The Stilbene Synthase Family in Arachis: A Genome-Wide Study and Functional Characterization in Response to Stress.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and its wild relatives are among the few species that naturally synthesize resveratrol, a well-known stilbenoid phytoalexin that plays a crucial role in plant defense against biotic and abiotic stresses. Resveratrol has received considerable attention due to its health benefits, such as preventing and treating various human diseases and disorders. Chalcone (CHS) and Stilbene (STS) Synthases are plant-specific type III Polyketide Synthases (PKSs) that share the same substrates and are key branch enzymes in the biosynthesis of flavonoids and stilbenoids, respectively. Although resveratrol accumulation in response to external stimulus has been described in peanut, there are no comprehensive studies of the CHS and STS gene families in the genus Arachis. In the present study, we identified and characterized 6 CHS and 46 STS genes in the tetraploid peanut and an average of 4 CHS and 22 STS genes in three diploid wild species (Arachis duranensis, Arachis ipaënsis and Arachis stenosperma). The CHS and STS gene and protein structures, chromosomal distributions, phylogenetic relationships, conserved amino acid domains, and cis-acting elements in the promoter regions were described for all Arachis species studied. Based on gene expression patterns of wild A. stenosperma STS genes in response to different biotic and abiotic stresses, we selected the candidate AsSTS4 gene, which is strongly induced by ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, for further functional investigation. The AsSTS4 overexpression in peanut hairy roots significantly reduced (47%) root-knot nematode infection, confirming that stilbene synthesis activation in transgenic plants can increase resistance to pathogens. These findings contribute to understanding the role of resveratrol in stress responses in Arachis species and provide the basis for genetic engineering for improved production of valuable secondary metabolites in plants.

Engineering Resistance against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Using a Truncated NLR (TNx) and a Defense-Priming Gene.

The association of both cell-surface PRRs (Pattern Recognition Receptors) and intracellular receptor NLRs (Nucleotide-Binding Leucine-Rich Repeat) in engineered plants have the potential to activate strong defenses against a broad range of pathogens. Here, we describe the identification, characterization, and in planta functional analysis of a novel truncated NLR (TNx) gene from the wild species Arachis stenosperma (AsTIR19), with a protein structure lacking the C-terminal LRR (Leucine Rich Repeat) domain involved in pathogen perception. Overexpression of AsTIR19 in tobacco plants led to a significant reduction in infection caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, with a further reduction in pyramid lines containing an expansin-like B gene (AdEXLB8) potentially involved in defense priming. Transcription analysis of tobacco transgenic lines revealed induction of hormone defense pathways (SA; JA-ET) and PRs (Pathogenesis-Related proteins) production. The strong upregulation of the respiratory burst oxidase homolog D (RbohD) gene in the pyramid lines suggests its central role in mediating immune responses in plants co-expressing the two transgenes, with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production enhanced by AdEXLB8 cues leading to stronger defense response. Here, we demonstrate that the association of potential priming elicitors and truncated NLRs can produce a synergistic effect on fungal resistance, constituting a promising strategy for improved, non-specific resistance to plant pathogens.

Psychological effect of acute creatine pre-workout supplementation induces performance improvement in resistance exercise.

The purpose of this study was to test whether believed versus actual acute creatine ingestion impacted resistance exercise performance. Fifteen men (21.9 ± 2.7 years old) completed four bouts of three sets each of squat and bench press to volitional fatigue at a 10RM load with 1-min between-sets rest interval. Thirty minutes prior to each exercise bout, they received the following treatments in a randomized order: 1) nothing (CON); 2) 0.3 g·kg-1 dextrose placebo (PLC); 3) 0.3 g·kg-1 dextrose, identified as creatine (Cr-False); 4) 0.3 g·kg 20 -1 creatine, identified as creatine (CrTrue). Between-treatments comparisons included the total repetitions completed and the rate of perceived exertion. Results revealed (p < 0.05) higher repetitions performed for all treatments versus CON for both squat and bench press. In the squat, more repetitions were performed with Cr-True (p < 0.001) and CrFalse (p < 0.001) than with either CON or PLC. Bayes Factor analyses revealed strong (PLC to Cr-True BF = 19.1) and very strong (PLC to CrFalse BF = 45.3) posterior probability favouring positive effects for both "creatine" conditions over PLC for the squat. In conclusion, in acute measures, belief versus ingestion of creatine yields similar exercise performance.

Epidemiological aspects of visceral leishmaniasis in the municipality of Montes Claros-MG

Visceralleishmaniasis (VL), also known as 'calazar', is a serious chronic disease caused by Leishmania species from Leishmania(Leishmania) donovanicomplex, which the disease is characterized by abdominal swelling (hepatosplenomegaly) and may evolve to death in extreme cases.In this sense, the aim of our study was to assess the epidemiological profile of the cases found in Montes Claros (Minas Gerais state).A retrospective or cross-sectional study was carried out using secondary data provided by Health Information System (SINAN/HM) of Brazil from January 2010 to February 2020. Our data has shown that VL is an endemic disease in Montes Claros region, with 413 VL cases reported, 62.00% (252) male, average age ± standard deviation (years), and 93.46% (386) lived inMontes Claros city. The presence of comorbidities was observed in 13.70% (54) of the patients and in 7.26% (30). As for the evolution of the disease, 246 (59.56%) were cured, 30 (7.26%) died due to VL. Between 2010 and 2015, Glucantime®stands out, in which 46 (11.13%) patients used the drug, followed by common Amphotericin B 24 (13.48%) and liposomal Amphotericin B 38 (21.34%). In the period between 2016 and 2020, the most prevalent drug was liposomal Amphotericin B, with 71 (29.83%) patients using it, followed by Glucantime®45 (18.9%). The condition evolved to death. We conclude thatMontes Claros is still an endemic area for VL with an increased number of cases over time and a noticeable shift in patient profile towards children and young people. Joint efforts from different areas of scientific knowledge and public health services are needed to improve the effectiveness of visceral leishmaniasis surveillance and control actions. The population can contribute to this process of disease prevention and control, through educational actions in health and the environment.

Wet-spinning of magneto-responsive helical chitosan microfibers.

Helical structures can be found in nature at various length scales ranging from the molecular level to the macroscale. Due to their ability to store mechanical energy and to optimize the accessible surface area, helical shapes contribute particularly to motion-driven processes and structural reinforcement. Due to these special features, helical fibers have become highly attractive for biotechnological and tissue engineering applications. However, there are only a few methods available for the production of biocompatible helical microfibers. Given that, we present here a simple technique for the fabrication of helical chitosan microfibers with embedded magnetic nanoparticles. Composite fibers were prepared by wet-spinning and coagulation in an ethanol bath. Thereby, no toxic components were introduced into the wet-spun chitosan fibers. After drying, the helical fibers had a diameter of approximately 130 µm. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of wet-spun helices revealed that the magnetic nanoparticles agglomerated into clusters inside the fiber matrix. The helical constructs exhibited a diameter of approximately 500 µm with one to two windings per millimeter. Due to their ferromagnetic properties they are easily attracted to a permanent magnet. The results from the tensile testing show that the helical chitosan microfibers exhibited an average Young's modulus of 14 MPa. By taking advantage of the magnetic properties of the feedstock solution, the production of the helical fibers could be automated. The fabrication of the helical fibers was achieved by utilizing the magnetic properties of the feedstock solution and winding the emerging fiber around a rotating magnetic collector needle upon coagulation. In summary, our helical chitosan microfibers are very attractive for future use in magnetic tissue engineering or for the development of biocompatible actuator systems.

Regular changes in foot strike pattern during prolonged downhill running do not influence neuromuscular, energetics, or biomechanical parameters.

Research has suggested that a high variability in foot strike pattern during downhill running is associated with lower neuromuscular fatigue of the plantar flexors (PF). Given the popularity of trail running, we designed an intervention study to investigate whether a strategy with regular changes in foot strike pattern during downhill running could reduce the extent of fatigue on neuromuscular, energetics and biomechanical parameters as well as increase an uphill time-to-exhaustion trial (TTE) performance. Fourteen experienced trail runners completed two interventional conditions (separated by 15 days) in a pseudo-randomised and counter-balanced order that consisted of 2.5-h of treadmill graded running with (switch condition) or without (control condition) a change between fore- and rear-foot strike pattern every 30 s during the downhill sections. Pre and Post, neuromuscular tests were performed to assess PF central and peripheral fatigue. Energy cost of running was assessed using an indirect calorimetry system and biomechanical gait parameters were acquired with an instrumented treadmill. TTE was performed after both the graded running conditions. There were not significant condition × time interactions (p ≥ .085) for any of the variables considered, and TTE was not different between the two conditions (p = .755). A deliberate strategy to alternate between foot strike patterns did not reduce the extent of fatigue during prolonged graded running. We suggest that it is not the ability to switch between foot strike patterns that minimises fatigue; rather the ability to adapt foot strike pattern to the terrain and therefore a better running technique.

Análise do perfil de atendimentos por osteomielite em pacientes acima de 60 anos em regiões brasileiras / Analysis of the profile of osteomyelitis care in patients over 60 years of age in Brazilian regions

Objetivo: Realizar uma análise estatística das internações de pacientes idosos com osteomielite, por região brasileira. Métodos: Foram pesquisadas informações de saúde disponíveis na plataforma do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS), avaliando-se, de 2012 a 2016, as variáveis: internações por osteomielite (M86 do CID-10), faixa etária acima de 60 anos, sexo e etnia. Resultados: De 78.967 pacientes internados por osteomielite no Brasil, 16.736 (21,19%) eram idosos, com a Região Sudeste registrando maior número de casos (7.163 internações; 42,79%), seguida da Nordeste (5.165; 30,86%), da Sul (2.462; 14,71%), da Centro-Oeste (1.162; 6,9%) e da Norte (784; 4,6%). O número de internações manteve-se relativamente constante, com média de 3.347 casos por ano. Pacientes de 60 a 69 anos foram os com maior registro (8.786 casos; 52,49%). Em segundo lugar, ficaram os de 70 a 79 anos (5.232; 31,2%) e, por último, os acima de 80 anos (2.718; 16,24%). Em relação ao sexo, o masculino notificou 9.232 internações (55,16%), com 7.504 (44,83%) para o feminino. A etnia branca apresentou maior número de notificações (6.117; 36,54%), principalmente nas Regiões Sudeste e Sul, seguida pela parda (4.947; 29,55%), que se destacou dentre as demais regiões. Conclusão: Diante da heterogeneidade de fatores que predispõem à osteomielite, com destaque para o diabetes mellitus, urge garantir um manejo precoce da infecção e de comorbidades causadoras, a fim de evitar complicações debilitantes ao idoso, bem como prevenir futuras recidivas e internações onerosas ao sistema de saúde brasileiro. (AU)

Objective: To perform a statistical analysis of hospitalizations of elderly patients with osteomyelitis, by Brazilian region. Methods: Health information available from the Informatics Department of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) platform was investigated, from 2012 to 2016. The following variables were assessed: admissions due to osteomyelitis (ICD-10 M86), age group over 60, gender and ethnicity. Results: Of the 78,967 patients hospitalized due to osteomyelitis in Brazil, 16,736 (21.19%) were elderly, with the Southeast Region having a higher number of cases (7,163 admissions - 42.79%), followed by the Northeast (5,165 - 30.86%), South (2,462 - 14,71%), Midwest (1,162 - 6,9%), and North (784 - 4,6%). The number of hospitalizations remained relatively constant, with an average of 3,347 cases per year. Patients aged 60 to 69 years were the ones with the highest registry (8,786 cases - 52.49%); in second place, those aged 70 to 79 years (5,232 - 31.2%) and, finally, those above 80 years old (2,718 - 16.24%). Regarding gender, males accounted for 9,232 hospitalizations (55.16%), with 7,504 (44.83%) for females. White people had the highest number of reports (6,177 - 36.54%), mainly in the Southeast and South Regions, followed by browns (4,947 - 29.55%), who were more prevalent in the other regions. Conclusion: In view of the heterogeneity of factors that predispose to osteomyelitis, especially diabetes mellitus, it is urgent that early management of the infection and causative comorbidities is ensured, in order to avoid debilitating complications for the elderly, as well as to prevent future relapses, and costly hospitalizations to the Brazilian health system. (AU)

Optogenetic Stimulation of the M2 Cortex Reverts Motor Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Neuromodulation of deep brain structures (deep brain stimulation) is the current surgical procedure for treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). Less studied is the stimulation of cortical motor areas to treat PD symptoms, although also known to alleviate motor disturbances in PD. We were able to show that optogenetic activation of secondary (M2) motor cortex improves motor functions in dopamine-depleted male mice. The stimulated M2 cortex harbors glutamatergic pyramidal neurons that project to subcortical structures, critically involved in motor control, and makes synaptic contacts with dopaminergic neurons. Strikingly, optogenetic activation of M2 neurons or axons into the dorsomedial striatum increases striatal levels of dopamine and evokes locomotor activity. We found that dopamine neurotransmission sensitizes the locomotor behavior elicited by activation of M2 neurons. Furthermore, combination of intranigral infusion of glutamatergic antagonists and circuit specific optogenetic stimulation revealed that behavioral response depended on the activity of M2 neurons projecting to SNc. Interestingly, repeated M2 stimulation combined with l-DOPA treatment produced an unanticipated improvement in working memory performance, which was absent in control mice under l-DOPA treatment only. Therefore, the M2-basal ganglia circuit is critical for the assembly of the motor and cognitive function, and this study demonstrates a therapeutic mechanism for cortical stimulation in PD that involves recruitment of long-range glutamatergic projection neurons.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Some patients with Parkinson's disease are offered treatment through surgery, which consists of delivering electrical current to regions deep within the brain. This study shows that stimulation of an area located on the brain surface, known as the secondary motor cortex, can also reverse movement disorders in mice. Authors have used a brain stimulation technique called optogenetics, which allowed targeting a specific type of surface neuron that communicates with the deep part of the brain involved in movement control. The study also shows that a combination of this stimulation with drug treatment might be useful to treat memory impairment, a kind of cognitive problem in Parkinson's disease.

Análise das taxas de internação e de mortalidade por agressão em pacientes com mais de 60 anos / Analysis of hospitalization and mortality rates from aggression in patients above 60 years

OBJETIVO: Analisar estatisticamente o número de internações e mortalidade por agressão em pacientes idosos no ano de 2016, por região brasileira, tendo em vista a carência de dados a este respeito na literatura especializada. MÉTODOS: Pesquisa e análise de informações de saúde (TabNet), disponibilizadas pelo Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS), com as variáveis: causas externas, grupo X85-Y09 do CID10 (agressões), sexo masculino e feminino, idade ≥60 anos, por região do Brasil no ano de 2016. RESULTADOS: No total, foram notificados 2.912 casos de agressão, sendo 997 (34,19%) na Região Sudeste, 818 (28%) no Nordeste, 371 (12,74%) no Centro-Oeste, 365 (12,5%) no Norte e 361 (12,39%) no Sul. Dentre as notificações, 59,34% foram referentes a idosos de 60 a 69 anos, e 71,94% dos casos do sexo masculino. Em relação à taxa de mortalidade, o valor nacional foi de 7,25, sendo maior para a Região Norte (10,14), seguida do Sudeste (8,53), Centro-Oeste (6,74), Nordeste (5,5) e Sul (5,26). O maior valor foi encontrado na faixa etária de ≥80 anos (10,28), novamente para o sexo masculino (8,59). CONCLUSÃO: Apesar da legislação vigente, ainda são altos os índices de idosos vítimas de agressão no Brasil. Neste contexto, ressalta-se a importância de uma denúncia precoce, para evitar consequências mais graves ao paciente já fragilizado.(AU)

OBJECTIVE: To statistically analyze the number of hospitalizations and mortality due to aggression in elderly patients in 2016, by Brazilian region, given the lack of data in this respect in the specialized literature. METHODS: Research and analysis of health information (TabNet), provided by the Department of Informatics of the Brazilian National Health System (DATASUS), with the following variables: external causes, ICD10 X85-Y09 (aggressions) group, male and female patients, age ≥60 years old, by Brazilian region in 2016. RESULTS: A total of 2,912 cases of aggression were reported, with 997 (34.19%) in the Southeast, 818 (28%) in the Northeast, 371 (12.74%) in the Center-West, 365 (12.5%) in the North and 361 (12.39%) in the South. Among the notifications, 59.34% (1,728) were elderly individuals aged 60-69 years, 71.94% of cases (2,095) were males. Regarding the mortality rate, the national value was 7.25, with the highest rate being found in the North (10.14), followed by the Southeast (8.53), Midwest (6.74), Northeast (5.5) and South (5.26). The highest value was reported in the age group of ≥80 years (10.28), again for males (8.59). CONCLUSION: Despite the current legislation, the rates of elderly victims of aggression in Brazil are still high. In this context, the importance of an early denunciation is emphasized to avoid more serious consequences to already debilitated patients.(AU)

Simultaneous Bilateral Knee Valgus Stress Radiographic Technique.

The medial collateral ligament is the most commonly injured knee ligament. Valgus stress radiographs are reported to be an effective way to quantify the medial compartment opening. However, most of the techniques require the presence of a physician in the radiograph room to apply a manual valgus stress force, and can only be performed in 1 knee at a time. These techniques, although extremely effective, increase radiation exposure to physicians, are time consuming, and require additional radiographs to compare the side-to-side difference. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe our preferred valgus stress radiographic technique to evaluate medial side laxity, which offers several advantages compared with conventional manual techniques.

The External Rotation Radiographic Technique for Posterolateral Injury.

Posterolateral corner injuries are a severe and often unrecognized pathology. Injuries to these structures are difficult to identify using magnetic resonance images. Physical examination tests including the dial test, frog-leg test, and varus stress test can be difficult to perform. In addition it is difficult to correctly evaluate the results in a multiligament injury setting. The correct diagnosis of this pathology is essential to determine the proper treatment and improve outcomes. Furthermore, failure to recognize this pathology is associated with a high risk of failure following isolated anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. The purpose of this Technical Note is to present an alternative method for the evaluation of posterolateral corner injuries using radiographic images.