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In Brazil’s central savanna region, government policy is to encourage the conversion of conventional plough tillage (PT) agriculture to no-till (NT) and raise the productivity of under-utilized pastures, including their conversion to integrated crop-livestock (ICL) systems, with the objective of increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) at the expense of atmospheric carbon dioxide. An experiment was established in 1991 by liming and fertilizing at two levels an area of native vegetation (NV). The treatments, replicated in randomized plots, included pastures, continuous cropping and ICL systems under PT or NT. The aim of this study was to quantify the SOC accumulation to 100 cm depth under these treatments over time. The high C:N ratios suggested that there was a high proportion of charcoal present in the soil. Increasing fertilizer inputs had no overall significant effect on SOC stocks. Stocks of SOC changed little under pastures. Analyses of 13 C abundance showed that higher fertilizer inputs increased the decomposition rate of C derived from NV under pure grass pastures. Continuous cropping under NT preserved SOC and under PT there were significant losses. The highest SOC stocks were found under ILP treatments, but not all ILP treatments accumulated SOC even under NT. These results indicate that government initiatives to substitute PT with NT and to intensify beef cattle production will have only modest short-term gains in SOC accumulation.

Natural polysaccharides have emerged as an important class of bioactive compounds due their beneficial biological effects. Here we investigated the protective and healing effects of rhamnogalacturonan (RGal) isolated from Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen leaves in an experimental model of intestinal inflammation in mice and in heterogeneous human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2). The findings demonstrated that RGal treatment for 7 days reduced the severity of DSS-induced colitis by protecting mice from weight loss, macroscopic damage and reduction of colon length. When compared to the DSS group, RGal also protected the colon epithelium and promoted the maintenance of mucosal enterocytes and mucus secreting goblet cells, in addition to conserving collagen homeostasis and increasing cell proliferation. In an in vitro barrier function assay, RGal reduced the cellular permeability after exposure to IL-1β, while decreasing IL-8 secretion and claudin-1 expression and preserving the distribution of occludin. Furthermore, we also observed that RGal accelerated the wound healing in Caco-2 epithelial cell line. In conclusion, RGal ameliorates intestinal barrier function in vivo and in vitro and may represent an attractive and promising molecule for the therapeutic management of ulcerative colitis.

In trypanosomatids, the kinetoplast is the portion of the single mitochondrion that is connected to the basal body and contains the kDNA, a network composed by circular and interlocked DNA. The kDNA packing is conducted by Kinetoplast Associated Proteins (KAPs), which are similar to eukaryotic histone H1. In symbiont-harboring trypanosomatids (SHTs) such as Angomonas deanei and Strigomonas culicis, a ß-proteobacterium co-evolves with the host in a mutualistic relationship. The prokaryote confers nutritional benefits to the host and affects its cell structure. Atomic force microscopy showed that the topology of isolated kDNA networks is quite similar in the two SHT species. Ultrastructural analysis using high-resolution microscopy techniques revealed that the DNA fibrils are more compact in the kinetoplast region that faces the basal body and that the presence of the symbiotic bacterium does not interfere with kDNA topology. However, RT-PCR data revealed differences in the expression of KAPs in wild-type protozoa as compared to aposymbiotic cells. Immunolocalization showed that different KAPs present distinct distributions that are coincident in symbiont-bearing and in symbiont-free cells. Although KAP4 and KAP7 are shared by all trypanosomatid species, the expanded repertoire of KAPs in SHTs can be used as phylogenetic markers to distinguish different genera.

Abstract Brazil is characterized by strong social inequalities and differences in access to quality food and sufficient quantities of it, which represent a violation of the human right to adequate food. The aim was to assess food expenditures according to the social profiles of the head of the households. Data from the cross-sectional Brazilian Household Budget Survey (2017/2018) were used with a nationally representative sample of household survey participants (n=52,917). Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) to assess the association of different social profiles with the acquisition of food. The profile characterized by woman self-classified as white, with a higher education, which characteristics were positively and significantly associated with more acquisition of fruits (PR=1.22; CI95% 1.09-1.36) and vegetables and greens (PR=1.24; CI95% 1.09-1.41). Black women with low education levels showed a negative association with the consumption of soda (PR=0.53; CI95% 0.45-0.62), and prepared food (PR=0.52; CI95% 0.37-0.74). The results reveal great inequalities in the purchase of food between the social profiles of the heads of the family. Resumo O Brasil é caracterizado por fortes desigualdades sociais e diferenças no acesso a alimentos de qualidade e em quantidade suficiente, o que representa uma violação do direito humano à alimentação adequada. O objetivo foi avaliar os gastos com alimentação de acordo com o perfil social do responsável pelo domicílio. Dados da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares Brasileiros de corte transversal (2017/2018) foram usados com uma amostra nacionalmente representativa de participantes da pesquisa domiciliar (n=52.917). A regressão de Poisson foi utilizada para estimar razões de prevalência (RP) para avaliar a associação de diferentes perfis sociais com a aquisição de alimentos. O perfil caracterizado pela mulher auto classificada como branca, com maior escolaridade, cujas características estiveram positiva e significativamente associadas a maior aquisição de frutas (RP=1,22; IC95% 1,09-1,36), verduras e legumes (PR=1,24; IC95% 1,09-1,41) e queijo (RP=1,32; IC95% 1,09-1,59). Mulheres negras com baixa escolaridade apresentaram associação negativa com o consumo de refrigerantes (RP=0,53; IC95% 0,45-0,62) e alimentos preparados (RP=0,52; IC95% 0,37-0,74). Os resultados revelam grandes desigualdades na aquisição de alimentos entre os perfis sociais dos chefes de família.

The identification of elite individuals is a critical component of most breeding programs. However, the achievement of this goal is limited by the high cost of phenotyping and experimental research. A significant benefit of genomic selection (GS) to plant breeding is the identification of elite individuals without the need for phenotyping. This study aimed to propose different calibration strategies using combinations between generations from different genetic backgrounds to improve the reliability of GS and to investigate the effects of LD in different types of mating systems: outcrossing (An) self-pollination (Sn) and hybridization (Hn). For this purpose, we simulated a genome with 10 linkage groups. In each group, two QTL were simulated. Subsequently, an F2 population was created, followed by four generations of inbreeding (S1 to S4, H1 to H 4, A1, to A4,). Quantitative traits were simulated in three scenarios considering three degrees of dominance (d/a = 0, 0.5 and 1) and two broad sense heritabilities (h2 = 0.30 and 0.70), totaling six genetic architectures. To evaluate prediction reliability, a model (RR-BLUP) was trained in one generation and used to predict the following generations of mating systems. For example, the marker effects estimated in the F2 population were used to estimate the expected genomic breeding value (GEBV) in populations S1 through A4. The squared correlation between the GEBV and the true genetic value were used to measure the reliability of the predictions. Independently of the population used to estimate the marker effect, reliability showed the lowest values in the scenario where d = 1. For any scenario, the use of the multigenerational prediction methodology improved the reliability of GS.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, common zoonosis among vertebrates and high incidence worldwide. During the infection, the parasite needs to transpose the intestinal barrier to spread throughout the body, which may be a trigger for an inflammatory reaction. This work evaluated the inflammatory alterations of early T. gondii infection in peripheral blood cells, in the mesenteric microcirculation, and small intestinal tissue by measurement of MPO (myeloperoxidase) activity and NO (nitric oxide) level in rats. Animals were randomly assigned into control group (CG) that received saline orally and groups infected with 5,000 oocysts for 6 (G6), 12 (G12), 24 (G24), 48 (G48) and 72 hours (G72). Blood samples were collected for total and differential leukocyte count. Intravital microscopy was performed in the mesentery to evaluate rolling and adhesion of leukocytes. After euthanasia, 0.5cm of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum were collected for the determination of MPO activity, NO level and PCR to identify the parasite DNA and also the mesentery were collected to perform immunohistochemistry on frozen sections to quantify adhesion molecules ICAM-1, PECAM-1 and P-Selectin. The parasite DNA was identified in all infected groups and there was an increase in leukocytes in the peripheral blood and in expression of ICAM-1 and PECAM-1 in G6 and G12, however, the expression of P-selectin was reduced in G12. Leukocytes are in rolling process during the first 12 hours and they are adhered at 24 hours post-infection. The activity of MPO increased in the duodenum at 12 hours, and NO increased in the jejunum in G72 and ileum in G24, G48 and G72. Our study demonstrated that T. gondii initiates the infection precociously (at 6 hours) leading to a systemic activation of innate immune response resulting in mild inflammation in a less susceptible experimental model.

Abstract Background Type 2 diabetes is one of the most prevalent and preventable diseases worldwide and impulsivity, a psychological trait characterized by making quick decisions without forethought, has been suggested as a key feature for health-related conditions. However, there have been no studies examining the relationships between impulsivity and the incidence of type 2 diabetes and our aim was to assess the prospective association between trait impulsivity and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Methods A prospective observational study design was conducted between May 2014 and February 2023 within the NutriNet-Santé cohort. A web-based platform was used to collect data from the French adult population, with voluntary enrollment and participation. Of the 157,591 adults (≥ 18 years old) participating in the NutriNet-Santé study when impulsivity was assessed, 109,214 participants were excluded due to prevalent type 1 or 2 diabetes or missing data for impulsivity or follow-up data for type 2 diabetes. Trait impulsivity, and the attention, motor, and non-planning subfactors, were assessed at baseline using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale 11. Incident type 2 diabetes was ascertained through follow-up. Medical information was reviewed by NutriNet-Santé physician experts to ascertain incident diabetes cases based on the ICD-10. Cox regression models, using hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (HR [95% CI]), were performed to evaluate associations between impulsivity per 1 standard deviation increment and type 2 diabetes risk, adjusting by recognized confounders. Results Of the 48,377 individuals studied (women 77.6%; age at baseline = 50.6 year ± 14.5 years), 556 individuals developed type 2 diabetes over a median follow-up of 7.78 (IQR: 3.97–8.49) years. Baseline impulsivity was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes incidence (HR = 1.10 [1.02, 1.20]). The motor impulsivity subfactor was positively associated with type 2 diabetes risk (HR = 1.14 [1.04, 1.24]), whereas no associations were found for attention and non-planning impulsivity subfactors. Conclusions Trait impulsivity was associated with an increased type 2 diabetes risk, mainly driven by the motor impulsivity subfactor. If these results are replicated in other populations and settings, trait impulsivity may become an important psychological risk factor to be considered in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Cohort registration Name of registry: The NutriNet-Santé Study. A Web-based Prospective Cohort Study of the Relationship Between Nutrition and Health and of Dietary Patterns and Nutritional Status Predictors. Cohort registration number: NCT03335644. Date of registration: October 11, 2017. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03335644

Introduction The dynamic analysis of complex structures subject to excitations that are difficult to quantify or measure can be conducted using operational modal analysis procedures. The experimental behavior can be validated using results from numerical simulations of mathematical models. Materials and methods This work’s main objective is to develop an automated operational modal analysis (OMA) system. The analyses will be developed using a bridge prototype described in the literature. The structure’s geometry resembles the main span of the iconic Story Bridge of Brisbane. The identification procedure contemplated dynamic tests and, development, and validation of mathematical models obtained by the finite element method. The system excitation is obtained with moving loads (small vehicles moving over a bridge). The automatic system was validated by comparing the numeric and experimental natural frequencies and mode shapes for the original system and for the same system with intentional damage induced by modifying torque in screws connecting metallic joints. Results An automatic operational modal analysis system was validated by comparing experimental modal parameters obtained in a metallic bridge prototype and numerical data obtained by computer simulation of a mathematical model. The dynamic behavior was evaluated for the system with and without structural modifications. It was possible to identify variations in the modal parameters for the damaged system. It was also possible to identify possible damage locations using an energy parameter based on filtered signal trend lines. Conclusions The automatic modal analysis system presented was efficient in obtaining the modal parameters of systems with and without damage, as well as in locating the damage.

Cancer is a genetic disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and metastasis. Cancer can have a number of causes, such the activation of oncogenes, the inactivation of tumor-suppressing genes, mutagenesis provoked by external factors, and epigenetic modifications. The development of diagnostic tools and treatments using a molecular biological approach permits the use of sensitive, low-cost, noninvasive tests for cancer patients. Biomarkers can be used to provide rapid, personalized oncology, in particular the molecular diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia, and gastric, colon, and breast cancers. Molecular tests based on DNA methylation can also be used to direct treatments or evaluate the toxic effects of chemotherapy. The adequate diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of the response of cancer patients to treatment are essential to ensure the most effective therapy, reduce the damaging effects of treatment, and direct the therapy to specific targets, and in this context, molecular biology has become increasingly important in oncology. In this brief review, we will demonstrate the fundamental importance of molecular biology for the treatment of three types of cancer—chronic myeloid leukemia, hereditary diffuse gastric cancer, and astrocytomas (sporadic tumors of the central nervous system). In each of these three models, distinct biological mechanisms are involved in the transformation of the cells, but in all cases, molecular biology is fundamental to the development of personalized analyses for each patient and each type of neoplasia, and to guarantee the success of the treatment.

O artigo tem por objetivo avaliar o referenciamento da demanda de atenção especializada em saúde bucal em Campinas em relação à distribuição da oferta e influência de variáveis socioeconômicas, além de percepção e informações dos usuários sobre à contrarreferência. Estudo observacional exploratório, selecionando duas Regiões Administrativas de Saúde (RAS): uma com Centro de Especialidades Odontológicas (CEO), e outra sem CEO, dividido em 2 fases: 1) todos os encaminhamentos para atenção secundária foram coletados de todas as equipes de Saúde Bucal, além de dados populacionais, socioeconômicos e distribuição dos encaminhamentos; 2) entrevista com 331 usuários, verificando-se a contrarreferência, qualidade de atendimento e razões para faltas ou desistências. Em relação à contrarreferência, a maioria dos usuários realizou os tratamentos especializados, os quais qualificaram como bom e esperaram menos de 1 mês para o agendamento. O modelo de gestão não influenciou estatisticamente no acesso à atenção secundária em saúde bucal. As discrepâncias foram menos evidentes em uma RAS, havendo correlação dos coeficientes de tratamento e variáveis socioeconômicas, além de menor percentual de faltas, demonstrando maior compromisso com a integralidade e equidade.