Friedericia chica, a medicinal plant from the Amazon region, is repellent against Aedes aegypti: in vivo and molecular docking evidence.

Fridericia chica is widely distributed in Brazil, where it is commonly known as crajiru or pariri in several regions. Despite its popular use for treating inflammations and as an insect repellent, there has been limited assessment of its chemical and biological properties, including its bioinsecticide activities. In this study, we conducted phytochemical analyses and investigated the larvicidal and repellent effects of F. chica against the mosquito Aedes aegypti. The F. chica (HEFc) hydroalcoholic extract was partitioned using column chromatography, and subfractions were analyzed using chromatographic and spectroscopic analyses (ESI-IT-MSn and NMR). In addition, HEFc was evaluated for its larvicidal and repellent activities. Phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of 17 constituents, including 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic and p-coumaric acids, along with umbelliferone, acetovanilone, myricetin-3-O-glucuronide, and cis-isorhapontigenin, which are reported for the first time in this species. Although no larvicidal effect was observed at the doses tested, the HEFc exhibited promising repellent effects against A. aegypti, which aligns with its ethnopharmacological potential. In addition, molecular docking studies demonstrated that the compounds of HEFc interacted efficiently with insect odorant binding proteins (OBPs), providing repellent effects. Consistent with the chemical profile and in silico studies, preparations of F. chica have considerable repellent potential.

Gastroprotective role of a flavonoid-rich subfraction from Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L. G. Lohmann: a medicinal plant used in the Amazon region.

Fridericia chica is an Amazonian plant used to treat stomach disorders. However, the pharmacological activity of flavonoids in the extract has yet to be investigated. Therefore, we considered that a flavonoid-rich F. chica subfraction (FRS) has gastroprotective functions. For this, before the induction of gastric ulcers with ethanol or piroxicam, the rats received vehicle (water), omeprazole (30 mg/kg), or FRS (30 mg/kg), and the ulcer area was measured macro and microscopically, and the antisecretory action was investigated in pylorus-ligated rats. In addition, the roles of nitric oxide (NO) and nonprotein sulfhydryl compounds (NP-SH) in the gastroprotective effects of FRS were studied. FRS reduced ethanol- and piroxicam-induced ulcerations by 81% and 77%, respectively, as confirmed histologically. Antioxidant effects were observed for FRS through the maintenance of GSH and LPO levels, and the SOD and CAT activity similar to those found in the nonulcerated group. Moreover, FRS avoided the increase in MPO activity and TNF, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-10 levels. Moreover, mucin staining increased in ulcerated rats receiving FRS, and the pharmacological mechanism gastroprotective seems to involve the NO and NP-SH in addition to antisecretory actions. The chemical study by mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of flavonoids in FRS, and molecular docking studies have shown that these compounds interact with cyclooxygenase-1 and NO synthase. Furthermore, there was no indication that FRS had cytotoxic effects. Our results support the popular use of F. chica, and we conclude that the gastroprotection effect promoted by FRS can be attributed to the combined effect of the flavonoids.

Influence of steel slag content on the mechanical and hydraulic properties of compacted silt-bentonite mixtures.

The reuse of by-products has become increasingly important as a means of minimising the consumption of natural resources and reducing waste disposal. This study examines the potential reuse of steel slag for soil stabilisation, with benefits such as conserving natural resources and mitigating the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of conventional stabilising agents. It focuses on evaluating the effect of pozzolanic reactions on the strength and stiffness of both loess silt and silt-bentonite mixtures. The experimental tests included the physical characterisation of granular materials, reactivity tests of the pozzolanicity of soil mixtures, compaction tests, unconfined compression tests, and hydraulic conductivity tests. The impact of the curing period was also analysed to quantify the effects of natural cementation and the development of hydrogels within soil pores on the compacted soil properties. The findings suggest that adding steel slag can significantly increase the strength and the stiffness of compacted loess silts by over 300% and 500%, respectively, after 56 days of curing, substantially reducing the hydraulic conductivity of granular materials, such as the tested silt, as hydrogels partially occupy the pores available for liquid flow. It should be noted that the chemical reactions during hydrogel formation may hinder the free expansion of clay mixtures and release Ca2+ ions, thereby counteracting the expected reduction in hydraulic conductivity when bentonite is added to compacted earthen barriers.

Fresh Carrier for an Old Topical Local Anesthetic: Benzocaine in Nanostructured Lipid Carriers.

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) have emerged as innovative drug delivery systems, offering distinct advantages over other lipid-based carriers, such as liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles. Benzocaine (BZC), the oldest topical local anesthetic in use, undergoes metabolism by pseudocholinesterase, leading to the formation of p-aminobenzoic acid, a causative agent for allergic reactions associated with prolonged BZC usage. In order to mitigate adverse effects and enhance bioavailability, BZC was encapsulated within NLC. Utilizing a 23 factorial design, formulations comprising cetyl palmitate (solid lipid), propylene glycol monocaprylate (liquid lipid), and Pluronic F68 as surfactants were systematically prepared, with variations in the solid/liquid lipid mass ratios (60:40-80:20%), total lipid contents (15-25%), and BZC concentrations (1-3%). The optimized formulation underwent characterization by dynamic light scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, Raman imaging, X-ray diffraction, small-angle neutron scattering, nanotracking analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)/cryo-TEM, providing insights into the nanoparticle structure and the incorporation of BZC into its lipid matrix. NLCBZC exhibited a noteworthy encapsulation efficiency (%EE = 96%) and a 1 year stability when stored at 25 °C. In vitro kinetic studies and in vivo antinociceptive tests conducted in mice revealed that NLCBZC effectively sustained drug release for over 20 h and prolonged the anesthetic effect of BZC for up to 18 h. We therefore propose the use of NLCBZC to diminish the effective anesthetic concentration of benzocaine (from 20 to 3% or less), thus minimizing allergic reactions that follow the topical administration of this anesthetic and, potentially, paving the way for new routes of BZC administration in pain management.

In Vitro Effect of 9,9'-Norharmane Dimer against Herpes Simplex Viruses.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are highly widespread among humans, producing symptoms ranging from ulcerative lesions to severe diseases such as blindness and life-threatening encephalitis. At present, there are no vaccines available, and some existing antiviral treatments can be ineffective or lead to adverse effects. As a result, there is a need for new anti-HSV drugs. In this report, the in vitro anti-HSV effect of 9,9'-norharmane dimer (nHo-dimer), which belongs to the ß-carboline (ßC) alkaloid family, was evaluated. The dimer exhibited no virucidal properties and did not impede either the attachment or penetration steps of viral particles. The antiviral effect was only exerted under the constant presence of the dimer in the incubation media, and the mechanism of action was found to involve later events of virus infection. Analysis of fluorescence lifetime imaging data showed that the nHo-dimer internalized well into the cells when present in the extracellular incubation medium, with a preferential accumulation into perinuclear organelles including mitochondria. After washing the host cells with fresh medium free of nHo-dimer, the signal decreased, suggesting the partial release of the compound from the cells. This agrees with the observation that the antiviral effect is solely manifested when the alkaloid is consistently present in the incubation media.

100% Orange Juice Consumption is Associated with Socioeconomic Status, Improved Nutrient Adequacy, and Higher Bioactive Compounds Intake: Results from Brazilian National Dietary Survey 2017-2018.

OBJECTIVE: The consumption of 100% orange juice (OJ) has been associated with nutrient adequacy and better diet quality. To date, there are few analyses exploring 100% OJ consumption patterns across populations, with no data from Brazil. We aimed to explore the associations between 100% OJ consumption, sociodemographic factors, and nutrient intake in a representative sample of the Brazilian general population aged 10 years or older. METHODS: Data were obtained from the National Dietary Survey 2017-2018, a cross-sectional study including data on individual food intake of 46,164 subjects aged ≥10 years collected using two 24-h dietary recalls. RESULTS: 100% OJ was consumed by 11% of the population, with a mean intake of 43.0 ml/d. Males were more frequent consumers compared to females, and the percentage of consumers increased with education and income. 100% OJ consumption was associated with higher intakes of energy, vitamin C, folate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, polyphenols, and carotenoids. There is no significant difference in fiber intake between consumers and non-consumers. 100% OJ consumers had a higher percentage of the population meeting the Estimated Average Requirement for vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, folate, calcium, and magnesium. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that 100% OJ could be a component of a healthy diet, helping individuals to achieve nutrient recommendations.

Exploring potooxidative degradation pathways of harmol and harmalol alkaloids in water: effects of pH, excitation sources and atmospheric conditions.

This work explores the photochemical degradation of cationic species of 7-hydroxy-1-methyl-2H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole or harmol (1C) and the corresponding partially hydrogenated derivative 7-hydroxy-1-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole or harmalol (2C) in aqueous solution. UV-visible absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopy coupled with multivariate data analysis (MCR-ALS and PARAFAC), HPLC and HRESI-MS techniques were used for both quantitative and qualitative analysis. The formation of hydrogen peroxide reactive oxygen species (ROS) was quantified, and the influence of pH, oxygen partial pressure and photoexcitation source on the photochemical degradation of both compounds was assessed. The potential implications on the biosynthesis of ßCs and their biological role in living systems are discussed.

Triclabendazole efficacy, prevalence, and re-infection of Fasciola hepatica in bovine and ovine naturally infected in the Andes of Ecuador.

Fasciola spp., infections are distributed worldwide including the Andes region of Ecuador, affecting cattle, sheep, porcine, humans, and other herbivores. Triclabendazole (TCBZ) is commonly used to treat animal infections. However, prospective studies on TCBZ efficacy and fascioliosis prevalence have not been studied in the highlands of Ecuador. This study was performed in a rural community at central of the Ecuadorian Andes in freely roaming bovine and ovine aimed to 1) evaluate the efficacy of TCBZ by administering a single oral dose of 12 mg/kg body weight, 2) assess the prevalence of F. hepatica infection and 3) to monitor re-infections for a follow-up period of five months. In total, 122, 86, 111, 110, 89, and 90 and 49, 34, 47, 28, 27, and 31 stool samples were collected each month from bovines and ovine, respectively. Besides, 32 stool samples from porcine were also collected at the beginning of the study. Stools were microscopically analyzed by formalin-ether concentration method to detect F. hepatica ova. The prevalence of F. hepatica infections before treatment was 55,7% and 63,3% for bovine and ovine, respectively. The infection prevalence was of 22% in porcine. The efficacity of triclabendazole was 83% and 97% in bovines and ovine, respectively, at 30 days post-treatment. The re-infection reaches to 54,4% in bovines and 61,3% in ovine after five months. TCBZ had a high efficacy and could be used for bovines and ovine Fasciola infections in the study region; however, re-infections reach the initial prevalence after five months. Therefore, we recommend integrated control strategies, including chemotherapy with a single oral dose of TCBZ, vector control, and future drug resistance studies.

Distribution of photoactive ß-carboline alkaloids across Passiflora caerulea floral organs.

This study reports valuable information regarding the presence and concentration of a series of photoactive ß-carboline (ßCs) alkaloids (norharmane, harmane, harmine, harmol, harmaline, and harmalol) and their distribution across the floral age and organs of Passiflora caerulea. UHPLC-MS/MS data reported herein reveal that the ßCs' content ranged from 1 to 110 µg kg-1 , depending on the floral organ and age. In certain physiologically relevant organs, such as anthers, ßCs' content was one order of magnitude higher than in other organs, suggesting a special role for ßCs in this specific organ. ßCs' content also varied in a structure-dependent manner. Alkaloids bearing a hydroxyl group at position C(7) of the main ßC ring were present at concentrations one order of magnitude higher than other ßC derivatives investigated. UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy of the flower extracts provided complementary information regarding other biologically relevant groups of chromophores (phenolic/indolic derivatives, flavonoids/carotenes, and chlorophylls). Since flowers are constantly exposed to solar radiation, the presence of photoactive ßCs in floral organs may have several (photo)biological implications that are further discussed.

Trasplante cardíaco y autólogo de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas en pacientes con amiloidosis AL / Cardiac and autologous stem cell transplantation hematopoietic in patients with AL amyloidosis

Resumen Objetivo: Describir la evolución de las cadenas livianas libres séricas (CLL) en el período comprendido entre el trasplante cardíaco ortotópico (TCO) y el trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas (TCPH), la respuesta hematológica al año tras el TCPH y el tratamiento quimioterápico e inmunosupresor en pacientes con amiloidosis AL. Método: Serie de casos de pacientes consecutivos con diagnóstico de amiloidosis AL que recibieron TCO seguido de TCPH del Registro Institucional de Amiloidosis del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, entre enero de 2010 y noviembre de 2021. Se reportaron los valores de CLL entre trasplantes y al año del TCPH. Las variables cuantitativas se describieron como mediana e intervalo intercuartil, y las variables categóricas como frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Resultados: De 106 pacientes con amiloidosis AL, seis tuvieron TCO seguido de TCPH. La mediana de edad fue de 55 años. La mayoría eran hombres (n = 5). En el período entre trasplantes, la CLL involucrada disminuyó en dos pacientes y se mantuvo estable en tres. Todos lograron la remisión hematológica completa al año del TCPH. Un solo paciente presentó recaída en el órgano sólido trasplantado. Tacrolimus, micofenolato de mofetilo y corticoides fue el esquema inmunosupresor utilizado después del TCO. Conclusiones: El TCO representa una opción de tratamiento en pacientes con falla cardíaca grave por amiloidosis, permitiendo luego un tratamiento intensivo con quimioterapia de inducción y TCPH. Si bien faltan estudios, la terapia inmunosupresora después del TCO podría tener algún efecto sobre las células plasmáticas clonales.

Abstract Objective: To describe the evolution of serum free light chains (FLC) in the period between orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), the hematological response one year after ASCT and chemotherapy and immunosuppressive treatment in patients with AL amyloidosis. Method: Case series of consecutive patients diagnosed with AL amyloidosis who received OHT followed by ASCT from the Institutional Registry of Amyloidosis of the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, between January 2010 and November 2021. FLC values between transplants and at year post ASCT. Quantitative variables were described with their median and interquartile range. Categorical variables as absolute and relative frequencies. Results: Of 106 patients with AL amyloidosis, 6 had an OHT followed by ASCT. The median age was 55 years. Most were men (n = 5). In the period between transplants, the involved CLL decreased in two patients and remained stable in three. All achieved complete hematologic remission 1 year after ASCT. A single patient presented relapse in the transplanted solid organ. Tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids were the immunosuppressive regimen used after OHT. Conclusions: OHT represents a treatment option in patients with severe heart failure due to amyloidosis, allowing later intensive treatment with induction chemotherapy and ASCT. Although studies are lacking, immunosuppressive therapy after OHT might have some effect on clonal plasma cells.

Cardiac and autologous stem cell transplantation hematopoietic in patients with AL amyloidosis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the evolution of serum free light chains (FLC) in the period between orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), the hematological response one year after ASCT and chemotherapy and immunosuppressive treatment in patients with AL amyloidosis. METHOD: Case series of consecutive patients diagnosed with AL amyloidosis who received OHT followed by ASCT from the Institutional Registry of Amyloidosis of the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, between January 2010 and November 2021. FLC values between transplants and at year post ASCT. Quantitative variables were described with their median and interquartile range. Categorical variables as absolute and relative frequencies. RESULTS: Of 106 patients with AL amyloidosis, 6 had an OHT followed by ASCT. The median age was 55 years. Most were men (n = 5). In the period between transplants, the involved CLL decreased in two patients and remained stable in three. All achieved complete hematologic remission 1 year after ASCT. A single patient presented relapse in the transplanted solid organ. Tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids were the immunosuppressive regimen used after OHT. CONCLUSIONS: OHT represents a treatment option in patients with severe heart failure due to amyloidosis, allowing later intensive treatment with induction chemotherapy and ASCT. Although studies are lacking, immunosuppressive therapy after OHT might have some effect on clonal plasma cells.

OBJETIVO: Describir la evolución de las cadenas livianas libres séricas (CLL) en el período comprendido entre el trasplante cardíaco ortotópico (TCO) y el trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas (TCPH), la respuesta hematológica al año tras el TCPH y el tratamiento quimioterápico e inmunosupresor en pacientes con amiloidosis AL. MÉTODO: Serie de casos de pacientes consecutivos con diagnóstico de amiloidosis AL que recibieron TCO seguido de TCPH del Registro Institucional de Amiloidosis del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, entre enero de 2010 y noviembre de 2021. Se reportaron los valores de CLL entre trasplantes y al año del TCPH. Las variables cuantitativas se describieron como mediana e intervalo intercuartil, y las variables categóricas como frecuencias absolutas y relativas. RESULTADOS: De 106 pacientes con amiloidosis AL, seis tuvieron TCO seguido de TCPH. La mediana de edad fue de 55 años. La mayoría eran hombres (n = 5). En el período entre trasplantes, la CLL involucrada disminuyó en dos pacientes y se mantuvo estable en tres. Todos lograron la remisión hematológica completa al año del TCPH. Un solo paciente presentó recaída en el órgano sólido trasplantado. Tacrolimus, micofenolato de mofetilo y corticoides fue el esquema inmunosupresor utilizado después del TCO. CONCLUSIONES: El TCO representa una opción de tratamiento en pacientes con falla cardíaca grave por amiloidosis, permitiendo luego un tratamiento intensivo con quimioterapia de inducción y TCPH. Si bien faltan estudios, la terapia inmunosupresora después del TCO podría tener algún efecto sobre las células plasmáticas clonales.

Bioactive compounds intake in the Brazilian population: Trends and determinants of socioeconomic inequalities between 2008 and 2018.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims at evaluating trends and determinants of socioeconomic inequalities in consumption of bioactive compounds in representative sample of the Brazilian population the period from 2008-2009 to 2017-2018. METHODS: Data from two cross-sectional population-based surveys were analyzed in the study, using descriptive analysis and estimation of inequalities in consumption. Trends in polyphenol and carotenoid intake were estimated using food consumption data from National Dietary Survey (NDS) 2008-2009 (n = 34,003) and 2017-2018 (n = 46,164). Evolution and determinants of inequalities in bioactive compounds intake were identified using analysis of inequality based on concentration index. RESULTS: Consumption of total polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonoids and carotenoid classes (except for zeaxanthin) was significantly associated with per capita income after adjustment for potential confounders, being higher income associated with higher intake of bioactive compounds. Disaggregation of inequalities showed that education was the main factor associated with consumption of flavonoids, other polyphenols and ß-cryptoxanthin in 2008-2009; whilst income was the main barrier to intake of polyphenols and carotenoids in 2017-2018. CONCLUSION: Income level and educational attainment have been important determinants to inequalities in bioactive compounds intake in the Brazilian population throughout the period of analysis, being higher intake of bioactive compounds-rich foods and beverages associated with higher income.

Two synthetic steroid analogs reduce human respiratory syncytial virus replication and the immune response to infection both in vitro and in vivo.

HRSV is responsible for many acute lower airway infections and hospitalizations in infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems around the world. The strong inflammatory response that mediates viral clearance contributes to pathogenesis, and is positively correlated with disease severity. There is no specific effective therapy on hand. Antiviral synthetic stigmastanes (22S, 23S)-22,23-dihydroxystigmast-4-en-3-one (Compound 1) and 22,23-dihydroxystigmasta-1,4-dien-3-one (Compound 2) have shown to be active inhibiting unrelated virus like Herpes Simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1) and Adenovirus, without cytotoxicity. We have also shown that Compound 1 modulates the activation of cell signaling pathways and cytokine secretion in infected epithelial cells as well as in inflammatory cells activated by nonviral stimuli. In the present work, we investigated the inhibitory effect of both compounds on HRSV replication and their modulatory effect on infected epithelial and inflammatory cells. We show that compounds 1 and 2 inhibit in vitro HRSV replication and propagation and reduce cytokine secretion triggered by HRSV infection in epithelial and inflammatory cells. The compounds reduce viral loads and inflammatory infiltration in the lungs of mice infected with HRSV.

Bioactive Compounds Intake of the Brazilian Population According to Geographic Region.

Studies have been conducted in order to estimate bioactive compound consumption across populations, with substantial disparities according to the origin of the cohort examined. In this sense, Brazil is a continental country with marked differences in food plant availability across geographic regions. We aimed to estimate the bioactive compound intake according to Brazilian geographic region, as well as to determine the major contributors. Data were obtained from the National Dietary Survey 2017-2018, a cross-sectional population-based study including data on the individual food intake of 46,164 subjects aged ≥10 years. The consumption of polyphenols (total and classes) was significantly higher in the South compared with other regions (p = 0.0001). Total carotenoid intake was higher in the Midwest, followed by the Southeast (p = 0.0001). Tea was the main supplier of total polyphenol intake in the South, whereas coffee contributed the most to total polyphenol intake in other Brazilian regions. Açaí, caja juice, mango and corn were important suppliers of carotenoid intake in the North and Northeast. Bioactive compound intake presented variations according to Brazilian region, and individuals living in the South, Midwest and Southeast may experience higher bioactive-dense diets. We highlight the potential of many food plants for sustained explorations to the development of marketable products, possibly increasing the bioactive compound intake.

Genome transfer technique for bovine embryo production using the metaphase plate and polar body.

Despite many studies in humans and mice using genome transfer (GT), there are few reports using this technique in oocytes of wild or domestic animals. Therefore, we aimed to establish a GT technique in bovine oocytes using the metaphase plate (MP) and polar body (PB) as the sources of genetic material. In the first experiment, GT was established using MP (GT-MP), and a sperm concentration of 1 × 106 or 0.5 × 106 spermatozoa/ml gave similar fertilization rates. The cleavage rate (50%) and blastocyst rate (13.6%) in the GT-MP group was lower than that of the in vitro production control group (80.2% and 32.6%, respectively). The second experiment evaluated the same parameters using PB instead of MP; the GT-PB group had lower fertilization (82.3% vs. 96.2%) and blastocyst (7.7% vs. 36.8%) rates than the control group. No differences in the amount of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were observed between groups. Finally, GT-MP was performed using vitrified oocytes (GT-MPV) as a source of genetic material. The cleavage rate of the GT-MPV group (68.4%) was similar to that of the vitrified oocytes (VIT) control group (70.0%) and to that of the control IVP group (81.25%, P < 0.05). The blastocyst rate of GT-MPV (15.7) did not differ neither from the VIT control group (5.0%) nor from the IVP control group (35.7%). The results suggested that the structures reconstructed by the GT-MPV and GT-PB technique develop in embryos even if vitrified oocytes are used.

Photosensitizing properties and subcellular localisation of 3,4-dihydro-ß-carbolines harmaline and harmalol.

Harmaline (1) and harmalol (2) represent two 3,4-dihydro-ß-carboline (DHßCs) most frequently reported in a vast number of living systems. Fundamental aspects including the photosensitizing properties, cellular uptake, as well as the cyto- and phototoxicity of 1 and 2 were investigated herein. The molecular basis underlying the investigated processes are elucidated. Data reveal that both alkaloids show a distinctive pattern of extracellular DNA photodamage. Compound 1 induces a DNA photodamage profile dominated by oxidised purines and sites of base loss (AP sites), whereas 2 mostly induces single-strand breaks (SSBs) in addition to a small extent of purine oxidative damage. In both cases, DNA oxidative damage would occur through type I mechanism. In addition, a concerted hydrolytic attack is suggested as an extra mechanism accounting for the SSBs formation photoinduced by 2. Subcellular internalisation, cyto- and phototoxicity of 1 and 2 and the corresponding full-aromatic derivatives harmine (3) and harmol (4) also showed quite distinctive patterns in a structure-dependent manner. These results are discussed in the framework of the potential biological, biomedical and/or pharmacological roles reported for these alkaloids. The subtle structural difference (i.e., the exchange of a methoxy group for a hydroxyl substituent at C(7)) between harmaline and harmalol, gives rise to distinctive photosensitizing and subcellular localisation patterns.

Estimated polyphenol intake and major food sources of the Brazilian population: changes between 2008-2009 and 2017-2018.

Assessing the dietary intake of polyphenols and their major food sources is the first step towards documenting the associations with health outcomes. Considering recent changes in dietary patterns of the Brazilian population, continuous monitoring of polyphenol intake is important. Thus, the present study was conducted to estimate the polyphenol intake and major food sources in the diet of the Brazilian population using data from the most recent National Dietary Survey (NDS, 2017-2018), to characterise the intake changes according to demographic characteristics and to compare the intake over the past decade in Brazil. Data from two cross-sectional population-based surveys were analyzed in the study. Trends in polyphenol intake and major food sources were estimated using food consumption data from NDS 2008-2009 (n 34 003) and 2017-2018 (n 46 164). The median (25-75th percentiles) of energy-adjusted polyphenol intake in 2017-2018 was 216·3 mg (125·3-495·2 mg) per 1000 kcal/d (4184 kJ/d), representing an increase of 12·3 mg/d from 2008-2009. However, unadjusted polyphenol intakes were similar between the surveys (medians: 364·3 mg/d in 2008-2009 and 366·9 mg/d in 2017-2018). The main food sources of total and polyphenol intake classes presented some variations between 2008-2009 and 2017-2018, with greater contribution of beans preparations, salads and tea to polyphenol intake, and decrease of orange contribution. Our study provided an updated information on polyphenol intake and its major food sources. The median intake remains lower than the reported by other populations. Furthermore, the results may contribute to future studies investigating temporal trends in polyphenol intake and disease risk.

Genome-wide association study for resistance in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) races in Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Wheat stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most devastating diseases of the wheat crop. It causes significant reductions in both grain yield and grain quality. In recent years, new and more virulent races have overcome many of the known resistance genes in Argentinian germplasm. In order to identify loci conferring resistance to the local races of Pst for effective utilization in future breeding programs, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using a collection of 245 bread wheat lines genotyped with 90 K SNPs. RESULTS: To search for adult plant resistance (APR) the panel was evaluated for disease severity (DS) and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) in field trials during two years under natural infection conditions. To look for seedling or all-stage resistance (ASR) the panel was evaluated to determine infection type (IT) under greenhouse conditions against two prevalent races in Argentina. The phenotypic data showed that the panel possessed enough genetic variability for searching for sources of resistance to Pst. Significant correlations between years were observed for Pst response in the field and high heritability values were found for DS (H2 = 0.89) and AUDPC (H2 = 0.93). Based on GWAS, eight markers associated with Pst resistance (FDR < 0.01) were identified, of these, five were associated with ASR (on chromosomes 1B, 2A, 3A and 5B) and three with APR (on chromosomes 3B and 7A). These markers explained between 2% and 32.62% of the phenotypic variation. Five of the markers corresponded with previously reported Yr genes/QTL, while the other three (QYr.Bce.1B.sd.1, QYr.Bce.3A.sd and QYr.Bce.3B.APR.2) might be novel resistance loci. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed high genetic variation for resistance to Argentinian stripe rust races in the germplasm used here. It constitutes a very promising step towards the improvement of Pst resistance of bread wheat in Argentina. Also, the identification of new resistance loci would represent a substantial advance for diversifying the current set of resistance genes and to advance in the improvement of the durable resistance to the disease.