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Introduction: Umbilical cord blood is an alternative source of hematopoietic progenitor cells for bone marrow transplantation; however, it is associated with a higher graft failure rate. The presence of a high rate of nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) seems to be related to a greater capacity for engraftment, although is also associated with fetal distress conditions. We analyzed the correlation of the NRBC with quality parameters and its association with the utilization score of a cord blood unit. Study design and method: Data of 3346 units collected in a public cord blood bank from May 2010 to December 2017 were analyzed, retrospectively, to identify factors associated with an increased number of nucleated red blood cells and its correlation with the engraftment capacity measured through total nucleated cells (TNCs) and CD34 positive cells. We also evaluated the utilization score of these units and identified an NRBC cutoff associated with a higher score. Results: The median volume collected was 104 mL (42–255), the pre-processing TNC count was 144.77 × 107 (95.46–477.18), the post-processing TNC count was 119.44 × 107 (42.7–477.18), the CD34 count was 4.67 × 106 (0.31–48.01), the NRBC count was 5 (0–202) and the utilization score was 0.0228 (0.00143–0.9740). The NRBC showed a correlation with the collected volume, TNC and CD34 positive cells and a higher utilization score and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis identified the five NRBC/100 leukocytes cutoff that correlates better with the probability of use. No association with pathological conditions and the NRBC rate was observed. Conclusions: The NRBC is a feasible parameter for the screening of the cord blood unit (CBU) and the minimum cutoff of five NRBC/100 leukocytes can be a strategy in conjunction with the TNC to identify better units for cord blood bank sustainability.

Abstract Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is abundant on Earth, is a major component of marine biominerals and thus of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and it plays a major role in the global carbon cycle by storing atmospheric CO2 into solid biominerals. Six crystalline polymorphs of CaCO3 are known—3 anhydrous: calcite, aragonite, vaterite, and 3 hydrated: ikaite (CaCO3·6H2O), monohydrocalcite (CaCO3·1H2O, MHC), and calcium carbonate hemihydrate (CaCO3·½H2O, CCHH). CCHH was recently discovered and characterized, but exclusively as a synthetic material, not as a naturally occurring mineral. Here, analyzing 200 million spectra with Myriad Mapping (MM) of nanoscale mineral phases, we find CCHH and MHC, along with amorphous precursors, on freshly deposited coral skeleton and nacre surfaces, but not on sea urchin spines. Thus, biomineralization pathways are more complex and diverse than previously understood, opening new questions on isotopes and climate. Crystalline precursors are more accessible than amorphous ones to other spectroscopies and diffraction, in natural and bio-inspired materials.

Global concern about pathogenic resistance to antibiotics is prompting interest in probiotics as a strategy to prevent or inhibit infections. Fermented beverages are promising sources of probiotic yeasts. This study aimed to evaluate the antagonistic effects of Kluyveromyces marxianus, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, and Pichia manshurica strains from kefir and wine against Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis in intestinal epithelial cells. The ability of these yeasts to adhere to Caco-2/TC-7 cells was evaluated, as well as their influence on the ability of Salmonella to associate and invade these cells. The behavior of the pathogen was analyzed by (a) incubation of enterocytes with yeast before adding Salmonella, (b) co-incubation of Salmonella with yeast before contact with the enterocytes, and (c) incubation of Salmonella with yeast metabolites before contact with enterocytes. All yeast strains demonstrated adherence to Caco-2/TC-7 cells (33–100%) and effectively inhibited Salmonella invasion. Among the treatments, co-culture showed the greatest effect, reducing Salmonella association and invasion by more than 50%. Additionally, these yeasts modulated the epithelial immune response, significantly decreasing CCL20-driven luminescence by 60–81% (p < 0.0001). These results highlight the potential of yeasts from fermented beverages as probiotics to counteract Salmonella infections, offering a promising alternative in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

IntroductionExtensive research has explored the incorporation of humor in therapy, revealing its potential positive effects on clients’ mental well-being and personal growth. However, limited research exists on how coaching could benefit from humor as an intervention and how its utilization impacts the interaction processes and outcomes for both the coachee and coach. Therefore, our research focuses on the use and effects of spontaneous humor within professional dialogues. This paper aims to extract insights from academic literature on humor in adjacent fields and apply these insights to the context of coaching.MethodsThis paper offers implications for coaching theory and practice, alongside a proposed research agenda. The initial phase involves analyzing reviews on humor in professional contexts, and coaching. Secondly, following the PRISMA guidelines for review, we identified 13 empirical studies, which address the role of humor in counseling, psychotherapy, and mentoring.Results and discussionOur findings suggest that humor serves as a valuable tool for establishing and deepening the working alliance, fostering adaptive coping mechanisms in clients, and enhancing the cognitive and behavioral process. Moreover, humor is shown to be advantageous for professionals in navigating challenging client relationships. These findings hold significance for the realm of coaching practice as well. In light of these insights, we propose the integration of humor use in education toolkits for coaching professionals.

Bacteria of the Xanthomonas genus are mainly phytopathogens of a large variety of crops of economic importance worldwide. Xanthomonas spp. rely on an arsenal of protein effectors, toxins and adhesins to adapt to the environment, compete with other microorganisms and colonize plant hosts, often causing disease. These protein effectors are mainly delivered to their targets by the action of bacterial secretion systems, dedicated multiprotein complexes that translocate proteins to the extracellular environment or directly into eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Type I to type VI secretion systems have been identified in Xanthomonas genomes. Recent studies have unravelled the diverse roles played by the distinct types of secretion systems in adaptation and virulence in xanthomonads, unveiling new aspects of their biology. In addition, genome sequence information from a wide range of Xanthomonas species and pathovars have become available recently, uncovering a heterogeneous distribution of the distinct families of secretion systems within the genus. In this review, we describe the architecture and mode of action of bacterial type I to type VI secretion systems and the distribution and functions associated with these important nanoweapons within the Xanthomonas genus.

Abstract Staphylococcus epidermidis is a Gram-positive saprophytic bacterium found in the microaerobic/anaerobic layers of the skin that becomes a health hazard when it is carried across the skin through punctures or wounds. Pathogenicity is enhanced by the ability of S. epidermidis to associate into biofilms, where it avoids attacks by the host and antibiotics. To test the effect of oxygen on metabolism and biofilm generation, cells were cultured at different oxygen concentrations ([O2]). As [O2] decreased, S. epidermidis metabolism went from respiratory to fermentative. Remarkably, the rate of growth decreased at low [O2] while a high concentration of ATP ([ATP]) was kept. Under hypoxic conditions bacteria associated into biofilms. Aerobic activity sensitized the cell to hydrogen peroxide-mediated damage. In the presence of metabolic inhibitors, biofilm formation decreased. It is suggested that at low [O2] S. epidermidis limits its growth and develops the ability to form biofilms.

Resolving how factors such as temperature, pH, biomolecules and mineral growth rate influence the geochemistry and structure of biogenic CaCO3, is essential to the effective development of palaeoproxies. Here we optimise a method to precipitate the CaCO3 polymorph aragonite from seawater, under tightly controlled conditions that simulate the saturation state (Ω) of coral calcification fluids. We then use the method to explore the influence of aspartic acid (one of the most abundant amino acids in coral skeletons) on aragonite structure and morphology. Using ≥200 mg of aragonite seed (surface area 0.84 m2), to provide a surface for mineral growth, in a 330 mL seawater volume, generates reproducible estimates of precipitation rate over Ωaragonite = 6.9–19.2. However, unseeded precipitations are highly variable in duration and do not provide consistent estimates of precipitation rate. Low concentrations of aspartic acid (1–10 μM) promote aragonite formation, but high concentrations (≥ 1 mM) inhibit precipitation. The Raman spectra of aragonite precipitated in vitro can be separated from the signature of the starting seed by ensuring that at least 60% of the analysed aragonite is precipitated in vitro (equivalent to using a seed of 200 mg and precipitating 300 mg aragonite in vitro). Aspartic acid concentrations ≥ 1mM caused a significant increase in the full width half maxima of the Raman aragonite v1 peak, reflective of increased rotational disorder in the aragonite structure. Changes in the organic content of coral skeletons can drive variations in the FWHM of the Raman aragonite ν1 peak, and if not accounted for, may confuse the interpretation of calcification fluid saturation state from this parameter.

The configuration of the sensory quality of coffee begins in the tree, where chemical precursors are deposited and formed in the seeds as the fruits develop. Fruit within the range classified as mature can have a wide range of properties. This study evaluated three degrees of maturity and established their chemical and sensory characteristics using analytical techniques such as liquid and gas chromatography. The maturity states evaluated did not show differences in organic acids, free fatty acids, lipids, total chlorogenic acids, proteins, alkaloids or sucrose. Fructose and glucose showed differences with respect to the degree of maturity, with higher values associated with more developed states. The analysis of variance did not show a significant effect on sensory attributes or sensory quality. The chromatic coordinate a* of the CIEL*a*b* scale reached a maximum value of 25.16, and the evaluated states were different from each other.

Family firms are a unique setting to study constructive conflict management due to the influence of family ties of the owning family imprinting a sense of common purpose and shared destiny, and high levels of trust. We study the relationship between shared vision and trust that intervene in the adoption of constructive conflict management. To achieve our purpose, we carried out a systematic indirect observation using a mixed methods approach. We used the narratives of 17 semi-structured interviews, audio-recorded and transcribed, of family and non-family managers or directors from five Spanish family firms in the siblings' partnership stage, combined with documentary data obtained from different sources. Intra- and inter-observer reliability were confirmed. Results show a dynamic relationship between shared vision and specific components of trust (benevolence and ability) at different levels of conflict management. We also provide evidence of specific processes of concurrence-seeking and open-mindedness in family and ownership forums accounting for the relevance of family governance in these type of organizations. Family firms are a sum of several subsystems which exhibit a particular resources configuration. This study sheds light on constructive conflict management in family firms opening interesting avenues for further research and offering practical implications to managers, owners, and advisors.

Diagnosis of any infectious disease is vital for opportune treatment and to prevent dissemination. RT-qPCR tests for detection of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent for COVID-19, are ideal in a hospital environment. However, mass testing requires cheaper and simpler tests, especially in settings that lack sophisticated machinery. The most common current diagnostic method is based on nasopharyngeal sample collection, RNA extraction, and RT-qPCR for amplification and detection of viral nucleic acids. Here, we show that samples obtained from nasopharyngeal swabs in VTM and in saliva can be used with or without RNA purification in an isothermal loop-mediated amplification (LAMP)-based assay, with 60-93% sensitivity for SARS-CoV-2 detection as compared to standard RT-qPCR tests. A series of simple modifications to standard RT-LAMP published methods to stabilize pH fluctuations due to salivary acidity resulted in a significant improvement in reliability, opening new avenues for efficient, low-cost testing of COVID-19 infection.

The Chacopampean plain is one of the most arsenic affected areas in Argentina, especially in groundwater, used both for animal drinking and forage irrigation. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of arsenic (As) present in irrigation water on the germination parameters of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), white clover (Trifolium repens L.), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) seeds exposed to different concentrations of As(V). The germination and viability parameters of seeds from the three species were not affected by elevated concentrations of As. However, As significantly reduced the radicle and hypocotyl lengths of the three forage specimens. The inhibition level of the plants increased with the increase in the concentration of As. Regarding to hypocotyl length/radicle length ratio, the results evidenced that both the hypocotyl and radicle of clover species are affected in the same degree, while alfalfa radicles seemed more affected than hypocotyls at higher concentrations of As. Our results showed that irrigation with solutions containing As affect seedling growth parameters differently in the three species, and the effect of As is mostly evidenced when in high concentrations.

Several Xanthomonas species have a type IV secretion system (T4SS) that injects a cocktail of antibacterial proteins into neighbouring Gram-negative bacteria, often leading to rapid lysis upon cell contact. This capability represents an obvious fitness benefit since it can eliminate competition while the liberated contents of the lysed bacteria could provide an increase in the local availability of nutrients. However, the production of this Mega Dalton-sized molecular machine, with over a hundred subunits, also imposes a significant metabolic cost. Here we show that the chromosomal virB operon, which encodes the structural genes of this T4SS in X. citri, is regulated by the conserved global regulator CsrA. Relieving CsrA repression from the virB operon produced a greater number of T4SSs in the cell envelope and an increased efficiency in contact-dependent lysis of target cells. However, this was also accompanied by a physiological cost leading to reduced fitness when in co-culture with wild-type X. citri. We show that T4SS production is constitutive despite being downregulated by CsrA. Cells subjected to a wide range of rich and poor growth conditions maintain a constant density of T4SSs in the cell envelope and concomitant interbacterial competitiveness. These results show that CsrA provides a constant though partial repression on the virB operon, independent of the tested growth conditions, in this way controlling T4SS-related costs while at the same time maintaining X. citri's aggressive posture when confronted by competitors.

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are responsible for dengue virus (DENV) transmission in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide, where an estimated 3 billion people live at risk of DENV exposure. DENV-infected individuals show symptoms ranging from sub-clinical or mild to hemorrhagic fever. Infected mosquitoes do not show detectable signs of disease, even though the virus maintains a lifelong persistent infection. The interactions between viruses and host mitochondria are crucial for virus replication and pathogenicity. DENV infection in vertebrate cells modulates mitochondrial function and dynamics to facilitate viral proliferation. Here, we describe that DENV also regulates mitochondrial function and morphology in infected C6/36 mosquito cells (derived from Aedes albopictus). Our results showed that DENV infection increased ROS (reactive oxygen species) production, modulated mitochondrial transmembrane potential and induced changes in mitochondrial respiration. Furthermore, we offer the first evidence that DENV causes translocation of mitofusins to mitochondria in the C6/36 mosquito cell line. Another protein Drp-1 (Dynamin-related protein 1) did not localize to mitochondria in DENV-infected cells. This observation therefore ruled out the possibility that the abovementioned alterations in mitochondrial function are associated with mitochondrial fission. In summary, this report provides some key insights into the virus–mitochondria crosstalk in DENV infected mosquito cells.

Members of the Xanthomonadales order include several plant pathogens of significant economic and agricultural impact, such as Xanthomonas spp. Type 6 secretion systems (T6SSs) are contractile nanomachines used by many bacterial species to inject protein effectors into target prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and provide a competitive advantage for bacteria in different environments. Effectors with antibacterial properties include peptidoglycan hydrolases, lipases and phospholipases that break down structural components of the cell envelope, promoting target-cell lysis; and RNases, DNAses, and NADases that affect target-cell metabolism, arresting growth. Effectors with anti-eukaryotic properties are functionally more diverse. The T6SS of Xanthomonas citri is the only example experimentally characterized so far within the Xanthomonadales order and displays anti-eukaryotic function by providing resistance to predation by amoeba. This T6SS is regulated at the transcriptional level by a signaling cascade involving a Ser/Thr kinase and an extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factor. In this review, we performed in silico analyses of 35 genomes of Xanthomonadales and showed that T6SSs are widely distributed and phylogenetically classified into three major groups. In silico predictions identified a series of proteins with known toxic domains as putative T6SS effectors, suggesting that the T6SSs of Xanthomonadales display both anti-prokaryotic and anti-eukaryotic properties depending on the phylogenetic group and bacterial species.

Bacteria have been constantly competing for nutrients and space for billions of years. During this time, they have evolved many different molecular mechanisms by which to secrete proteinaceous effectors in order to manipulate and often kill rival bacterial and eukaryotic cells. These processes often employ large multimeric transmembrane nanomachines that have been classified as types I–IX secretion systems. One of the most evolutionarily versatile are the Type IV secretion systems (T4SSs), which have been shown to be able to secrete macromolecules directly into both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Until recently, examples of T4SS-mediated macromolecule transfer from one bacterium to another was restricted to protein-DNA complexes during bacterial conjugation. This view changed when it was shown by our group that many Xanthomonas species carry a T4SS that is specialized to transfer toxic bacterial effectors into rival bacterial cells, resulting in cell death. This review will focus on this special subtype of T4SS by describing its distinguishing features, similar systems in other proteobacterial genomes, and the nature of the effectors secreted by these systems and their cognate inhibitors.

Abstract Wolbachia sp. has colonized over 70% of insect species, successfully manipulating host fertility, protein expression, lifespan, and metabolism. Understanding and engineering the biochemistry and physiology of Wolbachia holds great promise for insect vector‐borne disease eradication. Wolbachia is cultured in cell lines, which have long duplication times and are difficult to manipulate and study. The yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae W303 was used successfully as an artificial host for Wolbachia wAlbB. As compared to controls, infected yeast lost viability early, probably as a result of an abnormally high mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation activity observed at late stages of growth. No respiratory chain proteins from Wolbachia were detected, while several Wolbachia F1F0‐ATPase subunits were revealed. After 5 days outside the cell, Wolbachia remained fully infective against insect cells.

Introduction. Dry eye is one of the most frequent eye problems with prevalence and incidence from 5% to 50%. Citation network analysis allows us to simplify information in a visual way and provides a better understanding of the research done in a specific field. The objective of this paper is to quantify and analyse the relationships among the scientific literature in this field using citation network analysis. Materials and Methods. The program used to analyse the citations was CitNetExplorer®. Previously, papers published in the research field during a predefined period were found using the keywords defined in Web of ScienceTM (WOS). Results. Using the keyword “dry eye,” during the period 2007 to 2018, the most cited paper is by Lemp, MA (2007), with a citation index score of 913 in our citation network containing 6,500 most relevant papers. Analysing clustering, we found 5 relevant groups that match the main areas of research in this field: definition and classification, treatment, retina, refractive surgery, and quality of vision. Core Publication is composed of 64% of the papers in the network, which is a high percentage. It indicates a clear focus on the research carried out in this field. Conclusions. This citation network analysis shows definition and classification of dry eye to be the most researched area in this field, followed by treatment.

Objective. To analyse the prevalence of myopia among a sample of more than 6000 children in Spain as well as to determine the impact of risk factors in its progression. Methodology. A total of 6,152 children aged from 5 to 7 were examined. The participants underwent an eye examination that included visual acuity, refraction without cycloplegia, and tests of accommodative and binocular function. In addition, a questionnaire regarding their lifestyle, family history, and geographical data was carried out. Finally, data were analysed using the SPSS version 25 program. Results. The prevalence of myopia in the sample of children studied has increased from 17% in 2016 to 20% in 2017. Likewise, the number of children with high myopia has also increased, from 1.7% in 2016 to 3.6% in 2017. 43.3% of the participants spent more than 3 hours a day doing near activities, and 48.9% of this group spent more than 50% of this time using electronic devices. In addition, only 9.7% spent more than 2.5 hours outdoors each day. Conclusion. Myopia prevalence appears to be increasing in Spain. Lifestyle factors appear to be increasing the risk of myopia.

The combination of nitrogen and silicon fertilization, in adequate amounts, can increase rice grains yield and quality. This study aimed at evaluating the yield components, grain yield and milled quality of rice grains, Primavera cultivar, according to the application of silicon combined with topdressing nitrogen fertilization, with and without irrigation, in Selvíria, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks, in a split-split-plot arrangement, with four replications. The treatments consisted of cropping systems (rainfed and sprinkler irrigation) for plots, silicon doses (0 kg ha-1 and 100 kg ha-1) for split-plots and topdressing nitrogen doses (0 kg ha-1, 30 kg ha-1, 60 kg ha-1 and 90 kg ha-1) for split-split-plots. Irrigation increased plant height and grain yield, and the silicon application did not affect grain yield and its components or the milled rice yield of irrigated rice. The rise of N doses, under sprinkler irrigation, increased plant height, number of tillers and panicles m-2 and total spikelets, as well as grain yield, however, for the rainfed system, rice yield decreased.

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a influência da adubação com zinco na matéria seca e morfologia do sistema radicular de cultivares de arroz de terras altas. O experimento foi conduzido em vasos contendo 8 dm³ de Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico, em casa de vegetação, até 64 dias após a emergência das plantas. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados, disposto em arranjo fatorial 4 x 3, quatro níveis de adubação de zinco (0, 4, 8 e 16 mg dm-3) e três cultivares de arroz (‘Caiapó’, ‘Maravilha’ e ‘Primavera’), com quatro repetições. O diâmetro radicular aumentou com o aumento da adubação com Zn. Comprimento, superfície e volume radicular não foram influenciados pelas doses de Zinco. As cultivares do grupo tradicional ‘Caiapó’ e intermediário ‘Primavera’ apresentaram maior comprimento radicular do que a cultivar do grupo moderno ‘Maravilha’. Cultivares com maior comprimento radicular (‘Caiapó’ e ‘Primavera’) exibiram maiores teores de Zn na parte aérea.The study aimed was to evaluate the upland rice cultivars behavior submitted to different levels of zinc, aiming to identify development alterations of the root system and the shoot. The experiment was carried in 8 dm-3 pots in greenhouse, up 64 days after the emergency of the plants. The experiment was design 4 x 3 completely randomized, consisted by four zinc levels (0, 4, 8 and 16 mg dm-3) and three upland rice cultivars (‘Caiapó’, ‘Maravilha’ and ‘Primavera’) with four replications. The root diameter increased by the Zn high level fertilization. Length, surface and root volume did not influenced by the zinc levels. The cultivars of ‘Caiapó’ traditional group and ‘Primavera’ intermediate showed increased root lenght then the ‘Maravilha’ modern group. Cultivars with greater root lenght (‘Caiapó’e ‘Primavera’) demonstrated higher lever of Zn levels in the shoot.

A garantia de alta produtividade de grãos de arroz no sistema de cultivo irrigado por aspersão tem estimulado a utilização de maiores doses de fertilizantes, principalmente os nitrogenados. Contudo, o manejo inadequado da adubação nitrogenada pode resultar em acamamento das plantas. A aplicação de reguladores vegetais pode carrear fotoassimilados para produção de grãos em detrimento do crescimento vegetativo excessivo. Este trabalho teve por objetivos: avaliar a influência do regulador de crescimento etil-trinexapac nas características de crescimento da planta e no acúmulo e distribuição de N (15N) nas partes e na planta inteira de arroz; e verificar a contribuição do N absorvido em diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento na formação da panícula, nos componentes do rendimento e na massa de grãos de arroz. O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação, sob condições controladas. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de não-aplicação ou aplicação de regulador de crescimento vegetal (0 e 200 g ha-1 i.a. de etil-trinexapac) em quatro estádios de desenvolvimento das plantas (1 - início ao final do perfilhamento, 2 - final do perfilhamento à diferenciação do primórdio da panícula, 3 - diferenciação do primórdio da panícula ao florescimento e 4 - florescimento à maturação fisiológica). Foi utilizado o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, dispostos em esquema fatorial 2 x 4, com três repetições. As plantas foram postas em um grupo de 48 vasos. Em um grupo de 24 vasos, com solução nutritiva e NH4SO4 enriquecido (15N), no início de cada estádio preestabelecido de desenvolvimento da planta ao final de cada um deles, as plantas foram coletadas e separadas em suas partes constituintes. Em outro grupo de vasos (24 vasos), no final de cada estádio, em vez de serem coletadas, as plantas voltavam a se desenvolver em solução nutritiva com NH4SO4 natural, para então serem coletadas no final do ciclo. O regulador de crescimento vegetal reduziu a altura das plantas e o acúmulo de 15N na panícula e promoveu a redistribuição do 15N absorvido e o aumento do 15N acumulado na raiz, colmo+bainha e folhas. A contribuição de 15N absorvido, em cada estádio estudado, para formação da panícula aumentou com o desenvolvimento das plantas, em menor proporção na presença do regulador de crescimento utilizado. O etil-trinexapac influenciou negativamente os componentes do rendimento e a massa de grãos de arroz.The high rice grain yields ensured by sprinkler irrigation have encouraged the use of higher fertilizer doses, mainly the nitrogen fertilizers. However, an improper management of nitrogen fertilization may result in plant lodging. Application of plant regulators may redirect assimilates to grain production while limiting the vegetative growth. This study aimed to: evaluate the influence of the growth regulator Ethyl-trinexapac on plant growth parameters and on 15N accumulation and distribution in the whole plant and plant components, and determine the contribution of nitrogen taken up in different developmental stages in panicle formation, yield components and rice yield. The experiment was carried out under controlled greenhouse conditions. The treatments consisted of application or not of a plant growth regulator (0 and 200 g active ingredient ha-1 of ethyl-trinexapac) at four plant development stages (1 - beginning to end of tillering; 2 - end of tillering and flower differentiation; 3 - flower differentiation to flowering; 4 - flowering until physiological maturation). The experimental design was arranged in random blocks, in a 2 x 4 factorial scheme, with three replications. The plants were placed in a group of 48 pots. In a group of 24 pots with nutrient solution containing 15NH4SO4, plants were collected and separated in parts in the beginning of each pre-established plant development stage and at the end of each stage. In a second group (24 pots), pre-labeled plants were left to grow in nutrient solution with 14NH4SO4 and harvested at the end of each cycle in order to access 15N redistribution.. The growth regulator reduced plant height and 15N accumulation in the panicle and promoted redistribution of the absorbed 15N, and increased accumulated 15N in root, stem+sheats and leaves. The contribution of absorbed 15N to panicle formation in each stage increased with the plant development, though in a lower proportion in the presence of the growth regulator. Ethyl-trinexapac influenced components and rice yield negatively.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar o regulador vegetal e dose mais adequada visando à redução da altura da planta e acamamento e a interferência destes nos componentes da produção e produtividade de grãos de arroz de terras altas irrigado por aspersão. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de três reguladores vegetais e quatro doses. Ocloreto de mepiquat (PIX) e o etil-trinexapac (Moddus) foram aplicados nas doses 0, 2000, 4000 e 8000 mg L-1 e o paclobutrazol (Paclobutrazol ou Cultar) foi aplicado nas doses 0, 1000, 2000 e 4000 mg L-1, do produto comercial. Os reguladores vegetais foram aplicadosno estádio de perfilhamento, utilizando o cultivar Primavera. Constatou-se que a aplicação do etil-trinexapac reduziu a altura da planta e influenciou negativamente os componentes da produção e produtividade de grãos. Não foi identificada uma dose “ideal” que reduzisse a altura da planta e proporcionasse aumento na produtividade de grãos.The present work aims to identify the vegetal regulators and optimum dose to reduce plant height and layering and their influence on production and productivity components in sprinkler-irrigated highland rice grains. Treatments consisted of three vegetal regulators and four doses. Mepiquat chloride (Pix) and ethyl-trinexapac (Moddus) were applied at doses of 0, 2000, 4000 and 8000 mg L-1, while paclobutrazol (Paclobutrazol) was applied at 0, 1000,2000 and 4000 mg L-1, commercial product. The vegetal regulators were applied during the profiling state, utilizing Primavera cultivar. Results showed that ethyl-trinexapac reduced the plant height and influenced negatively grain production and productivity components.No optimum dose was identified to reduce plant height and increase grain productivity.

Chitosan is a stressing molecule that affects the cells walls and plasma membrane of fungi. For chitosan derivatives, the action mode is not clear. In this work, we used the yeast Ustilago maydis to study the effects of these molecules on the plasma membrane, focusing on physiologic and stress responses to chitosan (CH), oligochitosan (OCH), and glycol-chitosan (GCH). Yeasts were cultured with each of these molecules at 1 mg·mL−1 in minimal medium. To compare plasma membrane damage, cells were cultivated in isosmolar medium. Membrane potential (Δψ) as well as oxidative stress were measured. Changes in the total plasma membrane phospholipid and protein profiles were analyzed using standard methods, and fluorescence-stained mitochondria were observed. High osmolarity did not protect against CH inhibition and neither affected membrane potential. The OCH did produce higher oxidative stress. The effects of these molecules were evidenced by modifications in the plasma membrane protein profile. Also, mitochondrial damage was evident for CH and OCH, while GCH resulted in thicker cells with fewer mitochondria and higher glycogen accumulation.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da aplicação do silício no sulco de semeadura, combinado com adubação nitrogenada em cobertura, na produtividade de grãos, nos teores de silício no solo, no tecido vegetal e teor de nitrogênio na planta, em condições de sequeiro e irrigado. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos casualizados com parcelas subdivididas e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos pelos sistemas de cultivo (sequeiro e irrigado) e as subparcelas pela combinação do silício (0 e 100 kg ha-1), tendo como fonte o silicato de Ca e Mg (com 23% de SiO2) e quatro doses de nitrogênio (ureia) em cobertura (0, 30, 60 e 90 kg ha -1). A aplicação de silício no sulco de semeadura demonstrou ser técnica viável, pois proporcionou aumento significativo do teor desse elemento na zona de crescimento radicular da cultura do arroz. A aplicação de silício no sulco não altera o teor do elemento e nem a nutrição nitrogenada em plantas de arroz. A adubação nitrogenada em cobertura reduz os teores de silício e aumenta a nutrição nitrogenada nas plantas de arroz. A aplicação de silício no sulco de semeadura não proporcionou incremento na produtividade de grãos de arroz. Quando não houve limitação hídrica a adubação nitrogenada proporcionou incremento linear na produtividade de grãos, enquanto que sob deficiência hídrica o efeito da fertilização nitrogenada foi limitada.

Type IV secretion systems (T4SS) are used by Gram-negative bacteria to translocate protein and DNA substrates across the cell envelope and into target cells. Translocation across the outer membrane is achieved via a ringed tetradecameric outer membrane complex made up of a small VirB7 lipoprotein (normally 30 to 45 residues in the mature form) and the C-terminal domains of the VirB9 and VirB10 subunits. Several species from the genera of Xanthomonas phytopathogens possess an uncharacterized type IV secretion system with some distinguishing features, one of which is an unusually large VirB7 subunit (118 residues in the mature form). Here, we report the NMR and 1.0 Å X-ray structures of the VirB7 subunit from Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (VirB7(XAC2622)) and its interaction with VirB9. NMR solution studies show that residues 27-41 of the disordered flexible N-terminal region of VirB7(XAC2622) interact specifically with the VirB9 C-terminal domain, resulting in a significant reduction in the conformational freedom of both regions. VirB7(XAC2622) has a unique C-terminal domain whose topology is strikingly similar to that of N0 domains found in proteins from different systems involved in transport across the bacterial outer membrane. We show that VirB7(XAC2622) oligomerizes through interactions involving conserved residues in the N0 domain and residues 42-49 within the flexible N-terminal region and that these homotropic interactions can persist in the presence of heterotropic interactions with VirB9. Finally, we propose that VirB7(XAC2622) oligomerization is compatible with the core complex structure in a manner such that the N0 domains form an extra layer on the perimeter of the tetradecameric ring.

O trabalho foi conduzido nos anos de 1999 e 2000, no município de Selvíria, Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, e teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito da aplicação de nitrogênio em cobertura, na cultura do feijão cv. Pérola, em plantio direto. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 6x2 envolvendo seis doses (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 e 125 kg ha-1) e duas fontes (nitrato de amônio e uréia) de N em cobertura, com quatro repetições. Foram avaliados: dias para o florescimento pleno, matéria seca de plantas, teor de nitrogênio na parte aérea, componentes de produção, ciclo da cultura e produtividade de grãos. Não existe diferença de produtividade do feijoeiro em relação à utilização de uréia ou nitrato de amônio como fonte de nitrogênio em cobertura; a produtividade do feijoeiro irrigado cultivado no inverno pode ser aumentada pela adição de nitrogênio em cobertura, pois a cultura responde à aplicação de doses de nitrogênio acima de 100 kg ha-1.

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o crescimento das cultivares de amendoim Tatu e Botutatu através do estudo dos parâmetros fisiológicos da análise de crescimento e produção de grãos. Foram instalados dois experimentos em casa de vegetação do Departamento de Agricultura, Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, Botucatu, Estado de São Paulo. Cultivo de outono (março – julho de 1998) e cultivo de verão (novembro de 1998 a março de 1999). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições, dispostos em esquema fatorial. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de duas cultivares de amendoim, oito e seis épocas de amostragem para o cultivo de outono e de verão, respectivamente, abrangendo todo o ciclo dos cultivares. Os resultados mostraram que, em ambos os cultivos, a RAF, TAL e TCR decresceram com o desenvolvimento das plantas das cultivares Tatu e Botutatu. As cultivares Tatu e Botutatu não diferiram quanto a produção de grãos, em ambos cultivos. No cultivo de outono obteve-se maior produção de grãos.

O trabalho foi conduzido no ano de 1999, no município de Selvíria, Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, e teve como objetivo avaliar o comportamento do feijoeiro em função do preparo do solo, do manejo de água e das doses de nitrogênio em cobertura. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos casualizados, com 4 repetições, sendo os tratamentos constituídos por 3 modalidades de preparo do solo, 4 doses de nitrogênio em cobertura e aplicação de 3 lâminas de água. Foram avaliados: a matéria seca de plantas, o número de vagens e grãos por planta, o número de grãos por vagem, a massa de 100 grãos e a produtividade. As lâminas de água utilizadas influenciaram positivamente a aplicação das doses de nitrogênio, promovendo, assim, incrementos na produtividade de grãos na ordem de 38% e 74% na L2 (190mm) e L3 (230mm), respectivamente, em relação à L1 (128mm), para a dose de 90kg há-1. O preparo com escarificador e arado de aiveca proporcionou comportamento semelhante para as características produtivas, diferindo da grade aradora que obteve menor desempenho. As modalidades de preparo do solo não interferiram na resposta do feijoeiro às aplicações das doses de nitrogênio

O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar o regulador vegetal e dose mais adequada visando à redução da altura da planta e acamamento e a interferência destes nos componentes da produção e produtividade de grãos de arroz de terras altas irrigado por aspersão. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de três reguladores vegetais e quatro doses. O cloreto de mepiquat (PIX) e o etil-trinexapac (Moddus) foram aplicados nas doses 0, 2000, 4000 e 8000 mg L-1 e o paclobutrazol (Paclobutrazol ou Cultar) foi aplicado nas doses 0, 1000, 2000 e 4000 mg L-1, do produto comercial. Os reguladores vegetais foram aplicados no estádio de perfilhamento, utilizando o cultivar Primavera. Constatou-se que a aplicação do etil-trinexapac reduziu a altura da planta e influenciou negativamente os componentes da produção e produtividade de grãos.

[Display omitted] • Potential Probiotic of 96 native yeasts isolated from wine environment were evaluated. • Biosafety traits assayed, hemolytic, antifungal, urease, allowed to select 66 yeasts. • Fifteen non – Saccharomyces yeasts showed resistant to Gastrointestinal conditions. • The best results were registered by the yeasts of Pichia genus. • Selected yeasts reached high populations after passage by tract gastrointestinal. Autochthonous yeasts of oenological origin are adapted to highly stressful and selective environments, which makes them potential candidates for probiotics. The objective of the present study was to explore the probiotic potential of 96 native yeasts of oenological origin, their biosafety, resistance to gastrointestinal tract conditions and adhesion properties. Regarding biosafety, 66 isolates shown negative hemolytic activity, negative urease activity and susceptibility to 3 or more antifungals. After the gastrointestinal resistance test, 15 isolates were selected that showed growth at different temperatures, tolerance to low pH and the presence of bile salts in in vitro tests. In general, survival after simulated conditions of the gastrointestinal tract was high and more restrictive was the duodenal. The results of the adhesion properties showed highly variable hydrophobicity and a high percentage of autoaggregation at 24 h. The maximum production of biofilm was detected in the Pichia strains. Of a total of 96 yeast strains, 15 non- Saccharomyces yeasts presented suitable properties as probiotic candidates. The native winemaking strains performed better than the reference probiotic strain, Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii CNCM I-745, which reaffirms that these strains are promising probiotic candidates and further studies are necessary to confirm their probiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]