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The recovery and survival of the Macaronesian laurel forest depends on its regeneration strategies. After years of long-term monitoring, both sexual and asexual regeneration appear to be equally important. However, the mechanisms for each are just beginning to be understood. In order to contribute to the understanding of the laurel forest sexual regeneration, we analyzed the species composition of the seedling bank every two weeks over three years in the laurel forest of Anaga (Tenerife, Canary Islands). We compared the species compositions of the seedling bank with the canopy, and analyzed changes in their diversity over this period in different forest stands. We found that species diversity (evenness) is different among plots regardless of the stand. In some cases, plot diversity remained constant over time, while others showed some variations, which were little related to climatic conditions (temperature and precipitation). We also found no relationship between the seedling bank and canopy composition, with shade-intolerant species being more abundant in the former. Although climatic conditions remained constant during the period and other environmental conditions did not vary either, some changes were found in the seedling bank species composition. These were related to the increased degree of conservation of the laurel forest of Anaga (by closing unpaved roads, limiting access, and the abandonment of agriculture) that had negatively affected the density of shade-intolerant species. We suggest that such conservation measures should be maintained and extended to other areas where agriculture has been recently abandoned to allow the potential establishment of laurel forest and late successional species.

The application of rhizobacteria has gained space in agricultural production, given the demand for more sustainable systems. However, most of the results obtained are related to soil or seed application, leaving a gap in relation to the foliar application of these microorganisms. The objective of this work was to evaluate the impact of foliar application of different types of growth-promoting rhizobacteria on morphological aspects and production components of soybean. For this, the foliar application of four rhizobacteria (Serratia sp.; Bacillus subtilis; Bacillus sp.; Pseudomonas fluorescens) was used, as well as a control without inoculation. Morphological variables of growth and production components were analyzed. The yield ratio of the treatments with rhizobacteria, concerning the control was also calculated. The foliar application with different rhizobacteria in soybean did not affect the vegetative parameters of plant height, stem diameter and dry weight of the canopy. For the number of pods per plant, number of grains per plant and grain yield the use of Bacillus sp. was superior to the other treatments, providing an average increase of 27.65%, 20.32% and 28.59%, respectively. Also, the Serratia sp., Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens application increased the grain yield by 8.49%, 10.73% and 5.71%, respectively. In conclusion, for the condition of the tropical region where this study was conducted, the foliar application with different growth-promoting rhizobacteria in soybean did not interfere in the vegetative development of soybean plants. In addition, considering the factors related to the increase of production in cultivated areas, all rhizobacteria have the potential to improve yield gains when applied as foliar treatment, especially the Bacillus sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional sewage treatment plants aim to minimize environmental impacts, but generate by-products, such as sludge, which also must be properly treated and dewatered. From the resource recovery perspective, a promising alternative is a reuse as fertilizer in agriculture, due to the nutrients in its composition, but the feasibility of this reuse depends on sludge treatment technologies that, in addition to promoting dewatering, treat toxic pollutants, pathogens and metals. Many techniques have been employed in an attempt to promote effective dewatering and remove pollutants from sludge, but the high cost of physicochemical treatments and risk of causing secondary pollution, make it difficult to apply on a larger scale, as well as reuse the sludge. Therefore, biological treatments, such as bioleaching, have become an increasingly popular choice, as they have economic and environmental benefits, which with improvements can enable the use of sludge as a resource. The objective of the present study was to investigate the scientific production of the last twelve years, regarding the microbiology of extracellular polymeric substances influence on sewage sludge dewatering during the bioleaching process. The specific objectives were to elucidate the influence of extracellular polymeric substances fractions on sludge dewatering, to identify the main microorganisms involved in extracellular polymeric substances generation and identify the main microorganisms involved in its removal during bioleaching. This literature review will help to understand the microbiological aspects of dewatering during the bioleaching process and will provide useful information to improve future research on the application of bioleaching in sewage sludge treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gelatinous animals have been historically viewed as trophic dead-ends. However, there are increasing data showing these organisms being consumed by diverse predators and demonstrate they play an important role in ecosystem functioning. Here we document the Ocypode quadrata (Fabricius, 1787) scavenging on stranded Physalia physalis (Linnaeus, 1758) at Sergipe and Bahia, tropical Brazil (11° and 14° Lat. S), based on Instagram® posts. These findings highlight the potential of social media to complement the information provided by traditional academic sources. We also suggest that this predatory interaction is probably more common than reported in the literature, perhaps due to methodological constraints of stomach content analyses, which may overlook the consumption of gelatinous animals by ghost crabs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Zealand's iconic, flightless and endangered species of kiwi (Apterygidae) are at risk of extinction on the mainland due to predation by introduced mammals. In order to provide effective conservation management a robust understanding of genetic variation in the group is needed. Recent genomic analyses of kiwi suggest that several cryptic and as yet undescribed lineages occur in the South Island, most notably within a taxon that has until now been called Apteryx australis australis, the South Island Brown Kiwi or Tokoeka. In order for these lineages to be formally described and treated as separate conservation units it is first necessary to determine from which lineage of Tokoeka the holotype was collected. To determine this, we generated a near complete mitochondrial genome and nuclear SNP dataset for the holotype and compared these with living kiwi populations. Our results definitively assign the holotype to the Stewart Island population of brown kiwi which until now was recognized as a distinct subspecies Apteryx australis lawyri (Rothschild, 1893). This leads us to synonymize Apteryx lawryi Rothschild, 1893 within Apteryx australis Shaw, 1813. As the holotype was collected by sealers in the early 19th century, the result also provides a novel insight into the activities of early sealers in New Zealand. New names for taxa will need to be erected for any mainland South Island taxa described, because there are no scientific names available for taxonomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the pandemic of COVID-19 as an integral phenomenon, which is formed not only by the virus in itself but by the whole range of relationships and activities emerging from this phenomenon. The object of analysis is Science Education, especially how it has been developing throughout the pandemic situation. In this sense, we point out the need to understand the current pandemic, taking into account not only the virus's microfauna but the pandemic as a social issue. In this scenario, in educational terms, emerged what was called "remote emergency activity" emerged and even with the use of technology it is necessary to highlight that no technology, however best and most developed, will supply the work of a teacher, or better, contact and human sense cannot be replaced. Concerning educational activities in science, they must go beyond a mere "transmission of content", that is, an Education in Science for the development of concrete possibilities of human emancipation, through the Discussions About Science. Finally, we consider that we will not rebuilding human culture from the beginning in a post-pandemic world, but continue to develop movements of resistance and struggles engaged in transformation based on Science Education attentive social justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of ozone exposure on the process of water uptake and germination of lentil (Lens culinaris) seeds. For this, a commercial ozone generator that provides a concentration of 1 g/m3 generated from atmospheric air was used. In the experiments 10 lentil seeds were used per treatment carried out at different times of exposure to ozone: 2, 3, 5, 10 and 15 min. Imbibition curves were performed following the seed mass for 180 min. For germination tests, wet neutral pH germination paper was used where, every 24 h, the mass, root size and stem size of the plant were measured over 7 days. Furthermore, contact angle analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were performed on the seeds. The maximum water uptake in the seeds as a function of the imbibition time was optimum for the samples treated with 3 and 5 min. This fact was reflected in the growth rates of the stem, root and mass that were significantly higher than the control sample, after 7 days of germination. The FT-IR analysis indicated the formation of bands in 1345 cm−1 (NO3−) related to ethylene ozonolysis. Also, it was observed a reduction of the N-H band (amide II) at 1551–1550 cm−1 and increase of the C-H bond at 1543 cm−1, evidencing a possible action of ozone on lentil proteins. This fact is probably related to the enhancement of the seed germination process, allowing the germination rates to be 90% for samples treated with ozone for 3 and 10 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has been conducted on canine expressed sequence tags from different DNA libraries. The results of the sequence analysis of these tags have demonstrated that they provide sequence information for 5%-10% of the canine genes.

Boron doped TiO2:xB (x = 0 mol.%, 1 mol.%, 2 mol.%, 4 mol.% and 8 mol.%) was quickly synthesized by a microwave-assisted solvothermic method at 140°C for 10 min. The nanoparticles obtained were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence, field emission scanning electron microscopy, electron microscopy and diffuse optical reflectance. The photocatalytic properties were estimated against methylene blue dye. The antimicrobial activity was measured by the disc diffusion technique against S. aureus and E. coli bacteria. The XRD patterns show that there was no formation of secondary phases and that all the peaks correspond to the anatase phase of TiO2. Rietveld's refinement showed that the addition of B3+ in the TiO2 lattice promotes a reduction in the size of the crystallites and this reduction it effectively increases the degradation capacity of the methylene blue dye, which after 50 min the 8%B sample degraded completely, while the pure TiO2 sample reduced its concentration by 95%. Boron-doped TiO2 was effective when reused and after the third cycle the photocatalytic activity of the powders was maintained. In addition, the incorporation of 8%B in the TiO2 lattice resulted in an increase from 8.66 mm to 15.61 mm and 9.04 mm to 13.65 mm in the inhibition halos of the S. aureus and E. coli bacteria, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The information and communication technologies using features based on the web 2.0 platform may contribute to a more interactive and dynamic educational process. This article aims to evaluate the contributions of an interactive ebook, written by undergraduates in Biological Sciences on the subject of AIDS, used on teaching in elementary school's final years. The quantitative and qualitative methodology was adopted in this study, a pre-test and a post-test were done with 8th graders of elementary education at a public school, they were divided into a control and an experimental group. The data gathered were submitted to two-tailed hypothesis test using two independent and variable samples utilizing the t distribution showed that students who used the ebook were able to have a better understanding of AIDS prevention methods and its importance, displaying better performance in the ratings with a significance value of more than 5%. In addition, the results showed that students do not talk about STDs in school or with their families, so it is necessary to expand the debate of the matter and make access to information easier for this audience as well as promote events at the school so that this issue can also be discussed with the parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3′-Deoxy-3-[18F]fluorothymidine, or [18F]FLT, is a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer used in clinical studies for noninvasive assessment of proliferation activity in several types of cancer. Although the use of this PET tracer is expanding, to date, few studies concerning its dosimetry have been published. In this work, new [18F]FLT dosimetry estimates are determined for human and mice using Monte Carlo simulations. Modern voxelized male and female phantoms and [18F]FLT biokinetic data, both published by the ICRP, were used for simulations of human cases. For most human organs/tissues the absorbed doses were higher than those reported in ICRP Publication 128. An effective dose of 1.70E-02 mSv/MBq to the whole body was determined, which is 13.5% higher than the ICRP reference value. These new human dosimetry estimates obtained using more realistic human phantoms represent an advance in the knowledge of [18F]FLT dosimetry. In addition, mice biokinetic data were obtained experimentally. These data and a previously developed voxelized mouse phantom were used for simulations of animal cases. Concerning animal dosimetry, absorbed doses for organs/tissues ranged from 4.47 ± 0.75 to 155.74 ± 59.36 mGy/MBq. The obtained set of organ/tissue radiation doses for healthy Swiss mice is a useful tool for application in animal experiment design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Fruits is the property of International Society for Horticultural Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Morpho‐physiological changes caused by particular plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria were evaluated in sugarcane plants under varying water availability. Under well‐watered conditions, we have found one rhizobacteria isolate (IAC‐RBcr5) able to enhance root dry matter and photosynthesis of sugarcane plants. The IAC‐RBcr5 genome was sequenced and high similarity was found with Pseudomonas putida GB‐1. Based on increased root system size of inoculated plants, we hypothesised that sugarcane plants inoculated with IAC‐RBcr5 would have improved performance under water deficit. Although IAC‐RBcr5 had improved plant leaf CO2 assimilation under water shortage, inoculation caused reduction of biomass accumulation in sugarcane. The negative influence of water deficit on shoot growth rate and root traits such as volume, area, diameter, length and specific root area was higher in plants treated with IAC‐RBcr5 as compared to non‐inoculated ones. However, rhizobacteria‐induced improvements in leaf and root proline contents would represent a strategy for storing carbon and nitrogen during low water availability and helping both organisms to resume their metabolism after rehydration. In conclusion, we found and identified a rhizobacterium able to improve growth and photosynthesis of sugarcane plants. Such benefit for plant growth was lost under low water availability as a likely consequence of increased carbon‐energy demand by rhizobacteria and their sensitivity to drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The inorganic portion of tuffaceous mud and mudstone in an oceanic island arc can be mostly volcanic in origin. Consequently, a large volume of submarine volcaniclastic material is as extremely fine‐grained as products of subaerial eruptions (<100 µm). Using results of IODP Expedition 350 in the Izu rear arc, we show that such material can accumulate at high rates (12–20 cm/k.y.) within 13 km of the nearest seamount summit and scores of km behind the volcanic front. The geochemistry of bulk, acid‐leached mud, and its discrete vitriclasts, shows that >75% of the mud is volcanic, and that most of it was derived from proximal rear arc volcanic sources. It faithfully preserves integrated igneous geochemical information about arc evolution in much the same way that terrigenous shales track the evolution of continental crust. In addition, their high sedimentation rate enables high resolution study of climate cycles, including the effects of Pleistocene glaciation on the behavior of the Kuroshio Current in the Shikoku Basin south of Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) is a kind of fruit introduced in Brazil, with a strong commercial appeal that is consumed in several Brazilian regions, due to functional benefits. This work aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and nutritional properties of noni's pulp and seeds cultivated in Maranhão. Food composition of pulp and seeds differed from fruit cultivated in other regions of Brazil. In pulp, the ascorbic acid content was the most significant (117.33 mg. 100. g-1 ). In the seeds, the total fibers were the higher nutrient found (36. 97 g. 100 g-1 ). In relation to nutritional aspects, the pulp showed an important nutritional profile, with high vitamin C, manganese, magnesium, calcium and iron contents in 30 g of sample, exceeding 30% of daily recommended intake (DRI), according to ANVISA. Seeds presented high total fibers contents (5 g) for portion. Fibers and manganese may be considered constituents sources, where manganese provides, at least, 24% of DRI for this mineral. Results showed that seeds presented higher percentage of free radical scavenging (FRS) and pulp possesses higher total phenolic contents (TPC) and antioxidant capacity by DPPH method. On the other hand, skins presented higher antioxidant capacity by FRAP method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Resistant hypertension is a specific condition that affects approximately 10% of subjects with hypertension, and is characterized by persistently high blood pressure levels even using therapy of three or more antihypertensive agents or with blood pressure control using therapy with four or more antihypertensive agents. Changes in lifestyle, such as physical exercise, are indicated for controlling blood pressure. However, investigating studies about this therapy in individuals with resistant hypertension are few.Methods/design: This is a randomized controlled clinical trial. Forty-eight patients with resistant hypertension will be submitted to perform four short-term interventions: aerobic exercise sessions (mild-, moderate- and high-intensity) and control session, in random order and on separate days. After the short-term sessions, the patients will be randomly allocated into four groups for 8 weeks of follow-up: mild-, moderate- and high-intensity aerobic exercise, and a control group. The primary outcome is the occurrence of blood pressure reduction (office and ambulatory analysis, and acute and chronic effects). Secondary outcomes are autonomic and hemodynamic mechanisms: cardiac and vasomotor autonomic modulation, spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity, forearm blood flow and vascular resistance.Discussion: The importance of exercise for hypertension has been known for decades, but little is known about the effects on patients with resistant hypertension. This study will help to understand whether different aerobic exercise intensities can induce different responses, as well as by what mechanisms adjustments in blood pressure levels may occur.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02670681 . Registered on 28 January 2016 (first version); Brazilian Registry Platform Clinical Trials: protocol RBR-5q24zh . Registered on 24 June 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of HOLOS is the property of Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do norte - IFRN and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)