Higher throughput workflow with sensitive, reliable and automatic quantification of myelination in vitro suitable for drug screening.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Immune-mediated myelin and axonal damage that is accompanied by chronic axonal loss causing destruction of the myelin sheaths are hallmarks of MS. While great strides have been made in understanding the molecular underpinnings of re-/myelination, currently no remyelination therapy is available for MS. As myelination is a complex process that is not fully understood, we sought to develop a systematic, reliable, automated and quantitative higher throughput screening method. We aimed to quantitate myelin sheaths in vitro with high sensitivity at the single cell level suitable for testing small compound libraries. To this end, we miniaturised in vitro retinal ganglion cell-oligodendrocyte precursor cell (RGC-OPC) co-cultures into a multi-well plate format. This allowed us to maintain the reciprocal interaction of live axons and oligodendrocytes (OLs) to ensure compact myelin formation. To quantify our co-cultures, we developed a novel computer vision algorithm to precisely measure myelination. We demonstrated efficacy of our system with known pro-differentiating compounds BQ3020 and XAV939 which exhibited robust, efficient, and dose dependent effects on myelination. Through this combination of experimental and technical advances, we have developed a method allowing systematic and reliable testing of remyelinating compound efficacy.

Centralidade do trabalho e saúde mental / Centrality of work for mental health

Partindo da noção de trabalho vivo, Christophe Dejours apresenta a tese da centralidade do trabalho para a subjetividade e a saúde mental. Para tanto, traz à baila a discussão sobre: a atividade, a insuficiência da tarefa e a experiência de fracasso diante do real; bem como a inteligência do corpo e a afetividade, marcando sua transformação à medida que realiza a atividade, em uma relação dinâmica entre o corpo, a subjetividade e a atividade. Não sendo o trabalho algo solipsista, tais elementos se entrecruzam em meio a outrem, o que requisita a cooperação e os aspectos complexos da formulação de regras para a própria atividade e demanda a confiança, a deliberação coletiva. É nesse coletivo, no viver juntos, que pode ocorrer o reconhecimento que, realizado sobre o que é feito, permite a realização de si no campo social, voltando-se para quem o faz, para uma identidade, que é o que protege a saúde mental. Na ausência da convivialidade e reconhecimento, o trabalho produz sofrimento patógeno. Desse modo, Dejours demonstra que nunca há neutralidade do trabalho no que diz respeito à subjetividade e à identidade, possibilitando a realização de si ou sua destruição

Based on the notion of living work, Christophe Dejours presents the thesis of the centrality of work for subjectivity and mental health. To do so, he discusses activity, the insufficiency of the task, the experience of failure in the face of reality, and the intelligence of the body and affectivity, marking its transformation as it performs the activity in a dynamic relationship between the body, subjectivity, and the activity. Rather than configuring a solipsistic text, such elements intersect each other, requiring cooperation and the complex aspects of formulating rules for the activity itself, which requires trust and collective deliberation. It is in this collective, in living together, that recognition can occur, which , based on what is done, enables self-realization in the social field, turning to those who do it and to an identity, which is what protects mental health. In the absence of conviviality and recognition, work produces pathogenic suffering. Thus, the author shows that work is never neutral toward subjectivity and identity, enabling self-realization or its own destruction

Sensory processing and engagement: a systematic review / Processamento sensorial e engajamento: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract The ability of children to organize themselves sensorially in a school environment to remain engaged in their routine activities has been minimally explored by occupational therapists. This study aimed to identify research on sensory processing and engagement carried out by occupational therapists over the past decade. Moreover, it seeks to analyze the depth and quality of discussions regarding the relationship between sensory processing and children's engagement in their occupations. A systematic review was conducted utilizing the descriptors: sensory processing, engagement, and occupational therapy. These descriptors were combined through the AND operator in the VHL, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. Included articles, whether in English or other languages, defined and measured sensory processing; highlighted a relationship between child sensory processing and occupational engagement; were published within the past 10 years (2008 to 2018); underwent peer-review; are available in full; involved participants aged 0 to 7 years; and were authored by occupational therapists. The review process was performed by two authors using predefined data fields, which included study quality indicators. The results identified a mere nine articles on this specific theme. An assessment based on the OT Seeker scale revealed scores of moderate magnitude. This suggests a pressing need for occupational therapists to invest in the expansion of discerning research, aiming to elevate scientific evidence regarding the relationship between sensory processing and occupational engagement.

Resumo A capacidade das crianças de se organizarem sensorialmente em ambiente escolar para se manterem engajadas em suas atividades rotineiras tem sido pouco explorada por terapeutas ocupacionais. Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar pesquisas sobre processamento sensorial e engajamento realizadas por terapeutas ocupacionais na última década, bem como avaliar a qualidade das discussões sobre a relação entre processamento sensorial e engajamento de crianças em suas ocupações. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática realizada a partir da busca dos descritores: processamento sensorial, engajamento e terapia ocupacional, combinados segundo o operador AND, nas plataformas BVS, PubMed e Web of Science. Os artigos incluídos, tanto em inglês e como em outras línguas, definiram e mediram processamento sensorial; apontaram relação entre processamento sensorial e engajamento ocupacional infantil; foram publicados nos últimos 10 anos (de 2008 a 2018); revisados ​​por pares; estão disponíveis na íntegra; envolveram participantes com idade entre 0 e 7 anos, e foram escritos por terapeutas ocupacionais. As revisões foram realizadas por duas autoras usando campos de dados predefinidos, incluindo indicadores de qualidade do estudo. Os resultados identificaram apenas nove artigos sobre esse tema específico. A análise da classificação, com base na escala OT Seeker, revelou escores de magnitude moderada, o que sugere a necessidade de terapeutas ocupacionais investirem na ampliação de pesquisas criteriosas a fim de aumentar os níveis de evidência científica sobre a relação entre processamento sensorial e engajamento ocupacional.

Correlaçío entre processamento sensorial e engajamento de crianças nas rotinas da educaçío infantil na perspectiva do professor / Correlación entre el procesamiento sensorial y el compromiso de los niños en las rutinas de educación infantil desde la perspectiva del profesor / Correlation between sensory processing and engagement of children in their education routines from teacher's perspective

O estudo identificou as correlações entre os padrões do processamento sensorial e o engajamento nas rotinas de crianças na educação infantil com desenvolvimento típico. Participaram deste estudo 9 educadoras vinculadas a 5 escolas municipais e 70 crianças com idade de 3 anos e desenvolvimento típico, matriculadas em período integral na educação infantil. Como instrumentos de avaliação foram utilizados: Sensory Processing Measure-Preschool ­ SPM-P e o Classroom Measure of Engagement, Independence, and Social Relationships ­ ClaMEISR, sendo a coleta de dados realizada através do preenchimento dos questionários pelos professores. O estudo mostrou correlações leves e moderadas em todas as categorias apresentadas pelos questionários, com scores iguais ou superiores a 0.5. Dessas correlações as rotinas de música, parque, refeições, pequeno grupo e brincar livre, apresentaram maior correlação com as variáveis do processamento sensorial, principalmente a participação social, consciência corporal, que se refere ao sistema proprioceptivo, planejamento e ideação, referindo-se a práxis e valor total de reatividade. Dessa forma o estudo aponta para importante relação entre o processamento sensorial e o engajamento sofisticado em rotinas escolares. Considerando que na escola é esperado que a criança se engaje em suas rotinas para o bom desempenho, e que o terapeuta ocupacional tem dedicado seus estudos para compreender o engajamento e padrões do processamento sensorial, o estudo destaca que a aproximação desse profissional com educadores e crianças pode minimizar possíveis déficits em áreas como relações sociais, desenvolvimento cognitivo e motor que possa ser apresentado por crianças.

El estudio identifica las correlaciones entre los patrones de procesamiento sensorial y la participación en las rutinas de los niños en la típica educación de la primera infancia. Nueve educadores de 5 escuelas municipales participaron en este estudio, así como 70 niños de 3 años y desarrollo típico, matriculados a tiempo completo en educación infantil. Como instrumentos de evaluación se utilizaron: Medición de procesamiento sensorial­Preescolar­SPM-P y Medida de compromiso, independencia y relaciones sociales en el aula­ClaMEISR, y la recopilación de datos se realizó al completar los cuestionarios de los maestros. Los resultados mostraron correlaciones leves y moderadas en todas las categorías presentadas por los cuestionarios, con puntuaciones iguales o superiores a 0,5. A partir de estas correlaciones, las rutinas de música, parque, comidas, grupos pequeños y juego libre, mostraron una mayor correlación con las variables de procesamiento sensorial, principalmente participación social, conciencia corporal, que se refiere al sistema propioceptivo, planificación e ideación, refiriéndose a praxis y valor de reactividad total. Por lo tanto, este estudio apunta a una relación importante entre el procesamiento sensorial y la participación sofisticada en las rutinas escolares. Teniendo en cuenta que en la escuela se espera que el niño se involucre en sus rutinas para un buen desempeño, y que el terapeuta ocupacional ha dedicado sus estudios a comprender el compromiso y los patrones del procesamiento sensorial, el estudio destaca que el enfoque de este profesional con educadores y niños podría minimizar los posibles déficits en áreas como las relaciones sociales, el desarrollo cognitivo y motor que puedan presentar los niños.

The study identifies correlations between sensory processing patterns, and participation in children's routines in the typical early childhood education. Nine educators from 5 local schools participated in this study and 70 children of 3 years old with normal development, enrolled full-time in early childhood education. Measurement of sensory processing­Preschool­SPM-P and Measurement of commitment, independence and social relations in the classroom­ClaMEISR, were used, and data collection was carried out when teacher questionnaires were completed. The results showed mild and moderate correlations in all categories collected through questionnaires, with scores equal to or greater than 0.5. From these correlations, routines of music, park, meals, small groups and free play showed a greater correlation with the variables of sensory processing, mainly social participation, body awareness, which refers to the proprioceptive system, planning and ideation, referring to praxis and total reactivity value. Therefore, the study points out an important relationship between sensory processing and sophisticated participation in school routines. Considering that at school it is expected that the child will engage in their routines for good performance, and that the occupational therapist has dedicated his studies to understand the engagement and patterns of sensory processing, the study highlights that the approach of this professional with educators and children it can minimize possible deficits in areas such as social relationships, cognitive and motor development that may be presented by children.

Associations between Cues of Sexual Desire and Sexual Attitudes in Portuguese Women.

Sexuality is defined as a multidimensional experience that involves genital, mental, and bodily components. It is also assumed as a basic condition inherent to the human existence that encourages the search for love, intimacy, sex, and proximity to others. The main objective of this study is to assess the relationship between cues of sexual desire and sexual attitudes in Portuguese women. This is a cross-sectional study with 804 Portuguese women to whom the protocol was applied. It included an informed consent, a sociodemographic questionnaire, a questionnaire related to intimacy, a scale of sexual attitudes, and the scale of cues of sexual desire. The protocol was applied via Google Forms due to the current pandemic situation (COVID-19). Differences were found in sexual attitudes and the cues of sexual desire in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, as well as in terms of women's intimacy. Significant correlations were found between the brief sexual attitudes scale (BSAS) and the cues of sexual desire scale (CSDS). Age, sexual orientation, relation nature, sexual practices, visual proximity cues, erotic explicit cues, and sensory explicit cues explain, altogether, 25% of the total sexual attitudes. Additionally, age, sexual orientation, the relation's nature, sexual practices, visual proximity cues, emotional bonding cues, romantic implicit cues, erotic explicit cues, and sensory explicit cues explain, altogether, 30% of the permissiveness. Sexual attitudes are developed under the influence of sociodemographic variables, variables related to women's intimacy, and cues of sexual desire, which are new data in the study of sexual attitudes and have implications at the level of gender issues.

Trajetórias atuais da gestão do SUS no enfrentamento à violência de gênero: uma revisão narrativa / Paths of current SUS management for combating gender-based violence: a narrative review / Trayectorias actuales de la gestión del SUS en la lucha contra la violencia de género: una revisión narrativa

A violência contra mulheres é um problema com graves repercussões na saúde pública. A busca de estratégias para seu combate exige uma atuação multidisciplinar e multi-institucional, envolvendo o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). O objetivo desse estudo foi identificar as ações de enfrentamento à violência de gênero contextualizadas dentro do SUS, e sumarizar documentos e estudos publicados sobre o tema, no Brasil, de 2016 a 2020. Trata-se de uma revisão narrativa cuja base são os trabalhos publicados no período estudado, que discutissem a violência de gênero como um agravo à saúde e que mencionassem estratégias de enfrentamento na gestão do SUS. Os achados foram otimizados em três eixos básicos dentro da lógica narrativa: a proposta do trabalho em rede, a subnotificação dos casos, e a qualificação profissional. Os estudos revisados sugerem que vários desafios ainda devem ser superados para que a política nacional de enfrentamento à violência de gênero venha a ser devidamente implementada no país. Três dos desafios mencionados parecem destacar-se como fatores determinantes: os obstáculos para formação de uma rede interinstitucional efetiva direcionada à atenção à mulher em situação de violência; uma expressiva subnotificação dos casos; e uma carência de profissionais habilitados e preparados para atuar diante das situações de violência na sua prática diária. Uma vez que a violência de gênero se apresenta como uma questão social complexa, com um impacto importante na saúde pública, os gestores do setor saúde têm a responsabilidade de enfrentá-la, buscando parcerias governamentais interinstitucionais e na sociedade civil organizada.

Violence against women is a serious public health issue. Formulating strategies to combat it requires a multidisciplinary and multi-institutional mobilization involving the Unified Health System (SUS). This narrative review sought to identify actions undertaken to combat gender-based violence within the SUS, and to summarize documents and studies published on the topic in Brazil, from 2016 to 2020. Data were collected from works published in the studied period that discussed gender-based violence as a public health issue and cited combat strategies employed by SUS management. The findings were classified in three basic axes within the narrative logic: proposal of networking, underreporting of cases, and professional qualification. The reviewed studies suggest that several challenges are yet to be overcome if the national policy to combat gender-based violence is to be properly implemented in the country. Three of the challenges highlighted seem to be determining factors: obstacles in forming an effective interinstitutional network to care for women in situations of violence; a significant underreporting of cases; and a shortage of qualified and prepared professionals to deal with situations of violence in their daily practice. Since gender-based violence is a complex social issue of important impact on public health, health managers have a responsibility to address it, seeking interinstitutional partnerships with governments and organized civil society.

La violencia contra la mujer es un problema con graves repercusiones en la salud pública. La búsqueda de estrategias para combatirla requiere de una acción multidisciplinar y multiinstitucional, que involucra al Sistema Único de Salud (SUS). El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar acciones para enfrentar la violencia de género en el SUS y sintetizar los documentos y estudios publicados sobre el tema en Brasil, de 2016 a 2020. Se trata de una revisión narrativa basada en los trabajos publicados en el período estudiado, que abordaran la violencia de género como problema de salud y que mencionaran estrategias de afrontamiento en la gestión del SUS. Los hallazgos se distribuyeron en tres ejes básicos dentro de la lógica narrativa: la propuesta del trabajo en red, el subregistro de casos y la calificación profesional. Los estudios revisados apuntan que aún deben superarse varios desafíos para que se implemente adecuadamente la política nacional para enfrentar la violencia de género en el país. Tres de los desafíos mencionados parecen destacar como factores determinantes: los obstáculos para la formación de una red interinstitucional eficaz orientada hacia la atención a las mujeres en situación de violencia; un subregistro significativo de casos; y la escasez de profesionales calificados y preparados para actuar ante situaciones de violencia en su práctica diaria. Dado que la violencia de género se presenta como un tema social complejo, con un impacto importante en la salud pública, los gerentes del sector salud tienen la responsabilidad de abordarla, buscando alianzas gubernamentales interinstitucionales y en la sociedad civil organizada.

Marmosets have a greater diversity of c-Fos response after hyperstimulation in distinct cortical regions as compared to rats.

Previous evidence indicated a potential mechanism that might support the fact that primates exhibit greater neural integration capacity as a result of the activation of different structures of the central nervous system, as compared to rodents. The current study aimed to provide further evidence to confirm previous findings by analyzing the patterns of c-Fos expression in more neocortical structures of rats and marmosets using a more robust quantitative technique and evaluating a larger number of brain areas. Nineteen Wistar rats and 21 marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) were distributed among control groups (animals without injections) and animals injected with pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) and euthanized at different time points after stimulus. Immunohistochemical detection of c-Fos was quantified using unbiased and efficient stereological cell counting in eight neocortical regions. Marmosets had a c-Fos expression that was notably more widely expressed (5× more cells) and longer lasting (up to 3 hr) than rats. c-Fos expression in rats presented similar patterns of expression according to the function of the brain cortical structures (associative, sensorial, and motor functions), which was not observed for marmosets (in which no clear pattern could be drawn, and a more diverse profile emerged). Our results provide evidence that the marmoset brain has a greater neuronal activation after intense stimulation by means of PTZ and a more complex pattern of brain activation. We speculate that these functional differences may contribute for the understanding of the different neuronal processing capacities of the neocortex in these mammals' orders.

Corrigendum: Ecophysiological Traits of Invasive C3 Species Calotropis procera to Maintain High Photosynthetic Performance Under High VPD and Low Soil Water Balance in Semi-Arid and Seacoast Zones.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00717.].

Root Adaptation via Common Genetic Factors Conditioning Tolerance to Multiple Stresses for Crops Cultivated on Acidic Tropical Soils.

Crop tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses has long been pursued as a Holy Grail in plant breeding efforts that target crop adaptation to tropical soils. On tropical, acidic soils, aluminum (Al) toxicity, low phosphorus (P) availability and drought stress are the major limitations to yield stability. Molecular breeding based on a small suite of pleiotropic genes, particularly those with moderate to major phenotypic effects, could help circumvent the need for complex breeding designs and large population sizes aimed at selecting transgressive progeny accumulating favorable alleles controlling polygenic traits. The underlying question is twofold: do common tolerance mechanisms to Al toxicity, P deficiency and drought exist? And if they do, will they be useful in a plant breeding program that targets stress-prone environments. The selective environments in tropical regions are such that multiple, co-existing regulatory networks may drive the fixation of either distinctly different or a smaller number of pleiotropic abiotic stress tolerance genes. Recent studies suggest that genes contributing to crop adaptation to acidic soils, such as the major Arabidopsis Al tolerance protein, AtALMT1, which encodes an aluminum-activated root malate transporter, may influence both Al tolerance and P acquisition via changes in root system morphology and architecture. However, trans-acting elements such as transcription factors (TFs) may be the best option for pleiotropic control of multiple abiotic stress genes, due to their small and often multiple binding sequences in the genome. One such example is the C2H2-type zinc finger, AtSTOP1, which is a transcriptional regulator of a number of Arabidopsis Al tolerance genes, including AtMATE and AtALMT1, and has been shown to activate AtALMT1, not only in response to Al but also low soil P. The large WRKY family of transcription factors are also known to affect a broad spectrum of phenotypes, some of which are related to acidic soil abiotic stress responses. Hence, we focus here on signaling proteins such as TFs and protein kinases to identify, from the literature, evidence for unifying regulatory networks controlling Al tolerance, P efficiency and, also possibly drought tolerance. Particular emphasis will be given to modification of root system morphology and architecture, which could be an important physiological "hub" leading to crop adaptation to multiple soil-based abiotic stress factors.

Ecophysiological Traits of Invasive C3 Species Calotropis procera to Maintain High Photosynthetic Performance Under High VPD and Low Soil Water Balance in Semi-Arid and Seacoast Zones.

The evergreen C3 plant Calotropis procera is native to arid environments. Thus, it grows under high vapor pressure deficit (VPD), intense light, and severe drought conditions. We measured several ecophysiological traits in C. procera plants growing in semi-arid and seacoast environments to assess the attributes that support its photosynthetic performance under these contrasting conditions. Gas exchange analysis, primary metabolism content, nutrients, the antioxidant system, and leaf anatomy traits were measured under field conditions. In the semi-arid environment, C. procera was exposed to a prolonged drought season with a negative soil water balance during the 2 years of the study. Calotropis procera plants were exposed to a positive soil water balance only in the rainy season in the seacoast environment. The leaves of C. procera showed the same photosynthetic rate under high or low VPD, even in dry seasons with a negative soil water balance. Photosynthetic pigments, leaf sugar content, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes were increased in both places in the dry season. However, the anatomical adjustments were contrasting: while, in the semi-arid environment, mesophyll thickness increased in the driest year, in the seacoast environment, the cuticle thickness and trichome density were increased. The ability to maintain photosynthetic performance through the seasons would be supported by new leaves with different morpho-anatomical traits, with contrasting changes between semi-arid and seacoast environments. Furthermore, our results suggest that an efficient antioxidative system and leaf sugar dynamics can contribute to protecting the photosynthetic machinery even under severe drought.

Phakopsora pachyrhizi triggers the jasmonate signaling pathway during compatible interaction in soybean and GmbZIP89 plays a role of major component in the pathway.

The biotrophic fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi is currently the major pathogen affecting soybean production worldwide. It has already been suggested for the non-host interaction between P. pachyrhizi and Arabidopsis thaliana that the fungus in early infection induces jasmonic acid (JA) pathway to the detriment of the salicylic acid (SA) pathway as a mechanism to the establishment of infection. In this study, we verified that this mechanism might also be occurring during the compatible interaction in soybean (Glycine max L. Merril). It was demonstrated that P. pachyrhizi triggers a JA pathway during the early and late stages of infection in a susceptible soybean cultivar. The expression of the GmbZIP89 was induced in a biphasic profile, similarly to other JA responsive genes, which indicates a new marker gene for this signaling pathway. Additionally, plants silenced for GmbZIP89 (iGmZIP89) by the virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) approach present lower severity of infection and higher expression of pathogenesis related protein 1 (PR1). The lower disease severity showed that the iGmbZIP89 plants became more resistant to infection. These data corroborate the hypothesis that the GmbZIP89 may be a resistance negative regulator. In conclusion, we demonstrated that P. pachyrhizi mimics a necrotrophic fungus and activates the JA/ET pathway in soybean. It is possible to suppose that its direct penetration on epidermal cells or fungal effectors may modulate the expression of target genes aiming the activation of the JA pathway and inhibition of SA defense.

O trabalho como pena alternativa: análise de um projeto para cumpridores de prestação de serviço à comunidade / Work as alternative sentencing: analysis of a project for court-ordered community service

Este artigo, realizado com base em um estudo empreendido com cumpridores de Prestação de Serviço à Comunidade (PSC) - modalidade de pena alternativa à prisão -, tem como objetivo investigar o sentido por eles atribuído a esse trabalho, identificado como penalidade. Os referenciais teórico-metodológico selecionados para a pesquisa foram a Psicossociologia do Trabalho e a Ergologia, acionados com a função de acompanhar um grupo de nove cumpridores de PSC em atividades desempenhadas em uma instituição na cidade de Santana do Paraíso, Minas Gerais. No que diz respeito aos resultados da pesquisa, concluiu-se que as atividades desempenhadas possibilitaram aos sujeitos a ressignificação da experiência de penalização e a construção de outras zonas de sentido para o trabalho. Emergiram ressalvas ao discurso de valorização da PSC, mediante o questionamento da penalização como garantia da não reincidência criminal. Dessa forma, sugere-se pensar em atividades de trabalho que estimulem amplamente a participação social e a valorização subjetiva.

Based on a study done with convicts sentenced to Community Service Order (CSO) - modality of sentencing alternative to imprisonment - this paper investigates the meaning attributed by these convicts to this work, identified as a punishment. The theoretical-methodological references selected for the research were Work Psychosociology and Ergology, with the objective of accompanying a group of 9 CSO doers in activities performed at an institution in the city of Santana do Paraíso, MG, Brazil. Regarding the results of the research, it was concluded that the activity enabled the subjects to re-signify the experience of punishment and the construction of other dimensions of meaning for the work. Caveats to the defense of CSOs appeared and there was questioning of whether or not punishment could ensure no repeat offences. In this way, we suggest thinking about work activities that encourage social participation and subjective recognition.

Different resource-use strategies of invasive and native woody species from a seasonally dry tropical forest under drought stress and recovery.

Exotic plants in semiarid region have developed strategies for efficient use or capture of resources. They have become invasive and outperform native species. To understand which factors could explain the success of invasive woody species in a semiarid region, several physiological traits were analyzed in young plants of two invasive and two native species exposed to different water availability. Invasive plants showed low leaf construction cost, high phosphorus and nitrogen contents, reduced loss of instantaneous energy use efficiency, and smaller specific leaf area when compared to native species. This strategy led to a higher biomass gain and a high root/shoot ratio in both water treatments. After rehydration, invasive plants showed faster recovery and higher rates of CO2 assimilation. This resilience is fundamental for species in semiarid regions, and also increase uptake of nutrients. Maintaining a high photosynthetic rate, whenever there is water availability is a strategy that increases the performance of the species in relation to biomass gain. The low leaf construction cost and the fast recovery of the photosynthetic metabolism of invasive plants after limiting water resources explains the success of these species, and suggests that their potential may increase under prolonged and severe drought seasons.

Immunolocalization of leptin and its receptor in the sheep ovary and in vitro effect of leptin on follicular development and oocyte maturation.

The aims of the study were to characterize leptin and it is receptor (LEPR) proteins immunoexpression in ovine ovaries and to evaluate the effects of leptin on development of secondary follicles cultured in vitro. The ovaries were collected and fixed for immunohistochemical analysis. Additional pairs of ovaries were collected and secondary follicles were isolated and cultured, for 18 days, in α-MEM+ alone or supplemented with 10 or 25 ng/mL of leptin. The antrum formation and fully grown oocytes rates were higher in 25 ng/mL leptin than all treatments. GSH levels and mitochondrial activity were higher in 10 or 25 ng/mL leptin than α-MEM+. 25 ng/mL leptin showed a higher percentage of MII than the α-MEM+. In conclusion, leptin and its receptor are expressed in ovine ovaries and 25 ng/mL leptin promoted higher in vitro maturation rates by improving follicular development, GSH levels and mitochondrial activity of ovine oocytes compared to control medium.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of dormancy-associated gene 1/auxin repressed protein (DRM1/ARP) gene family in Glycine max.

Dormancy-Associated gene 1/Auxin Repressed protein (DRM1/ARP) genes are responsive to hormones involved in defense response to biotic stress, such as salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA), as well as to hormones that regulate plant growth and development, including auxins. These characteristics suggest that this gene family may be an important link between the response to pathogens and plant growth and development. In this investigation, the DRM1/ARP genes were identified in the genome of four legume species. The deduced proteins were separated into three distinct groups, according to their sequence conservation. The expression profile of soybean genes from each group was measured in different organs, after treatment with auxin and MeJA and in response to the nematode Meloidogyne javanica. The results demonstrated that this soybean gene family is predominantly expressed in root. The time auxin takes to alter DRM1/ARP expression suggests that these genes can be classified as a late response to auxin. Nevertheless, only the groups 1 and 3 are induced in roots infected by M. javanica and only group 3 is induced by MeJA, which indicates a high level of complexity in expression control mechanisms of DRM1/ARP family in soybean.

c-Jun expression after cerebral hyperstimulation differs between rats and marmosets.

Immediate early genes (IEGs) are a fundamental element in the way we respond and adapt to a variety of stimuli. We have recently reported that IEG response, as measured by c-Fos expression, is different between rodents and primates. Here, we further extend this analysis by assessing the expression of c-Jun, one of the main complements of c-Fos, under the same stimulation protocol. For this, we investigated the immunohistochemical expression of c-Jun (and compared with that previously shown for c-Fos) after stimulation with pentylenetetrazol in the cingulate gyrus, motor cortex, piriform cortex, inferior temporal cortex, and visual cortex of rats and marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), both male and female. Overall the immunohistochemical expression of c-Jun was more intense but remained elevated for a shorter duration in marmosets as compared to rats. These results are in contrast to what we had previously shown for c-Fos. Furthermore, in terms of the temporal profile, c-Fos and c-Jun expression occurred in a complementary manner in rats-the peak of c-Fos expression coincided with low levels of c-jun expression-and in a superimposed manner in marmosets-the peak of c-Fos expression coincided with the peak of c-Jun expression. Since Fos proteins may form dimers with Jun proteins and together control late gene expressions in the cell nucleus, this different expression profile between primates and rodents may bear meaningful impact for how the nervous system reacts and adapts to stimulation.

Clinical-functional vulnerability in older adults and its impact on primary health care actions

Objective: To describe the prevalence of clinical-functional vulnerability among older adults cared for in a Primary Health Care Unit (PHCU). Methods: This is a retrospective epidemiological study performed through the review of medical records of 950 elderly users of a PHCU in the northeast region of Belo Horizonte, between August 2016 and July 2017. The score obtained with use of the Clinical-functional Vulnerability Index (IVCF-20) evidenced the clinical-functional vulnerability of the older adults. The PHCU health professionals had been trained and had been implementing the IVCF-20 since the end of 2015. In 2016, the application of IVCF-20 was intensified following training of psychology undergraduates who participated in the Health Work Education Program (Programa de Educação pelo Trabalho para a Saúde - PET-Saúde). Descriptive statistics was applied to IVCF-20 data to verify the frequency of frail older adults and individuals at risk for frailty. Pearson's chi-square test was used to verify association between the IVCF-20 classification and the Family Health Teams. Results: Of 950 older adults included in the study, 49.37% (n=469) had mild clinical-functional vulnerability, considered robust; 28.84% (n=274) had moderate vulnerability, considered at risk for frailty; and 21.79% (n=207) had high vulnerability, regarded as frail. Conclusion: A high prevalence of clinical-functional vulnerability (mild, moderate, and high) was observed among older adults attended to at primary health care services. Screening with IVCF-20 can prove useful for early identification of vulnerable older adults and to indicate the focus of health promotion and preventive interventions. (AU)

Supplemented powdered coconut water (ACP-406®) promotes growth of goat secondary follicles and oocyte meiotic resumption.

The objective of this study was to test the efficiency of powdered coconut water (ACP-406®) base-medium without or with the addition of supplements on in vitro culture of isolated goat secondary follicles. Follicles were cultured for 18 days in α-MEM or in ACP-406®, both without supplements (referred to as α-MEM and ACP, respectively), or both supplemented with BSA, insulin, transferrin, selenium, glutamine, hypoxanthine, and ascorbic acid (referred to as α-MEM+ and ACP+). Follicular morphology, antrum formation, follicular and oocyte diameter, levels of glutathione (GSH), and chromatin configuration after in vitro maturation were evaluated. At the end of culture, ACP-406® base-medium (without or with supplements) showed a higher (P < 0.05) percentage of normal follicles than α-MEM (without or with supplements). Antrum formation was similar among α-MEM+, ACP and ACP+, and significantly higher than α-MEM without supplements. The follicular diameter was greater in ACP+ than α-MEM, and similar to other treatments. Moreover, fully and daily grown rates were higher (P < 0.05) in ACP-406® base-medium (without or with supplements) than α-MEM (without or with supplements). Levels of GSH were similar between ACP+ and α-MEM+ treatments. Both ACP+ and α-MEM+ allowed meiotic resumption without a significant difference between the two groups. In conclusion, supplemented ACP-406® base-medium maintained follicular survival and promoted the development as well as meiotic resumption of isolated goat secondary follicles cultured in vitro for 18 days.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) promotes primordial follicle growth and reduces DNA fragmentation through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signalling pathway.

We investigated the effects of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) on the morphology and follicular activation of ovine preantral follicles cultured in situ and whether the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway is involved in IGF-1 action in the sheep ovary. Ovine ovarian fragments were fixed for histological and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) analyses (fresh control) or cultured in supplemented alpha-minimum essential medium (α-MEM+; control) or α-MEM+ with IGF-1 (1, 10, 50, 100 or 200ngmL-1) for 7 days. Follicles were classified as normal or atretic, primordial or growing and the oocyte and follicle diameters were measured. DNA fragmentation was evaluated by TUNEL assay. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry was performed on the fresh control, α-MEM+ and 100ngmL-1 IGF-1 samples. Inhibition of PI3K activity was performed through pretreatment with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) expression was analysed after culture in the absence or presence of LY294002. IGF-1 at 100ngmL-1 increased (P<0.05) follicular activation compared with α-MEM+ and decreased TUNEL-positive cells (P<0.05) compared with other treatments. PCNA-positive cells also increased (P<0.05) in 100ngmL-1 IGF-1. LY294002 significantly inhibited follicular activation stimulated by α-MEM+ and 100ngmL-1 IGF-1 and reduced pAKT expression in follicles. Overall, IGF-1 at 100ngmL-1 promoted primordial follicle activation, cell proliferation and reduced DNA fragmentation after in situ culture through the PI3K/AKT pathway.