Emergence of a floral colour polymorphism by pollinator-mediated overdominance.

Maintenance of polymorphism by overdominance (heterozygote advantage) is a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology. In most examples known in nature, overdominance is a result of homozygotes suffering from deleterious effects. Here we show that overdominance maintains a non-deleterious polymorphism with black, red and white floral morphs in the Alpine orchid Gymnadenia rhellicani. Phenotypic, metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal that the morphs differ solely in cyanidin pigments, which are linked to differential expression of an anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) gene. This expression difference is caused by a premature stop codon in an ANS-regulating R2R3-MYB transcription factor, which is heterozygous in the red colour morph. Furthermore, field observations show that bee and fly pollinators have opposite colour preferences; this results in higher fitness (seed set) of the heterozygous morph without deleterious effects in either homozygous morph. Together, these findings demonstrate that genuine overdominance exists in nature

Short-Term Treatment with the Urease Inhibitor N-(n-Butyl) Thiophosphoric Triamide (NBPT) Alters Urea Assimilation and Modulates Transcriptional Profiles of Genes Involved in Primary and Secondary Metabolism in Maize Seedlings

To limit nitrogen (N) losses from the soil, it has been suggested to provide urea to crops in conjunction with the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT). However, recent studies reported that NBPT affects urea uptake and urease activity in plants. To shed light on these latter aspects, the effects of NBPT were studied analysing transcriptomic and metabolic changes occurring in urea-fed maize seedlings after a short-term exposure to the inhibitor. We provide evidence that NBPT treatment led to a wide reprogramming of plant metabolism. NBPT inhibited the activity of endogenous urease limiting the release and assimilation of ureic-ammonium, with a simultaneous accumulation of urea in plant tissues. Furthermore, NBPT determined changes in the glutamine, glutamate, and asparagine contents. Microarray data indicate that NBPT affects ureic-N assimilation and primary metabolism, such as glycolysis, TCA cycle, and electron transport chain, while activates the phenylalanine/tyrosine-derivative pathway. Moreover, the expression of genes relating to the transport and complexation of divalent metals was strongly modulated by NBPT. Data here presented suggest that when NBPT is provided in conjunction with urea an imbalance between C and N compounds might occur in plant cells. Under this condition, root cells also seem to activate a response to maintain the homeostasis of some micronutrients

Salinity in Autumn-Winter Season and Fruit Quality of Tomato Landraces

Tomato landraces, originated by adaptive responses to local habitats, are considered a valuable resource for many traits of agronomic interest, including fruit nutritional quality. Primary and secondary metabolites are essential determinants of fruit organoleptic quality, and some of them, such as carotenoids and phenolics, have been associated with beneficial proprieties for human health. Landraces' fruit taste and flavour are often preferred by consumers compared to the commercial varieties' ones. In an autumn-winter greenhouse hydroponic experiment, the response of three Southern-Italy tomato landraces (Ciettaicale, Linosa and Corleone) and one commercial cultivar (UC-82B) to different concentrations of sodium chloride (0 mM, 60 mM or 120 mM NaCl) were evaluated. At harvest, no losses in marketable yield were noticed in any of the tested genotypes. However, under salt stress, fresh fruit yield as well as fruit calcium concentration were higher affected in the commercial cultivar than in the landraces. Furthermore, UC-82B showed a trend of decreasing lycopene and total antioxidant capacity with increasing salt concentration, whereas no changes in these parameters were observed in the landraces under 60 mM NaCl. Landraces under 120 mM NaCl accumulated more fructose and glucose in the fruits, while salt did not affect hexoses levels in UC-82B. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed differential accumulation of glycoalkaloids, phenolic acids, flavonoids and their derivatives in the fruits of all genotypes under stress. Overall, the investigated Italian landraces showed a different behaviour compared to the commercial variety UC-82B under moderate salinity stress, showing a tolerable compromise between yield and quality attributes. Our results point to the feasible use of tomato landraces as a target to select interesting genetic traits to improve fruit quality under stress conditions

Comparative study of the efficiency of larval and ovitraps for the surveillance of dengue and yellow fever vectors

A comparative study of the efficiency of ovitraps and larval-traps was undertaken with a view to improving the entomological survey of vectors of Dengue and Yellow Fever - Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus - in S. Paulo State, Brazil. The region studied is infested only by Aedes albopictus, a species that keeps to wild habitats but colonizes artificial breeding grounds as well. The first part of the study was located in a periurban area of Tremembé county were 3 hollon trees, 23 ovitraps and 5 larval-traps were compared. The second part of these experiments took place in Lavrinhas county (Pinheiros district), where 20 ovitraps and 5 larval-traps were tested. The results showed that the ovitrap was more efficiente than larval-traps and were positive even in the presence of natural breeding grounds. It was also observed un the evaluation of the results of "thermonebulization (fog)" that the ovitraps showed strong reduction in the average number of eggs, but this was not observed in the Breteau Index.Com a finalidade de aprimorar a vigilância entomológica dos vetores de Dengue e Febre Amarela - Aedes aegypti e Aedes albopictus - no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, realizou-se estudo comparativo de eficácia de larvitrampas (armadilhas de larvas), e ovitrampas (armadilhas de ovos). A região estudada é infestada somente pelo Aedes albopictus, espécie que conserva hábitos silvestres, mas também coloniza criadouros artificiais. A primeira parte do estudo foi realizada em área periurbana de Tremembé-SP, onde foram comparados três ocos de árvore, 23 ovitrampas e 5 larvitrampas. A segunda parte dos experimentos desenvolveu-se no Município de Lavrinhas-SP, no distrito de Pinheiros, onde 20 ovitrampas foram instaladas (uma por quadra) e 5 larvitrampas foram localizadas em pontos estratégicos (comércios, depósitos e postos). Os resultados obtidos mostraram que a ovitrampa, além da capacidade de positivar-se mesmo em presença de criadouros naturais, possui eficiência superior à larvitrampa. Constatou-se que para avaliação de efeitos da termonebulização as ovitrampas apresentaram uma significativa redução na média de ovos, o que não se verificou em relação ao Índice de Breteau

Whole gene sequencing identifies deep-intronic variants with potential functional impact in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

© 2017 Mendes de Almeida et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.High throughput sequencing technologies have revolutionized the identification of mutations responsible for genetic diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, approximately 50% of individuals with a clinical diagnosis of HCM have no causal mutation identified. This may be due to the presence of pathogenic mutations located deep within the introns, which are not detected by conventional sequencing analysis restricted to exons and exon-intron boundaries.This work was supported by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia and FEDER, Portugal (Scholarship BD/82023/2011 to R.M.A, grant EXPL/BIM-MEC/0201/2013 to S.M., grant Programa de Actividades Conjuntas n.º 016394 to M.C.-F, and LISBOA-01-0145-FEDER-007391), and an unrestricted grant from Merck Sharp & Dohme to M.C.-F. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A utilização das plataformas digitais no ensino da Matemática no Instituto Federal do Piauí – Campus Cocal

The study aims to analyze the potentialities and limitations of the use of digital platforms in the process of teaching and mathematical learning by students of the 2nd year of high school integrated into the technical course in Administration of the Federal Institute of Piauí - Cocal Campus. Digital platforms are the instruments by which technologies are transmitted to individuals, whether for social interaction or as formative elements. The study has a quantitative character, represented by statistical methods and techniques, as well as a qualitative bias, through the analysis and interpretation of the data, based on guiding theoretical references. It is evident that digital platforms have enhanced a better understanding of the mathematical contents addressed, in addition to encouraging autonomy and diverse forms of study. As limiting factors, the question regarding the internet connection and the physical absence of a teacher in the explanation of the mathematical contents is exposed.O estudo objetiva analisar as potencialidades e limitações da utilização das plataformas digitais no processo de ensino e aprendizagem matemático por estudantes do 2º ano do ensino médio integrado ao curso técnico em Administração do Instituto Federal do Piauí - Campus Cocal. Conceitua-se como plataformas digitais os instrumentos pelos quais as tecnologias são transmitidas aos individuos, sejam estas para fins de interação social ou como elementos formativos. O estudo possui caráter quantitativo, representado por intermédio de métodos e técnicas estatísticas, bem como um viés qualitativo, mediante a análise e interpretação dos dados, embasado em referenciais teóricos norteadores. Evidencia-se que as plataformas digitais fortaleceram uma melhor compreensão dos conteúdos matemáticos abordados, além de incentivarem a autonomia e formas diversificadas de estudo. Como fatores limitadores expõe-se a questão atinente a conexão à internet e a ausência física de um professor na explicação dos assuntos matemáticos

Ruminant fat intake improves gut microbiota, serum inflammatory parameter and fatty acid profile in tissues of Wistar rats

Research Areas: Science & Technology - Other TopicsThis study tested the hypothesis that naturally and industrially produced trans-fatty acids can exert distinct efects on metabolic parameters and on gut microbiota of rats. Wistar rats were randomized into three groups according to the diet: CONT-control, with 5% soybean oil and normal amount of fat; HVF-20% of hydrogenated vegetable fat (industrial); and RUM-20% of ruminant fat (natural). After 53 days of treatment, serum biochemical markers, fatty acid composition of liver, heart and adipose tissue, histology and hepatic oxidative parameters, as well as gut microbiota composition were evaluated. HVF diet intake reduced triglycerides (≈ 39.39%) and VLDL levels (≈ 39.49%). Transfatty acids levels in all tissue were higher in HVF group. However, RUM diet intake elevated amounts of anti-infammatory cytokine IL-10 (≈ 14.7%) compared to CONT, but not to HVF. Furthermore, RUM intake led to higher concentrations of stearic acid and conjugated linoleic acid in all tissue; this particular diet was associated with a hepatoprotective efect. The microbial gut communities were signifcantly diferent among the groups. Our results show that ruminant fat reversed the hepatic steatosis normally caused by high fat diets, which may be related to the remodelling of the gut microbiota and its anti-infammatory potential.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Venenos e toxinas ofídicas purificadas como ferramenta biotecnológica para o controle de Ralstonia solanacearum

The objective of this work was to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of snake venoms and purified toxins on the phytopathogenic bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum. The evaluations were performed with 17 crude venoms (13 from Bothrops, 3 from Crotalus, and 1 from Lachesis) and seven toxins (1 from Bothrops and 6 from Crotalus). Antibacterial activity was assessed in MB1 medium containing solubilized treatments (1 μL mL‑1). A total of 100 μL bacterial suspension (8.4 x 109 CFU mL-1) was used. After incubation at 28°C, the number of bacterial colonies at 24, 48, and 72 hours after inoculation was evaluated. SDS-PAGE gel at 15% was used to analyze the protein patterns of the samples, using 5 μg protein of each sample in the assay. Furthermore, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and lethal concentration (LC50) values were determined by the Probit method. Venoms and toxins were able to reduce more than 90% of R. solanacearum growth. These results were either equivalent to those of the positive control chloramphenicol or even better. While MIC values ranged from 4.0 to 271.5 µg mL-1, LC50 ranged from 28.5 µg mL-1 to 4.38 mg mL-1. Ten crude venoms (7 from Bothrops and 3 from Crotalus) and two purified toxins (gyroxin and crotamine) are promising approaches to control the phytopathogenic bacterium R. solanacearum.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antibacteriana in vitro de venenos e toxinas purificadas de serpentes sobre a bactéria fitopatogênica Ralstonia solanacearum. As avaliações foram realizadas em 17 venenos brutos (13 de Bothrops, 3 de Crotalus e 1 de Lachesis) e sete toxinas (1 de Bothrops e 6 de Crotalus). A atividade antibacteriana foi avaliada em meio MB1 que continha os tratamentos solubilizados (1 μL mL-1). Utilizou-se o total de 100 μL de suspensão bacteriana (8,4 x 109 UFC mL-1). Após incubação a 28°C, avaliou-se o número de colônias bacterianas às 24, 48 e 72 horas após a inoculação. O gel SDS-PAGE a 15% foi usado para analisar o perfil proteico das amostras, tendo-se utilizado 5 μg de proteína no ensaio. Além disso, os valores de concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e concentração letal (CL50) foram determinados pelo método Probit. Os venenos e as toxinas foram capazes de reduzir mais de 90% do crescimento de R. solanacearum. Esses resultados foram ou equivalentes aos do controle positivo cloranfenicol ou até melhores. Enquanto os valores de CIM variaram de 4,0 a 271,5 µg mL-1, a CL50 variou de 28,5 µg mL-1 a 4,38 mg mL-1. Dez venenos brutos (7 de Bothrops e 3 de Crotalus) e duas toxinas (giroxina e crotamina) são abordagens promissoras para o controle da bactéria fitopatogênica R. solanacearum

People in alcoholism recovery: assessment of cardiovascular risk factors

El estudio descriptivo y cuantitativo objetivó evaluar los factores de riesgo cardiovascular de las personas en recuperación del alcoholismo en Fortaleza, en el estado de Ceará. Participaron 62 personas. Se encontró que el 58,7% estaba en sobrepeso u obesos, el 63,3% tenía aumento de la circunferencia abdominal, el 50% consumía fuentes industriales de sal, el 57,4% no practicaba ejercicios físicos, el 59,6% se estresaba con facilidad, el 74.2% de las personas declaró uso actual o anterior de tabaco. Además del abuso de alcohol, otros factores para el desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares estaban presentes en los sujetos del estudio.This descriptive and quantitative study aimed to evaluate the cardiovascular risk factors for people in alcoholism recovery in Fortaleza, state of Ceara, Brazil. In total, 62 people participated in the study. It was found that 58.7% of participants were overweight or obese, 63.3% had increased waist circumference, 50% reported consumption of industrialized sources of salt, 57.4% did not practiced physical exercises, 59.6% admitted to get stressed easily; 74.2% reported current or previous use of tobacco. Besides use of alcohol, other factors related to the development of cardiovascular diseases were present in the subjects of the study.Objetivou-se avaliar os fatores de risco cardiovasculares de pessoas em recuperação do alcoolismo em Fortaleza. Estudo do tipo descritivo, quantitativo, realizado com 62 pessoas. Constatou-se que 58,7% se encontravam com sobrepeso ou obesidade; 63,3% apresentavam aumento da circunferência abdominal; 50% afirmaram consumo de fontes industrializadas de sal; 57,4% não realizavam exercícios físicos; 59,6% julgaram se estressar com facilidade; 74,2% das pessoas declararam uso atual ou anterior do fumo. Detectou-se que, além do abuso do álcool, outros fatores para o desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares estiveram presentes nos sujeitos do estudo

Viral genetic clustering and transmission dynamics of the 2022 mpox outbreak in Portugal

Pathogen genome sequencing during epidemics enhances our ability to identify and understand suspected clusters and investigate their relationships. Here, we combine genomic and epidemiological data of the 2022 mpox outbreak to better understand early viral spread, diversification and transmission dynamics. By sequencing 52% of the confirmed cases in Portugal, we identified the mpox virus sublineages with the highest impact on case numbers and fitted them into a global context, finding evidence that several international sublineages probably emerged or spread early in Portugal. We estimated a 62% infection reporting rate and that 1.3% of the population of men who have sex with men in Portugal were infected. We infer the critical role played by sexual networks and superspreader gatherings, such as sauna attendance, in the dissemination of mpox virus. Overall, our findings highlight genomic epidemiology as a tool for the real-time monitoring and control of mpox epidemics, and can guide future vaccine policy in a highly susceptible population.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio