A high-quality genome of Eragrostis curvula grass provides insights into Poaceae evolution and supports new strategies to enhance forage quality.

The Poaceae constitute a taxon of flowering plants (grasses) that cover almost all Earth's inhabitable range and comprises some of the genera most commonly used for human and animal nutrition. Many of these crops have been sequenced, like rice, Brachypodium, maize and, more recently, wheat. Some important members are still considered orphan crops, lacking a sequenced genome, but having important traits that make them attractive for sequencing. Among these traits is apomixis, clonal reproduction by seeds, present in some members of the Poaceae like Eragrostis curvula. A de novo, high-quality genome assembly and annotation for E. curvula have been obtained by sequencing 602 Mb of a diploid genotype using a strategy that combined long-read length sequencing with chromosome conformation capture. The scaffold N50 for this assembly was 43.41 Mb and the annotation yielded 56,469 genes. The availability of this genome assembly has allowed us to identify regions associated with forage quality and to develop strategies to sequence and assemble the complex tetraploid genotypes which harbor the apomixis control region(s). Understanding and subsequently manipulating the genetic drivers underlying apomixis could revolutionize agriculture.

Predominance of Nyssomyia neivai (Pinto) on the Islands of the Paraná River, Southern Brazil.

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania and it is one of the six most important infectious diseases in the world. The aim of this study was to conduct a research on the fauna and most frequented ecotopes by sandflies on islands of the Paraná River. The sandflies were collected with Falcão light traps in 10 islands in the municipalities of São Pedro do Paraná, Porto Rico, and Querência do Norte, in Paraná State, Brazil, from November 2012 to November 2014. In total, 76,145 specimens of Nyssomyia neivai, the only species found, were collected, of which 63,015 were female and 13,130, male. The largest number of sandflies was collected mainly in domiciles and peridomiciles. The islands of the Paraná River showed predominance of Ny. neivai, which is largely involved in the transmission of Leishmania and a risk of human leishmaniasis to the island inhabitants and tourists.

Check all that apply and free listing to describe the sensory characteristics of low sodium dry fermented sausages: Comparison with trained panel.

The urgent need for sodium reduction in meat products to enable healthy food choices has led food industry to search for more dynamic and fast methodological approaches to assess the sensory characteristics of their products. In the present study, dry fermented sausages with reduction in NaCl, replaced by KCl, CaCl2, and a blend of KCl and CaCl2 were evaluated for their sensory properties using a check all that apply questionnaire (CATA) and a free listing task. The results were compared with those of a trained panel using quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA). The absence of concordance was observed between the CATA and free listing towards the two bidimensional sensory maps and configuration of the samples in comparison to QDA. However, free listing was able to generate a similar and resumed vocabulary when compared to QDA. Our findings suggest the potential of free listing as sensory descriptive methodology in the development of reformulated food products with respect to sodium reduction.

Operating conditions for the continuous bioremediation of free cyanide contaminated wastewater using Aspergillus awamori.

Generation of cyanide-containing wastewater is a growing problem worldwide as numerous cyanide complexes are highly unstable and degrade to form free cyanide (F-CN), the most toxic form of cyanide. Agro-waste materials, such as sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) waste from the citrus industry, are rich in readily metabolisable carbohydrates that can supplement microbial activity and thus support biodegradation of toxic compounds in wastewater. This study reports on optimal operating conditions for the continuous biodegradation of F-CN in wastewater using an Aspergillus awamori isolate in a process supported solely using C. sinensis waste extract. The optimal degradation conditions were pH 8.75 and 37.02 °C with the isolate's F-CN tolerance being observed up to 430 mg F-CN/L. Furthermore, the ammonium produced as a by-product of F-CN degradation was also metabolised by the A. awamori, with negligible residual citric acid and formate being observed in the effluent post treatment. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using agricultural waste as a primary and sole carbon source for the cultivation of a cyanide-degrading A. awamori species for F-CN degradation under alkaline conditions.

Cardiodepressive effect elicited by the essential oil of Alpinia speciosa is related to L-type Ca²+ current blockade.

This study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of the essential oil from Alpinia speciosa (EOAs) on cardiac contractility and the underlying mechanisms. The essential oil was obtained from Alpinia speciosa leaves and flowers and the oil was analyzed by GC-MS method. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of at least 18 components. Terpinen-4-ol and 1,8-cineole corresponded to 38% and 18% of the crude oil, respectively. The experiments were conducted on spontaneously-beating right atria and on electrically stimulated left atria isolated from adult rats. The effect of EOAs on the isometric contractions and cardiac frequency in vitro was examined. EOAs decreased rat left atrial force of contraction with an EC50 of 292.2±75.7 µg/ml. Nifedipine, a well known L-type Ca²+ blocker, inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner left atrial force of contraction with an EC50 of 12.1±3.5 µg/ml. Sinus rhythm was diminished by EOAs with an EC50 of 595.4±56.2 µg/ml. Whole-cell L-type Ca²+ currents were recorded by using the patch-clamp technique. EOAs at 25 µg/ml decreased I(Ca,L) by 32.6±9.2% and at 250 µg/ml it decreased by 89.3±7.4%. Thus, inhibition of L-type Ca²+ channels is involved in the cardiodepressive effect elicited by the essential oil of Alpinia speciosa in rat heart.

Vacinação contra pneumococo em crianças com doença falciforme no Espírito Santo, entre 2004 e 2007 / Vaccination against pneumococcus in children with sickle cell anemia in the State of Espirito Santo, Brazil, Between 2004 and 2007

Doença falciforme cursa com alta vulnerabilidade a infecções, principalmente por bactérias encapsuladas. Este estudo transversal objetivou verificar a vacinação contra Streptococcus pneumoniae em crianças com doença falciforme diagnosticadas entre 2004 e 2007 pelo Serviço de Referência em Triagem Neonatal da Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais de Vitória (SRTN-APAE), que pesquisa a hemoglobinopatia em 92 por cento dos nascidos vivos do Espírito Santo. Revisão de prontuários de todas as crianças diagnosticadas e conferência do registro de vacinação do Centro de Referência para Imunobiológicos Especiais (CRIE-ES) mostrou cobertura vacinal de 50 por cento. Vacinação completa predominou entre crianças residentes na Grande Vitória, com mãe de 20 anos ou mais e menor número de irmãos, mas não houve associação entre estas variáveis e cumprimento do esquema. Para aumentar a baixa cobertura vacinal detectada, sugere-se promoção de educação permanente dos profissionais de saúde, descentralização do CRIE-ES, suprimento adequado de imunobiológicos e busca domiciliar de pacientes faltosos.

Sickle cell anemia runs with high vulnerability to infections, mainly by encapsuled bacteria. This transversal study had as its objective, the verification of vaccination against Streptococcus pneumoniae in children diagnosed with sickle cell anemia between 2004 and 2005 by the Neonatal Screening Reference Service of the Association of Relatives and Friends of the Handicapped of Vitoria (SRTN-APAE)*, which researches hemaglobin s. disease in 92 percent of the living newborns in the state of Espirito Santo. Revision of the medical records of all children diagnosed and checking of the vaccination registry of the Reference Center for Special Immunobiologics (CRIE-ES) has shown vaccinal coverage of 50 percent. Complete vaccination was predominant among children residing in the Great Victoria area, whose mothers were twenty years or older and with a lesser number of siblings, but there was no association between these variables and the carrying out of the plan. To increase the low vaccinal coverage detected, the promotion of permanent education of health professionals and the decentralization of the CRIE-ES, and adequate supply of immunobiologicals and home visits to patients who fail to attend is suggested.

Seed shadow, seedling recruitment, and spatial distribution of Buchenavia capitata (Combretaceae) in a fragment of the Brazilian Atlantic forest.

Here we describe the seed shadow, seedling recruitment, ontogenetic structure and spatial distribution of Buchenavia capitata (an emergent canopy tree) in a 380-ha fragment of the Atlantic forest in northeast Brazil. In particular, we examine seed distribution around 10 parental trees and both seedling recruitment and mortality, during an 18 month period beneath and around parental trees. Moreover, we describe: (1) B. capitata occurrence within treefall gaps; (2) population structure in terms of ontogenetic stages for the whole site; and (3) spatial distribution of adults within an area of 51 hectares. 99% of seeds were found beneath parent crowns (n = 4,236) and seed density reached 14.6 +/- 29.9 seeds/m2 (0-140 seeds/m2). 49% of all seeds germinated but seedling mortality reached 100% after an 18 month period. In addition, saplings of B. capitata were not found in forest understory and within 30 treefall gaps (94-2,350 m2). The adults showed an average DBH of 69.3 +/- 22.1 cm, were 19.2 +/- 2.9 m tall and presented a clumped spatial distribution. B. capitata matched some of the features presented by shade intolerant trees or large-gap specialists, and we hypothesize that low rates or even lack of long distance seed dispersal events may be reducing the probability of B. capitata seeds reaching suitable habitats for successful seedling recruitment and growth. Because of that (1) seedlings face high levels of early mortality; (2) there is no sapling recruitment at the study site; and (3) local population faces senility and it is threatened by local extinction.

Seed shadow, seedling recruitment, and spatial distribution of Buchenavia capitata (Combretaceae) in a fragment of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest / Sombra de sementes, recrutamento de plântulas e distribuição espacial de Buchenavia capitata em um fragmento da Floresta Atlântica Brasileira

Here we describe the seed shadow, seedling recruitment, ontogenetic structure and spatial distribution of Buchenavia capitata (an emergent canopy tree) in a 380-ha fragment of the Atlantic forest in northeast Brazil. In particular, we examine seed distribution around 10 parental trees and both seedling recruitment and mortality, during an 18 month period beneath and around parental trees. Moreover, we describe: (1) B. capitata occurrence within treefall gaps; (2) population structure in terms of ontogenetic stages for the whole site; and (3) spatial distribution of adults within an area of 51 hectares. 99 percent of seeds were found beneath parent crowns (n = 4,236) and seed density reached 14.6 ± 29.9 seeds/m² (0-140 seeds/m²). 49 percent of all seeds germinated but seedling mortality reached 100 percent after an 18 month period. In addition, saplings of B. capitata were not found in forest understory and within 30 treefall gaps (94-2,350 m²). The adults showed an average DBH of 69.3 ± 22.1 cm, were 19.2 ± 2.9 m tall and presented a clumped spatial distribution. B. capitata matched some of the features presented by shade intolerant trees or large-gap specialists, and we hypothesize that low rates or even lack of long distance seed dispersal events may be reducing the probability of B. capitata seeds reaching suitable habitats for successful seedling recruitment and growth. Because of that (1) seedlings face high levels of early mortality; (2) there is no sapling recruitment at the study site; and (3) local population faces senility and it is threatened by local extinction.

Neste estudo, são descritas a sombra de sementes, o recrutamento de plântulas, a estrutura ontogenética e a distribuição espacial de Buchenavia capitata (árvore emergente) em um fragmento de 380 ha da floresta Atlântica do Nordeste do Brasil. Particularmente, são examinadas a distribuição de sementes de 10 árvores e o recrutamento e a mortalidade de plântulas durante 18 meses, tanto embaixo quanto em volta dos adultos. Além disso, descrevem-se: (1) a ocorrência de B. capitata em 30 clareiras; (2) a estrutura populacional em termos de estágios ontogenéticos para toda a área; e (3) a distribuição espacial dos adultos dentro de uma área de 51 hectares. Noventa e nove por cento das sementes foram encontradas embaixo das copas das matrizes (n = 4236) e a densidade de sementes alcançou 14,6 ± 29,9 sementes/m² (0-140 sementes/m²). Quarenta e nove por cento de todas as sementes germinaram, mas a mortalidade de plântulas atingiu 100 por cento após 18 meses. Além disso, jovens de B. capitata não foram encontrados no sub-bosque e em 30 clareiras (94-2350 m²). Os adultos mostraram um DAP médio de 69,3 ± 22,1 cm, 19,2 ± 2,9 m de altura e apresentaram uma distribuição espacial agregada. B. capitata apresenta características comuns às árvores intolerantes à sombra ou especialistas de grandes clareiras. Baixas taxas, ou mesmo a ausência, de dispersão de sementes a longa distância podem estar reduzindo a probabilidade de sementes de B. capitata alcançarem hábitats adequados ao recrutamento e ao desenvolvimento das plântulas. Por causa disto (1) as plântulas enfrentam altos níveis de mortalidade; (2) não tem ocorrido recrutamento de jovens; e (3) a população é senil e está ameaçada de extinção local.

Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and soil phosphorus level on expression of protein and activity of peroxidase on passion fruit roots

The effects of mycorrhizal inoculation and increasing soil P levels on the expression of total proteins and peroxidase activity on passion fruit roots were evaluated. The experimental design was entirely at random, with four treatments of inoculation (a - control; b - Gigaspora albida; c - Scutellospora heterogama; d - mixture of G. albida, G. margarita, S. heterogama, and Glomus clarum) Ãù three levels of soil P (4, 11, and 30 mg/dm of soil), each with three replicates. Plants were harvested 70 days after inoculation, when root colonization, shoot P level, protein content, and enzymatic activity of peroxidase (PAGE - 7 percent) on root extract were evaluated. Regarding protein, there was no significant difference among the treatments, except between those roots receiving mixed inoculum and 11 mg P/dm of soil. Effect of P on protein concentration, when compared with the inoculation effect was observed. For peroxidase, there was an eletrophoretic band common to all treatments (rf: 0.43) and another that was absent only in noncolonized plants, grown in soil with lower P (rf: 0.46). Mycorrhizal specific bands were not present but a small decrease of intensity of bands in noncolonized plants was observed. Conversely, the control roots presented a single band (rf: 0.33) not observed in the other extracts, that may demonstrate an inhibitory effect of AMF on some host activities. The data showed the influence of P level in soil on the protein expression of roots, suggesting the influence of this nutrient on root genetic expression as well as on the mechanisms of symbiotic control/recognition

Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and soil phosphorus level on expression of protein and activity of peroxidase on passion fruit roots.

The effects of mycorrhizal inoculation and increasing soil P levels on the expression of total proteins and peroxidase activity on passion fruit roots were evaluated. The experimental design was entirely at random, with four treatments of inoculation (a--control; b--Gigaspora albida; c--Scutellospora heterogama; d--mixture of G. albida, G. margarita, S. heterogama, and Glomus clarum) x three levels of soil P (4, 11, and 30 mg/dm3 of soil), each with three replicates. Plants were harvested 70 days after inoculation, when root colonization, shoot P level, protein content, and enzymatic activity of peroxidase (PAGE--7%) on root extract were evaluated. Regarding protein, there was no significant difference among the treatments, except between those roots receiving mixed inoculum and 11 mg P/dm3 of soil. Effect of P on protein concentration, when compared with the inoculation effect was observed. For peroxidase, there was an eletrophoretic band common to all treatments (rf: 0.43) and another that was absent only in noncolonized plants, grown in soil with lower P (rf: 0.46). Mycorrhizal specific bands were not present but a small decrease of intensity of bands in noncolonized plants was observed. Conversely, the control roots presented a single band (rf: 0.33) not observed in the other extracts, that may demonstrate an inhibitory effect of AMF on some host activities. The data showed the influence of P level in soil on the protein expression of roots, suggesting the influence of this nutrient on root genetic expression as well as on the mechanisms of symbiotic control/recognition.

Laser trabeculodissection with a photopolishing scanning excimer laser.

A phase I study of nonpenetrating trabeculectomy (Zimmerman procedure) using a scanning excimer laser system was conducted to evaluate the ability of this laser system to achieve the deep dissection required to allow significant filtration without inadvertent penetration into the anterior chamber. A photopolishing, scanning 193 nm excimer laser system (LS 2000, LaserSight, Inc.) was used with a proprietary fluence, spot size, scanning pattern, and ablation shape to perform a trabeculodissection under a scleral flap with a limbal-based conjunctival flap in 8 cases of advanced glaucoma including 5 eyes that had a failed trabeculectomy. The laser trabeculodissection (LTD) was carried through Schlemm's canal and the juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork, achieving vigorous aqueous outflow. No peripheral iridectomy was done. The scleral flap was closed loosely with a 10-0 suture. Mitomycin-C was used intraoperatively. In no case did inadvertent penetration into the anterior chamber occur. No peripheral iridectomy was performed. No intraoperative hyphema occurred. There was no postoperative iritis except minimal anterior chamber reaction in 1 eye with preoperative rubeosis. Postoperatively, a good filtering bleb was achieved in all 8 eyes with substantial reduction in the intraocular pressure without topical antiglaucoma therapy. No cases of postoperative shallowing (overfiltration) occurred. Gonioscopy, postoperatively, revealed no new peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) to the filtration site and an intact inner trabecular meshwork. All eyes were followed for a minimum of 6 months. In this phase I study, laser trabeculodissection (LTD) with a 193 nm photopolishing, scanning system appears to be a promising alternative to full-thickness trabeculectomy, achieving significant filtration while perhaps avoiding much of the risk of filtration surgery. The laser system seemed to provide a more reliable, better-controlled dissection than a knife. The aqueous drainage seems to have acted as a self-regulating endpoint by absorbing UV energy, thus avoiding inadvertent penetration into the anterior chamber. More study is needed to establish the appropriate role of LTD in glaucoma therapy.

[Study of in vitro antimicrobial resistance of positive coprocultures to Shigella sp]. / Estudo da resistência antimicrobiana in vitro das coproculturas positivas para Shigella sp.

BACKGROUND: The gastroenteritis caused by Shigella sp (shigellosis) represents an important cause of morbimortality, especially in children under two years old. It is well known that the proper antimicrobial therapy can improve clinical state and diminish the disease dissemination. Increasing levels of resistance to drugs commonly used in the treatment of shigellosis have been described, and its sensibility has not been recently evaluated in our setting. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the Shigella antimicrobial resistance in our setting. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using 106 coprocultures of patients, hospitalized or not, who have been assisted at HCPA and at HPV, during the period of 1994 to 1996, with the sensibility test done through the Kirby-Bauer technique of diffusion discs. RESULTS: Out of the 106 coprocultures studied, 35 (33%) came from HPV and 71 (67%), from HCPA. Considering the species, 58.8% were S. flexneri, 39.6%, S. sonnei, 0.9%, S. disenteriae and 0.9%, S. boydii. The resistance levels to usually indicated antibiotics were: ampicillin -57.5%, trimethropim-sulfamethoxazol -75.5%, and nalidixic acid -7.5%. CONCLUSIONS: These results show significant (p<0.001) in vitro antimicrobial resistance to ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazol and low resistance to nalidixic acid among Shigella sp. Thus, nalidixic acid may be an option to treat infections caused by resistant organisms.

Prospective study of posterior capsule-zonular disruption during extracapsular cataract extraction: eliminating iatrogenic disruption.

We modified our surgical techniques after analyzing the mechanisms responsible for posterior capsule-zonular disruption with or without vitreous loss in 250 consecutive extracapsular cataract extraction cases. We applied the derived principles and prospectively studied the subsequent 1,500 cases. Modifications in our surgical protocol included the use of a Honan balloon for a longer interval (at least 60 minutes preoperatively) and more aggressive surgical expansion of poorly dilating pupils. Furthermore, complete YAG anterior capsulotomy performed after the retrobulbar block appeared to minimize zonular stress associated with mechanical anterior capsulotomy. We reduced the risk of posterior capsule-zonular disruption from 4.8% (2.4% vitreous loss) to zero, eliminating this complication completely in our last 1,000 cases.