An endangered tree fern increases beta-diversity at a fine scale in the Atlantic Forest Ecosystem

R.N. and T.S.S. were funded by the Brazilian Government research support agency Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES). A.E.M. acknowledges the ERC (BioTIME 250189 and BioCHANGE 727440) and the Royal Society. A.R.K. is funded by the Brazilian Science Without Borders scheme/CAPES (109113-1), D.M.S.M. acknowledges the CNPq (Fellowship of Research productivity 307839/2014-1).Some species make substantial contribution to habitat heterogeneity, supporting species coexistence. Dicksonia sellowiana Hook., an endangered tree fern, is a known phorophyte for epiphytes, has the potential to be such a taxon. We tested the hypothesis that D. sellowiana increases plant diversity in Brazilian Restinga forest, a biodiversity hotspot, by augmenting the habitat heterogeneity at a fine scale. To do this we quantified α-diversity and β-diversity in three habitat types: on the tree fern trunks, immediately beneath the trunks and away from the trunks. In total, 40 ferns were sampled. Overall we recorded 2602 individuals belonging to 61 phanerophyte species in 30 families. The number of individuals sampled varied among habitats but rarefaction showed that richness did not differ. In contrast, species composition varied markedly amongst habitats. Both statistical approaches detected high levels of β-diversity, particularly between the species found in the vicinity of the fern, and those in the samples away from the trunks. Indicator species analysis was used to identify the species characteristic of the different habitats. About 30% of the species were exclusively found in “away plots”, 17% were exclusively “below plots” and 15% were found only on the trunks, 13% were found on the trunks and below them, 12% on “bellow” and “away plots”, 10% of species occurred in all areas and 3% were found on trunks and “away plots”. Our results lead us to conclude that the endangered fern D. sellowiana plays an important role in promoting habitat heterogeneity within the Restinga forest. As this iconic species is threatened, its overexploitation may lead to impoverishment of plant communities. Conservation effort towards both the area and this species are crucial to maintaining Restinga plant diversity.PostprintPeer reviewe

Hydrothermal pretreatment of several lignocellulosic mixtures containing wheat straw and two hardwood residues available in Southern Europe

This work studied the processing of biomass mixtures containing three lignocellulosic materials largely available in Southern Europe, eucalyptus residues (ER), wheat straw (WS) and olive tree pruning (OP). The mixtures were chemically characterized, and their pretreatment, by autohydrolysis, evaluated within a severity factor (log R0) ranging from 1.73 up to 4.24. A simple modeling strategy was used to optimize the autohydrolysis conditions based on the chemical characterization of the liquid fraction. The solid fraction was characterized to quantify the polysaccharide and lignin content. The pretreatment conditions for maximal saccharides recovery in the liquid fraction were at a severity range (log R0) of 3.65–3.72, independently of the mixture tested, which suggests that autohydrolysis can effectively process mixtures of lignocellulosic materials for further biochemical conversion processes

Biorefining strategy for maximal monosaccharide recovery from three different feedstocks: eucalyptus residues, wheat straw and olive tree pruning

This work proposes the biorefining of eucalyptus residues (ER), wheat straw (WS) and olive tree pruning (OP) combining hydrothermal pretreatment (autohydrolysis) with acid post-hydrolysis of the liquid fraction and enzymatic hydrolysis of the solid fraction towards maximal recovery of monosaccharides from those lignocellulose materials. Autohydrolysis of ER, WS and OP was performed under non-isothermal conditions (195–230 C) and the non-cellulosic saccharides were recovered in the liquid fraction while cellulose and lignin remained in the solid fraction. The acid post-hydrolysis of the soluble oligosaccharides was studied by optimizing sulfuric acid concentration (1–4% w/w) and reaction time (10–60 min), employing a factorial (22) experimental design. The solids resulting from pretreatment were submitted to enzymatic hydrolysis by applying commercial cellulolytic enzymes Celluclast1.5 L and Novozyme 188 (0.225 and 0.025 g/g solid, respectively). This strategy provides high total monosaccharide recovery or high glucose recovery from lignocellulosic materials, depending on the autohydrolysis conditions applied

Antibacterial properties of bacterial nanocellulose functionalized with metal nanoparticles via in situ synthesis

[Excerpt] Wound infections are generally caused by pathogens and multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains that render the administration of antibiotics ineffective. An alternative is to treat infected wounds at the initial stage using a fibrous bionanopolymer, bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), functionalized with antimicrobial metal nanoparticles (MNPs). BNC is a highly promising wound dressing due to its very high-water retention capacity (> 99 %) and high porosity. Such properties enable the absorbance of exudates, whilst maintaining the environment moist allowing the exchange of air. However, BNC is absent of antibacterial properties, thus gold (Au), copper (Cu), and copper oxide (Cu2O) NPs were incorporated within the nanofibrous structure of the biopolymer via in situ synthesis

Knowledge-based: facilitating access to medicines in Latin America

The World Health Organization (WHO), with the scientific support of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), guides the development of multisource pharmaceutical products for market authorization using in vivo bioequivalence studies or, where applicable,  in vitro biowaiver strategies based on the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS). A review of the regulatory framework guiding generic medicines approval in Latin American countries revealed that less than 50% of regional health authorities offer a generic medicines development pathway utilizing a BCS-based biowaiver strategy. Aligned with the ONE FIP Strategy to facilitate access to medicines, a regional case study was carried out to implement and harmonize BCS-based biowaiver knowledge in Latin American countries. A steering committee involving regional representatives from health authorities, the pharmaceutical industry, and universities were established to coordinate to develop activities. A series of digital engagement events were held in Spanish and English with representatives from Latin America to share knowledge on BCS-based regulatory strategy, promote collaborations, and explore the alignment of biowaiver approval and regulatory pathways among Latin American countries. Feedback from diverse Latin American stakeholders demonstrated inconsistent implementation of bioequivalence testing within the region. However, there is support for a synergistic approach among countries to reduce duplication and increase efficiency in market authorization for generic medicines. This includes alignment with the WHO Prequalification of Medicines program as well as the development of a computational database for the classification of active pharmaceutical ingredients to demonstrate therapeutic interchangeability of immediate-release oral dosage forms according to the BCS. FIP-facilitated digital learning opportunities raised awareness of the BCS-based biowaiver regulatory strategy among Latin American stakeholders. It resulted in a plan to continually strengthen collaborative efforts in the region to harmonize regulations relevant to drug development generics medicines to introduce cost-effective medicines products that benefit public health

Autonomic Modulation in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy during a Computer Task: A Prospective Control Trial

Introduction Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by progressive muscle weakness that can lead to disability. Owing to functional difficulties faced by individuals with DMD, the use of assistive technology is essential to provide or facilitate functional abilities. In DMD, cardiac autonomic dysfunction has been reported in addition to musculoskeletal impairment. Consequently, the objective was to investigate acute cardiac autonomic responses, by Heart Rate Variability (HRV), during computer tasks in subjects with DMD. Method HRV was assessed by linear and nonlinear methods, using the heart rate monitor Polar RS800CX chest strap Electrocardiographic measuring device. Then, 45 subjects were included in the group with DMD and 45 in the healthy Typical Development (TD) control group. They were assessed for twenty minutes at rest sitting, and five minutes after undergoing a task on the computer. Results Individuals with DMD had a statistically significant lower parasympathetic cardiac modulation at rest when compared to the control group, which further declined when undergoing the tasks on the computer. Conclusion DMD patients presented decreased HRV and exhibited greater intensity of cardiac autonomic responses during computer tasks characterized by vagal withdrawal when compared to the healthy TD control subjects.FAPESP (Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo)Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Med, Phys Therapy Speech & Occupat Therapy Dept, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Paulista Sch Med, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Paulista Sch Med, Dept Neurol Neurosurg, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Estadual Paulista, Speech Therapy Dept, Auton Nervous Syst Ctr Study, Fac Sci,UNESP, Marolia, SP, BrazilABC Med Sch, Dept Community Hlth, Lab Design & Sci Writing, Santo Andre, SP, BrazilUniv Estadual Paulista, Dept Physiotherapy, UNESP, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilOxford Brookes Univ, Fac Hlth & Life Sci, Dept Biol & Med Sci, Cardioresp Res Grp, Gipsy Lane, Oxford OX3 0BP, EnglandUniv Sao Paulo, Sch Arts Sci & Humanities, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Paulista Sch Med, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Paulista Sch Med, Dept Neurol Neurosurg, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilFAPESP: 2012/16970-6Web of Scienc

Exercícios resistidos e uso de decanoato de nandrolona e a alteração do epidídimo de ratos adultos e idosos / Resistence training and the use of nandrolone decanoate change epididymis in adult and aged rats

Introdução: O sistema genital masculino é alvo de estudos por ser sensível a mudanças na concentração de androgênios, e esses são alterados em algumas situações como: exercício, uso de anabolizantes (EAAs) e o envelhecimento. Um dos órgãos androgênio-dependentes é o epidídimo. Objetivo: Verificar se o tratamento com EAAs associado ou não a exercício físico, em ratos Sprague-Dawley altera a morfologia e morfometria do Epidídimo em ratos adultos e seus efeitos crônicos em idosos. Métodos: Foram analisados epidídimos de 56 ratos Sprague-Dawley, virgens, com 13 semanas de vida ao início do experimento, separados em oito grupos com sete animais cada: GC - adultos e sedentários; GCi - idosos e sedentários; GN - adultos, sedentários, tratados com EAA; GNi - idosos, sedentários, tratados com EAA; GE - adultos tratados com exercício; GEi - idosostratados com exercício; GNE - adultos, exercício e tratamento com EAA; GNEi - idosos, exercício e tratamento com EAA. Os animais adultos foram eutanasiados com 150 dias, os idosos, 330 dias. O treinamento realizado foi através de saltos na água, com sobrecarga. A administração de EAAs ocorreu pela aplicação intramuscular de Decanoato de Nandrolona (10 mg/kg/semana). Amostras epididimárias passaram pela rotina histológica de hematoxilina e eosina para análise morfológica e morfométrica. Resultados: O GE apresentou diâmetro de ducto menor quando comparados ao controle, já o GN e GNE, tiveram diâmetro de ducto e a altura epitelial aumentados comparando-os com o controle, sendo estas alterações principalmente nos segmentos mais iniciais do epidídimo. Já os grupos idosos tenderam a retornar a normalidade, a não ser na cauda, do GNEi. Também foram encontrados indícios inflamatórios no tecido dos grupos experimentais (GN, GE, GNE e GCi) e ainda, debris de células da linhagem germinativa no interior do lúmen de GN e GNEi. Conclusão: Tanto o tratamento na fase adulta com exercício, quanto à utilização de EAAs altera parâmetros morfométricos e morfológicos do epidídimo, e  seu efeito crônico pode ser diminuído com a idade

A functionalized nanobiopolymer as an alternative for burn wound dressing

[Excerpt] Introduction Burn wounds present higher risk of infection due to extensive damage suffered by the skin and can be dry or wet. Dry burn wounds require moisture environment while wet burn wounds produce exudate needing recurring wound dressing exchange. In both situations, the wound dressing replacement commonly causes excruciating pain.This research was funded by FEDER funds through the Operational Competitiveness Program–COMPETE, by National Funds through Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), under the project UID/CTM/00264/2020. Talita Nicolau, Cátia Alves, Liliana Melro, Rui D. V. Fernandes, and Behnaz Mehravani acknowledge FCT, MCTES, FSE and UE PhD grants, 2022.15386.BD, 2022.10454.BD, 2020.04919.BD, SFRH/BD/145269/2019, 2022.13094.BD

Visual outcomes after implantation of a novel refractive toric multifocal intraocular lens

Purpose: To assess the postoperative outcomes of a novel toric multifocal in traocular lens (IOL) in patients with cataract and corneal astigmatism. Methods: This prospective nonrandomized study included patients with cataract, corneal astigmatism, and a motivation for spectacle independence. In all patients, a Rayner M-flex® T toric IOL was implanted in the capsular bag. Three months after surgery, the distance, intermediate, and near visual acuities; spherical equivalent; residual refractive astigmatism; defocus curve; and contrast sensitivity were evaluated. A patient satisfaction and visual phenomena questionnaire was administered to all patients. Results: Thirty-four eyes of 18 patients were included in this study. Three months after surgery, the mean corrected distance visual acuity (logMAR) was 0.00 ± 0.08 at 6 m, 0.20 ± 0.09 at 70 cm, and 0.08 ± 0.11 at 40 cm. Uncorrected distance vision acuity was 20/40 or better in 100% eyes. The preoperative mean refractive cylinder (RC) was -2.19 (SD: ± 0.53). After a 3-month follow-up, the average RC was -0.44 D (SD: ± 0.27; p<0.001). Contrast sensitivity levels were high. At the last follow-up, 87.5% patients were spectacle-independent for near, intermediate, and distance vision, and approximately 44% patients reported halos and glare. Conclusion: Toric multifocal IOL implantation in patients with cataract and corneal astigmatism using the Rayner M-flex® T toric IOL was a simple, safe, and accurate option. This technology provides surgeons with a feasible option for meeting patient expectations of an enhanced lifestyle resulting from decreased spectacle dependence

Peptide:lipid ratio and membrane surface charge determine the mechanism of action of the antimicrobial peptide BP100. Conformational and functional studies

The cecropin-melittin hybrid antimicrobial peptide BP100 (H-KKLFKKILKYL-NH2) is selective for Gram-negative bacteria, negatively charged membranes, and weakly hemolytic. We studied BP100 conformational and functional properties upon interaction with large unilamellar vesicles, LUVs, and giant unilamellar vesicles, GUVs, containing variable proportions of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and negatively charged phosphatidylglycerol (PG). CD and NMR spectra showed that upon binding to PG-containing LUVs BP100 acquires a-helical conformation, the helix spanning residues 3-11. Theoretical analyses indicated that the helix is amphipathic and surface-seeking. CD and dynamic light scattering data evinced peptide and/or vesicle aggregation, modulated by peptide: lipid ratio and PG content. BP100 decreased the absolute value of the zeta potential () of LUVs with low PG contents; for higher PG, binding was analyzed as an ion-exchange process. At high salt, BP100-induced LUVS leakage requires higher peptide concentration, indicating that both electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions contribute to peptide binding. While a gradual release took place at low peptide:lipid ratios, instantaneous loss occurred at high ratios, suggesting vesicle disruption. Optical microscopy of GUVs confirmed BP100-promoted disruption of negatively charged membranes. the mechanism of action of BP100 is determined by both peptide:lipid ratio and negatively charged lipid content While gradual release results from membrane perturbation by a small number of peptide molecules giving rise to changes in acyl chain packing, lipid clustering (leading to membrane defects), and/or membrane thinning, membrane disruption results from a sequence of events large-scale peptide and lipid clustering, giving rise to peptide-lipid patches that eventually would leave the membrane in a carpet-like mechanism. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Institut Nacional de Ciencia e Tecnologia de fluidos complexos (INCTFCx)Nude de Apoio Pesquisa de Fluidos Complexos (NAPFCx)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Univ São Paulo, Inst Chem, Dept Biochem, BR-05513970 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biophys, BR-04044020 São Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Rio de Janeiro, Inst Med Biochem, Nucl Magnet Resonance Natl Ctr, Rio de Janeiro, BrazilEmbrapa Recursos Genet & Biotecnol, BR-70770917 Brasilia, DF, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biophys, BR-04044020 São Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 2007/50970-5FAPESP: 2013/08166-5Web of Scienc