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Elements not usually included in culture medium formulations, such as selenium (Se), may have beneficial effects on micropropagated plants. We evaluated the effects of Se on the physiological and anatomical responses of Alcantarea imperialis during in vitro culture. Plants were cultured in a medium containing a gradient of Se concentrations (0, 4, 8, 16, or 32 µM Se). After 56 d, the growth traits, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and root and leaf anatomy were analyzed. The fresh mass declined at the highest Se concentration. Higher Se concentrations induced bigger stomata, while the stomatal density decreased. Plants cultured with Se had improved PSII and PSI electron transport. This led to higher values of the total performance index. Thus, Se-induced plants showed a higher electron transport dynamics and energy conservation from water to PSI and developed anatomical traits that can favor tolerance to water deficit.

The severity of lesions that develop in patients infected by Leishmania braziliensis is mainly associated with a highly cytotoxic and inflammatory cutaneous environment. Recently, we demonstrated that senescent T and NK cells play a role in the establishment and maintenance of this tissue inflammation. Here, we extended those findings using transcriptomic analyses that demonstrate a strong co-induction of senescence and pro-inflammatory gene signatures in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) lesions. The senescence-associated signature was characterized by marked expression of key genes such as ATM, Sestrin 2, p16, p21 and p38. The cell type identification from deconvolution of bulk sequencing data showed that the senescence signature was linked with CD8+ effector memory and TEMRA subsets and also senescent NK cells. A key observation was that the senescence markers in the skin lesions are age-independent of patients and were correlated with lesion size. Moreover, a striking expression of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokines genes was found within lesions that were most strongly associated with the senescent CD8 TEMRA subset. Collectively, our results confirm that there is a senescence transcriptomic signature in CL lesions and supports the hypothesis that lesional senescent cells have a major role in mediating immunopathology of the disease.

Cadmium (Cd) has no known biological role in plants but shows high toxicity. A viable alternative to alleviate the deleterious effects of plants under heavy metal stress is with the use of silicon (Si). The objective was to investigate the anatomical, physiological, and biochemical modulations of Aechmea blanchetiana exposed to Cd in vitro and the Cd and Si co-exposure. Plants previously established under in vitro culture conditions were transferred to MS culture medium with 0 or 14 µM Si and solidified with agar. After 30 days of growth, a stationary liquid MS medium containing increasing concentrations of Cd (0, 50, 100 or 200 μM) was added to the containers, forming a biphasic medium. After 45 days, anatomical and physiological analyses were performed. Plants cultivated with 14 µM Si showed a thinner exodermis, a decrease in the Chl a/b ratio and a higher total Chl/Car ratio. The positive L- and K-bands were verified at all applied Cd concentrations. Cd induced damage to the oxygen-evolving complex (WK) and altered the quantum yield of non-regulated energy dissipation (ΦNO). In the presence of Si there was an increase in the photochemical activity of photosystem II and electron transport, even when the plants were exposed to Cd. The plants were able to withstand exposure to Cd, although exhibiting physiological disturbances. The anatomical, physiological, and biochemical responses induced by Si were effective in easing the stress of A. blanchetiana plants grown in vitro with Cd. A. blanchetiana plants were able to withstand exposure to Cd, although exhibiting physiological disorders. The responses induced by Si were effective in easing the stress of A. blanchetiana grown in vitro with Cd.

Background Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is an endemic disease in Latin America. In immunocompetent hosts, PCM occurs in two main clinical forms: acute and chronic. However, in HIV-infected patients PCM may show up simultaneous manifestations of acute and chronic forms. Case report We present the case of a patient diagnosed with HIV who had disseminated skin lesions and generalized lymphadenopathy, as well as respiratory and central nervous system involvement. The PCM diagnosis was confirmed by direct KOH examination, double immunodiffusion and the isolation of the fungus in samples of an abscess in the subcostal region. The isolate was identified as Paracoccidioides brasiliensis S1 by species-specific PCR using primers for protein-coding gene GP43 (exon 2) followed by PCR-RFLP of the alpha-tubulin gene. Conclusions There are few data in literature reporting species-specific molecular identification of Paracoccidioides in HIV/PCM patients. Therefore, this case report may contribute to improve the knowledge about this severe disease, its causative cryptic species, and its consequences to patients.

Background Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by Sporothrix species that affects humans and animals. Little information on the genetic diversity and population structure of the pathogen is available for Brazil, which is needed to design effective strategies to tackle the advance of sporotrichosis in endemic areas. Objectives We assessed the genetic diversity and mating-type distribution of Sporothrix isolates recovered from human and feline cases of sporotrichosis in Espirito Santo-Brazil to better understand the population structure, epidemiology, and diversification of this pathogen, as well as to explore the possible routes of transmission involved in the ongoing outbreaks. Methods In all, 75 Sporothrix isolates were identified with phenotypic characteristics. Then, fungal DNA extraction was performed, and the species-specific PCR technique was applied, using markers directed to the calmodulin gene. The mating-type idiomorph of species was identified by PCR using primers targeting the MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 loci. Results Among the 75 Sporothrix isolates, 76% were confirmed as S. brasiliensis and 24% as S. schenckii sensu stricto. S. brasiliensis was more prevalent in the metropolitan area and S. schenckii s. str. in the mountainous region of the state. In both species, the presence of the two sexual idiomorphs was detected, suggesting that they are heterothallic species. Conclusions Our data suggest that sporotrichosis takes on an epidemic-urban character involving S. brasiliensis. This species in Espirito Santo is likely to originate from Rio de Janeiro, as most isolates harbor the same MAT 1-2 locus. We confirm that S. brasiliensis has significantly broadened its area of occurrence, an essential feature of emerging pathogens.

Deleterious effects induced by high zinc (Zn) concentrations can be alleviated with selenium (Se) co-exposure. Therefore, we analyzed the morphophysiological changes of Billbergia zebrina in response to Zn and Se co-exposure. Plants were cultured in media containing three Zn concentrations (0, 30, and 300 μM) combined with two Se concentrations (0 and 4 μM), for a total of six treatments. At 75 d of culture, the leaf anatomy, chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence, and contents of photosynthetic pigments (Chl) and nutrients were analyzed. The total Chl content declined with rising Zn concentrations. Plants cultured with Se presented a decrease in the Chl a/b ratio and greater total Chl content. Positive L- and K-bands were verified under Se absence and with 30 and 300 μM Zn. Plants showed bioaccumulation capacity and tolerance to excess Zn. Se acted as a modulator to alleviate the Zn stress.

Water stress is one of the most important abiotic factors affecting plants worldwide. This study compared the photochemical responses of two lineages of Crambe abyssinica (FMS CR 1307 and 1326) under water deficit (WD) conditions. The relative water content (RWC), stomatal conductance, chlorophyll (Chl) index, and Chl a fluorescence were evaluated. FMS CR 1326 showed greater reductions in RWC under WD. The FMS CR 1307 showed greater reductions in the connectivity of energy (L-band) and electron transfer from the oxygen-evolving complex (K-band), followed by a lower ability to maintain the reduction of plastoquinone. However, the increased size of the pool of the final electron acceptors in PSI for this lineage was observed. The FMS CR 1326 plant lineage showed an advantage over the FMS CR 1307 in terms of stability and efficiency of PSII under low water availability conditions.

Copper (Cu) is an essential metal and both its deficiency and excess has negative effects on the growth and physiology of plants. Some plant species can tolerate high Cu concentrations due to their anatomical and physiological strategies. These plants can avoid absorption or accumulate this element in their biomass. Thus, the aim was to analyze the anatomical and physiological changes of Alternanthera tenella in response to excess Cu under in vitro conditions. A. tenella plants, previously established in vitro, were transferred to culture media containing 0, 25, 50, 100 or 200 µM Cu. At 30 days of culture, the stem and leaf anatomy, contents of photosynthetic pigments mineral nutrients, chlorophyll fluorescence, and, growth were analyzed. The excess Cu induced lower biomass accumulation. Plants also presented a decline in cell sizes of stem and leaf tissues under high Cu concentrations. Greater formation of druse crystals and lower number of active reaction centers (RC/CSM) were observed with 200 μM Cu. The Cu treatments modulated the contents of mineral nutrients and photosynthetic pigments of the plants. Plants cultured in media with Cu absence or excess (200 μM Cu) presented partial inhibition of electron transport and photochemical activity of photosystem II. Even though A. tenella plants showed clear signs of stress under Cu excess, they also have a strong capacity for Cu bioaccumulation and tolerance. A. tenella plants can be used for phytoremediation or bioindication due to their tolerance and high Cu bioaccumulation capacity. Copper can modulate the morphophysiology of A. tenella under in vitro conditions. A. tenella can be used for phytoremediation or bioindication due to its tolerance and high copper bioaccumulation capacity.

This study evaluated the effect of silicon (Si)-supplementation in controlling the fusariosis in two Piper nigrum cultivars (Bragantina and Kottanadan). We hypothesized that susceptible cultivar improves the photosynthetic performance with Si-supplementation. Under greenhouse conditions, six-month-old plants were treated with silicon 30 and 15 d before inoculation with Fusarium solani f. sp. piperis and compared with untreated plants and with healthy control plants. All samples remained photosynthetically active after infection. Chlorophyll content, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and leaf gas-exchange parameters were less affected in Si-supplemented plants as well as healthy control plants. The net carbon assimilation, stomatal conductance, associated with higher internal carbon values suggest that the lower CO2 influx in inoculated plants of Bragantina cultivar was caused by photochemical and biochemical limitations. Si-supplementation reduced the disease severity improving protection, apparently associated with the preservation of photosynthetic performance, especially for Bragantina cultivar.

The use of plants as bioindicators can be effective for environmental monitoring, mainly related to heavy metals such as copper (Cu). In vitro conditions are more easily controlled, to enable isola...

In vitro culture conditions have a major impact on the physiology and anatomy of micropropagated plants. Sucrose plays a very important role in micropropagation protocols, and is frequently employed during in vitro culture. However, it may induce disorders that negatively interfere with plant growth and development, such as a low photosynthetic rates. The aim of this study was to analyze the impacts of in vitro conditions on the anatomy and photosynthetic performance of Aechmea blanchetiana (Baker) L.B. Sm. Plants previously grown in vitro were transferred to culture media containing 0, 15, 30, or 45 g L−1 sucrose. Two different culture container sealing systems were tested: lids with a filter (permitted gas exchange), and with a PVC-covered filter (blocking fluent gas exchange). Plants grown with exogenous sucrose displayed anatomical traits that could decrease mineral and carbohydrate uptake from the medium. Plants cultured under photoautotrophic conditions had a thinner exodermis and the highest number of metaxylem vessels in the roots. This positively impacted the plant growth and physiological status. Sucrose induced plants with photosystem II (PS II) disorders, such as a lower number of active reaction centers. Under photoautotrophic conditions, there was an increase in absorbed energy flux per cross section (ABS/CSm), and energy transport flux (ETo/CSm), followed by a decrease in the energy dissipation flux (DIo/CSm). This indicated a high PS II efficiency, according to the performance index (PI(ABS)). The use of sucrose can induce physiological disorders in A. blanchetiana plants during in vitro propagation. Photoautotrophic conditions induce plants without anatomical disorders, and positively influence PS II efficiency.

The tolerance to low water availability is a decisive factor for growth and survival of orchids in their natural environment. The objective of this study was to characterize the photochemical traits of two epiphytic orchids (Cattleya warneri and Miltonia spectabilis) under water deficit (WD). Chlorophyll a fluorescence signals were recorded from young and fully expanded leaves of 5 plants/species after dark-adaption for 60 minutes, between 6-9 a.m. after 0, 30, 60, and 90 days of WD, using a Handy-PEA fluorometer (Hansatech, UK). Increases of O-J and J-I phases and L and K-bands and decreases of I-P phase were observed after 30 days of WD, especially in C. warneri. Decreases in the capacity to photochemically reduce quinone A (QA) and the kinetic properties required for redox reactions of the plastoquinone pool, the loss of energetic connectivity between units of PSII, inactivation of the oxygen evolution complex, and decrease of the overall rate of reducing the electron acceptor pool of photosystem I were observed in M. spectabilis, a more tolerant species. The greater ability of this species to maintain higher relative water content (RWC) in photosynthetic tissues allows greater photochemical activity. Resumo A tolerância à baixa disponibilidade hídrica é fator decisivo para o crescimento e sobrevivência das orquídeas em seu ambiente natural. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar os atributos fotoquímicos de duas orquídeas epífitas (Cattleya warneri e Miltonia spectabilis) sob déficit hídrico (WD). A fluorescência da clorofila a foi registrada em folhas jovens e totalmente expandidas de 5 plantas/espécie adaptadas ao escuro por 60 minutos, entre 6 e 9 h da manhã, a 0, 30, 60 e 90 dias de WD, usando um fluorômetro Handy-PEA (Hansatech, Reino Unido). Aumentos nas fases O-J e J-I, bandas L e K e diminuição da fase I-P foram observados após 30 dias de DW, principalmente em C. warneri. A diminuição da capacidade de redução da quinona A (QA) e das propriedades cinéticas requeridas para reações redox do pool de plastoquinona, a perda de conectividade energética entre unidades de fotossistema II (FSII), a inativação do complexo de evolução do oxigênio e a manutenção da taxa global de redução do pool aceptores de elétrons do fotossistema I foram observadas em M. spectabilis, espécie evidentemente mais tolerante. A maior habilidade dessa espécie em manter o conteúdo relativo de água nos tecidos fotossintéticos permite maior atividade fotoquímica.

The aim of this study was to obtain a Brazilian red propolis (BRP) enriched composite resin and to perform the characterization of its antibacterial activity, mechanical, and physical-chemical properties. Brazilian red propolis ethyl acetate extract (EABRP) was characterized by LC-ESI-Orbitrap-FTMS, UPLC-DAD, antibacterial activity, total flavonoids content, and radical scavenging capacity. BRP was incorporated to a commercial composite resin (RC) to obtain BRP enriched composite at 0.1, 0.15 and 0.25% (RP10, RP15 and RP25, respectively). The antibacterial activity RPs was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans by contact direct test and expressed by antibacterial ratio. The RPs were characterized as its cytotoxicity against 3T3 fibroblasts, flexural strength (FS), Knoop microhardness (KHN), post-cure depth (CD), degree of conversion (DC%), water sorption (Wsp), water solubility (Wsl), average roughness (Ra), and thermal analysis. Were identified 50 chemical compounds from BRP extract by LC-ESI-Orbitrap-FTMS. EABRP was bacteriostatic and bactericide at 125 and 500 μg/ml, respectively. The RP25 exhibited antibacterial ratio of 90.76% after 1 h of direct contact with S. mutans (p < 0.0001) while RC no showed significative antibacterial activity (p = 0.1865), both compared with cell control group. RPs and RC no showed cytotoxicity. RPs exhibited CD from 2.74 to 4.48 mm, DC% from 80.70 to 83.96%, Wsp from 17.15 to 21.67 μg/mm3, Wsl from 3.66 to 4.20 μg/mm3, Ra from 14.48 to 20.76 nm. RPs showed thermal resistance between 448–455°C. The results support that propolis can be used on development of modified composite resins that show antibacterial activity and that have compatible mechanical and physical-chemical properties to the indicate for composite resins.

Trypanosoma cruzi requires a triatomine insect vector for its life cycle, which can be complex in different enzootic scenarios, one of which is the unique transmission network in the Atlantic Forest of south-eastern Brazil. In Espirito Santo (ES) State, highly infected Triatoma vitticeps are frequently reported invading domiciles. However, triatomines were not found colonizing residences and mammals in the surrounding areas did not present T. cruzi infection. To date, the biotic and abiotic variables that modulate T. vitticeps occurrence and T. cruzi infection in ES State are still unknown. The aim of this study was to identify the environmental variables that modulate their occurrence. Local thematic maps were generated for two response variables: T. vitticeps occurrence and T. cruzi infection. The following explanatory variables were tested: climate (temperature, relative air humidity and rainfall), altitude elevation, mammalian species richness as well as soil and vegetation types. Spatiotemporal distribution patterns and correlation levels between response and explanatory variables were assessed through spatial statistics and map algebra modelling. The central and southern mesoregions presented higher T. vitticeps and T. cruzi distributions and can be considered transmission hotspots. The explanatory variables that can explain these phenomena were relative air humidity, average temperature, soil type, altitude elevation and mammalian species richness. Algebra map modelling demonstrated that central and southern mesoregions presented the environmental conditions needed for T. vitticeps occurrence and T. cruzi infection. The consideration of environmental variables is essential for understanding the T. cruzi transmission cycle. Cartographic and statistical methodologies used in parasitology have been demonstrated to be reliable and enlightening tools that should be incorporated routinely to expand the understanding of vector-borne parasite transmission.

Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal that can induce morphophysiological changes and disturb the normal functioning of plants. However, the deleterious effects caused by exposure to heavy metals can be alleviated by co-exposure to some mineral elements such as selenium (Se). We analyzed the morphophysiological changes of Aechmea blanchetiana in response to Pb and Se co-exposure during in vitro growth. First, the plants were cultured in media containing 0 or 4 µM Se. After 72 days of culture with both Se treatments, a sterilized solution containing Pb in a concentration gradient (0, 500, 1000, or 2000 µM) was added, forming a two-phase medium with eight treatments. At 75 days of Se and Pb treatment, the changes in physiology and anatomy of the plants were verified. The number and diameter of xylem vessels of the leaves decreased with rising Pb concentrations. Plants grown without Se and supplemented with Pb presented characteristics of stress, such as lower content of photosynthetic pigments, magnesium and manganese, and lower RC/CSM. In contrast, plants cultured with Se had higher pigment content and better performance of photosynthetic apparatus, as confirmed by the negative K- and L-bands and PI(Total) values. Both Pb and Se alone and their combined use affected the growth, physiology, and anatomy of A. blanchetiana plants. This species can be used as a bioindicator agent due to its bioaccumulation capacity and tolerance to excess Pb.

When propagated in vitro, explants receive all the nutrients needed for their growth, including carbohydrates, from the culture medium. However, it is not well understood how the type and concentration of carbohydrates can affect the functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus (particularly photosystem II) of these plants. The aim was to assess the morphophysiological responses of Billbergia zebrina plants in function of sources and concentrations of carbohydrates during in vitro culture. Side shoots of plants previously established in vitro were individualized and transferred to a culture medium containing fructose, glucose or sucrose in four concentrations (0, 15, 30 or 45 g L−1). After growth for 55 days, the chlorophyll a fluorescence transient, leaf anatomy and growth were analyzed. The concentration and type of carbohydrate employed during in vitro culture did not decrease the photosynthetic apparatus performance. However, concentrations above 30 g L−1 led to anatomical modifications, revealing some degree of stress suffered by the plants. When grown in concentrations of 15 and 30 g L−1, irrespective of the carbohydrate used, the plants presented greater stomatal density. The supplementation of the culture medium with monosaccharides caused alterations in the development of the xylem vessels, such as increased number and diameter, allowing adjustment to the microenvironmental conditions. The in vitro conditions influenced the photosynthetic and anatomical responses of plants. The concentration interval from 15 to 30 g L−1 sucrose had a better effect by not causing large changes in the performance of the photosynthetic apparatus and anatomy of plants. Resumo Quando propagados in vitro, os explantes recebem todos os nutrientes necessários para o seu crescimento, incluindo carboidratos do meio de cultura. No entanto, ainda não se sabe como o tipo e a concentração de carboidratos pode afetar o funcionamento do aparato fotossintético (particularmente o fotossistema II) dessas plantas. O objetivo foi avaliar as respostas morfofisiológicas de plantas de Billbergia zebrina em função das fontes e concentrações de carboidratos durante o cultivo in vitro. Brotos laterais das plantas previamente estabelecidos in vitro foram individualizados e transferidos para um meio de cultura contendo frutose, glicose ou sacarose em quatro concentrações (0, 15, 30 ou 45 g L−1). Após 55 dias de cultivo foram analisadas a fluorescência transiente da clorofila a, anatomia foliar e crescimento. A concentração e tipo de carboidrato empregados durante a cultivo in vitro não diminuíram o desempenho do aparelho fotossintético. Entretanto, concentrações acima de 30 g L−1 levaram a modificações anatômicas, revelando um grau de estresse sofrido pelas plantas. Quando cultivadas nas concentrações de 15 e 30 g L−1, independentemente do carboidrato utilizado, as plantas apresentaram maior densidade estomática. A suplementação da cultura média com monossacarídeos causou alterações no desenvolvimento dos vasos xilemáticos, como aumento do número e diâmetro, permitindo o ajuste das condições microambientais. As condições in vitro influenciaram as respostas fotossintéticas e anatômicas das plantas. O intervalo de concentração de 15 a 30 g L−1 de sacarose teve melhor efeito por não causar grandes alterações no desempenho do aparato fotossintético e na anatomia das plantas.

The objective of this study was to obtain mathematical equations through the leaf dimensions to estimate the area leaf of Cordia myxa L. 392 leaves of plants were collected, located in the municipality of Sao Mateus, North of the State of Espirito Santo, Brazil, 300 of which were used to adjust the equations and 92 for validation. Of all the leaves, the largest length (L) and maximum width (W) were measured, product of multiplying the length with the width (LW) and the real leaf area (RLA). Models equation first degree linear, quadratic and power were fitted, where RLA was the dependent variable as a function of L, W and LW as an independent variable. All equations were validated according to appropriate criterion. Thus, the power model ELA = 0.84(LW)0.9749, based on the product of multiplication of length with width (LW) is the most suitable for estimating the leaf area of Cordia myxa L.

Fusariosis is a disease that causes economic damage to black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) producers. Despite being a major disease, there is no record of efficient chemical control. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the antifungal activity of copper, zinc and potassium compounds in mycelial growth and conidial germination of Fusarium solani f. sp. piperis in vitro. For inoculation in PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) medium, 7 mm discs from the pure culture were transferred to Petri dishes. The plates were incubated at 25ºC in a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) chamber, with photoperiod of 12 h, for 15 days. Micronutrients were supplied as sulfates, CuSO4 (copper sulfate) and ZnSO4 (zinc sulfate), at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mmol/L. Potassium macronutrient (K) was supplied as KCl (potassium chloride) at concentrations of 30, 60, 90,120 and 150 mmol/L. The experiment was performed using a completely randomized design with 6 treatments and ten replications. CuSO4 showed fungicidal effect at concentrations of 10, 15 and 20 mmol/L. For ZnSO4 mycelial growth was completely inhibited at concentrations of 15 and 20 mmol/L. There was no inhibition or reduction of fungal growth in the presence of K. Copper and zinc at minimal concentrations were efficient in controlling mycelial growth and inhibition of spore germination of F. solani f. sp. piperis. In contrast, potassium did not exert fungicidal or fungistatic effect on the fungus.

Selenium (Se) is a nonessential element to plants. However, Se is known to have a beneficial effect when present in low concentrations (Pilon-Smith et al. 2009). Several studies have demonstrated multiple impacts of Se on plant physiology, such as increased biomass production (Chen et al. 2014, Jiang et al. 2015, Feng et al. 2016), delayed senescence (Xue et al. 2001), increased tolerance to oxidative damage (Feng et al. 2013, Diao et al. 2014, Qing et al. 2015, Tang et al. 2015), increased production of carotenoid pigments (Ning et al. 2016), higher tolerance to photooxidative stresses (Seppänen et al. 2003), greater carbohydrate accumulation (Turakainen et al. 2006, Owusu-Sekyere et al. 2013), and alleviation of the effects of biotic and abiotic stresses (Hanson et al. 2003, Yao et al. 2010, Hasanuzzaman and Fujita 2011, Han et al. 2015).

This study evaluated the photosynthetic efficiency in Rhizophora mangle plants in two mangrove forests, the highest salinity (HS) area, and the lower salinity (LS) area. The CO2 assimilation rate (PN), stomatal conductance, leaf transpiration, intrinsic water-use efficiency, and chlorophyll a fluorescence L-band, IP-phase, and performance index were higher in the LS area. The instantaneous water-use efficiency, initial fluorescence, maximum fluorescence, and J-step were higher in the HS area. The plants growing in the HS area exhibited greater efficiency in electron transfer between the oxygen-evolving complex and the acceptor side of the PSII. The plants growing in the LS area exhibited greater efficiency of the reduction of the final acceptors of the PSI, an important strategy to the stress conditions. The results show that a greater variation in salinity in the LS area had the effect on PN and long-term changes in the rainfall regime may alter the vegetation community of mangrove forests.

Under in vitro culture conditions, plants may present physiological and anatomical disorders, which can interfere negatively after ex vitro transfer. The aim of this investigation was to an...

Overgrazed grasslands of Southern Brazil are responsible in part for the degradation, low productivity and loss of biodiversity of the grassland ecosystems submitted to such management. Axonopus affinis Chase, the carpet grass, is a dominant creeping grass species in overgrazed grasslands. The species readily spreads, is highly tolerant of frequent defoliation and to trampling. In any natural environment, different light intensity regimes vary considerably along the day. Such phenomenon requires a high level of plasticity, resistance, and resilience from plants. Within this context, the aim of this study was to describe the mechanisms of photochemical activity in Axonopus affinis (Poaceae) in response to natural variations in daylight. Here we report hysteresis related functional behavior in overgrazed grasslands. This study was conducted in grassland vegetation within an experimental overgrazed area from the Embrapa Pecuaria Sul, Bage/Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (austral spring 2014). By means of preferential sampling, homogeneous areas with a 90% dominance of Axonopus affinis Chase were selected. In the present study 60 sample units were analyzed (young leaves, non-damaged and fully expanded). Photochemical variables and OJIP curves were sampled in two distinct conditions along one day, under light intensities labeled as: 1 – high photosynthetic photon flux density (HI), when under full sunlight; and 2 - low photosynthetic photon flux density (LI), when under cloudy days. It was possible to quantify and identify the alternative stable states of A. affinis in response to light resource availability, expanding the interpretation of the multivariate analysis (triangular trajectory) and therefore, contributing to univariate metrics (bimodal trajectory). In this study, HI produced hysteretic behavior while LI of dynamic photoinhibition in A. affinis. The ΔF/Fm′ variable was the most important mechanism to explain the plasticity of A. affinis in HI and LI (R2 > 0.98 in function of the PCoA coordinates). However, the non-photochemical quenching activity was responsible for the stability in the OJIP curve. Therefore, A. affinis presented photochemical mechanisms that contribute to the occupation and dominance of overgrazed grasslands with different light regimes.

Patients infected by Leishmania braziliensis develop debilitating skin lesions. The role of inhibitory checkpoint receptors (ICRs) that induce T cell exhaustion during this disease is not known. Transcriptional profiling identified increased expression of ICRs including PD-1, PDL-1, PDL-2, TIM-3, and CTLA-4 in skin lesions of patients that was confirmed by immunohistology where there was increased expression of PD-1, TIM-3, and CTLA-4 in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets. Moreover, PDL-1/PDL-2 ligands were increased on skin macrophages compared to healthy controls. The proportions PD1+, but not TIM-3 or CTLA-4 expressing T cells in the circulation were positively correlated with those in the lesions of the same patients, suggesting that PD-1 may regulate T cell function equally in both compartments. Blocking PD-1 signaling in circulating T cells enhanced their proliferative capacity and IFN-γ production, but not TNF-α secretion in response to L. braziliensis recall antigen challenge in vitro. While we previously showed a significant correlation between the accumulation of senescent CD8+CD45RA+CD27- T cells in the circulation and skin lesion size in the patients, there was no such correlation between the extent of PD-1 expression by circulating on T cells and the magnitude of skin lesions suggesting that exhausted-like T cells may not contribute to the cutaneous immunopathology. Nevertheless, we identified exhausted-like T cells in both skin lesions and in the blood. Targeting this population by PD-1 blockade may improve T cell function and thus accelerate parasite clearance that would reduce the cutaneous pathology in cutaneous leishmaniasis.

In vitro cultivation is a technique with wide application for micropropagation. However, each species has specific mineral needs for this type of cultivation. The objective was to assess the impacts of the saline solution culture medium on the performance of the photosynthetic apparatus and growth of Bromelia antiacantha during in vitro cultivation, and thus to elucidate the mitigation of the nutritional imbalance that can interfere in the electron transport in the plants. Plants were cultivated in a salt concentration gradient of MS medium (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% or 100%). The growth traits and fluorescence a chlorophyll were analyzed. Intermediate concentrations of MS medium resulted in plants with a larger number of leaves and longer root length. The OJIP curves and results of the JIP test showed that the plants grown without MS salts presented less efficient photosystem II (PSII), as indicated by the performance index [Pi(total)]. In contrast, the intermediate concentrations (MS 25% and 50%) had a positive effect on the performance of the photosynthetic apparatus. The MS 25% medium can be used for in vitro cultivation of B. antiacantha, enabling the development of plants with suitable physiological qualities for planting in the field. Resumo Cultivo in vitro é uma técnica de grande aplicabilidade para micropropagação. Porém, cada espécie tem uma necessidade mineral mais adequada para o seu cultivo. O objetivo foi verificar os impactos da solução salina do meio de cultivo no desempenho do aparato fotossintético e crescimento de Bromelia antiacantha durante o cultivo in vitro, e dessa forma, elucidar a mitigação do desbalanço nutricional que poderia interferir na cadeia de transporte de elétrons nas plantas. Plântulas foram cultivadas em um gradiente de concentração do meio MS (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% ou 100%). Foram analisadas as variáveis de crescimento e a fluorescência da clorofila a. Concentrações intermediárias de sais do meio MS resultaram em plantas com maior número de folhas e comprimento de raiz. As curvas OJIP e a análise do teste JIP mostraram que as plantas cultivadas na ausência dos sais MS apresentaram menor eficiência do fotossistema II (FSII), como evidenciado por meio do índice de performance [Pi(total)]. Contrariamente, concentrações intermediárias (MS 25% e 50%) atuaram positivamente na performance do aparato fotossintético. O meio MS 25% pode ser utilizado para o cultivo in vitro de B. antiacantha, possibilitando o desenvolvimento de plantas com qualidades fisiológicas adequadas para o cultivo.

This article shows reports of the clinical–epidemiological characteristics and serological screening in patients assisted by a reference center for PCM care, University Hospital Cassiano Antonio Moraes, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Brazil. The patient’s sera with PCM were analyzed by DID test at the beginning and the end treatment. Clinical and demographic data were also collected to characterize the sample. One hundred patients with a suspected diagnosis of PCM were evaluated. Serology by DID test was used as a screen in all patients. The test was positive for 79 patients (72 for Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and 7 for Paracoccidioides lutzii). Serology was negative in 21 sera, although all of them were diagnosed PCM by histopathologic or direct exam. Serological follow-up was performed during the treatment of all patients. After treatment, 58(58%) had negative serology and 33(33%) low levels of antibodies (≤ 1:16). Our results indicate the importance of the DID test for the screening and monitoring of PCM and that the incidence of P. lutzii might be greater than expected in areas where it is not the predominant PCM species. Therefore, this article may contribute to improving the knowledge and clinical management about this disease.

Leishmaniasis is a tropical infectious disease caused by Leishmania spp. protozoa and is transmitted by insects from the Phlebotominae subfamily. It can manifest as cutaneous leishmaniasis, a painless ulcer that can develop into a more serious systemic affliction as the protozoa spreads lymphatically or hematogenously, depending on the host's immunity. In this case series, the authors present a rare form of genital mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, with consideration of epidemiologic characteristics, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and treatments offered.

INTRODUCTION: Rhodnius domesticus Neiva & Pinto, 1923 is a rare sylvatic triatomine endemic to the Atlantic Forest, with one known record for Espírito Santo (ES), Brazil from 1969. We present here its rediscovery in ES, 42 years after its first record. METHODS: In January 2011, a triatomine specimen was collected from a rural area of the municipality of Santa Teresa, ES. RESULTS: We confirmed this as a new record of R. domesticus in the Baixo Caldeirão locality. CONCLUSIONS: This finding supports the possibility of a wild population of R. domesticus in the mountainous region of the Atlantic forest of ES.

During in vitro propagation, cytokinins (CKs) and auxins (AUXs), such as 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), are often used to induce adventitious shoots and roots, respectively. However, it is not clear how CKs affect plants over a long period of in vitro propagation as well as the synergy of direct exposure to AUX with previous CK treatments. The aim was to assess the physiological and anatomical responses of Alcantarea imperialis in function of the interaction of both previous BAP treatments and direct NAA exposure during in vitro propagation. Plants previously grown in vitro were transferred to media containing 0, 5, 10 or 15 μM BAP. After 60 days, the adventitious shoots from each previous BAP treatment were subcultured in media with 0, 2 or 4 μM NAA. Pigment content, anatomical and growth traits were assessed in the plants from each treatment. Both previous BAP treatments and direct NAA exposure altered the anatomy and pigment contents of plants as well as their growth traits. BAP induced negative effects over the long term on physiological status as well as changed the plants’ anatomy. NAA supplementation in the medium can partially reverse the negative effects induced by BAP. The application of 2 μM NAA during in vitro rooting improved the plants’ quality. Resumo Durante a propagação in vitro, citocininas (CKs) e auxinas (AUXs), como a 6-benzilaminopurina (BAP) e o ácido 1-naftalenacético (ANA), são frequentemente utilizadas para induzir brotos e raízes adventícias. No entanto, não está claro como as CKs afetam as plantas ao longo do período de propagação in vitro, bem como a sinergia da exposição direta à AUX com tratamentos prévios com CK. O objetivo foi avaliar as respostas fisiológicas e anatômicas de Alcantarea imperialis em função da interação dos tratamentos prévios com BAP e da exposição direta à ANA durante a propagação in vitro. Plantas previamente cultivadas in vitro foram transferidas para meios contendo 0, 5, 10 ou 15 μM de BAP. Após 60 dias, as brotações adventícias de cada tratamento prévio com BAP foram subcultivadas em meios com ANA 0, 2 ou 4 μM. O conteúdo de pigmentos, as características anatômicas e de crescimento foram avaliados nas plantas de cada tratamento. Os tratamentos anteriores com BAP e a exposição direta a ANA alteraram a anatomia e o conteúdo pigmentos das plantas, bem como o crescimento. O BAP induziu efeitos negativos a longo prazo no status fisiológico, bem como mudou a anatomia das plantas. A suplementação de ANA no meio pode reverter parcialmente os efeitos negativos induzidos pelo BAP. A aplicação de 2 μM de ANA durante o enraizamento in vitro melhorou a qualidade das plantas.

The use of silicon (Si) has been shown to be a good alternative to improve the growth and content of photosynthetic pigments of plants propagated in vitro. So far, it is not well understood how the sources and concentrations of Si can affect the root and leaf anatomy as well as the functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus of these plants. The aim was to assess the physiological and anatomical responses of Aechmea blanchetiana plants in function of sources and concentrations of Si during in vitro culture. Side shoots of plants previously established in vitro were excised and transferred to a culture medium containing CaSiO3 or Na2SiO3 in four concentrations (0, 7, 14 or 21 µM). After culture for 90 days, the chlorophyll a fluorescence transient, root and leaf anatomy, contents of photosynthetic pigments and mineral nutrients as well as growth were analyzed. Plants grown in medium supplemented with Na2SiO3 presented characteristics of salt stress, such as smaller stomata, higher potassium content and lower number of active reaction centers (RC/CSM). On the other hand, plants cultured with 7 and 14 µM CaSiO3 had an increase in photosynthetic pigment content and performance of photosynthetic apparatus, verified by the performance indexes (PI(ABS) and PI(TOTAL)). The employment of concentrations equal to or higher than 21 µM Si, independent of Si source, caused toxicity symptoms in the plants. The use of CaSiO3 had a positive effect on the concentration interval between 7 and 14 µM by improving physiological and anatomical quality of A. blanchetiana plants. Silicon source and concentration can affect the physiological responses of Aechmea blanchetiana during in vitro culture. This study highlights that CaSiO3 increases the photosynthetic pigment content and photosynthetic apparatus performance.

Knowing the genetic variability of a population is essential for guiding its preservation and maintenance, in addition to increasing the efficiency of genetic breeding programs. On this basis, the objective of this work was to estimate the genetic parameters, and to study genetic divergence in a coffee plants population constituted by 30 genotypes of Coffea canephora and 4 of C. arabica, by means of univariate and multivariate statistical procedures based on easy to obtain leaf morpho-anatomic characteristics (stomata number; index, density, area index, polar diameter, equatorial diameter, and functionality, as well as leaf area, dry weight, and specific dry weight). The materials were arranged in a randomized-blocks experimental design with four replicates. Significant differences were detected by the F-test (p

Cytokinins (CKs) are often used during the in vitro cultivation of plant species. However, it is not clear how CKs, such as 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), affect photosystem PS) II functionality and leaf anatomy over a long period of in vitro plant propagation. The aim of this study was to analyze the residual effects of BAP on the photosynthetic performance and leaf anatomy of Aechmea blanchetiana after 120 d without exposure to CKs. Aechmea blanchetiana plants previously grown in vitro were transferred to Murashige and Skoog (MS) culture media containing 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20 μM BAP. After 60 d on the MS medium with BAP, explants were subcultivated twice on the MS medium without growth regulators, first in a stationary liquid medium for 60 d and then in a solidified medium with 6 g dm-3 agar for 60 d. Leaf anatomy, pigment content, and chlorophyll a fluorescence were assessed for plants from each treatment after 120 d on the CK-free medium. Stomatal density presented a negative linear correlation with BAP concentration. Pigment content decreased in plants subjected to previous BAP exposure. An increase in absorbed energy flux per reaction center (ABS/RC) and a sharp decrease in energy transport flux (ETo/RC) followed by an increase in energy dissipation flux (DIo/RC) also occurred. Furthermore, maximum quantum yield (FV/FM) decreased as a function of BAP concentration. Thus, the use of BAP during in vitro propagation of A. blanchetiana induced long-term physiological defects.

Auxins are one of the main regulators of in vitro plant growth and development. However, the mechanisms, by which auxins, such as 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), affect in vitro root and leaf anatomy and photosystem function, remain unclear. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of different NAA concentrations on the anatomy and photosynthetic performance of in vitro-propagated Aechmea blanchetiana and to determine whether such a treatment affects micropropagated plants after acclimatization. In vitro-established A. blanchetiana plants were transferred to culture media that contained 0, 2, 4, or 6 μM NAA, and after 50 d, they were transplanted into plastic seedling trays with a commercial substrate and cultivated for 60 d in a greenhouse. The plants were evaluated after a 50-d in vitro NAA exposure (growth traits, chlorophyll α fluorescence, and root and leaf anatomy) and after 60 d of acclimatization in the greenhouse (root and leaf growth). Changes induced by NAA in root anatomy might improve uptake of minerals and sugars from the medium, thereby increasing the in vitro growth. In the leaves, the lowest chlorenchyma thickness and sclerenchyma area were observed in plants grown without NAA, and NAA exposure also improved photosystem II activity. The highest ex vitro growth rate was observed for plants that were propagated with 4 μM NAA. Therefore, the use of NAA during in vitro propagation can improve the anatomical and physiological quality of A. blanchetiana plants, as well as to improve ex vitro transfer.

During the in vitro multiplication phase, the employment of cytokinins may be necessary to induce side shoots of many plant species. However, the mechanism by which cytokinins influence the physiology of plants in vitro is not well understood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the influence of two cytokinins in function of concentration on the o photosynthetic apparatus performance and the stomatal functionality of Aechmea blanchetiana during in vitro multiplication. Plants previously established in vitro were transferred to MS culture media supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) or 6-furfurylaminopurine (kinetin—KIN) at concentration of 0, 5, 10, 15 or 20 µM. After 60 days of exposure to the plant growth regulators, the multiplication rate, photosynthetic apparatus performance and stomatal functionality were assessed. The use of KIN did not induce the formation of microshoots. On the other hand, the shoot number increased with rising BAP concentration. There was a reduction of the maximum fluorescence (Fm) and maximum quantum yield (φP0) as a function of concentration of cytokinins. The most pronounced decrease was observed in the microshoots grown with KIN. The increase in concentration of cytokinins induced greater absorption flux (ABS/RC), trapping flux (TR0/RC) and dissipation flux (DI0/RC) of energy per reaction center. The stomatal functionality declined with rising cytokinin concentration. The use of KIN is not recommended for in vitro multiplication of this species. The use of BAP at low concentrations assures a multiplication rate with lower degree of disorders in the photosynthetic apparatus of the formed microshoots.

In the south and southeast of Brazil, autochthonous malaria cases can be found near Atlantic Forest fragments. The transmission is not totally clarified; thus, the behaviour of the possible vectors in those regions must be observed. An entomological and natural infection study was performed on anophelines (Diptera: Culicidae) captured in the municipalities of the mountainous region of Espírito Santo state in 2004-2005. Similarly, between the years 2014 and 2015, 12 monthly collections were performed at the permanent trapping station of the study mentioned above (Valsugana Velha, Santa Teresa, ES). Light traps with CO2 (CO2-baited Center for Disease Control [CDC] traps) were set in open areas, at the edge of the forest (canopy and ground) and inside the forest (canopy and ground), whereas Shannon traps were set on the edge of the forest. A total of 1,414 anophelines were collected from 13 species. Anopheles (Kerteszia) cruzii Dyar and Knab remained the most captured species in the CO2-baited CDC traps set in the forest canopy and was also the vector with the highest prevalence of Plasmodium vivax infection according to molecular PCR techniques. Regarding mosquitoes of the subgenus Nyssorhynchus, P. vivax was found only in abdomens, weakening the hypothesis that this subgenus also plays a role in malaria transmission in this specific region.SponsorshipEspírito Santo Research Foundation (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa e Inovação do Espírito Santo – FAPES).

This study compared the photosynthetic responses of two clones (RRIM600 and FX3864) of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis L.) subjected to drought stress. This stress was imposed by complete removal of watering until the leaf water potential (Ψw) reached critical values, which occurred at 38 days after water deficit (DAWD) for both rubber clones. One-year-old rubber plants were cultivated in 20 L pots filled with a soil:sand:humus ratio of 4:3:3. Photosynthetic performance was analyzed by measuring chlorophyll a fluorescence transients at 0, 28, 36, and 38 DAWD. The photochemical process was altered to some extent following water deficit. A decrease in Ψw was observed for both rubber clones at 36 DAWD. The FX3864 clone was more susceptible to drought and showed a deficiency in photosynthetic electron transport. The RRIM600 rubber clone showed an advantage over the FX3864 clone in terms of stability and efficiency in utilizing energy in low rainfall sites.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T02:27:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-01-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Universidade Federal de Uberlândia Universidade Estadual Paulista Nematodes are among the most important coffee pathogens, causing significant losses of productivity. The infection of the coffee plant by nematodes can compromise the root system inducing the manifestation of reflex symptoms in its upper part. In addition, nutritional deficiencies may trigger an increase in host predisposition to various other pathogens. Thus, the monitoring of the nutritional levels of plants grown in areas predisposed to the occurrence of nematodes is fundamental. In this study, it was evaluated the potential of empirical models to estimate macro and micronutrient contents in an coffe experimental nematode infested area from a RapidEye multispectral image. For this purpose, laboratory analyzes were performed to determine the contents of macro and micronutrients, as well as the level of nematode infestation, in two experimental plots located in the coffee region of Monte Carmelo (MG). It was verified that the correlation between nutrient content and nematode concentration was higher for the Mg, S, Cu and Mn (correlation coefficients of 0.62, 0.51, 0.71 and 0.75, respectively), while other nutrients had higher correlations with spectral bands or vegetation indices, mainly Ca which had coefficients higher than 0.7 with all indices derived from the spectral bands of red, red edge and near infrared. Empirical models for nutrient estimation were generated from spectral bands and vegetation indices with correlations greater than 0.5. The red edge band, positioned in a spectral region sensitive to variations in vegetation, individually participated in the models to infer the concentrations of the macronutrients Mg and S, besides the micronutrients B, Cu, Fe and Mn, but all calibrated with correlation coefficients below 0,41. The near infrared band was used in the estimation of the N, P and Na contents (R2 equal to 0.25, 0.36 and 0.49, respectively). The NDVI participated in the formulation of the inference model of Ca content and resulted in the highest calibration R2 (0.61), although the validation error was high (13.56%). The choropleth maps of Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn spatial distribution had a similar configuration, indicating almost homogeneous and high concentrations of these nutrients in most of the experimental area. The Na and B contents were different in the two plots of the experimental area, while K and S had a more heterogeneous distribution. The maps of N and P reflect well the deficiency of these nutrients in the whole area, mainly in the P content. The empirical models adjusted for the estimation of most of the nutrients were consistent with the condition of excess or deficiency of nutrients in the experimental area. Universidade Federal de Uberlândia – UFU, Rod. LMG 746, km 01, s/n, bloco 1, Campus Monte Carmelo Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Rua Roberto Simonsen, 305. Bairro: Centro Caixa Postal 468 Universidade Federal de Uberlândia – UFU Instituto de Ciências Agrárias Campus Monte Carmelo, Rod. LMG 746, km 01, s/n, bloco 1, Campus Monte Carmelo Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Rua Roberto Simonsen, 305. Bairro: Centro Caixa Postal 468

Cytotoxic activity mediated by CD8+ T cells is the main signature of the immunopathogenesis of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Here, we performed a broad evaluation of natural killer (NK) cell phenotypic and functional features during cutaneous leishmaniasis. We demonstrate for the first time that CL patients present the accumulation of circulating NK cells with multiple features of replicative senescence including low proliferative capacity and shorter telomeres, elevated expression of CD57, KLRG1 but diminished CD27 stimulatory receptor expression. Moreover, they exhibited higher cytotoxic and inflammatory potential than agematched controls. The accumulation of circulating senescent NK cells (CD56dim CD57bright) correlated positively with skin lesion size in the same patients, suggesting that they, like circulating senescent CD8+ T cells, may contribute to the immunopathology of CL. However, this senescent population had lower cutaneous lymphocyte antigen expression and so had diminished skin-homing potential compared with total or senescent CD8+ T cells. This was confirmed in CL skin lesions where we found a predominance of CD8+ T cells (both senescent and non-senescent) that correlated with the severity of the disease. Although there was also a correlation between the proportions of senescent NK cells (CD56+ CD57+ ) in the skin and lesion size, this was less evident. Collectively our results demonstrate first-hand that senescent cytotoxic cells may mediate skin pathology during human cutaneous leishmaniasis. However, as senescent cytotoxic CD8+ T cells predominate in the skin lesions, they may have a greater role than NK cells in mediating the non-specific skin damage in CL.

This study aimed to evaluate the growth of Eremanthus erythropappus (DC.) MacLeish submitted to different planting spacing and growth modelling based on the diameter and crown area projection, as well as to identify the best management strategy to be applied to control the competition, period and intensity of thinning. The evaluated planting spacings were: 1.5 × 1.5 m; 1.5 × 2.0 m; 1.5 × 2.5 m and 1.5 × 3.0 m. Diametric growth modelling in function of the age and crown area projection according to the mixed models methodology was efficient and the individual tree modelling allowed for defining a correct thinning prescription for tree plantations in relation to the percentage of removal needed at each spacing, thus permitting the trees to grow free from competition and produce trees with larger diameters.

The black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is one of the most popular peppers in the world. Nonetheless, there are several limitations on cultivation, resulting in reduced production or a complete loss of the crop. The major disease affecting this crop is fusarium root rot caused by Fusarium solani f. sp. piperis, which is responsible for decimating whole crops in Brazil, with losses reaching millions of dollars per year. So far, there is no effective control measure against this fungus and no cultivars resistant to it. In this study, in vitro effects of different products on colony growth was evaluated. Carbendazim, chitosan, silicon, and phosphate were tested against F.solani f. sp. piperis isolates CML-2466, CML-2353, E-637, and E-596. Chitosan and silicon did not inhibit mycelial growth of any of the isolates, while phosphite inhibited mycelial growth by 100%. Carbendazim was found to be fungitoxic for isolates CML-2353 and E-596 and fungistatic for CML-2466 and E-637, inhibiting the mycelial growth of these isolates by 60 and 80%, respectively. There were no dose effects of the products tested. Key words: Fusarium solani, Black pepper, chitosan, silicon, phosphite, carbendazim

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T12:38:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-02-01 Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Mato Grosso (FAPEMAT, Mato Grosso, MT, Brazil) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) The growing spread of dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses demand the development of new and environmentally safe control methods for their vector, the mosquito Aedes aegypti. This study aims to find novel larvicidal agents from mutualistic (endophytic and rhizospheric) or edaphic bacteria that have no action against nontarget organisms. Eleven out of the 254 bacterial strains tested were able to kill Ae. aegypti larvae. Larvicidal activity did not depend on presence of cells, since culture supernatants or crude lipopeptide extracts (CLEs) killed the larvae. Bacillus safensis BacI67 and Bacillus paranthracis C21 supernatants were the best performing supernatants, displaying the lowest lethal concentrations (LC50 = 31.11 mu L/mL and 45.84 mu L/mL, respectively). Bacillus velezensis B64a and Bacillus velezensis B15 produced the best performing CLEs (LC50 = 0.11 mg/mL and 0.12 mg/mL, respectively). Mass spectrometry analysis of CLEs detected a mixture of surfactins, iturins, and fengycins. The samples tested were weakly- or non-toxic to mammalian cells (RAW 264.7 macrophages and VERO cells) and non-target organisms (Caenorhabditis elegans, Galleria mellonella, Scenedesmus obliques, and Tetrahymena pyriformis) - especially B. velezensis B15 CLE. The biosynthetic gene clusters related to secondary metabolism identified by whole genome sequencing of the four best performing bacteria strains revealed clusters for bacteriocin, beta-lactone, lanthipeptide, non-ribosomal peptide synthetases, polyketide synthases (PKS), siderophores, T3PKS, type 1 PKS-like, terpenes, thiopeptides, and trans-AT-PKS. Purification of lipopeptides may clarify the mechanisms by which these extracts kill Ae. aegypti larvae. Univ Fed Mato Grosso, Dept Bot & Ecol, Av Fernando Correa da Costa 2367, BR-78060900 Cuiaba, Brazil Univ Fed Vicosa, Dept Bioquim & Biol Mol, Vicosa, MG, Brazil Embrapa Amazonia Ocident, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Ctr Inovacao Biodiversidade & Farmacos, Inst Quim, Araraquara, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Ctr Inovacao Biodiversidade & Farmacos, Inst Quim, Araraquara, SP, Brazil Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Mato Grosso (FAPEMAT, Mato Grosso, MT, Brazil): 0415241/2016 CNPq: 307288/2018-8

International audience; The yellow fever virus (YFV) caused a severe outbreak in Brazil in 2016-2018 that rapidly spread across the Atlantic Forest in its most populated region without viral circulation for almost 80 years. A comprehensive entomological survey combining analysis of distribution, abundance and YFV natural infection in mosquitoes captured before and during the outbreak was conducted in 44 municipalities of five Brazilian states. In total, 17,662 mosquitoes of 89 species were collected. Before evidence of virus circulation, mosquitoes were tested negative but traditional vectors were alarmingly detected in 82% of municipalities, revealing high receptivity to sylvatic transmission. During the outbreak, five species were found positive in 42% of municipalities. Haemagogus janthinomys and Hg. leucocelaenus are considered the primary vectors due to their large distribution combined with high abundance and natural infection rates, concurring together for the rapid spread and severity of this outbreak. Aedes taeniorhynchus was found infected for the first time, but like Sabethes chloropterus and Aedes scapularis, it appears to have a potential local or secondary role because of their low abundance, distribution and infection rates. There was no evidence of YFV transmission by Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti, although the former was the most widespread species across affected municipalities, presenting an important overlap between the niches of the sylvatic vectors and the anthropic ones. The definition of receptive areas, expansion of vaccination in the most affected age group and exposed populations and the adoption of universal vaccination to the entire Brazilian population need to be urgently implemented.

This study discusses a historical patient series and is designed to describe clinical and epidemiological characteristics of human sporotrichosis in the state of Espirito Santo, Brazil. Data were derived from patients treated at the Infectious Diseases service of Cassiano Antonio Moraes University Hospital in Vitoria, the state capital, from July 1982 to June 2012. A total of 171 patients were diagnosed with sporotrichosis, mostly men (80.7%) with a median age of 33 years and 5 months. We can presume an approximate average incidence rate of 4.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants during the studied period. All the patients were involved in occupational or leisure activities with direct contact with soil or plants. Most cases were recorded in the mountainous region of the state during the hot and rainy periods. The average time elapsed from lesion progression to diagnosis was 3 months, with the lymphocutaneous form being the most common (70.2%), followed by the fixed cutaneous form (28.6%). Diagnosis was confirmed in 93.6% of the cases by culturing Sporothrix spp. in Sabouraud dextrose agar, and from the clinical features in the remaining cases. Aspiration of cutaneous nodule secretions was the best method for the collection of clinical specimens for disease diagnosis. A 25% saturated solution of potassium iodide (SSKI) was provided to almost all patients (98.8%), with therapeutic success. In conclusion, in this retrospective study in the state of Espirito Santo, we found that sporotrichosis affects primarily the ≥ 10-year-old population, and the most common presentation is the lymphocutaneous form affecting the lower and upper limbs, and the infection appeared to be acquired predominantly through occupational activities. Treatment with SSKI was safe and effective.

Background: In rural areas of Espírito Santo state, southeast Brazil, triatomine species attracted by light frequently invade residences. The aim of this study was to investigate the Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing units (DTUs) harbored by these triatomines. Methods: Triatomine’s intestinal contents were examined, inoculated in mice, and the positive samples were cultivated. Flagellates obtained from infected mice hemoculture were submitted to DNA extraction using a salting-out method and to TcSC5D gene amplification. The amplified samples were sequenced, and polymorphism was analyzed for DTU identification. Results: Three hundred and ninety-four triatomines were identified: Triatoma vitticeps (90.03%), Panstrongylus geniculatus (8.89%), Panstrongylus megistus (0.54%), Panstrongylus diasi (0.27%), and Triatoma tibiamaculata (0.27%). Among the specimens, 251/394 (67.65%) presented flagellated forms similar to T. cruzi. After triatomine intestinal content inoculation into mice, 134 mice presented T. cruzi-like trypomastigotes from Tr. vitticeps and P. geniculatus and 89 samples were positive in hemoculture. Sixty-two samples were analyzed for the TcSC5D gene and TcI, TcII, TcIII, and TcIV DTUs were identified. Conclusions: We observed T. cruzi DTU diversity in Tr. vitticeps and P. geniculatus, which showed the predominance of TcII and occurrence of TcI, TcIII and TcIV. Triatomines presented high T. cruzi infection rates. Since little is known regarding the possible mammalian hosts that maintain the T. cruzi cycle, further studies are necessary to obtain a better understanding of the parasite transmission cycle in this region.

The objectives of this study were to apply statistical techniques to discriminate fertilization treat- ments of Eremanthus erythropappus (DC.) MacLeish. through autoregressive modeling, and to develop individual tree models for diameter and crown area (CA) projection to define management strategies for candeia plantations sub- jected to different fertilization treatments. This is an important tree species originating from the Brazilian Atlantic Rain forest and Savannah biomes, intensively used in the cosmetic industry. Nonetheless, to date, research has not addressed the management of natural stands or plan- tations of the species. Our experiment was located in Baependi, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and comprised of four randomized blocks and 13 treatments. The treatments consisted of 12 different regimes of fertilization plus a control. Each sample plot was composed of 50 plants plus two border plants in a planting spacing of 2.5 9 2.0 m and undergoing pruning at 5 and 6 years of age. Starting in the second year, total tree height (H) and circumference (at 1.30 m from the ground or breast height, CBH) were measured every 6 months. Starting in the fifth year CA was measured. Tree growth varied by fertilization strategy. Differences were detected by using an autoregressive approach, considering that standard statistical methods were not powerful enough to detect significant differences. Three growth groups were formed, and maximum growth was obtained for treatment 10 (NPK, 8-28-16). Manage- ment guidelines are provided based on individual tree models for different fertilization levels.

Tissue culturing is widely used for the clonal propagation of several plant species. However, high mortality rates may occur during the acclimatization phase due to the sudden, dramatic changes in light levels. This study evaluated the effect of light level during the acclimatization of Neoregelia concentrica (Vellozo) LB Smith using chlorophyll a fluorescence and growth analysis. N. concentrica plants were multiplied and rooted in vitro on Murashige and Skoog medium and then transferred to plastic trays with individual cells containing vermiculite. The treatments consisted of the ex vitro cultivation of plants under light levels of 30, 50, 70, and full sunlight (100% light) for 28 d. Chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements were taken at 0 (in vitro), 7, 14, 21, and 28 d of acclimatization, and growth trait analyses were made at 28 d. The high irradiance under full sunlight (100% light) induced photoinhibition and reduced the growth rate. Plants grown under partial light (30, 50, and 70%) were less inhibited. A 50% reduction in light level during N. concentrica acclimatization produced rapid plant recovery and higher growth rates than full sunlight.

BackgroundThe transmission of malaria in the extra-Amazonian regions of Brazil, although interrupted in the 1960s, has persisted to the present time in some areas of dense Atlantic Forest, with reports of cases characterized by particular transmission cycles and clinical presentations. Bromeliad-malaria, as it is named, is particularly frequent in the state of Espírito Santo, with Plasmodium vivax being the parasite commonly recognized as the etiologic agent of human infections. With regard to the spatial and temporal distances between cases reported in this region, the transmission cycle does not fit the traditional malaria cycle. The existence of a zoonosis, with infected simians participating in the epidemiology, is therefore hypothesized. In the present study, zoonotic transmission of bromeliad-malaria in Espírito Santo is investigated, based on the complete mitochondrial genome of DNA extracted from isolates of Plasmodium species which had infected humans, a simian from the genus Allouata, and Anopheles mosquitoes. Plasmodium vivax/simium was identified in the samples by both nested-PCR and real-time PCR. After amplification, the mitochondrial genome was completely sequenced and compared in a haplotype network, including all sequences of P. vivax/simium mitochondrial genomes sampled from humans and simians from all regions in Brazil.ResultsThe haplotype network demonstrates that humans and simians from the Atlantic Forest share the same haplotype, but some isolates from humans are not identical to the simian isolate. In addition, the plasmodial DNA extracted from mosquitoes revealed sequences different from those obtained from simians, but similar to two isolates from humans.ConclusionsThese findings reinforce the hypothesis that in the Atlantic Forest, and especially in the state with the highest frequency of bromeliad-malaria in Brazil, the same parasite species is shared by humans and simians, at least in part. The difference between the sequences of mosquitoes and simians raises two hypotheses: (1) two distinct transmission cycles for human malaria exist in the study area, one of them involving simians and the other exclusive to human hosts, or (2) there is only one transmission cycle involving humans and simians, but the identification of variations among simians was not possible due to a lack of other samples.

The objective in this work was to study the influence of the North-South plantation alignment with respect to microclimatic, growth, and mineral nutrition conditions in order to quantify the variables and to point out possible consequences for the coffee tree. The experiment was carried out in a 6-year-old conilon coffee (Coffea canephora) crop with a mean height of 1.6 m, cultivated in full sun and spaced 3.5 m x 1.0 m. The data were collected on four dates from December 2016 to September 2017 in North Espírito Santo State, Brazil. The irradiance, air temperature, and vapor pressure deficit variables were quantified by means of external data loggers. The leaf temperature was determined by means of thermal images, and the plant growth and nutrient concentration in the leaves on both sides of the plant (East and West) were evaluated. The West side of the plant showed higher values of irradiance, temperature, and vapor pressure deficit in the afternoon, reaching a difference of 5°C between the two sides. The leaf temperature had similar behavior to air temperature, reaching a difference of approximately 12°C between the two sides in the afternoon. Although significant differences were observed for some nutrients between the sides of the plant, macro and micronutrient leaf contents remained within the range considered adequate for the coffee tree.