Finding the proper methodology for geodiversity assessment : a recent approach in Brazil and Portugal

A methodology for the quantitative assessment of geodiversity was defined and tested at various scales. It was applied to the Xingu River Basin, Amazon, Brazil (about 510,000 km2), Paraná state, Brazil (about 200,000 km2), and Portugal mainland (about 89,000 km2). This method is intended to assess all geodiversity components and to avoid overrating any particular component, such as lithology or relief, a common weakness of other methods. The method is based on the overlay of a grid over different maps at scales that range according to the areas under analysis, with the final Geodiversity Index being the sum of five partial indexes calculated on the grid. Partial indexes were calculated using GIS software by counting all the occurrences present in the selected maps for each grid square. The Geodiversity Index can take the form of a GIS automatically generated isoline map, allowing an easy interpretation by those without or with little geological background. The map can be used as a tool in land-use planning, particularly in identifying priority areas for conservation, management and use of natural resources

Mapping regional geodiversity in Brazil and Portugal

A methodology meant to be used in the quantitative assessment and mapping of geodiversity was defined for regional scale, following the initial proposal of Pereira et al. (2012). The method was tested in the Xingu Basin, Amazon, Brazil (about 510,000 km2), Paraná State, Brazil (about 200,000 km2), and Portugal mainland (about 89,000 km2). It is a GIS method intended to assess all features of geodiversity and to avoid overrating any particular one, such as lithology or relief, which is a com- mon weakness in other methods. The procedure consists on the overlay of a grid over different types of maps at scales between 1:250 000 and 1:1 000 000. The number of geological units (stratigraphical and lithological) that occurs in each grid cell of the geological map is counted, producing a map of geological indexes. The geomorphological index map results from the sum of the relief and hydrographical indexes obtained from the geomorphological units map. Palaeontological and pedological index maps are obtained from counting palaeontological units and soil units, respectively. The singular occurrences index map is based on the number of occurrences such as precious stones and metals, energy and industrial minerals, mineral waters and springs. The final Geodiversity Map results from the combination of those five partial indexes. The Geodiversity Map is a GIS automatically generated map, which allows an easy interpretation by non specialists. The map can be used as a tool in land-use planning, particularly for the identification of priority areas for conservation, and for the use and management of natural resources

Simultaneous Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy Combined with High-Resolution Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography: A Review

We aimed to evaluate technical aspects and the clinical relevance of a simultaneous confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope and a high-speed, high-resolution, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) device for retinal imaging. The principle of confocal scanning laser imaging provides a high resolution of retinal and choroidal vasculature with low light exposure. Enhanced contrast, details, and image sharpness are generated using confocality. The real-time SDOCT provides a new level of accuracy for assessment of the angiographic and morphological correlation. The combined system allows for simultaneous recordings of topographic and tomographic images with accurate correlation between them. Also it can provide simultaneous multimodal imaging of retinal pathologies, such as fluorescein and indocyanine green angiographies, infrared and blue reflectance (red-free) images, fundus autofluorescence images, and OCT scans (Spectralis HRA + OCT; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). The combination of various macular diagnostic tools can lead to a better understanding and improved knowledge of macular diseases

Transcriptome analysis of Taenia solium cysticerci using Open reading Frame ESTS (ORESTES)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Human infection by the pork tapeworm <it>Taenia solium </it>affects more than 50 million people worldwide, particularly in underdeveloped and developing countries. Cysticercosis which arises from larval encystation can be life threatening and difficult to treat. Here, we investigate for the first time the transcriptome of the clinically relevant cysticerci larval form.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Using Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) produced by the ORESTES method, a total of 1,520 high quality ESTs were generated from 20 ORESTES cDNA mini-libraries and its analysis revealed fragments of genes with promising applications including 51 ESTs matching antigens previously described in other species, as well as 113 sequences representing proteins with potential extracellular localization, with obvious applications for immune-diagnosis or vaccine development.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The set of sequences described here will contribute to deciphering the expression profile of this important parasite and will be informative for the genome assembly and annotation, as well as for studies of intra- and inter-specific sequence variability. Genes of interest for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic tools are described and discussed.</p

Targeting the mitochondrial VDAC in hepatocellular carcinoma using a polyclonal antibody-conjugated to a nitrosyl ruthenium complex

The rational design of anti-cancer agents includes a new approach based on ruthenium complexes that can act as nitric oxide (NO) donor agents against specific cellular targets. One of the most studied classes of those compounds is based on bis(bipyridine) ruthenium fragment and its derivative species. In this work, we present the chemical and cytotoxicity properties against the liver hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 of cis-[RuII(NO+)Cl(dcbpy)2]2− conjugated to a polyclonal antibody IgG (anti-VDAC) recognizing a cell surface marker. UV–visible bands of the ruthenium complex were assigned with the aid of density functional theory, which also allowed estimation of the structures that explain the biological effects of the ruthenium complex–IgG conjugate. The interaction of cis-[RuII(NO+)Cl(dcbpy)2]3− with mitochondria was evaluated due to the potential of these organelles as anti-cancer targets, and considering they interact with the anti-VDAC antibody. The cytotoxicity of cis-[RuII(NO+)Cl(dcbpy)2]3−-anti-VDAC antibody was up to 80% greater in comparison to the free cis-[RuII(NO+)Cl(dcbpy)2]3− complex. We suggest that this effect is due to site-specific interaction of the complex followed by NO release.Fil: Ramos, Loyanne C. B.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Rodrigues, Fernando P.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Biazzotto, Juliana C.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: de Paula Machado, Sergio. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Slep, Leonardo Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía; ArgentinaFil: Hamblin, Michael R.. Harvard Medical School; Estados UnidosFil: da Silva, Roberto S.. Harvard Medical School; Estados Unidos. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasi

Use of epidermic and granulocyte-colony stimulating growth factors in the prevention and treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis of the newborn

OBJETIVO: Revisar os conhecimentos existentes em relação ao uso de fatores de crescimento epidérmico e estimulador de colônias de granulócitos na prevenção e/ou no tratamento da enterocolite necrosante (ECN) durante o período neonatal. FONTES DE DADOS: Revisão da literatura, nas bases de dados Medline, Lilacs, SciELO e PubMed, utilizando os unitermos "recém-nascidos", "enterocolite" e "fatores de crescimento", no período de 2003 a 2007. Nesta busca, 49 artigos foram encontrados, sendo 17 pertinentes ao tema. Também foram utilizados outros artigos, independente do ano de publicação, relacionados a aspectos definidores da ECN no recém-nascido. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: A ECN continua sendo responsável por uma elevada morbimortalidade neonatal. Os mecanismos fisiopatológicos vêm sendo elucidados e, a partir deles, são discutidas novas terapias, como o uso de fatores de crescimento, destacando-se o fator de crescimento epidérmico e o fator estimulador de colônias de granulócitos. CONCLUSÕES: O uso de fatores de crescimento no tratamento e prevenção da ECN neonatal parece promissor. É necessário maior número de ensaios clínicos para comprovar sua eficácia e segurança. Enquanto isso, a melhor prática médica continua sendo a prevenção da doença.OBJECTIVE: To review the literature regarding the use of hematopoietic and epidermic growth factors for prevention or treatment of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). DATA SOURCES: Literature review of Medline, Lilacs, SciELO and Pubmed databases, using the key-words "newborn", "enterocolitis" and "growth factors", from 2003 to 2007. Fourty-nine papers were retrieved, but only 17 related to the subject. Other studies that described some clinical aspects of enterocolitis were also included, regardless of the year of publication. DATA SYNTHESIS: Necrotizing and enterocolitis has been an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period. As the knowledge about the pathophysiology of this disease improves, new therapies, such as the administration of epidermal growth factor and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, are being discussed. CONCLUSIONS: The use of growth factors for treatment and prevention of NEC seems promising. However, further clinics assays are needed to evaluate the effectiveness and the safety of these growth factors. At this moment, the best clinical practice is the prevention of the disease

Magnetoliposomes containing multicore nanoparticles and a new antitumor thienopyridine compound with potential application in chemo/thermotherapy

Multicore magnetic nanoparticles of manganese ferrite were prepared using carboxymethyl dextran as an agglutinating compound or by an innovative method using melamine as a cross-coupling agent. The nanoparticles prepared using melamine exhibited a flower-shape structure, a saturation magnetization of 6.16 emu/g and good capabilities for magnetic hyperthermia, with a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0.14 W/g. Magnetoliposome-like structures containing the multicore nanoparticles were prepared, and their bilayer structure was confirmed by FRET (Förster Resonance Energy Transfer) assays. The nanosystems exhibited sizes in the range of 250–400 nm and a low polydispersity index. A new antitumor thienopyridine derivative, 7-[4-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl]thieno[3,2-b]pyridine, active against HeLa (cervical carcinoma), MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma), NCI-H460 (non-small-cell lung carcino-ma) and HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma) cell lines, was loaded in these nanocarriers, obtaining a high encapsulation efficiency of 98% ± 2.6%. The results indicate that the new magnetoliposomes can be suitable for dual cancer therapy (combined magnetic hyperthermia and chemotherapy).This research was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding of CF-UM-UP (UIDB/04650/2020) and through the research project PTDC/QUI-QFI/28020/2017 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-028020), financed by the European Fund of Regional Development (FEDER), COMPETE2020, and Portugal2020. J.M.R. acknowledges FCT, ESF (European Social Fund—North Portugal Regional Operational Program) and HCOP (Human Capital Operational Program) for a PhD grant (SFRH/BD/115844/2016)

Development of thermo-and pH-sensitive liposomal magnetic carriers for new potential antitumor thienopyridine derivatives

The development of stimuli-sensitive drug delivery systems is a very attractive area of current research in cancer therapy. The deep knowledge on the microenvironment of tumors has supported the progress of nanosystems’ ability for controlled and local fusion as well as drug release. Temperature and pH are two of the most promising triggers in the development of sensitive formulations to improve the efficacy of anticancer agents. Herein, magnetic liposomes with fusogenic sensitivity to pH and temperature were developed aiming at dual cancer therapy (by chemotherapy and magnetic hyperthermia). Magnetic nanoparticles of mixed calcium/manganese ferrite were synthesized by co-precipitation with citrate and by sol–gel method, and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy in transmission mode (STEM), and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). The citrate-stabilized nanoparticles showed a small-sized population (around 8 nm, determined by XRD) and suitable magnetic properties, with a low coercivity and high saturation magnetization (~54 emu/g). The nanoparticles were incorporated into liposomes of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine/cholesteryl hemisuccinate (DPPC:CHEMS) and of the same components with a PEGylated lipid (DPPC:CHEMS:DSPE-PEG), resulting in magnetoliposomes with sizes around 100 nm. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) measurements were performed to investigate the pH-sensitivity of the magnetoliposomes’ fusogenic ability. Two new antitumor thienopyridine derivatives were efficiently encapsulated in the magnetic liposomes and the drug delivery capability of the loaded nanosystems was evaluated, under different pH and temperature conditions.This research was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding of CF-UM-UP (UIDB/04650/2020) and through the research project PTDC/QUI-QFI/28020/2017 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-028020), financed by the European Fund of Regional Development (FEDER), COMPETE2020, and Portugal 2020. J.M.R. acknowledges FCT, ESF (European Social Fund—North Portugal Regional Operational Program) and HCOP (Human Capital Operational Program) for a PhD grant (SFRH/BD/115844/2016)

Inoculation with the endophytic bacterium Herbaspirillum seropedicae promotes growth, nutrient uptake and photosynthetic efficiency in rice

Main conclusion: Higher vacuolar proton pump activity may increase plant energy and nutrient use efficiency and provide the nexus between plant inoculation with Herbaspirillum seropedicae and growth promotion. Abstract: Global change and growing human population are exhausting arable land and resources, including water and fertilizers. We present inoculation with the endophytic plant-growth promoting bacterium (PGPB) Herbaspirillum seropedicae as a strategy for promoting growth, nutrient uptake and photosynthetic efficiency in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Because plant nutrient acquisition is coordinated with photosynthesis and the plant carbon status, we hypothesize that inoculation with H. seropedicae will stimulate proton (H+) pumps, increasing plant growth nutrient uptake and photosynthetic efficiency at low nutrient levels. Plants were inoculated and grown in pots with sterile soil for 90 days. Herbaspirillum seropedicae endophytic colonization was successful and, as hypothesized, inoculation (1) stimulated root vacuolar H+ pumps (vacuolar H+-ATPase and vacuolar H+-PPase), and (2) increased plant growth, nutrient contents and photosynthetic efficiency. The results showed that inoculation with the endophytic bacterium H. seropedicae can promote plant growth, nutrient uptake and photosynthetic efficiency, which will likely result in a more efficient use of resources (nutrients and water) and higher production of nutrient-rich food at reduced economic and environmental costs.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio