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Endophytic bacteria play a crucial role in plant development and adaptation, and the knowledge of how endophytic bacteria assemblage is influenced by cultivation site and plant genotype is an important step to achieve microbiome manipulation. This work aimed to study the roots and stems of endophytic bacteriome of four maize genotypes cultivated in two regions of the semi-arid region of Pernambuco - Brazil. Our hypothesis is that the endophytic community assemblage will be influenced by plant genotypes and cultivation region. Metabarcoding sequencing data revealed significant differences in alfa diversity in function of both factors, genotypes, and maize organs. Beta diversity analysis showed that the bacterial communities differ mainly in function of the plant organ. The most abundant genera found in the samples were Leifsonia, Bacillus, Klebsiella, Streptomyces, and Bradyrhizobium. To understand ecological interactions within each compartment, we constructed co-occurrence network for each organ. This analysis revealed important differences in network structure and complexity and suggested that Leifsonia (the main genera found) had distinct ecological roles depending on the plant organ. Our data showed that root endophytic maize bacteria would be influenced by cultivation site, but not by genotype. We believe that, collectively, our data not only characterize the bacteriome associated with this plant and how different factors shape it, but also increase the knowledge to select potential bacteria for bioinoculant production., (© 2023. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Sociedade Brasileira de Microbiologia.)

Objectives. To determine whether an association exists between Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) scores and 40-year recertification violation within the City of Miami, Florida. Methods. A cross-sectional, observational secondary data analysis of social and housing vulnerability, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's SVI overall themes, estimated median year a housing unit was built, and 40-year recertification code violation data. We conducted the study using data sets from 2013 to 2018 at the census tract level in response to the collapse of Champlain Tower South in Surfside, Florida. Results. Every 1-unit increase in a census tract's SVI score yielded a 21-fold increase in the odds of being a census tract with high 40-year recertification violations. Census tracts within the third quartile for SVI scores had approximately 9 times the odds, and tracts within the fourth quartile had 11 times the odds of being tracts with high 40-year recertification violations. Conclusions. Findings demonstrate that inequitable conditions exist among the City of Miami's most socially vulnerable residents, through greater exposure to risky housing environments. ( Am J Public Health . 2022;112(8):1217-1220. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.306890).

Objective: To verify the effectiveness of the educational intervention through the evaluation of nurses' knowledge about prevention of pressure injury., Method: A quasi-experimental study with a single group, carried out with 95 nurses from a teaching hospital in the interior of Minas Gerais, in August and September 2017. As a teaching strategy, the active methodology and hybrid teaching were used, based on the reference of the Method of the Arch of Charles Maguerez. Data were collected from a validated instrument, called the Pieper Knowledge Test, and analyzed by descriptive statistics and Student's t-test with significance level of p <0.001., Results: The mean number of correct answers obtained by the nurses was 78.8% in the pre-test and 88.8% in the post-test, and the difference was statistically significant (p <0.001)., Conclusion: The educational intervention developed was effective, since it contributed to the improvement of nurses' knowledge.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is an endemic bacterium worldwide that causes tuberculosis (TB) and involves long-term treatment that is not always effective. In this context, several studies are trying to develop and evaluate new substances active against Mtb. In silico techniques are often used to predict the effects on some known target. We used a systematic approach to find and evaluate manuscripts that applied an in silico technique to find antimycobacterial molecules and tried to prove its predictive potential by testing them in vitro or in vivo. After searching three different databases and applying exclusion criteria, we were able to retrieve 46 documents. We found that they all follow a similar screening procedure, but few studies exploited equal targets, exploring the interaction of multiple ligands to 29 distinct enzymes. The following in vitro/vivo analysis showed that, although the virtual assays were able to decrease the number of molecules tested, saving time and money, virtual screening procedures still need to develop the correlation to more favorable in vitro outcomes. We find that the in silico approach has a good predictive power for in vitro results, but call for more studies to evaluate its clinical predictive possibilities.

We have previously shown that the cafeteria diet increases body fat mass, plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) and insulin levels, glucose uptake by white and brown adipose tissues, as well as the sympathetic activity to both adipose tissues in Wistar rats. The metabolic pathways responsible for the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were examined in cafeteria diet-fed rats. After 3 weeks offering cafeteria diet, we evaluated: (i) activity of the sympathetic nervous system by norepinephrine turnover rates; (ii) de novo fatty acid synthesis in vivo using 3 H 2 O; (iii) secretion of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL)-TAG secretion measuring serum TAG levels after administration of lipase lipoprotein inhibitor, (iv) liver cytosolic lipases activities and (v) liver mRNA expression of enzymes involved in lipids secretion and oxidation by RT-PCR. The cafeteria diet induced an increase in TAG (120%) and cholesterol (30%) liver contents. Cafeteria diet did not change the sympathetic nervous system activity to liver, but induced a marked increase in the lipogenesis (approximately four-fold) and significant increase in cytosolic lipases activities (46%) and VLDL-TAG secretion (22%) compared to control diet-fed rats. The cafeteria diet also increased the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (30%) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (130%) mRNA expression but decreased the apolipoprotein B100 (26%) mRNA expression. Our findings demonstrate that the increase in the cytosolic lipases activities and VLDL-TAG secretion rates were not able to compensate for the increased lipogenesis rates induced by the cafeteria diet, resulting in NAFLD., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. and Société Française de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire (SFBBM). All rights reserved.)

Chronic fructose intake induces major cardiovascular and metabolic disturbances and is associated with the development of hypertension due to changes in vascular function. We hypothesized that high fructose intake for 6 weeks would cause metabolic syndrome and lead to initial vascular dysfunction. Male Wistar rats were assigned to receive fructose (FRU, 10%) or drinking water (CON) for 6 weeks. Systolic blood pressure was evaluated by tail plethysmography. Fasting glucose, insulin and glucose tolerance were measured at the end of the follow-up. Mesenteric vascular bed reactivity was tested before and after pharmacological blockade. Western blot analysis was performed for iNOS, eNOS, Nox2 and COX-2. DHE staining was used for vascular superoxide anion detection. Vessel structure was evaluated by optical and electronic microscopy. Fructose intake did not alter blood pressure, but did increase visceral fat deposition and fasting glucose as well as impair insulin and glucose tolerance. Fructose increased NE-induced vasoconstriction compared with CON, and this difference was abrogated by indomethacin perfusion as well as endothelium removal. ACh-induced relaxation was preserved, and the NO modulation tested after L-NAME perfusion was similar between groups. SNP-induced relaxation was not altered. Inducible NOS was increased; however, there were no changes in eNOS, Nox2 or COX-2 protein expression. Basal or stimulated superoxide anion production was not changed by fructose intake. In conclusion, high fructose intake increased NE-induced vasoconstriction through the endothelial prostanoids even in the presence of a preserved endothelium-mediated relaxation. No major changes in vessel structure were detected., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Nandrolone Decanoate (ND) is an Anabolic Androgenic Steroid (AAS) that under abusive regimen can lead to multiple physiological adverse effects. Studies of AAS-mediated cardiovascular (CV) alterations were mostly taken from male subjects, even though women are also susceptible to the effects of AAS and gender-specific differences in susceptibility to vascular diseases exist. Here we investigate ND-induced vascular reactivity alterations in both sedentary and exercised female rats and whether these alterations depend on endothelium-derived factors. We show that chronic exposure of female Wistar rats to ND (20mg/Kg/week for 4weeks) impaired the vascular mesenteric bed (MVB) reactivity to vasodilator (acetylcholine) agonist. The endothelium-dependent Nitric Oxide (NO) component was reduced in ND-treated rats, whereas neither the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) component nor prostanoids were altered in the MVBs. Endothelial dysfunction observed in ND-treated rats was associated with decreased eNOS (Ser 1177 ) and Akt (Ser 473 ) phosphorylation sites and upregulation of iNOS and NADPH oxidase expression. Exercise training by weight lifting in water did not improve the vascular alterations induced by ND treatment. ND treatment also significantly reduced the serum levels of estradiol in females, overriding its CV protective effect. These results help uncover the role of ND modulating endothelial function in the setting of CV disease caused by the abuse of AAS in females. If this translates to humans, young women abusing AAS can potentially lose the cardio protective effect rendered by estrogen and be more susceptible to CV alterations., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To assess the feasibility and reliability of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements of normal adrenal glands., Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study involving 32 healthy subjects, divided into two groups: prepubertal (PreP, n = 12), aged from 2 months to 12.5 years (4 males; 8 females); and postpubertal (PostP, n = 20), aged from 11.9 to 61 years (5 males; 15 females). Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) sequences were acquired at a 1.5 T scanner using b values of 0, 20, 500, and 1000 s/mm 2 . Two radiologists evaluated the images. ADC values were measured pixel-by-pixel on DW-MRI scans, and automatic co-registration with the ADC map was obtained., Results: Mean ADC values for the right adrenal glands were 1.44 × 10 -3 mm 2 /s for the PreP group and 1.23 × 10 -3 mm 2 /s for the PostP group, whereas they were 1.58 × 10 -3 mm 2 /s and 1.32 × 10 -3 mm 2 /s, respectively, for the left glands. ADC values were higher in the PreP group than in the PostP group ( p < 0.05). Agreement between readers was almost perfect (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.84-0.94; p < 0.05)., Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of performing DW-MRI measurements of normal adrenal glands. They could also support the feasibility of ADC measurements of small structures.

Portosystemic shunts are enlarged vessels that form collateral pathological pathways between the splanchnic circulation and the systemic circulation. Although their causes are multifactorial, portosystemic shunts all have one mechanism in common-increased portal venous pressure, which diverts the blood flow from the gastrointestinal tract to the systemic circulation. Congenital and acquired collateral pathways have both been described in the literature. The aim of this pictorial essay was to discuss the distinct anatomic and imaging features of portosystemic shunts, as well as to provide a robust method of differentiating between acquired portosystemic shunts and similar pathologies, through the use of illustrations and schematic drawings. Imaging of portosystemic shunts provides subclinical markers of increased portal venous pressure. Therefore, radiologists play a crucial role in the identification of portosystemic shunts. Early detection of portosystemic shunts can allow ample time to perform endovascular shunt operations, which can relieve portal hypertension and prevent acute or chronic complications in at-risk patient populations.

Magnetite decorated with gold nanoparticles (Fe3O4-AuNPs) is a ferrimagnetic material with unprecedented applications in immunosensors, as a contrast agent for imaging diagnosis, and for the photothermal ablation of tumor cells. Here, we show the preparation of controlled amounts of Fe3O4-AuNPs without organic solvents, surfactants, or heat treatment. For this, we have developed a customized natural-rubber-based microfluidic device (NRMD) as a flexible lab-on-a-chip for the decoration of Fe3O4 with AuNPs. With a novel NRMD configuration, monodisperse Fe3O4-NPs (ϕ = 10 nm) decorated with AuNPs (ϕ = 4 nm) were readily obtained. The AuNPs were homogenous in terms of their size and their distribution on the Fe3O4-NP surfaces. Furthermore, the lab-on-a-chip was projected with an internal system for magnetic separation, an innovation in terms of aqueous/carrier phase separation. Finally, the nanomaterials produced with this NRMD are free of organic solvents and surfactants, allowing them to be used directly for medical applications.

Apuleia leiocarpa is a tree found in Caatinga that has great value in the timber industry. Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins with several biotechnological applications. This study shows the isolation, characterization, and antibacterial activity of A. leiocarpa seed lectin (ApulSL). The lectin was chromatographically isolated from a crude extract (in 150 mM NaCl) by using a chitin column. ApulSL adsorbed to the matrix and was eluted using 1.0 M acetic acid. Native ApulSL was characterized as a 55.8-kDa acidic protein. SDS-PAGE showed three polypeptide bands, whereas two-dimensional electrophoresis revealed four spots. The peptides detected by MALDI TOF/TOF did not show sufficient homology (<30%) with the database proteins. Circular dichroism spectroscopy suggested a disordered conformational structure, and fluorescence spectrum showed the presence of tyrosine residues in the hydrophobic core. The hemagglutinating activity of ApulSL was present even after heating to 100 °C, was Mn(2+)-dependent, and inhibited by N-acetylglucosamine, D(-)-arabinose, and azocasein. ApulSL demonstrated bacteriostatic and bactericide effects on gram-positive and gram-negative species, being more effective against three varieties of Xanthomonas campestris (MIC ranging from 11.2 to 22.5 μg/mL and MBC of 22.5 μg/mL). The results of this study reinforce the importance of biochemical prospecting of Caatinga by revealing the antibacterial potential of ApulSL., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aim: Endothelial dysfunction is considered a premature indication of atherosclerosis and vessel damage and is present in the postmenopausal period. This study compares the influence of estrogen, raloxifene and tamoxifen on factors that affect endothelial function in ovariectomized (OVX) rats., Main Methods: The rats were divided into: SHAM; OVX; OVX+estrogen (0.5 μg/kg/day); OVX+raloxifene (2 mg/kg/day) and OVX+tamoxifen (1 mg/kg/day) groups. The acetylcholine vasorelaxation response was evaluated in the mesenteric vascular bed. The vascular oxidative stress and serum inflammatory cytokine levels were monitored, and analyses of eNOS and iNOS were performed., Key Findings: The acetylcholine-induced responses obtained in the OVX were lower than those obtained in the SHAM, and all treatments restored this response. l-NAME reduced and equalized the acetylcholine-induced response in all groups. The attenuation of the acetylcholine-induced responses by aminoguanidine was greater in the OVX. Endothelial dysfunction in OVX was associated with oxidative stress and an increase in iNOS and decrease in eNOS expression. Except for the production of reactive oxidative species (ROS) in the OVX+tamoxifen, treatments improved the nitric oxide component of the relaxation response and normalized both the oxidative stress and the expression of those signaling pathway enzymes. Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were increased in OVX, and treatments normalized these levels., Significance: Raloxifene and tamoxifen have similar anti-inflammatory effects that may be important in improving vascular dysfunction. Tamoxifen did not affect the ROS but improved endothelial dysfunction. The protective effect on endothelial function by these treatments provides evidence of their potential cardiovascular benefits in the postmenopausal period., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autossomic recessive disorder caused by impaired steroidogenesis. Patients with CAH may present adrenal insufficiency with or without salt-wasting, as well as various degrees of virilization and fertility impairment, carrying a high incidence of testicular adrenal rest tumors and increased incidence of adrenal tumors. The diagnosis of CAH is made based on the adrenocortical profile hormonal evaluation and genotyping, in selected cases. Follow-up is mainly based on hormonal and clinical evaluation. Utility of imaging in this clinical setting may be helpful for the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of the patients, although recommendations according to most guidelines are weak when present. Thus, the authors aimed to conduct a narrative synthesis of how imaging can help in the management of patients with CAH, especially focused on genitography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.

This paper reports the magnetic control of nanoparticle collisions on gold ultramicroelectrode surface. Magnetite nanoparticles with diameters of 10 nm and modified with Prussian blue (Fe3O4-NPs-PB) were directed by gravitational force on the electrode surface, and spikes in current-time transients were observed. By modulating a magnetic field parallel to the electrode surface, the number of nanoparticle collisions and the nanoparticle positions could be controlled.

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) and lobular neoplasia (LN) are two distinct conditions that still pose challenges regarding to their classification, diagnosis and management. Although they share similar cellular characteristics, such as discohesive neoplastic cells and absence of e-cadherin staining, they represent completely different conditions. LN encompasses atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), which are currently considered risk factors and non-obligatory precursors of breast neoplasia. These lesions are diagnosed as incidental findings in percutaneous biopsies or appear as non-specific clusters of punctate calcifications in mammograms. ILC is the second most common breast malignancy and has typical histological features, such as infiltrative growth and low desmoplasia. These histological features are reflected in imaging findings and constitute the reasons for typical subtle mammographic features of ILC, as architectural distortion or focal asymmetries. Ultrasonography (US) may detect almost 75 % of the ILCs missed by mammography and represents the modality of choice for guiding biopsies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exhibits a high sensitivity for the diagnosis of ILC and for detecting synchronous lesions. Teaching Points • LN includes ALH and LCIS, risk factors and non-obligatory precursors of breast cancer.• Absence of e-cadherin staining is crucial for differentiation among ductal and lobular lesions. • ILC has typical histological features, such as infiltrative growth and low desmoplasia. • Mammographic features of ILC are often subtle and reflect the histological features. • MRI exhibits a high sensitivity for the diagnosis of ILC and for detecting synchronous lesions.

Use of molecular markers can be limited by the high cost and extensive time required for their development. Transfer of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers reduces the cost and time limitations and has allowed the use of these markers in a larger number of species. We tested 11 SSR markers previously developed for Anacardium occidentale on A. humile. The 11 loci were successfully amplified in A. humile. All loci were polymorphic and generated a mean of 5.4 alleles per locus. The observed heterozygosity was lower than the expected heterozygosity under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for most loci, with mean values of 0.463 and 0.696, respectively. The endogamy coefficients were positive and significant for seven loci. However, the combined probability of paternity exclusion was high, and the combined probability of genetic identity was low. None of the pairs of loci were in linkage disequilibrium. The informative power of these loci demonstrates that they are suitable for studies of diversity and genetic structure of natural populations of A. humile. In addition, the loci are suitable for estimating gene flow between populations, assessing species crossing preferences, and performing interspecific comparisons.

A novel lectin was isolated from Bothrops leucurus snake venom using a combination of affinity and gel filtration chromatographies. The lectin (BlL) agglutinated glutaraldehyde-treated rabbit and human erythrocytes with preference for rabbit erythrocytes. Galactose, raffinose, lactose, fetal bovine serum and casein inhibited lectin-induced rabbit erythrocyte agglutination. BlL, with a molecular mass of 30 kDa and composed of two subunits of 15 kDa, showed dependence on calcium. BlL is an acidic protein with highest activity over the pH range of 4.0-7.0 and stable under heating to 70°C. Fluorescence emission spectra showed tryptophan residues partially buried within the lectin structure. The percentages of secondary structure revealed by circular dichroism were 1% α-helix, 44% β-sheet, 24% β-turn and 31% unordered. BlL showed effective antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Bacillus subtilis with minimal inhibitory concentrations of 31.25, 62.25 and 125 μg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, B. leucurus snake venom contains a galactoside-binding lectin with antibacterial activity., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A hammerhead shark Sphyrna lewini tracked for 74 days revealed an expansion of the range of vertical distribution for the species to include the extreme hypoxic environment of the oxygen minimum layer in the Gulf of California.

Objective: This in vitro study evaluated the influence of luting agents on ultrasonic vibration time for intraradicular cast post removal., Material and Methods: After endodontic treatment, 30 roots of extracted human canines were embedded in resin cylinders. The post-holes were prepared at 10 mm depth and their impressions were taken using autopolymerizing acrylic resin. After casting procedures using a nickel-chromium alloy, the posts were randomly distributed into 3 groups (n=10) according to the luting material: G1- zinc phosphate (SS White) (control group), G2 - glass ionomer cement (Vidrion C; SS White), and G3- resin cement (C & B; Bisco). In G3, the adhesive procedure was performed before post cementation. After 24 h, the cement line was removed at the post/tooth interface using a fine diamond bur, and the ST-09 tip of an Enac ultrasound unit was applied at maximum power on all surfaces surrounding the posts. The application time was recorded with a chronometer until the post was completely dislodged and data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (p<0.05)., Results: The roots were removed from the acrylic resin and inspected to detect cracks and/or fractures. The means for G1, G2, and G3 were 168.5, 59.5, and 285 s, respectively, with statistically significant differences among them. Two G3 posts resisted removal, one of which developed a vertical fracture line., Conclusions: Therefore, the cement type had a direct influence on the time required for ultrasonic post removal. Compared to the zinc phosphate and glass ionomer cements, the resin cement required a longer ultrasonic vibration time.

Purpose: Establish a relationship between vascular calcifications seen via mammography and coronary artery disease, estimate the risk ratios, and investigate the interrelationships between vascular calcification and other risk factors for coronary artery disease., Materials and Methods: This was a case-control study consisting of 40 women with coronary artery disease in the case group and 40 women without any history of coronary artery disease in the control group who were matched according to age. The study was approved by the Institution's Research Ethics Committee (consent statement was obtained). Odds ratios and confidence intervals were calculated using univariate analysis. Interrelationships among other risk factors, such as arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking and diabetes mellitus, were calculated using multivariate analysis. A p <0.05 was considered to be significant for statistical analysis., Results: The mean ages for the case and control groups were 64.65 years and 63.88 years, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the only variables related to coronary artery disease were Vascular calcification [OR 4.71 (CI 1.36-16.33) p=0.014], family history [OR 5.76 (CI 1.58-21.03) p=0.008] and arterial hypertension [OR 15.92 (CI 3.12-81.14) p=0.001]. Although smoking and diabetes are important variables in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease, these factors did not show statistically significant associations in this sample., Conclusion: The presence of vascular calcifications seen via mammography was an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease, as were hypertension and a family history of coronary artery disease.

Objective: To ascertain frequency of women in a hospital sample in Goiânia, Brazil, who know about and carry out breast-self examination (BSE) as well as the factors associated to knowledge and practice of this diagnostic method., Methods: A descriptive study was carried out aiming to identify factors potentially associated to BSE in a sample of 2,073 women. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire of age, education level, origin, parity, civil status, income and breastfeeding antecedents of the women., Results: 75% of women knew about BSE and 51% practiced it. A multivariate analysis yielded the following odds ratios: BSE knowledge was 4.2 times higher among housewives than women working away from home; 2.1 times higher among those aged 30 years or older; 2.1 times higher in those with 5 years or more of schooling, 1.98 times higher among those living in the Greater Goiânia Region, 1.4 times higher among those with 2 children or more, and 1.68 times higher among those with an income above 2 minimum wages. In relation to BSE practice, it was 1.7 times more frequent among housewives and among those 30 year or older, 1.8 times more frequent among those with more years of schooling and 1.2 more frequent among women with an income above 2 minimum wages., Conclusion: The majority of women knew about BSE, and half of them, practiced it. Less knowledge and less frequent practice of BSE was more often detected in poorer women, those with less health information and awareness about the usefulness of this method for early breast cancer detection.

The essential oil (EO) of Ocimum gratissimum inhibited Staphylococcus aureus at a concentration of 0.75 mg/ml. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for Shigella flexineri, Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., and Proteus mirabilis were at concentrations ranging from 3 to 12 microg/ml. The endpoint was not reached for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (>=24 mg/ml). The MICs of the reference drugs used in this study were similar to those presented in other reports. The minimum bactericidal concentration of EO was within a twofold dilution of the MIC for this organism. The compound that showed antibacterial activity in the EO of O. gratissimum was identified as eugenol and structural findings were further supported by gas chromatography/mass spectra retention time data. The structure was supported by spectroscopic methods.