Global analysis of the sugarcane microtranscriptome reveals a unique composition of small RNAs associated with axillary bud outgrowth

Axillary bud outgrowth determines shoot architecture and is under the control of endogenous hormones and a fine-tuned gene-expression network, which probably includes small RNAs (sRNAs). Although it is well known that sRNAs act broadly in plant development, our understanding about their roles in vegetative bud outgrowth remains limited. Moreover, the expression profiles of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their targets within axillary buds are largely unknown. Here, we employed sRNA next-generation sequencing as well as computational and gene-expression analysis to identify and quantify sRNAs and their targets in vegetative axillary buds of the biofuel crop sugarcane (Saccharum spp.). Computational analysis allowed the identification of 26 conserved miRNA families and two putative novel miRNAs, as well as a number of trans-acting small interfering RNAs. sRNAs associated with transposable elements and protein-encoding genes were similarly represented in both inactive and developing bud libraries. Conversely, sequencing and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR results revealed that specific miRNAs were differentially expressed in developing buds, and some correlated negatively with the expression of their targets at specific stages of axillary bud development. For instance, the expression patterns of miR159 and its target GAMYB suggested that they may play roles in regulating abscisic acid-signalling pathways during sugarcane bud outgrowth. Our work reveals, for the first time, differences in the composition and expression profiles of diverse sRNAs and targets between inactive and developing vegetative buds that, together with the endogenous balance of specific hormones, may be important in regulating axillary bud outgrowth

Two- and three-dimensional spectrofluorimetric qualitative analysis of selected vegetable oils for biomedical applications

Vegetable oils obtained from different plants are known for their beneficial effects on prophylaxis and supportive treatment of a great deal of inflammatory-mediated conditions. Their wide range of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, and the presence of other ingredients (e.g., tocopherols, chlorophylls), provide them with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer properties, which are worth being exploited. In this study, we have carried out the spectrofluorometric analysis of selected vegetable oils, namely apricot (Prunus armeniaca) kernel oil; blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) seed oil; argan (Argania spinosa) nut oil; kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) seed oil; grape (Vitis vinifera) seed oil; evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) oil and meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba) seed oil, with the purpose to detect their fluorescent ingredients for further identification and bioactivity comparison. The obtained two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) emission spectra offered a complete description of the fluorescent components of the mixture and revealed different features for studied oils.This work was supported by the projects M-ERA-NET/0004/2015 (PAIRED) and strategic funds, UIDB/04469/2020 (CEB), UIDB/04033/2020 (CITAB) and UIDB/00616/2020 (CQ-VR), from the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation, Ministry of Science and Education (FCT/MEC) from national funds, and cofinanced by FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020. This work was also supported by the Foundation for the Development of Biotechnology and Genetics POLBIOGEN, Jugosłowia ´nska 57, 60–159 Poznan, Poland.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Molecular Control by Non-coding RNAs During Fruit Development: From Gynoecium Patterning to Fruit Ripening

Fruits are originated from the transition of a quiescent ovary to a fast-growing young fruit. The evolution of reproductive structures such as ovary and fruit has made seed dispersal easier, which is a key process for reproductive success in flowering plants. The complete fruit development and ripening are characterized by a remarkable phenotypic plasticity which is orchestrated by a myriad of genetic factors. In this context, transcriptional regulation by non-coding small (i.e., microRNAs) and long (lncRNAs) RNAs underlies important mechanisms controlling reproductive organ development. These mechanisms may act together and interact with other pathways (i.e., phytohormones) to regulate cell fate and coordinate reproductive organ development. Functional genomics has shown that non-coding RNAs regulate a diversity of developmental reproductive stages, from carpel formation and ovary development to the softening of the ripe/ripened fruit. This layer of transcriptional control has been associated with ovule, seed, and fruit development as well as fruit ripening, which are crucial developmental processes in breeding programs because of their relevance for crop production. The final ripe fruit is the result of a process under multiple levels of regulation, including mechanisms orchestrated by microRNAs and lncRNAs. Most of the studies we discuss involve work on tomato and Arabidopsis. In this review, we summarize non-coding RNA-controlled mechanisms described in the current literature that act coordinating the main steps of gynoecium development/patterning and fruit ripening

Desenvolvimento de processos cromatográficos para retenção de amônia em água produzida- relatório final

A extração do petróleo em áreas offshore é, em geral, acompanhada de água de formação, originária do reservatório. Esta água tem características oleosas com um alto teor de sais o que constitui um sério problema ambiental. O nível de concentração de amônia nesta água é superior ao limite máximo permitido para descarte. A principal dificuldade na remoção de amônia da água produzida é o alto nível de íons sódio e a presença de muitos outros íons interferentes encontrados nesta água. Este relatório apresenta a consolidação do estudo da remoção de amônia de água produzida utilizando zeólitas e adsorventes comerciais

Search for radiative pumping lines of OH masers: I. The 34.6um absorption line towards 1612 MHz OH maser sources

The 1612 MHz hydroxyl maser in circumstellar envelopes has long been thought to be pumped by 34.6um photons. Only recently, the Infrared Space Observatory has made possible spectroscopic observations which enable the direct confirmation of this pumping mechanism in a few cases. To look for the presence of this pumping line, we have searched the Infrared Space Observatory Data Archive and found 178 spectra with data around 34.6um for 87 galactic 1612MHz masers. The analysis performed showed that the noise level and the spectral resolution of the spectra are the most important factors affecting the detection of the 34.6um absorption line. Only 5 objects from the sample (3 red supergiants and 2 galactic center sources) are found to show clear 34.6um absorption (all of them already known) while two additional objects only tentatively show this line. The 3 supergiants show similar pump rates and their masers might be purely radiatively pumped. The pump rates of OH masers in late type stars are found to be about 0.05, only 1/5 of the theoretical value of 0.25 derived by Elitzur (1992). We have also found 16 maser sources which, according to the analysis assuming Elitzur's pump rate, should show the 34.6 $\mu$m absorption line but do not. These non-detections can be tentatively explained by far-infrared photon pumping, clumpy nature of the OH masing region or a limb-filling emission effect in the OH shell.Comment: 11 pages, 8 figures, 3 table

Vagotomia modifica o efluxo do cálcio nas ilhotas pancreáticas

The participation of the parasympathetic nervous system in insulin secretion modulation is clearly evident during the cephalic phase that follows the sensorial stimulus provoked by food in the mouth. The objective of this study was to evaluate if selective subdiaphragmatic vagotomy of the pancreatic branch could alter 45Ca2+ permeability in the plasmatic membrane of pancreatic cell. To assess the effects of vagotomy, we used glucose and the potentializer carbamylcholine on the glucose effects. Analysis of 45Ca2+ efflux was accomplished in isolated islets by digestion with collagenase and perfused with KREBS and carbamylcholine in rats from groups control and denervaded. After 15 and 30 days of the pancreatic branch vagotomy, the isolated islets did not respond to a glucose stimulus of 16,7 mM and also presented alteration in carbamylcholine sensibility (CCh 100μm) when added to the solution containing 5,6 mM of glucose. Our results suggest that the vagus nerve (pancreatic branch) contributes with regulation of insulin secretory process of pancreatic β cells. This effect could be associated to the modulation of responses induced by glucose and the regulation of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter modulator of insulin secretion.A participação do sistema nervoso parassimpático na modulação da secreção de insulina manifesta-se claramente durante a fase cefálica que se segue ao estímulo iniciado pelo estímulo sensorial provocado pela presença do alimento na cavidade oral. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar se a vagotomia subdiafragmática seletiva do ramo pancreático poderia modificar a permeabilidade ao Ca2+ da membrana plasmática das células beta. Para avaliar os efeitos da vagotomia usamos o principal secretagogo que é a glicose e o potencializador carbamilcolina. Os estudos de efluxo de 45Ca2+ foram realizados em ilhotas de ratos controle ou desnervados isoladas por digestão com colagenase e perfundidas com KREBS contendo os secretagogos. As ilhotas isoladas de ratos 15 e 30 dias após a vagotomia do ramo pancreático não responderam ao estímulo com 16,7 mM de glicose e também apresentaram alteração na sensibilidade à carbamilcolina (CCh 100μm) adicionada à solução contendo 5,6 mM de glicose. Nossos resultados sugerem que o nervo vago (ramo pancreático) participa da regulação do processo secretório da insulina pelas células beta pancreáticas. Este efeito pode estar associado à modulação da respostas induzidas pela glicose e reguladas pelo neurotransmissor acetilcolina, considerado modulador da secreção de insulina.

Polymeric nanoparticles: production, characterization, toxicology and ecotoxicology

Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) are particles within the size range from 1 to 1000 nm and can be loaded with active compounds entrapped within or surface-adsorbed onto the polymeric core. The term “nanoparticle” stands for both nanocapsules and nanospheres, which are distinguished by the morphological structure. Polymeric NPs have shown great potential for targeted delivery of drugs for the treatment of several diseases. In this review, we discuss the most commonly used methods for the production and characterization of polymeric NPs, the association efficiency of the active compound to the polymeric core, and the in vitro release mechanisms. As the safety of nanoparticles is a high priority, we also discuss the toxicology and ecotoxicology of nanoparticles to humans and to the environment.This research was supported by the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation (FCT/MCT) and from European Funds (PRODER/COMPETE) through the projects M-ERA-NET/0004/2015-PAIRED, UIDB/04469/2020 (strategic fund) and UIDB/04033/2020 (to CITAB), co-financed by FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Inventory and quantitative assessment of geosites and geodiversity sites: a review

"Published online: 15 January 2015"The inventory and quantitative assessment of the most valuable occurrences of geodiversity are essential steps in any geoconservation strategy and in the establishment of priorities in site management. Despite the existence of many site inventories applied to different scales (countries, municipalities, parks, etc.), the criteria used for their selection are often unclear and poorly defined. This paper proposes a new approach to the concepts of geosite and geodiversity site and reviews the procedures used in the development of a systematic site inventory applied to different scales and values. Procedures to achieve a numerical evaluation of the value and degradation risk of sites are reviewed and new criteria are proposed. Finally, guidelines are presented, bearing in mind the preparation of effective geodiversity inventories, to support geoparks’ strategies. This paper aims to contribute to a better understanding and use of the above-mentioned concepts, which are essential for the implementation of geoconservation actions worldwide.The author thanks Diamantino Pereira, Flavia Lima, and Paulo Pereira for fruitful discussions and insights; Teresa Mota for the English revision; and the reviewers for significant improvements of the first submitted version. This paper results of the research done at the University of Minho and at the Geology Centre of the University of Porto, partially founded by the Foundation for Science and Technology (Portugal), strategic project with reference PEst-OE/CTE/UI0039/2014

CARACTERIZAÇÃO DO MODELO INFLAMATÓRIO DE CISTITE INDUZIDA POR CICLOFOSFAMIDA EM CAMUNDONGOS SWISS

A Cistite Hemorrágica é um problema de saúde importante no mundo causado pelo uso da oxazoforinas. Apesar dos tratamentos disponíveis, há uma incidência de 2 até 40% em pacientes tratados com Ciclofosfamida (CYP). O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar um modelo experimental de cistite induzida por CYP em camundongos Swiss. Para isto, camundongos fêmeas foram distribuídos em 5 grupos com 7 animais, onde 4 grupos sofreram eutanásia após 0,5, 6, 12 e 24h da aplicação de 150mg/kg de CYP via intraperitoneal. O grupo controle recebeu salina tamponada pela mesma via. Foram avaliados o peso da bexiga e seu aspecto histopatológico, o hemograma, e a contagem celular de medula óssea e linfonodo ilíaco. Os resultados demonstraram que houve aumento significativo do peso da bexiga nos tempos de 6 e 12h. Houve aumento na infamação aguda nestes dois tempos. Após 24 horas houve diminuição da resposta inflamatória aguda e início da fibrose. O número de leucócitos foi menor em todos os tempos em relação ao controle. Da mesma forma, o número de células da medula óssea foi menor nos tempos de 6, 12 e 24h. Por outro lado, o número de células do linfonodo aumentou após 12 horas. Concluímos que houve aumento progressivo da inflamação até as 12h  e que após 24h já há um processo de resolução do quadro inflamatório. Sendo assim, sugerimos a utilização do tempo de 12h como padrão experimental por ser o de maior disponibilidade de parâmetros elevados para avaliação da inflamação.Descritores: Cistite. Ciclofosfamida. Camundongo. Modelo experimental.AbstractCharacterization of cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis inflammatory model in Swiss mice. The Hemorragic Cystitis (HC) is an important health problem over the world caused by oxazoforines. Despite the available treatments, still have an incidence of 2 to 40% of HC in patients following treatment with Cyclophosphamide (CYP). The aim of this work was characterize a model of CYP-induced cystitis  in Swiss mice. Female mice were divided  in 5 groups with 7 animals each, 4 groups were killed 0.5, 6, 12 and 24h after an injection of CYP (150mg/kg). The control group received phosphate buffered saline at the same way. In each time the bladders were collected, weighted and prepared to histopathology analyses. The complete blood count was evaluated. The cell number from lymph nodes and bone marrow was quantified. The results showed that bladder weight was increased at 6thand 12th hour pos cystitis induction. There was acute inflammation increased after 6 and 12h. After 24h there was an initial fibrosis. The leucocytes count was decreased in all times. The cells number was decreased at 6th,12th, and 24th hours in bone marrow and it was increased at 12th in lymph nodes. We concluded that there is an increase in inflammatory parameters until the 12th hour pos CYP injection which are decreased at 24th hour. We suggest using the time of 12h as the standard experimental time because of the biggest availability parameters for evaluating.Descriptors: Cyclophosphamide. Cystitis. Mice. Experimental model