água e, em seguida, submetido à partição líquido-líquido, obtendo-se as frações hexânica (HX), acetato-etílica (AcOEt), butanólica (BuOH) e aquosa (Aq). A triagem para a atividade antimicrobiana do EF e de suas frações foram avaliadas in vitro através do método de microdiluição em caldo contra treze micro-organismos patogênicos e não-patogênicos e, a atividade antimicobacteriana, foi avaliada através do teste de difusão em ágar. As concentrações citotóxicas (CC90) do EF e das frações HX e AcOEt foram obtidas sobre células da linhagem BHK-21 através do ensaio de redução do MTT. O EF mostrou atividade contra Serratia marcescens e Staphylococcus aureus, com valores de concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) de 250 e 500 µg/mL, respectivamente. Além disso, HX demonstrou excelente atividade contra Micrococcus luteus e Candida albicans com uma CIM de 31,2 µg/mL, em ambos os casos. Contra Escherichia coli, a CIM para AcOEt foi também de 31,2 µg/mL. Por outro lado, as frações BuOH e Aq foram inativas contra todos os micro-organismos testados, assim como o EF contra Mycobacterium tuberculosis e Mycobacterium bovis. Campesterol, estigmasterol e sitosterol foram as estruturas propostas como principais compostos presentes no EF e nas frações HX e AcOEt, evidenciadas através de espectrometria de massas. Portanto, o extrato da folha e as frações HX e AcOEt provenientes de T. paniculatum apresentaram potencial como possíveis fontes de compostos antimicrobianos, HX principalmente, por ter apresentado uma baixa toxicidade sobre células BHK-21 com um bom índice de seletividade (IS = CC90/MIC) de 17,72 contra C. albicans

Influence Of Deciduous Molar Hypomineralization On The Development Of Molar-incisor Hypomineralizarion

Defects similar to Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) in second primary molars can be found in the literature, being recently named Deciduous Molar Hypomineralization (DMH). Researchers have stated that the presence of DMH in primary dentition represents a risk for MIH in permanent teeth. The explanation for this association is probably related to the etiological factors. Aim: To investigate prospectively the association between DMH and MIH and the etiologic factors involved in both defects. Methods: One hundred and thirty four children aged 4 to 6 years from Botelhos, MG, Brazil, were evaluated six-monthly until they completed the eruption of the first permanent molars. A structured questionnaire was developed with questions about the child's health up to the first year of life and the mother's health during pregnancy. Results: It could be noted that, although most children with DMH in the primary dentition had higher incidence of MIH in permanent dentition, this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: None of the possible etiologic factors had associations with the studied enamel defects, even among children who presented two types of enamel defects in the mixed dentition. However, further studies with larger samples should be conducted in order to confirm or refute the findings of the present study.124335338Weerheijm, K.L., Jälevik, B., Alaluusua, S., Molar incisor hypomineralization (2001) Caries Res., 35, pp. 390-391Alaluusua, S., Aetiology of Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization: A systematic review (2010) Eur J Paediatr Dent., 11, pp. 53-58Beentjes, V.E.V.M., Weerheijm, K.L., Groen, H.J., Factors involved in the aetiology of molar-incisor hypomineralization (2002) Eur J Paediatr Dent., 1, pp. 9-13Combrie, F., Manton, D., Kilpatrick, N., Aetiology of molar-incisor hypomineralization: a critical review (2009) Int J Paediatr Dent., 19, pp. 73-83Jälevik, B., Norén, J.G., Klingberg, G., Barregard, L., Etiologic factors influencing the prevalence of demarcated opacities in permanent first molars in a group of Swedish children (2001) Eur J Sci., 109, pp. 230-234Preusser, S.E., Ferring, V., Wleklinski, C., Wetzel, W.E., Prevalence and severity of molar incisor hypomineralization in a region of Germany - a brief communication (2007) J Public Health Dent., 67, pp. 148-150Kuscu, O.O., Caglar, E., Sandalli, N., The prevalence and etiology of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization in a group of children in Istanbul (2008) Eur J Paediatr Dent., 9, pp. 139-144Whatling, R., Fearne, J.M., Molar incisor hypomineralization: a study of etiological factors in a group of UK children (2008) Int J Paediatr Dent., 18, pp. 155-162Laisi, S., Ess, A., Sahlberg, C., Arvio, P., Lukinma, P.L., Alaluusua, S., Amoxicillin may cause Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (2009) J Dent Res., 88, pp. 132-136Weerheijm, K.L., Duggal, M., Mejàre, I., Papagiannoulis, L., Koch, G., Martens, L.C., Judgement criteria for molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in epidemiologic studies: a summary of the European meeting on MIH held in Athens, 2003 (2003) Eur J Paediatr Dent., 4, pp. 110-113Elfrink, M.E.C., Schuller, A.A., Weerheijm, K.L., Veerkamp, J.S.J., Hypomineralised second primary molars: prevalence data in dutch 5-year-olds (2008) Caries Res., 42, pp. 282-285Elfrink, M.E.C., ten Cate, J.M., Jaddoe, V.W.V., Hofman, A., Moll, H.A., Veerkamp, J.S.J., Deciduous Molar Hypomineralization and Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (2012) J Dent Res., 91, pp. 551-555Combrie, F., Manton, D., Kilpatrick, N., Aetiology of molar incisor hypomineralization: a critical review (2009) Int J Paediatr Dent., 19, pp. 73-83Li, Y., Navia, J.M., Bian, J.Y., Prevalence and distribution of developmental enamel defects in primary dentition of Chinese children 3-5 years old (1995) Community Dent Oral Epidemiol., 23, pp. 72-79Seow, W.K., Clinical diagnosis of enamel defects: pitfalls and practical guidelines (1997) Int Dent J., 47, pp. 173-182Staylon, R.L., Warren, J.J., Kanellis, M.J., Levy, S.M., Islam, M., Prevalence of enamel hypoplasia and isolated opacities in primary dentition (2001) Pediatr Dent, 23, pp. 32-36Van Amerongen, W.E., Kreulen, C.M., Cheese molars: a pilot study of the etiology of hypocalcifications in first permanent molars (1995) ASDC J Dent Child., 62, pp. 266-269Ghanim, A., Manton, D., Mariño, R., Morgan, M., Bailey, D., Prevalence of demarcated hypomineralisation defects in second primary molars in Iraqi children (2012) Int J Paediatr Dent., 25, pp. 1-8Moorres, C.F.A., Gron, A.M., Lebert, L.M., Yen, P.K., Frolich, F.J., Growth studies of the dentition - a review (1969) Am J Orthod., 55, pp. 600-616Costa-Silva, C.M., Ambrosano, G.M.B., Jeremias, F., Souza, J.F., Mialhe, F.L., Increase in severity of molar-incisor hypomineralization and its relationship with the colour of enamel opacity: a prospective cohort study (2011) Int J Paediatr Dent., 21, pp. 333-341Souza, J.F., Costa-Silva, C.M., Jeremias, F., Santos-Pinto, L., Zuanon, A.C., Cordeiro, R.C., Molar incisor hypomineralisation: possible aetiological factors in children from urban and rural areas (2012) Eur Arch Paediatr Dent., 13, pp. 164-170Alaluusua, S., Kukinmaa, P.L., Vartiainen, T., Partanen, M., Torppa, J., Tuomisto, J., Polydibenzofurans via mother's milk may cause developmental defects in the child's teeth (1996) Environ Toxicol Pharmacol., 1, pp. 193-197Jälevik, B., Norén, J.G., Enamel hypomineralization of permanent first molars: a morphological study and survey of possible aetiological factors (2000) Int J Paediatr Dent., 10, pp. 278-289Fonseca, R.B., Correr Sobrinho, L., Fernandes Neto, A.J., Mota, A.S., Soares, C.J., Enamel hypoplasia or amelogenesis imperfecta: a restorative approach (2006) Braz J Oral Sci., 5, pp. 941-943Xavier, A., Carvalho, F.S., Bastos, R.S.B., Caldana, M.L., Bastos, J.R.M., Dental caries-related quality of life and socioeconomic status of preschool children, Bauru, SP (2012) Braz J Oral Sci., 11, pp. 463-468Costa-Silva, C.M., Mialhe, F.L., Considerations for clinical management of molar-incisor hypomineralization: A literature review (2012) Rev Odonto Cienc., 27, pp. 333-33

Avaliação dos métodos de suscetibilidade antifúngica: Etest e macrodiluição em caldo para leveduras do gênero Candida isoladas da cavidade bucal de pacientes com AIDS

A comparison of the Etest and the reference broth macrodilution susceptibility test for fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole and amphotericin B was performed with 59 of Candida species isolated from the oral cavities of AIDS patients. The Etest method was performed according to the manufacturer's instructions, and the reference method was performed according to National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards document M27-A guidelines. Our data showed that there was a good correlation between the MICs obtained by the Etest and broth dilution methods. When only the MIC results at ± 2 dilutions for both methods were considered, the agreement rates were 90.4% for itraconazole, ketoconazole and amphotericin B and 84.6% for fluconazole of the C. albicans tested. In contrast, to the reference method, the Etest method classified as susceptible three fluconazole-resistant isolates and one itraconazole-resistant isolate, representing four very major errors. These results indicate that Etest could be considered useful for antifungal sensitivity evaluation of yeasts in clinical laboratories.Foram comparados dois testes de suscetibilidade in vitro, macrodiluição em caldo e Etest através da determinação das concentrações inibitórias mínimas de fluconazol, cetoconazol, itraconazol e anfotericina B para 59 isolados de Candida obtidos da cavidade bucal de pacientes com AIDS. O método de Etest foi feito de acordo com as instruções do fabricante e o método de macrodiluição em caldo foi realizado seguindo as normas do NCCLS (National Committee for Clinical Laboratoratory Standards), documento M27-A, considerado método de referência. Nossos dados mostraram uma boa correlação entre os valores de concentração inibitória mínima encontrados para o Etest e o método de macrodiluição em caldo. Foi verificada concordância entre os resultados de CIM, de 90,4% para itraconazol, cetoconazol e anfotericina B e de 84,6% para fluconazol, quando se analisou isolados de C. albicans. A comparação de breakpoints mostrou que havia quatro grandes discrepâncias de resultados entre os dois métodos, sendo que pelo método de referência três isolados de Candida albicans classificados como resistentes ao fluconazol e um de C. krusei considerado resistente ao itraconazol foram sensíveis ao Etest. Estes resultados mostraram que o Etest é de grande valor nos testes de suscetibilidade antifúngica para leveduras do gênero Candida