Hydrological influence on the evolution of a subtropical mangrove ecosystem during the late Holocene from Babitonga Bay, Brazil

Mangroves are key ecosystems which respond to global changes in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. We describe late Holocene mangroves that established close to the southernmost limit (28°S) for this type of ecosystem in South America. Our findings are based on a C dated core obtained from Babitonga Bay, Santa Catarina State, Brazil (26°12′S, 48°33′W). Analysis of palynology, sedimentary facies, isotopic and elemental data shows that mangrove establishment took place ~500 yrs. B.C.E., following an increase in humidity, and expanded further during the Roman Warm Period and at the end of Dark Age Cold Period. Mangrove and precipitation proxies records appear to be sensitive to rainfall patterns imposed both by the expansion/retraction of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and also the interaction with the South Atlantic Subtropical Anticyclone which affects coastal region due to sea surface temperature variations.The authors thank the Coastal Dynamic Laboratory (LADIC-UFPA) , C-14 Laboratory of the Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture (CENA-USP) , University of Joinville (UNIVILLE) and Radiocarbon Laboratory (LAC-UFF) for all infrastructure and support. We also thank three anonymous Reviewers and Prof. H. Falcon-Lang for their constructive comments. The first and third author thanks Brazilian Council for Technology and Science-CNPq for fellowship (process 131813/2016-1 , 165911/2015-8 and 305074/2017-2 ). This study was financed by CNPq ( 445111/2014-3 , 405060/2013- 0 ) and FAPESP ( 2011/00995-7 , 2017/03304-1, and 2020/13715-1 ). This study also was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal Nível Superior – Brazil (CAPES) – Finance Code 001

Thimet oligopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.15) key functions suggested by knockout mice phenotype characterization

Thimet oligopeptidase (THOP1) is thought to be involved in neuropeptide metabolism, antigen presentation, neurodegeneration, and cancer. Herein, the generation of THOP1 C57BL/6 knockout mice (THOP1(-/-)) is described showing that they are viable, have estrus cycle, fertility, and a number of puppies per litter similar to C57BL/6 wild type mice (WT). In specific brain regions, THOP1(-/-) exhibit altered mRNA expression of proteasome beta5, serotonin 5HT2a receptor and dopamine D2 receptor, but not of neurolysin (NLN). Peptidomic analysis identifies differences in intracellular peptide ratios between THOP1(-/-) and WT mice, which may affect normal cellular functioning. In an experimental model of multiple sclerosis THOP1(-/-) mice present worse clinical behavior scores compared to WT mice, corroborating its possible involvement in neurodegenerative diseases. THOP1(-/-) mice also exhibit better survival and improved behavior in a sepsis model, but also a greater peripheral pain sensitivity measured in the hot plate test after bradykinin administration in the paw. THOP1(-/-) mice show depressive-like behavior, as well as attention and memory retention deficits. Altogether, these results reveal a role of THOP1 on specific behaviors, immune-stimulated neurodegeneration, and infection-induced inflammation

Glutamine dipeptide supplementation improves clinical responses in patients with diabetic foot syndrome

ABSTRACT The effect of glutamine dipeptide (GDP) supplementation in patients with diabetic foot syndrome was evaluated. A total of 22 patients took part in the study. GDP was supplied in 10 g sachets, and was dissolved in water immediately before use, with ingestion once a day, after lunch or after dinner (20 g/day) over a period of 30 days. Quantification of foot insensitive areas, oxidative stress, blood cytokines, and biochemical, hematological and toxicological parameters was performed before and after GDP supplementation. We observed an increase in blood levels of interferon-&#945; (P=0.023), interferon-&#947; (P=0.038), interleukin-4 (P=0.003), interleukin-6 (P=0.0025), interleukin-7 (P=0.028), interleukin-12 p40 (P=0.017), interleukin-13 (P=0.001), leukocytes (P=0.037), eosinophils (P=0.049), and typical lymphocytes (P<0.001) due to GDP administration. In addition, we observed a reduced number (P=0.048) of insensitive areas on the foot, and reduction (P=0.047) of fasting hyperglycemia. Patients also showed increased blood high density lipoprotein (P<0.01) and protein thiol groups (P=0.004). These favorable results were associated with the absence of renal and hepatic toxicity. These results are of clinical relevance, since supplementation with GDP over 30 days improved clinical responses in patients with diabetic foot syndrome