Plant antagonistic facilitation across environmental gradients: a soil-resource ecosystem engineering model.

Theory questions the persistence of nonreciprocal interactions in which one plant has a positive net effect on a neighbor that, in return, has a negative net impact on its benefactor - a phenomenon known as antagonistic facilitation. We develop a spatially explicit consumer-resource model for belowground plant competition between ecosystem engineers, plants able to mine resources and make them available for any other plant in the community, and exploiters. We use the model to determine in what environmental conditions antagonistic facilitation via soil-resource engineering emerges as an optimal strategy. Antagonistic facilitation emerges in stressful environments where ecosystem engineers' self-benefits from mining resources outweigh the competition with opportunistic neighbors. Among all potential causes of stress considered in the model, the key environmental parameter driving changes in the interaction between plants is the proportion of the resource that becomes readily available for plant consumption in the absence of any mining activity. Our results align with theories of primary succession and the stress gradient hypothesis. However, we find that the total root biomass and its spatial allocation through the root system, often used to measure the sign of the interaction between plants, do not predict facilitation reliably.

Introgression of the Self-Pruning Gene into Dwarf Tomatoes to Obtain Salad-Type Determinate Growth Lines.

The use of dwarf plants in tomato breeding has provided several advantages. However, there are no identified dwarf plants (dd) containing the self-pruning habit (spsp). The aim of this work was to obtain future generations, characterize the germplasm, and select potential dwarf plants with a determinate growth habit to obtain Salad-type lines. The work was started by carrying out hybridization, followed by the first, second, and third backcrosses. Once F2BC3 seeds became available, the introgression of the self-pruning gene (spsp) into dwarf plants (dd) began. Three strains of normal architecture and a determinate growth habit were hybridized with two strains of dwarf size and an indeterminate growth habit, thus yielding four hybrids. Additionally, donor genotype UFU MC TOM1, the commercial cultivar Santa Clara, and the wild accession Solanum pennellii were used in the experiment. Agronomic traits, fruit quality, metabolomics, and acylsugars content were evaluated, and dwarf plants with a determinate growth habit were selected. Hybrid 3 exhibited the highest yields. Visual differences between determinate and indeterminate dwarf plant seedlings were observed. It is suggested to carry out five self-pollinations of the best dwarf plant determined and subsequent hybridization with homozygous lines of normal plant architecture and determinate growth habit to obtain hybrids.

Da biópsia para o microscópio: processamento tecidual em odontologia

Objetivo: O objetivo desta revisão de literatura é descrever as etapas fundamentais do processamento tecidual para microscopia óptica com coloração de hematoxilina e eosina (HE) de interesse na odontologia. Revisão de Literatura: O processamento tecidual para coloração com HE é constituída basicamente por 7 etapas sequenciais. Imediatamente após a biópsia, o espécime é fixado em formol a fim de interromper a autólise tecidual. Em seguida, na etapa de clivagem, a peça sofre redução de tamanho para facilitar a penetração do agente fixador. Caso a amostra seja dente ou tecido ósseo, ela passa por um processo de descalcificação prévio à clivagem. Nas etapas de processamento e inclusão ocorre remoção de líquidos do interior das células para que em seu lugar entre parafina, e o tecido é incluido em um molde para formar um bloco rígido de parafina, o qual será cortado na fase de microtomia. Finas secções teciduais são então aderidas a uma lâmina, coloridas e seladas. Conclusão: Um ótimo resultado na obtenção de lâminas histológicas depende da execução correta de todas as etapas do processamento tecidual, sendo também influenciado pelos cuidados do cirurgião-dentista com a amostra a ser enviada ao laboratório.

Aim: The aim of this literature review is to describe the fundamental steps of tissue processing for optical microscopy with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining of interest in dentistry. Literature Review: Tissue processing for HE staining basically consists of 7 sequential steps. Immediately after the biopsy, the specimen is fixed in formaldehyde to stop tissue autolysis. Then, in the cleavage stage, it undergoes size reduction to facilitate the penetration of the fixing agent. If the sample is a tooth or bone tissue, it goes through a decalcification process prior to cleavage. In the processing and inclusion stages, liquids are removed from the interior of the cells so that paraffin enters in its place, and the tissue is included in a mold to form a rigid block of paraffin, which will be cut in the microtomy phase. Thin tissue sections are then adhered to a slide, colored and sealed. Conclusion: An excellent result in obtaining histological slides depends on the correct execution of all stages of the tissue processing, and is also influenced by the dentist's care with the sample to be sent to the laboratory.

Etiopathogenesis of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws: a review.

This study compiles the main hypotheses involved in the etiopathogenesis of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). A narrative review of the literature was performed. The etiopathogenesis of MRONJ is multifactorial and not fully understood. The main hypothesis considers the disturbance of bone turnover caused by anti-resorptive drugs. Bisphosphonates and denosumab inhibit osteoclast activity through different action mechanisms, accumulating bone microfracture. Other hypotheses also consider oral infection and inflammation, the antiangiogenic effect and soft tissue toxicity of bisphosphonates, and the inhibition of lymphangiogenesis. Knowledge of the current theories for MRONJ is necessary to define future studies and protocols to minimize the incidence of this severe condition.

Self-rated health among adolescents from vulnerable areas and their sociodemographic, lifestyle and contextual factors: A multilevel analysis.

PURPOSE: Understanding self-rated health in young people can help orient global health actions, especially in regions of social vulnerability. The present study analysed individual and contextual factors associated with self-rated health in a sample of Brazilian adolescents. DESIGN AND METHODS: Cross-sectional data from 1272 adolescents (aged 11-17; 48.5% of girls) in low human development index (HDI) neighbourhoods were analysed (HDI from 0.170 to 0.491). The outcome variable was self-rated health. Independent variables relating to individual factors (biological sex, age and economic class) and lifestyle (physical activity, alcohol, tobacco consumption and nutritional state) were measured using standardised instruments. The socio-environmental variables were measured using neighbourhood registered data where the adolescents studied. Multilevel regression was used to estimate the regression coefficients and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Good self-rated health prevalence was of 72.2%. Being male (B: -0.165; CI: -0.250 to -0.081), age (B: -0.040; CI: -0.073 to -0.007), weekly duration of moderate to vigorous physical activity (B: 0.074; CI: 0.048-0.099), body mass index (B: -0.025; CI: -0.036 to -0.015), number of family healthcare teams in the neighbourhood (B: 0.019; CI: 0.006-0.033) and dengue incidence (B: -0.001; CI: -0.002; -0.000) were factors associated with self-rated health among students from vulnerable areas. CONCLUSIONS/PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Approximately three in every 10 adolescents in areas of social vulnerability presented poor self-rated health. This fact was associated with biological sex and age (individual factors), physical activity levels and BMI (lifestyle) and the number of family healthcare teams in the neighbourhood (contextual).

O papel da infecção e inflamação na etiopatogênese da osteonecrose dos maxilares induzida por medicamentos / The role of infection and inflammation in the etiopathogenesis of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw

Objetivo: O objetivo desta revisão de literatura é evidenciar o papel da infecção e inflamação na etiopatogenia da osteonecrose dos maxilares induzida por medicamentos (MRONJ). Revisão da literatura: A MRONJ é uma condição rara e grave que impacta negativamente a vida dos pacientes afetados. Sua etiopatogenia é multifatorial e ainda não foi totalmente compreendida. Uma das hipóteses propostas para explicá-la sugere que, além da inibição do turnover ósseo pelos medicamentos antirreabsortivos, a infecção associada à exodontia e a inflamação local desempenham papel decisivo no desencadeamento da condição. O entendimento da etiopatogenia da MRONJ permite ao cirurgião-dentista a identificação dos pacientes com risco maior para a doença, assim como o auxilia no monitoramento e escolha do manejo mais adequado. No campo da pesquisa, ele pode aprimorar estudos pré-clínicos e aprofundar a investigação de biomarcadores para diagnóstico precoce de MRONJ. Considerações finais: Conhecer a contribuição da infecção e inflamação na etiopatogênese da MRONJ é fundamental para orientar a pesquisa e a adoção de estratégias preventivas para os pacientes em risco, e de manejo e monitoramento adequado para aqueles já acometidos. (AU)

Aim: The aim of this literature review is to highlight the role of infection and inflammation in the etiopathogenesis of drug-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Literature review: MRONJ is a rare and serious condition that negatively impacts the lives of affected patients. Its etiopathogenesis is multifactorial and has not yet been fully understood. One of the hypotheses proposed to explain it suggests that, in addition to the inhibition of bone turnover by antiresorptive drugs, the infection associated with tooth extraction and local inflammation play a decisive role in triggering the condition. Understanding the etiopathogenesis of MRONJ allows the dentist to identify patients at higher risk for the disease, as well as assisting in monitoring and choosing the most appropriate management. In research, it can improve preclinical studies and deepen the investigation of biomarkers for early diagnosis of MRONJ. Conclusion: Knowing the contribution of infection and inflammation in the etiopathogenesis of MRONJ is essential to guide research and the adoption of preventive strategies for patients at risk, and adequate management and monitoring for those already affected.(AU)

Bone cells and their role in physiological remodeling.

PURPOSE: This work compiles the characteristics of bone cells involved in the physiological bone remodeling. METHODS: A narrative review of the literature was performed. RESULTS: Remodeling is a different process from modeling. Remodeling allows old or damaged bone tissue to be renewed, ensuring the maintenance of bone fracture resistance, as well as maintaining calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. We present the role of osteoclasts, a multinucleated cell with hematopoietic origin responsible for resorbing bone. The formation of osteoclasts depends on the cytokines macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL) and can be blocked by osteoprotegerin. Furthermore, this review highlights the features of osteoblasts, polarized cubic cells of mesenchymal origin that deposit bone and also covers osteocytes and bone lining cells. This review presents the five fundamental phases of bone remodeling and addresses aspects of its regulation through hormones and growth factors. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the current concepts of physiological bone remodeling is necessary for the study of the different pathologies that affect the bone tissue and thus helps in the search for new therapies.

Field evaluation of the effect of Aspergillus niger on lettuce growth using conventional measurements and a high-throughput phenotyping method based on aerial images.

Plant microbiome engineering is a promising tool to unlock crop productivity potential and exceed the yield obtained with conventional chemical inputs. We studied the effect of Aspergillus niger inoculation on in-field lettuce (Lactuca sativa) growth in soils with limiting and non-limiting P concentrations. Lettuce plants originating from inoculated seeds showed increased plant diameter (6.9%), number of leaves (8.1%), fresh weight (23.9%), and chlorophyll content (3.8%) as compared to non-inoculated ones. Inoculation of the seedling substrate just before transplanting was equally efficient to seed inoculation, while application of a granular formulation at transplanting did not perform well. Plant response to P addition was observed only up to 150 kg P2O5 ha-1, but A. niger inoculation allowed further increments in all vegetative parameters. We also employed a high-throughput phenotyping method based on aerial images, which allowed us to detect changes in plants due to A. niger inoculation. The visible atmospherically resistant index (VARI) produced an accurate prediction model for chlorophyll content, suggesting this method might be used to large-scale surveys of croplands inoculated with beneficial microorganisms. Our findings demonstrate that A. niger inoculation surpasses the yield obtained with conventional chemical inputs, allowing productivity gains not reached by just increasing P doses.

Aspergillus niger as a Biological Input for Improving Vegetable Seedling Production.

This study evaluated the potential of Aspergillus niger as an inoculant for growth promotion of vegetable seedlings. Seven vegetable species were evaluated in independent experiments carried out in 22 + 1 factorial schemes, with two doses of conidia (102 and 106 per plant) applied in two inoculation methods (seed treatment and in-furrow granular application), plus an uninoculated control. Experiments were carried out in a greenhouse. Growth parameters evaluated were shoot length, stem diameter, root volume, total root length, shoot and root fresh mass, shoot and root dry mass, and total dry mass. Regardless of the dose and inoculation method, seedlings inoculated with A. niger showed higher growth than uninoculated ones for all crops. The highest relative increase promoted by the fungus was observed for aboveground parts, increasing the production of shoot fresh mass of lettuce (61%), kale (40%), scarlet eggplant (101%), watermelon (38%), melon (16%), pepper (92%), and tomato (42%). Aspergillus niger inoculation also increased seedling root growth of lettuce, pepper, scarlet eggplant, watermelon, and tomato. This research shows that A. niger boosts the growth of all analyzed vegetables, appearing as a promising bio-input for vegetable seedling production.

Variation in the dynamic of absorption and efficiency of phosphorus use in tomato.

Changes in root growth and metabolism of P in tomato cultivars are necessary in acidic soils in tropical and subtropical regions in response to P deficiency. This increase in the efficiency of phosphorus absorption by tomatoes can significantly reduce the doses of phosphate fertilizers used, as well as, possibly, the more immediate use of P fixed in the soil matrix, with favorable effects on agricultural sustainability, promoting the use of marginal areas in terms of soil fertility, and the national fertilizer economy. The tested hypothesis was that there would be no difference in the uptake and utilization of P by tomato cultivars; therefore, this study investigated the variation in the dynamics of absorption and efficiency of P-use through changes in the root, stem, leaf, gas exchange, and P-use efficiency in tomato cultivars contrasting P-absorption. The experimental design comprised a factorial scheme consisting of two cultivars that were tolerant and sensitive to P deficiency and three P concentrations (control, moderate deficiency, and severe deficiency). P limitation in the tolerant cultivar promoted high dry matter concentration (root, stem, and leaf), leaf area, root volume, nutrient translocation, rate of leaf gas exchange, and efficiency under P-deficiency stress. It was concluded from the research that the variation in the dynamics of absorption and efficiency of P use of the tolerant cultivar increased the production of roots, leaves, and leaf gas exchange under P stress conditions.

Reaction of biofortified lettuce genotypes to different strains of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians

Lettuce bacterial leaf spot caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians is an aggressive disease that is difficult to control. So far there are no reports of the reaction of biofortified lettuce genotypes to different isolates of the bacteria. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the aggressiveness of X. campestris pv. vitians, as well as the reaction of biofortified lettuce genotypes to bacterial spot. Two experiments were performed in two distinct seasons (winter and summer), in greenhouse at the Vegetable Experimental Station of the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU). The experimental design in both experiments was a randomized block design, in a factor scheme of 5 × 4 (five genotypes and four strains), with four repetitions. Were evaluated the severity and the area under the disease progress curve. In general, the biofortified lettuce 'Uberlândia 10000' was more resistant to most bacterial strains in the summer cultivation, and in the winter period UFU 'Crespa 206'. The commercial cultivar Robusta was the most susceptible to the strains during both seasons. The UFU E125 strain was the most aggressive for most genotypes in both seasons.

Adesão às consultas de puericultura das crianças: uma intervenção na Estratégia Saúde da Família / Adhesion of well-child care consultations: an intervention in the Family Health Strategy

A puericultura tem como objetivo promover o acompanhamento sistemático da criança, avaliando seu crescimento e desenvolvimento de forma ininterrupta, a fim de promover e manter a saúde da criança, reduzir incidências de doenças e aumentar as chances desta de crescer e se desenvolver. Este projeto de intervenção (PI) visa aumentar o número de adesão às consultas de puericultura em uma UBS. Frente aos problemas encontrados nessa localidade, como a falta de informação sobre o tema e um número reduzido de agendamentos desse tipo de atendimento, o objetivo principal da intervenção é o de fortalecer essa adesão conscientizando as famílias sobre a importância da vigilância da saúde das crianças. Para o alcance do objetivo, foi desenvolvido um projeto de intervenção para a adesão dos atendimentos em puericultura nas crianças de 0 a 10 anos. O quantitativo de consultas de puericultura aumentou de forma crescente após a implantação do projeto de intervenção na UBS, mantendo-se a frequência e o comprometimento com elas, realizando-se 446 consultas no período desta experiência.

Well-child care aims to promote the systematic monitoring of children, uninterruptedly evaluating their growth and development, in order to promote and maintain health, reduce disease incidences, and increase the chances of healthy growth and development. This intervention project aims to increase access to well-child care consultations at a Basic Health Unit (BHU). In the face of problems encountered in this locality, such as lack of information on the subject and a reduced number of appointments, the main objective of this intervention is to strengthen this adherence by making families understand the importance of children's health surveillance. To achieve the objective, an intervention project will be developed for adherence to well-child care services in children from 0 to 10 years. The number of childcare consultations increased steadily after implementing the intervention project at the BHU, maintaining the frequency and commitment to them, with 446 consultations taking place during the period of this experience.

Enhanced species coexistence in Lotka-Volterra competition models due to nonlocal interactions.

We introduce and analyze a spatial Lotka-Volterra competition model with local and nonlocal interactions. We study two alternative classes of nonlocal competition that differ in how each species' characteristics determine the range of the nonlocal interactions. In both cases, nonlocal interactions can create spatial patterns of population densities in which highly populated clumps alternate with unpopulated regions. These non-populated regions provide spatial niches for a weaker competitor to establish in the community and persist in conditions in which local models predict competitive exclusion. Moreover, depending on the balance between local and nonlocal competition intensity, the clumps of the weaker competitor vary from M-like structures with higher densities of individuals accumulating at the edges of each clump to triangular structures with most individuals occupying their centers. These results suggest that long-range competition, through the creation of spatial patterns in population densities, might be a key driving force behind the rich diversity of species observed in natural ecological communities.

Artificial neural networks and genetic dissimilarity among saladette type dwarf tomato plant populations.

Studies have shown that dwarf plants have the potential for use in obtaining hybrids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agronomic potential and genetic dissimilarity of saladette type dwarf tomato plant populations through the use of artificial neural networks (ANNs). The following traits were analyzed: mean fruit weight, transverse and longitudinal fruit diameter, fruit shape, pulp thickness, locule number, internode length, soluble solids content, and ß-carotene, lycopene, and leaf zingiberene contents. A dendrogram obtained by the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and Kohonen self-organizing maps (SOM) agreed in the distinction of the BC1F3 populations from the dwarf donor parent. SOM was more consistent in identifying the genetic similarities among the BC1F3 dwarf tomato plant populations and allowed for the determination of weights of each variable in the cluster formation. The UFU SDi 13-1 BC1F3 population was revealed to be a promising option for obtaining saladette type dwarf tomato plant lines.

Em busca da definição contemporânea de "ligas acadêmicas" baseada na experiência das ciências da saúde / A la búsqueda de la definición contemporánea de "ligas académicas" basada en la experiencia del área de la salud / In search of the contemporary definition of "academic leagues" based on the health sciences' experience

Este estudo buscou uma definição contemporânea de Ligas Acadêmicas, segundo a experiência de oito Ligas em duas universidades públicas com campus no interior do estado do Ceará. As Ligas estavam igualmente divididas entre os cursos de graduação em Enfermagem e em Medicina. A coleta de dados ocorreu em documentos, entrevistas e observações e, posteriormente, foi realizada análise de conteúdo. Foram evidenciados, de um lado, os riscos da adesão a práticas assistencialistas e ao especialismo corporativo; e, de outro, o protagonismo estudantil e as interações entre ensino, pesquisa e extensão. Sugere-se como definição de Ligas que elas correspondem a coletivos estudantis configurados como programa regular longitudinal de extensão universitária, efetivadas mediante supervisão docente direta e indireta, sob apoio intelectual e prático da universidade e da rede de serviços de saúde, estando orientadas à aprendizagem e ao desenvolvimento profissional em torno de um tema específico previsto nas Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais do(s) curso(s). (AU)

Este estudió buscó una definición contemporánea de Ligas Académicas según la experiencia de ocho Ligas en dos universidades públicas con campus en el interior del Estado de Ceará, región nordeste de Brasil. Las Ligas estaban igualmente divididas entre los cursos de graduación de enfermería y en medicina. La colecta de datos se realizó mediante documentos, entrevistas y observaciones y, posteriormente, se realizó el Análisis de Contenido. Por un lado, se pusieron en evidencia, los riesgos de la adhesión a prácticas asistencialistas y el especialismo corporativo; por otro, el protagonismo estudiantil y las interacciones entre enseñanza, investigación y extensión. Se sugiere como definición de Ligas que éstas correspondan a grupos de estudiantes configurados como un programa regular longitudinal de extensión universitaria, efectuado a través de la supervisión directa e indirecta del profesorado, bajo el apoyo intelectual y práctico de la universidad y de la red de servicios de salud, estando orientadas al aprendizaje y desarrollo profesional en torno a un tema específico previsto en las Directrices Curriculares Nacionales de la(s) asignatura(s). (AU)

This study sought a contemporary definition of 'academic leagues', based on the experience of 8 ALs in 2 public universities that have campuses in the countryside of the State of Ceará, Brazil. The ALs were equally divided between the undergraduate courses in Nursing and Medicine. Data collection took place in documents, interviews, and field observation and, subsequently, the data obtained underwent content analysis. On the one hand, the risks of adhering to clinical practices and corporate specialism have been shown; on the other hand, student protagonism and the interactions between university teaching, research, and outreach have been as well. The suggested definition of ALs is that they: a) correspond to student groups configured as a regular and longitudinal university outreach program; b) are carried out through direct and indirect professor oversight, relying on intellectual and practical support from the university and the health service network; and c) are oriented towards professional learning and growth around a specific theme provided for in the Brazilian National Curriculum Guidelines for the respective courses. (AU)