NATDATA: integrando dados de recursos naturais dos biomas brasileiros.

RESUMO: A agricultura nacional exige a intensificação das áreas plantadas aliada à manutenção dos recursos naturais dos biomas brasileiros. Respostas rápidas a questões envolvendo temas como solo, recursos hídricos, biodiversidade e clima nesse caso são essenciais. O Brasil dispõe de um grande acervo de dados sobre estes temas, distribuídos em várias instituições de pesquisa. A heterogeneidade de padrões aliada a essa distribuição dificulta o seu uso combinado. Este trabalho apresenta uma iniciativa que vem sendo desenvolvida pela Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária - Embrapa, que tem como principal objetivo integrar dados de recursos naturais dos diferentes biomas brasileiros, fornecendo aos usuários um ambiente que permita a consulta rápida e integrada a estes dados.SBIAgro 2011

Metabolic composition of the cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum as a function of culture time: a 1H NMR metabolomics study

Cyanobacteria are considered a factory of added-value compounds. However, knowledge about the array of interesting compounds that could be extracted from these prokaryotic organisms is still very limited. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a widely used technique for metabolic profiling that allows an overview of the main metabolites present in complex biological matrices. In this work, high resolution 1H NMR was employed to screen the metabolic composition of the freshwater cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum. This species showed high longevity, being able to grow for more than one hundred days without any medium supplementation. During the period of study, several interesting metabolites were detected, such as several sugars and oligosaccharides, lipids (e.g., glycolipids, ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids), amino acids, including mycosporin-like, peptides, and pigments (e.g., chlorophyll a and carotenoids). Owing to the long-term monitoring implemented in this study, the production of these compounds could be associated to specific moments of the growth of N. muscorum, providing new insights into the most appropriate harvesting time points for the biotechnological exploitation of specific molecules.publishe

Unraveling the ecotoxicity of deep eutectic solvents using the mixture toxicity theory

The interest on deep eutectic solvents (DES) has been increasing. However, the ecotoxicological profile of DES is scarcely known. Also, despite previous studies showed that DES components dissociate in water, none assessed DES toxicity using the classical and adequate models for mixture toxicity prediction - concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA). This study evaluates the ecotoxicological profile of DES based on [N1111]Cl, [N2222]Cl and [N3333]Cl as hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA) combined with hydrogen-bond donors (HBD) vis. ethylene glycol and 1-propanol, through the Microtox® Acute Toxicity Test. CA and IA with deviations describing synergism/antagonism, dose-ratio and dose-level effects were fitted to the toxicity data. Neither the starting materials nor DES were found hazardous to Aliivibrio fischeri, in this specific case agreeing with the claimed "green character" of DES. Among the starting materials, ethylene glycol was the least toxic, whereas [N3333]Cl was the most toxic (30 min-EC50 = 96.49 g L-1 and 0.5456 g L-1, respectively). DES toxicity followed the same trend as observed for the salts: [N1111]Cl-based DES < [N2222]Cl-based DES < [N3333]Cl-based DES. The IA model, with specific deviations, adjusted better in 5 out of 6 DES. Antagonism was observed for [N1111]Cl-based DES, and synergism for [N3333]Cl-based DES and for 1-propanol:[N2222]Cl. The application of the mixture toxicity models represents a breakthrough in the problematic of assessing the toxicity of the countless number of DES that can be created with the same starting materials, since they provide the expected toxicity of any virtual combination between HBA and HBD.publishe

Análise de uso de padrões de metadados em projetos de pesquisa e desenvolvimento na Embrapa Informática Agropecuária.

A Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Embrapa) produz uma grande quantidade de dados como resultado das pesquisa que realiza. Os dados gerados abrangem diferentes domínios: solos, clima, coleções, dados de animais, dados bibliográficos, entre outros. Muitas vezes os projetos trocam ou reúsam a informação produzidas. Apesar disso, muitos deles ainda são armazenados de diferentes formas e usando diferentes formatos, como planilhas, sistemas de banco de dados, papel, entre outros. A necessidade ou possibilidade de integração/compartilhamento de informação entre esses sistemas ou mesmo com outras instituições de pesquisa, desencadeou ações para a incorporação de novas estruturas e conceitos aos sistemas desenvolvidos, no sentido de facilitar a interoperabilidade de dados. Uma abordagem para esse problema é a adoção de padrões de metadados bem estabelecidos para descrição desses dados. Nesse sentindo, a Embrapa Informática Agropecuária estabeleceu um grupo de trabalho cuja missão era identificar a situação de seus projetos de pesquisa quanto à adoção desses padrões. O grupo elaborou um conjunto de perguntas que foram apresentadas à maioria desses projetos, permitindo não apenas identificar a utilização de metadados, mas também descrever as principais observações e recomendações sobre esse tema. Este documento apresenta o trabalho realizado por esse grupo, bem como os resultados obtidos.bitstream/item/57307/1/Livro-BolPesq27-1.pd

Are cyanobacteria a nearly immortal source of high market value compounds?

BACKGROUND: When the human population increases, so does the need to explore a wider range of feedstocks and biomasses, such as cyanobacteria. However, a deeper understanding of the growth patterns and pigment production is required to support the selection of the most beneficial species and conditions for industrial production. The growth and pigment production (i.e., chlorophyll a and C-phycocyanin) of three cyanobacterium species were evaluated following a three-fold aim. The first goal was to compare among a species commonly selected for exploitation (Arthrospira platensis) and two alternative species (Anabaena cylindrica and Nostoc muscorum). The second goal was analyzing pigment production in the long-term. The last goal involved comparing different methods (spectrophotometry and fluorimetry) to understand whether there is an appropriate proxy of biomass increase and pigment production that can be used for monitoring purposes. RESULTS: All species showed high longevity and proved capable of growing for more than 100 days without any additional supplementation. However, the maximum quantum yield of PS II (Fv /Fm) revealed that their photosynthetic efficiency varied over time with a clear decrease after 2 months. Pigment analysis showed a heterogeneous pattern during the growth periods of all three species that could only be captured by the parameter Fv /Fm, but the pattern was only present for A. cylindrica and N. muscorum in some stages of the culture period. CONCLUSION: N. muscorum was found to be the best chlorophyll a and C-phycocyanin producer, with the production peaking for all species at defined time periods within the growth profile. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).publishe

Cytotoxicity profiling of deep eutectic solvents to human skin cells

The tailor-made character of deep eutectic solvents (DES) turns them very attractive to be used in several applications, including in health-related areas such as pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. However, although DES has been touted as "green" solvents, several works proved that their potential toxicity should not be neglected. Using the premise of DES applicability in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors, we chose two cell lines to work as a skin model (keratinocytes HaCaT and tumor melanocytes MNT-1), to assess DES cytotoxicity. The effect of three different hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA) ([Chol]Cl, [N1111]Cl and [N4444]Cl) and three different hydrogen bond donors (HBD) (hexanoic and butanoic acid, ethylene glycol, 1-propanol and urea) were evaluated through a common viability assay (MTT assay). Results were promising since [Chol]Cl and [N1111]Cl- based DES showed good biocompatibility for the tested cells. [N4444]Cl-based DES, however, showed cytotoxicity for both cell lines, with the HBA being the driver of the toxicity. Interestingly, some compounds increased cell viability in the HaCaT cell line, namely [Chol]Cl, ethylene glycol, hexanoic acid, urea, and all [Chol]Cl and [N1111]Cl-based DES and should be considered as targets for future studies. These results highlight their possible use in cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulations.publishe

The role of biomass elemental composition and ion-exchange in metal sorption by algae

The use of macroalgae, microalgae and cyanobacteria for metal sorption has been widely reported. Still, there are no studies allowing a direct comparison of the performance of these biomasses, especially while evaluating metal competition. The simultaneous sorption of Co2+, Cu2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ present in a multi-elemental solution by six macroalgae, two microalgae and three cyanobacteria was evaluated. Brown macroalgae were shown to be the most promising biosorbent, with Undaria pinnatifida having a total metal sorption capacity of 0.6 mmol g-1. Overall, macroalgae performed better than microalgae, followed by cyanobacteria. Carboxyl groups were identified as being the main functional groups involved in metal sorption, and all biomass samples were found to be selective to Cu2+. This was linked not only to its higher complexation constant value with relevant functional groups when compared to the remaining metals, but also the Irving-Williams series. The release of K+ and Ca2+ to the aqueous solution during the metal sorption was followed. The obtained results suggest they are readily exchanged with metals in the solution, indicating the occurrence of an ion-exchange mechanism in metal sorption by most biomass. Red macroalgae are an exception to the reported trends, suggesting that their metal sorption mechanism may differ from the other biomass types.publishe

Glycine-betaine-derived ionic liquids: Synthesis, characterization and ecotoxicological evaluation

Ionic Liquids (ILs) are generically regarded as environmentally "harmless" and thus, assumed as "non-toxic". However, due to the endless design possibilities, their ecotoxicological profile is still poorly known. An accurate knowledge on the toxicity of a substance is required, under the scope of environmental regulation worldwide, before their application and commercialization. Knowledge on the relationship between the chemical structure and toxic effects is essential for the future design of more biocompatible solvents. Focusing on the use of ILs as base lubricants, lubricant additives, or even as potential working fluids for absorption heat pumps, the knowledge on its environmental impact is of great importance, due to the possibility of spills. In this specific context, four analogues of glycine-betaine-based ILs (AGB-ILs) and four glycine-betaine based ILs (GB-ILs) were synthesized and characterized. Their ecotoxicity was assessed using representatives of two trophic levels in aquatic ecosystems, the bacteria Allivibrio fischeri (commonly used as a screening test organism) and the microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata (as an alternative test organism that has been proven very sensitive to several IL families). The microalgae were more sensitive than the bacteria, hence, following a precautionary principle, we recommend considering the toxicity towards microalgae as an indicator in future studies regarding the focused ILs. Although four of the studied ILs were derived from a natural amino acid, all were considered hazardous for the aquatic environment, disproving the primary theory that all ILs derived from natural compounds are benign. Furthermore, the modification in the structure of anion and the cation can lead to the increase of toxicity.publishe

Fibrogenesis in Kidney Transplant: Dysfunction Progress Biomarkers

Fibrogenesis markers, such as alpha-actin (AA), CD163 (macrophages), and E-cadherin, have been studied as chronic kidney allograft injury (CAI) predictors, a major cause of allograft failure. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the value of these markers in predicting CAI and initiation of dialysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 26 kidney allograft biopsies (from 22 patients with CAI) during 2 years, evaluating intensity and percentage of marked cells on glomeruli and tubulointerstitial compartment. At the time of the biopsy, patients were 45.5 ± 15.8 years and 4.2 years after transplant, and they had a mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 25.8 ± 9.9 mL/min. From an average of 8.5 glomeruli per biopsy, there was ≤25% sclerosis in 17 cases, 26% to 50% in 5, and >50% in 4. Interstitial fibrosis or tubular atrophy affected ≤25% of cortical area in 14 cases, 26% to 50% in 8, and >50% in 2. Twelve patients started dialysis 5.8 ± 4.7 years after transplant, with an average GFR 20.9 mL/min at the time of the biopsy. RESULTS: There was a higher intensity and percentage of CD163-marked cells in the tubulointerstitial compartment in advanced interstitial fibrosis. We found an association between intensity of AA in the tubulointerstitial compartment and initiation of dialysis (P = .003) and a negative correlation between intensity of E-cadherin loss and GFR (r = -0.56, P = .012). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, intensity of tubulointerstitial AA was shown to be a predictor of initiation of dialysis, and E-cadherin loss intensity was associated to CAI progression. However, prospective and larger studies are needed to evaluate the predictive value of these markers.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Polyomavirus Nephropathy: Ten-Year Experience

BACKGROUND: Polyomavirus nephropathy (BKVN) is an important cause of chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD). Recipient determinants (male sex, white race, and older age), deceased donation, high-dose immunosuppression, diabetes, delayed graft function (DGF), cytomegalovirus infection, and acute rejection (AR) are risk factors. Reducing immunosuppression is the best strategy in BKVN. The objective of our study was to evaluate CAD progression after therapeutic strategies in BKVN and risk factors for graft loss (GL). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 23 biopsies, from patients with CAD and histological evidence of BKVN, conducted over a period of 10 years. Glomerular filtration rate was <30 mL/min in 16 patients at the time of the BKVN diagnosis. RESULTS: BKVN was histologically diagnosed in 23 recipients (19 men, 4 women). All patients were white, with age of 51.2 ± 12.1 years (6 patients, age >60 years), and 22 had a deceased donor. Diabetes affected 4 patients, DGF occurred in 3, cytomegalovirus infection in 2, and AR in 15. All patients were medicated with calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) (95.7% tacrolimus) and corticoids, and 16 also received an antimetabolite. One year after antimetabolite reduction/discontinuation and/or CNI reduction/switching and/or antiviral agents, graft function was decreased in 11 patients, increased/stabilized in 10, and unknown in 2. GL occurred in 9 patients. Older age (hazard ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-3.28) and DGF (hazard ratio, 2.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-12.64) were the main risk factors for GL. The lower GFR at the time of the BKVN diagnosis was associated with an increased risk of initiation of dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: GL occurred in 39.1% of patients with BKVN and DGF; older age and lower GFR at the time of diagnosis were important risk factors. Early diagnosis of BKVN is essential to prevent GL.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio