Assessment of the reproduction of six collembolan species in tropical soils naturally rich in potentially toxic elements.

Laboratory ecotoxicological tests are important tools for the management of environmental changes derived from anthropogenic activities. Folsomia candida is usually the model species used in some procedures. However, this species may not be sufficiently representative of the sensitivity of the other collembolan species. This study aimed to evaluate (i) the effects of soils naturally rich in potentially toxic elements (PTE) and soil characteristics on the reproduction and survival of different collembolan species, (ii) whether the habitat function of these soils is compromised, and (iii) to what extent F. candida is representative of the other collembolan species. For this, reproduction tests with six collembolan species were conducted in 14 different samples of soils. In general, collembolan reproduction was not completely inhibited in none of the natural tested soils. Even soils with high pollution load index values did not negatively affect collembolan reproduction for most of the species. In contrast, the lowest collembolan reproduction rates were found in a visually dense soil (lowest volume/weight ratio), highlighting that soil attributes other than total PTE concentration also interfere in the reproduction of collembolans. Our results support the idea that the F. candida species might not be representative of other collembolan species and that laboratory tests to assess soil contaminations should be conducted using diverse collembolan species.

Epigenetic modulation and prostate cancer: Paving the way for NK cell anti-tumor immunity.

Immunoepigenetics is a growing field, as there is mounting evidence on the key role played by epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of tumor immune cell recognition and control of immune cell anti-tumor responses. Moreover, it is increasingly acknowledgeable a tie between epigenetic regulation and prostate cancer (PCa) development and progression. PCa is intrinsically a cold tumor, with scarce immune cell infiltration and low inflammatory tumor microenvironment. However, Natural Killer (NK) cells, main anti-tumor effector immune cells, have been frequently linked to improved PCa prognosis. The role that epigenetic-related mechanisms might have in regulating both NK cell recognition of PCa tumor cells and NK cell functions in PCa is still mainly unknown. Epigenetic modulating drugs have been showing boundless therapeutic potential as anti-tumor agents, however their role in immune cell regulation and recognition is scarce. In this review, we focused on studies addressing modulation of epigenetic mechanisms involved in NK cell-mediated responses, including both the epigenetic modulation of tumor cell NK ligand expression and NK cell receptor expression and function in different tumor models, highlighting studies in PCa. The integrated knowledge from diverse epigenetic modulation mechanisms promoting NK cell-mediated immunity in various tumor models might open doors for the development of novel epigenetic-based therapeutic options for PCa management.

Antibiotic Resistance among Gastrointestinal Bacteria in Broilers: A Review Focused on Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli.

Chickens can acquire bacteria at different stages, and bacterial diversity can occur due to production practices, diet, and environment. The changes in consumer trends have led to increased animal production, and chicken meat is one of the most consumed meats. To ensure high levels of production, antimicrobials have been used in livestock for therapeutic purposes, disease prevention, and growth promotion, contributing to the development of antimicrobial resistance across the resident microbiota. Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli are normal inhabitants of the gastrointestinal microbiota of chickens that can develop strains capable of causing a wide range of diseases, i.e., opportunistic pathogens. Enterococcus spp. isolated from broilers have shown resistance to at least seven classes of antibiotics, while E. coli have shown resistance to at least four. Furthermore, some clonal lineages, such as ST16, ST194, and ST195 in Enterococcus spp. and ST117 in E. coli, have been identified in humans and animals. These data suggest that consuming contaminated animal-source food, direct contact with animals, or environmental exposure can lead to the transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Therefore, this review focused on Enterococcus spp. and E. coli from the broiler industry to better understand how antibiotic-resistant strains have emerged, which antibiotic-resistant genes are most common, what clonal lineages are shared between broilers and humans, and their impact through a One Health perspective.

Plant Extracts and SARS-CoV-2: Research and Applications.

The recent pandemic of COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has brought upon the world an unprecedented challenge. During its acute dissemination, a rush for vaccines started, making the scientific community come together and contribute to the development of efficient therapeutic agents and vaccines. Natural products have been used as sources of individual molecules and extracts capable of inhibiting/neutralizing several microorganisms, including viruses. Natural extracts have shown effective results against the coronavirus family, when first tested in the outbreak of SARS-CoV-1, back in 2002. In this review, the relationship between natural extracts and SARS-CoV is discussed, while also providing insight into misinformation regarding the use of plants as possible therapeutic agents. Studies with plant extracts on coronaviruses are presented, as well as the main inhibition assays and trends for the future regarding the yet unknown long-lasting effects post-infection with SARS-CoV-2.

Reviewing Treatment Options for Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: Is There Still a Place for Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) Monotherapy?

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) comprises a highly heterogeneous group of kidney tumours built upon distinct genetic- and epigenetic-driven mechanisms and molecular pathways. Therefore, responsiveness to treatment is considerably variable across patients, adding an extra layer of complexity to the already challenging therapeutic decision process. The last decade brought an unprecedented shift in the medical approach to advanced or metastatic RCC; in fact, immunotherapy-based combinations have significantly transformed the therapeutic arsenal and clinical outcomes of these patients. These strategies were quickly adopted by international guidelines committees as the new standards of care. However, this enhanced efficacy comes at the expense of tolerability, with a predictable negative impact on patients' quality of life. Moreover, subgroup and post hoc analyses of the major clinical trials have shown that not all patients benefit equally from these innovative approaches. In this context, a group of experts on kidney cancer met and discussed the state of the art in the field, with a special emphasis on the appropriateness of using monotherapy with an anti-angiogenesis tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) to treat specific subgroups of patients with RCC. This article reviews the main topics that were considered to be pertinent for that discussion and establishes the profile of patients for whom TKI monotherapy remains a sensible frontline option by avoiding overtreatment and an unnecessary exposure to treatment-related toxicity.

Are structural and functional endpoints of soil communities similarly affected by metal mixtures? - A terrestrial model ecosystem approach.

Soils are habitat to a variety of flora and fauna in a linked ecosystem which provides essential ecosystem services. In soil, metals can accumulate at high concentrations, because of anthropogenic activities, leading to toxic effects, threatening the ecosystem and the services it provides. In most real-world contamination scenarios, metals occur as complex mixtures which can interact and produce different toxicity than predicted from individual metal data. Current regulatory guidelines are based on single species responses to individual metals and ignore indirect effects inherent to the inter-linked nature of ecosystems. Also, the evaluation of anthropogenic impacts to the soil communities is usually measured through structural endpoints (e.g. abundance) disregarding functional measurements (e.g. organic matter decomposition rates), which are often seen as tightly related, and thus, similarly affected. In this study we tested three mixture ratios of five metal oxides (lead, copper, nickel, zinc, cobalt) at three dose levels (Low, Med, High) in a terrestrial model ecosystem experiment and measured structural and functional endpoints. Exposure to metal mixtures for 16 weeks did not affect the microarthropod community, but produced severe effects on soil microbial activity (PNR and DHA) reducing activity below 50% compared to control levels, in all dosed treatments. Metal contamination also significantly affected feeding activity and organic matter decomposition, but effects were not as pronounced as on microbial activity. Data suggest that, in the risk assessment of metals and their mixtures, effects on ecosystem structure and functions must be considered to provide adequate environmental protection.

Antimicrobial activity, chemical composition and cytotoxicity of Lentinus crinitus basidiocarp.

Lentinus crinitus (L.) Fr. (Basidiomycota: Polyporales) is a wild mushroom with several biotechnological applications; however, there are few studies on its chemical composition and antimicrobial activity. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the chemical composition, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial activity of L. crinitus basidiocarp. For that, its nutritional value (AOAC procedures) and its composition in some hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds (chromatographic techniques) were assessed. Moreover, the potential hepatotoxic effects were evaluated using a primary cell culture obtained from porcine liver, and its growth inhibitory capacity was also evaluated against four human tumour cell lines (spectrophotometric assays). The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by microdilution against eight bacteria and fungi. The basidiocarp has a high content of carbohydrates and, therefore, a relatively high energetic value. It is also rich in soluble sugars, ß-tocopherol, phenolic acids, mainly p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and organic acids, mainly malic acid. L. crinitus did not show cytotoxicity in non-tumour cells, but it did not inhibit the growth of human tumour cell lines either. The basidiocarp has a wide antimicrobial activity, inhibiting the growth of different species of bacteria and fungi. It showed minimum bactericidal and fungicidal concentration values similar to or lower than those verified by commercial antibiotics or food additives used as preservatives. The antimicrobial activity was more evident against Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, and Penicillium ochrochloron, followed by Aspergillus ochraceus and Trichoderma viride, when compared to the controls. The results obtained in this study showed that L. crinitus basidiocarp has great potential to be used by the industry without toxicity risks.

Valorization of Bio-Residues from the Processing of Main Portuguese Fruit Crops: From Discarded Waste to Health Promoting Compounds.

Food processing generates a large amount of bio-residues, which have become the focus of different studies aimed at valorizing this low-cost source of bioactive compounds. High fruit consumption is associated with beneficial health effects and, therefore, bio-waste and its constituents arouse therapeutic interest. The present work focuses on the main Portuguese fruit crops and revises (i) the chemical constituents of apple, orange, and pear pomace as potential sources of functional/bioactive compounds; (ii) the bioactive evidence and potential therapeutic use of bio-waste generated in the processing of the main Portuguese fruit crops; and (iii) potential applications in the food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. The current evidence of the effect of these bio-residues as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agents is also summarized. Conclusions of the revised data are that these bio-wastes hold great potential to be employed in specific nutritional and pharmaceutical applications.

Chemical composition and evaluation of antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities of Tuber and Terfezia truffles.

Ten truffle species of Tuber and Terfezia genera were chemical characterized, assessing their proximate composition, individual nutrient compounds and some bioactive molecules. The bioactive properties of these species were also evaluated, namely their antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic potential. Carbohydrates were the main macronutrients present in truffles, followed by proteins. Furthermore, the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), subsequently presented as a percentage, were higher in truffles (38.2-79.3%) except in Tuber magnatum and Terfezia arenaria, which have a more saturated fatty acids (SFA) profile (70.7% and 53.7%, respectively). Comparing the species, T. magnatum revealed the highest levels of total phenolic compounds (TPC) (290 mg GAE/100 g truffle), as also the best results in the four methods used to evaluate the antioxidant activity. On the other hand, only five extracts obtained from some studied truffle species (Terfezia magnusii, Tuber aestivum, Tuber gennadii, and Tuber melanosporum) showed a slight inhibition of microbial growth, tested against different bacteria. Terfezia and T. gennadii extracts, showed potential to inhibit the cellular growth of NCI-H460, HeLa, HepG2, and MCF-7 cell lines (GI50 concentrations range: 19-78, 33-301, 83-321 and 102-321 µg/mL, respectively), indicating anti-proliferative activity. Nevertheless, T. arenaria revealed some potential hepatotoxicity, inhibiting the growth of PLP2 cells (GI50 concentration of 220 µg/mL), a primary cell culture obtained from porcine liver.

Chemical characterization of carob seeds (Ceratonia siliqua L.) and use of different extraction techniques to promote its bioactivity.

Nowadays, the use of carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is reduced to its seeds. In fact, the food additive E410, locust bean gum, is obtained from its endosperm. However, the available information regarding the bioactive potential of carob seeds is limited and, often, with poorly established terminologies, not allowing the reader to know if the studied samples included seedless or seeded samples. So, the present study intended to carry out a chemical characterization of carob seeds focused on their bioactive compounds and test their bioactive properties. Carob seeds proved to be a source of tocopherols and organic acids, including phenolic compounds. Its antioxidant potential was demonstrated in vitro, as well as its antimicrobial capacity. This work proves that carob seeds have other functions in addition to those associated with E410. Thus, another potential can be given to the locust bean seed, namely the function of food preservative.

Compared to conventional, ecological intensive management promotes beneficial proteolytic soil microbial communities for agro-ecosystem functioning under climate change-induced rain regimes.

Projected climate change and rainfall variability will affect soil microbial communities, biogeochemical cycling and agriculture. Nitrogen (N) is the most limiting nutrient in agroecosystems and its cycling and availability is highly dependent on microbial driven processes. In agroecosystems, hydrolysis of organic nitrogen (N) is an important step in controlling soil N availability. We analyzed the effect of management (ecological intensive vs. conventional intensive) on N-cycling processes and involved microbial communities under climate change-induced rain regimes. Terrestrial model ecosystems originating from agroecosystems across Europe were subjected to four different rain regimes for 263 days. Using structural equation modelling we identified direct impacts of rain regimes on N-cycling processes, whereas N-related microbial communities were more resistant. In addition to rain regimes, management indirectly affected N-cycling processes via modifications of N-related microbial community composition. Ecological intensive management promoted a beneficial N-related microbial community composition involved in N-cycling processes under climate change-induced rain regimes. Exploratory analyses identified phosphorus-associated litter properties as possible drivers for the observed management effects on N-related microbial community composition. This work provides novel insights into mechanisms controlling agro-ecosystem functioning under climate change.

An Unusual Psychiatric Presentation of the 3q29 Microduplication Syndrome.

The 3q29 microduplication syndrome is usually associated with an intellectual disability or global developmental delay and mild dysmorphisms. Other comorbid presentations reported in the literature include psychiatric disorders such as behavioral disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders, elimination disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. The current case is of an adolescent girl with the 3q29 microduplication syndrome who had a diverse psychiatric presentation. The patient was a 14-year-old girl in institutional care, with a moderate intellectual developmental disorder, major behavioral problems, with auto- and hetero-aggressions and a suspicious trait, who presented with frequent episodes of emotional dysregulation, disorganized speech with derailment, incoherence, perseveration and grossly disorganized behavior. Auditory hallucinations were suspected sometimes but were difficult to evaluate. In our assessment, we were not able to determine a diagnosis because the symptoms do not seem to be defined by any classification. Major pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions were needed to manage this case.

Rib osteomyelitis: a rare complication of varicella / Osteomielite de arco costal: uma complicação rara de varicela

ABSTRACT Objective: To report a case of varicella complicated by acute osteomyelitis in order to remind of a rare and potentially serious complication of a very common pediatric disease. Case description: A previously healthy 3-month-old female infant with 10-day history of varicella was admitted to the hospital for fever, groan and prostration. The initial laboratorial evaluation was compatible with bacterial sepsis. By the third day after admission, a swelling of the seventh left rib had developed. The ultrasound and scintigraphy evaluation suggested rib osteomyelitis. Blood cultures were negative. The patient completed six weeks of antibiotics with favorable clinical, laboratorial and imaging evolution. Comments: Varicella is one of the most frequent exanthematic diseases of childhood and it is usually self-limited. The most frequent complication is bacterial infection of cutaneous lesions. Osteoarticular complications are rare, and rib osteomyelitis is described in less than 1% of cases. The main route of dissemination is hematogenic, and the most frequent etiological agent is Staphylococcus aureus. The prognosis is generally good and depends on early detection and antibiotic initiation.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever um caso de varicela complicada de osteomielite aguda a fim de alertar para a complicação rara e potencialmente grave de uma doença muito frequente em idade pediátrica. Descrição do caso: Lactente de três meses, previamente saudável, internada por um quadro de febre, prostração e gemido, num contexto de varicela com cerca de dez dias de evolução, com avaliação inicial compatível com sepse de etiologia bacteriana. No terceiro dia de internação, observou-se uma tumefação na sétima costela esquerda. A avaliação ecográfica e cintilográfica mostraram alterações sugestivas de osteomielite de arco costal. As hemoculturas foram negativas. Recebeu antibioticoterapia por seis semanas e evoluiu favoravelmente do ponto de vista clínico, laboratorial e ecográfico. Comentários: A varicela é uma das doenças exantemáticas mais frequentes da infância, sendo habitualmente autolimitada. A complicação mais frequente é a infecção bacteriana secundária das lesões cutâneas, sendo raras as complicações osteoarticulares. O arcabouço costal é uma localização excepcional de osteomielite, descrita em menos de 1% dos casos. A principal via de disseminação é a hematogênica, e o agente mais frequente, o Staphylococcus aureus. O prognóstico é geralmente bom, quando a antibioticoterapia se institui precocemente.

RIB OSTEOMYELITIS: A RARE COMPLICATION OF VARICELLA.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of varicella complicated by acute osteomyelitis in order to remind of a rare and potentially serious complication of a very common pediatric disease. CASE DESCRIPTION: A previously healthy 3-month-old female infant with 10-day history of varicella was admitted to the hospital for fever, groan and prostration. The initial laboratorial evaluation was compatible with bacterial sepsis. By the third day after admission, a swelling of the seventh left rib had developed. The ultrasound and scintigraphy evaluation suggested rib osteomyelitis. Blood cultures were negative. The patient completed six weeks of antibiotics with favorable clinical, laboratorial and imaging evolution. COMMENTS: Varicella is one of the most frequent exanthematic diseases of childhood and it is usually self-limited. The most frequent complication is bacterial infection of cutaneous lesions. Osteoarticular complications are rare, and rib osteomyelitis is described in less than 1% of cases. The main route of dissemination is hematogenic, and the most frequent etiological agent is Staphylococcus aureus. The prognosis is generally good and depends on early detection and antibiotic initiation.

Chemical characterization and biological activities of two varieties of xoconostle fruits Opuntia joconostle F.A.C. Weber ex Diguet and Opuntia matudae Scheinvar.

The present work focusses on the chemical characterization and bioactive properties of Opuntia joconostle F.A.C. Weber ex Diguet and Opuntia matudae Scheinvar fruits. This research showed that xoconostle cv. Cuaresmeño (O. joconostle) and xoconostle cv. Rosa (O. matudae) are a good source of PUFAs and tocopherols. Moreover, both fruits revealed the presence of ten phenolic compounds (e.g., ferulic acid hexoside, quercetin-O-di-deoxyhexosyl-hexoside, and kaempferol-O-(di-deoxyhexosyl)-hexoside), as well as other organic acids (oxalic, malic, ascorbic and citric acids), and two betacyanins (betanin and isobetain). The hydroethanolic extracts of both fruits exhibited antioxidant activity, and inhibited the growth of several bacteria strains and of the yeast Candida albicans. As expected, xoconostle cv. Cuaresmeño was the fruit with highest antioxidant potential, since it was also the one that showed the highest content of bioactive compounds, with the exception of betacyanins. Overall, both fruits are revealed to be a good source of nutritive and bioactive compounds.

Identification of temperature-sensitive mutations and characterization of thermolabile RNase II variants.

The RNase II family of ribonucleases is ubiquitous and critical for RNA metabolism. The rnb500 allele has been widely used for over 30 years; however, the underlying genetic changes which result in RNase II thermolabile activity remain unknown. Here, we combine molecular and biophysical studies to carry out an in vivo and in vitro investigation of RNase II mutation(s) that confer the rnb500 phenotype. Our findings indicate that RNase II thermolability is due to the Cys284Tyr mutation within the RNB domain, which abolishes activity by increasing protein kinetic instability at the nonpermissive temperature. These findings have important implications for the design of temperature-sensitive variants of other RNase II enzymes, namely those with yet unknown functions.