Influence of the addition of KCl and CaCl2 blends on the physicochemical parameters of salted meat products throughout the processing steps

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different chloride salts (NaCl, KCl, and CaCl2) on the characteristics of salted meat products through the determination of moisture, pH, aw, chloride, ash levels, cooking loss, and instrumental color during the processing steps. Four salted meat treatments were elaborate using the following salts in the wet and dry salting steps: FC1: 100% NaCl; F1: 50% NaCl + 50% KCl; F2: 50% NaCl + 25% CaCl2; F3: 50% NaCl + 25% KCl + 25% CaCl2. The addition of CaCl2 led to the lowest pH and changes in aw, moisture, ash levels, and instrumental color when compared to the other treatments, which was different from the control (100% NaCl) and F1 (50% NaCl + 50% KCl), thus evidencing the great effect of CaCl2 on the characteristics of salted meat products during the whole processing. The partial replacement of NaCl by KCl and/or CaCl2 greatly increased the cooking loss of salted meat products. The replacement of NaCl by KCl promoted similar quality parameters

Cancer cell CCR2 orchestrates suppression of the adaptive immune response.

C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) is expressed on monocytes and facilitates their recruitment to tumors. Though breast cancer cells also express CCR2, its functions in these cells are unclear. We found that Ccr2 deletion in cancer cells led to reduced tumor growth and approximately twofold longer survival in an orthotopic, isograft breast cancer mouse model. Deletion of Ccr2 in cancer cells resulted in multiple alterations associated with better immune control: increased infiltration and activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and CD103+ cross-presenting dendritic cells (DCs), as well as up-regulation of MHC class I and down-regulation of checkpoint regulator PD-L1 on the cancer cells. Pharmacological or genetic targeting of CCR2 increased cancer cell sensitivity to CTLs and enabled the cancer cells to induce DC maturation toward the CD103+ subtype. Consistently, Ccr2-/- cancer cells did not induce immune suppression in Batf3-/- mice lacking CD103+ DCs. Our results establish that CCR2 signaling in cancer cells can orchestrate suppression of the immune response

POTENCIAL DE USO DE ESPÉCIES VEGETAIS DE ÁREAS DE DUNAS EM SÃO LUÍS, MARANHÃO, BRASIL

O avanço das cidades em todo litoral brasileiro tem aumentado a ameaça aos ecossistemas costeiros, fazendo-se necessários estudos florísticos para obter-se conhecimento da diversidade de determinadas áreas. Esses estudos, ultimamente, estão sendo associados à etnobiologia ampliando o conhecimento e as estratégias usadas pelos humanos e suas relações com os recursos biológicos. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi indicar as formas de uso e nome popular das espécies vegetais de áreas de dunas do litoral da Ilha do Maranhão a fim de compilar essas informações como forma de documentar quais espécies de dunas podem ser utilizadas pela população. O levantamento das espécies vegetais foi realizado em três áreas de dunas situadas na Ilha do Maranhão, São Luís. A lista de espécies da Praia de São Marcos foi compilada com base no estudo florístico publicado e as espécies das praias de Caolho e Calhau foram compiladas no banco de dados do INCT e das exsicatas do Herbário MAR. A classificação quanto às formas de uso e os nomes populares foi realizada com base em consultas bibliográficas. Para as três áreas foram compiladas 148 espécies, 114 gêneros e 48 famílias. Foram categorizadas seis categorias de uso: medicinal, alimentícia, ornamental, madeireira, artesanal e ritualística. As partes da planta mais utilizadas para diferentes fins foram folhas, caule, raiz e fruto. O estudo destacou a importância dos conhecimentos tradicionais, pontuando a necessidade de conduzir esse conhecimento para o meio cientifico com responsabilidade, ampliando assim as possibilidades de pesquisas

Differential brain and spinal cord cytokine and BDNF levels in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis are modulated by prior and regular exercise

The interactions between a prior program of regular exercise and the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)-mediated responses were evaluated. in the exercised EAE mice, although there was no effect on infiltrated cells, the cytokine and derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were altered, and the clinical score was attenuated. Although, the cytokine levels were decreased in the brain and increased in the spinal cord, BDNF was elevated in both compartments with a tendency of lesser demyelization volume in the spinal cord of the exercised EAE group compared with the unexercised. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)NIHUniv Fed Minas Gerais, Inst Ciencias Biol, Dept Fisiol & Biofis, Nucleo Neurociencias, BR-31270901 Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilMinist Educ Brazil, CAPES Fdn, Programa Pos Grad Ciencias Biol Fisiol Farmacol, BR-70040020 Brasilia, DF, BrazilUniv Fed Minas Gerais, Inst Ciencias Biol, Dept Patol, BR-31270901 Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biofis, BR-04023062 São Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Minas Gerais, Inst Ciencias Biol, Dept Bioquim & Imunol, Lab Venenos & Toxinas Anim, BR-31270901 Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilUniv Miami, Miller Sch Med, Miami Project Cure Paralysis, Miami, FL 33136 USALa Trobe Univ, Dept Biochem, Bundoora, Vic 3086, AustraliaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biofis, BR-04023062 São Paulo, BrazilCAPES: BEX 0020/12-5NIH: NS051709NIH: NS065479FAPEMIG: CBB-APQ-01459-10FAPEMIG: PPM-00200-12Web of Scienc

The BINGO Project IX: Search for Fast Radio Bursts -- A Forecast for the BINGO Interferometry System

The Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO) from Integrated Neutral Gas Observations (BINGO) radio telescope will use the neutral Hydrogen emission line to map the Universe in the redshift range $0.127 \le z \le 0.449$, with the main goal of probing BAO. In addition, the instrument optical design and hardware configuration support the search for Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs). In this work, we propose the use of a BINGO Interferometry System (BIS) including new auxiliary, smaller, radio telescopes (hereafter \emph{outriggers}). The interferometric approach makes it possible to pinpoint the FRB sources in the sky. We present here the results of several BIS configurations combining BINGO horns with and without mirrors ($4$ m, $5$ m, and $6$ m) and 5, 7, 9, or 10 for single horns. We developed a new {\tt Python} package, the {\tt FRBlip}, which generates synthetic FRB mock catalogs and computes, based on a telescope model, the observed signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) that we used to compute numerically the detection rates of the telescopes and how many interferometry pairs of telescopes (\emph{baselines}) can observe an FRB. FRBs observed by more than one baseline are the ones whose location can be determined. We thus evaluate the performance of BIS regarding FRB localization. We found that BIS will be able to localize 23 FRBs yearly with single horn outriggers in the best configuration (using 10 outriggers of 6 m mirrors), with redshift $z \leq 0.96$; the full localization capability depends on the number and the type of the outriggers. Wider beams are best to pinpoint FRB sources because potential candidates will be observed by more baselines, while narrow beams look deep in redshift. The BIS can be a powerful extension of the regular BINGO telescope, dedicated to observe hundreds of FRBs during Phase 1. Many of them will be well localized with a single horn + 6 m dish as outriggers.(Abridged)Comment: 12 pages, 9 figures, 5 tables, submitted to A&

High-resolution genetic map and QTL analysis of growth-related traits of Hevea brasiliensis cultivated under suboptimal temperature and humidity conditions

Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) cultivation is the main source of natural rubber worldwide and has been extended to areas with suboptimal climates and lengthy drought periods; this transition affects growth and latex production. High-density genetic maps with reliable markers support precise mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL), which can help reveal the complex genome of the species, provide tools to enhance molecular breeding, and shorten the breeding cycle. In this study, QTL mapping of the stem diameter, tree height, and number of whorls was performed for a full-sibling population derived from a GT1 and RRIM701 cross. A total of 225 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 186 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were used to construct a base map with 18 linkage groups and to anchor 671 SNPs from genotyping by sequencing (GBS) to produce a very dense linkage map with small intervals between loci. The final map was composed of 1,079 markers, spanned 3,779.7 cM with an average marker density of 3.5 cM, and showed collinearity between markers from previous studies. Significant variation in phenotypic characteristics was found over a 59-month evaluation period with a total of 38 QTLs being identified through a composite interval mapping method. Linkage group 4 showed the greatest number of QTLs (7), with phenotypic explained values varying from 7.67 to 14.07%. Additionally, we estimated segregation patterns, dominance, and additive effects for each QTL. A total of 53 significant effects for stem diameter were observed, and these effects were mostly related to additivity in the GT1 clone. Associating accurate genome assemblies and genetic maps represents a promising strategy for identifying the genetic basis of phenotypic traits in rubber trees. Then, further research can benefit from the QTLs identified herein, providing a better understanding of the key determinant genes associated with growth of Hevea brasiliensis under limiting water conditions

Linkage disequilibrium and population structure in wild and cultivated populations of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis).

Abstract: Among rubber tree species, which belong to the Hevea genus of the Euphorbiaceae family, Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex Adr.de Juss.) Muell. Arg. is the main commercial source of natural rubber production worldwide. Knowledge of the population structure and linkage disequilibrium (LD) of this species is essential for the efficient organization and exploitation of genetic resources. Here, we obtained single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using a genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach and then employed the SNPs for the following objectives: (i) to identify the positions of SNPs on a genetic map of a segregating mapping population, (ii) to evaluate the population structure of a germplasm collection, and (iii) to detect patterns of LD decay among chromosomes for future genetic association studies in rubber tree. A total of 626 genotypes, including both germplasm accessions (368) and individuals from a genetic mapping population (254), were genotyped. A total of 77,660 and 21,283 SNPs were detected by GBS in the germplasm and mapping populations, respectively. The mapping population, which was previously mapped, was constructed with 1,062 markers, among which only 576 SNPs came from GBS, reducing the average interval between two adjacent markers to 4.4 cM. SNPs from GBS genotyping were used for the analysis of genetic structure and LD estimation in the germplasm accessions. Two groups, which largely corresponded to the cultivated and wild populations, were detected using STRUCTURE and via principal coordinate analysis. LD analysis, also using the mapped SNPs, revealed that non-random associations varied along chromosomes, with regions of high LD interspersed with regions of low LD. Considering the length of the genetic map (4,693 cM) and the mean LD (0.49 for cultivated and 0.02 for wild populations), a large number of evenly spaced SNPs would be needed to perform genome-wide association studies in rubber tree, and the wilder the genotypes used, the more difficult the mapping saturation

Cardiorespiratory andmetabolic responses and reference equation validation to predict peak oxygen uptake for the incremental shuttle waking test in adolescent boys

Background Previous studies speculated that the Incremental Shuttle Walking Test (ISWT) is a maximal test in children and adolescents, however comparison between ISWT with cardiopulmonary exercise test has not yet performed. Furthermore, there is no regression equation available in the current literature to predict oxygen peak consumption (VO2 peak) in this population. This study aimed to assesses and correlate the cardiorespiratory responses of the ISWT with the cardiopulmonary exercise (CEPT) and to develop and validate a regression equation to predict VO2 peak in healthy sedentary adolescent boys. Methods Forty-one participants were included in the study. In the first stage, the VO2 peak, respiratory exchange ratio (R peak), heart rate max (HR max) and percentage of predicted HR max (% predicted HR max) were evaluated in CEPT and ISWT (n = 26). Second, an equation was developed (n = 29) to predict VO2 peak. In both phases, the VO2 peak, respiratory exchange ratio R and hearth rate (HR) were evaluated. In the third stage, the validation equation was performed by another 12 participants. Results Similar results in VO2 peak (P>0.05), R peak (P>0.05) and predicted maximum HR (P>0.05) were obtained between the ISWT and CEPT. Both tests showed moderate significant correlations of VO2 peak (r = 0.44, P = 0.002) e R peak (r = -0.53, P < 0.01), as well as the agreement of these measurements by Bland-Altman analysis (VO2 peak, bias = -0.13; R peak, bias = 0.0). Distance walked was the variable that explained 42.5% (R2 = 0.425, p = 0.0001) of the variance in VO2 peak. The equation was VO2 peak (predicted) = 20.94 + (0.02 x distance walked). The results obtained by the equation were not significantly different compared to the values obtained by the gas analyzer and the Bland-Altman analysis showed agreement (bias = 1.6). Conclusion The ISWT produced maximal cardiorespiratory responses comparable to the CEPT, and the developed equation showed viability for the prediction of VO2 peak in healthy sedentary adolescent boys.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient?fico e Tecnol?gico (CNPq)Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior (CAPES)Funda??o de Amparo ? Pesquisa do estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG

DETC Induces Leishmania Parasite Killing in Human In Vitro and Murine In Vivo Models: A Promising Therapeutic Alternative in Leishmaniasis

Background: Chemotherapy remains the primary tool for treatment and control of human leishmaniasis. However, currently available drugs present serious problems regarding side-effects, variable efficacy, and cost. Affordable and less toxic drugs are urgently needed for leishmaniasis. Methodology/Principal Findings: We demonstrate, by microscopy and viability assays, that superoxide dismutase inhibitor diethyldithiocarbamate (DETC) dose-dependently induces parasite killing (p,0.001) and is able to ??????sterilize?????? Leishmania amazonensis infection at 2 mM in human macrophages in vitro. We also show that DETC-induced superoxide production (p,0.001) and parasite destruction (p,0.05) were reverted by the addition of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine, indicating that DETC-induced killing occurs through oxidative damage. Furthermore, ultrastructural analysis by electron microscopy demonstrates a rapid and highly selective destruction of amastigotes in the phagosome upon DETC treatment, without any apparent damage to the host cell, including its mitochondria. In addition, DETC significantly induced parasite killing in Leishmania promastigotes in axenic culture. In murine macrophages infected with Leishmania braziliensis, DETC significantly induced in vitro superoxide production (p = 0.0049) and parasite killing (p = 0.0043). In vivo treatment with DETC in BALB/C mice infected with Leishmania braziliensis caused a significant decrease in lesion size (p,0.0001), paralleled by a 100-fold decrease (p = 0.0087) in parasite burden. Conclusions/Significance: Due to its strong leishmanicidal effect in human macrophages in vitro, its in vivo effectiveness in a murine model, and its previously demonstrated in vivo safety profile in HIV treatment, DETC treatment might be considered as a valuable therapeutic option in human leishmaniasis, including HIV/Leishmania co-infection

The germline mutational landscape of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in Brazil

The detection of germline mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 is essential to the formulation of clinical management strategies, and in Brazil, there is limited access to these services, mainly due to the costs/availability of genetic testing. Aiming at the identification of recurrent mutations that could be included in a low-cost mutation panel, used as a first screening approach, we compiled the testing reports of 649 probands with pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants referred to 28 public and private health care centers distributed across 11 Brazilian States. Overall, 126 and 103 distinct mutations were identified in BRCA1 and BRCA2, respectively. Twenty-six novel variants were reported from both genes, and BRCA2 showed higher mutational heterogeneity. Some recurrent mutations were reported exclusively in certain geographic regions, suggesting a founder effect. Our findings confirm that there is significant molecular heterogeneity in these genes among Brazilian carriers, while also suggesting that this heterogeneity precludes the use of screening protocols that include recurrent mutation testing only. This is the first study to show that profiles of recurrent mutations may be unique to different Brazilian regions. These data should be explored in larger regional cohorts to determine if screening with a panel of recurrent mutations would be effective.This work was supported in part by grants from Barretos Cancer Hospital (FINEP - CT-INFRA, 02/2010), Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP, 2013/24633-2 and 2103/23277-8), Fundação de Apoio à Pesquisa do Rio Grande do Norte (FAPERN), Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (FAPERGS), Ministério da Saúde, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (Avon grant #02-2013-044) and National Institute of Health/National Cancer Institute (grant #RC4 CA153828-01) for the Clinical Cancer Genomics Community Research Network. Support in part was provided by grants from Fundo de Incentivo a Pesquisa e Eventos (FIPE) from Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, by Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES, BioComputacional 3381/2013, Rede de Pesquisa em Genômica Populacional Humana), Secretaria da Saúde do Estado da Bahia (SESAB), Laboratório de Imunologia e Biologia Molecular (UFBA), INCT pra Controle do Câncer and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq). RMR and PAP are recipients of CNPq Productivity Grants, and Bárbara Alemar received a grant from the same agencyinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio