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Purpose: Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS) is a rare cancer predisposing condition caused by germline pathogenic TP53 variants, in which core tumors comprise sarcomas, breast, brain and adrenocortical neoplasms. Clinical manifestations are highly variable in carriers of the Brazilian germline founder variant TP53 p.R337H, possibly due to the influence of modifier genes such as miRNA genes involved in the regulation of the p53 pathway. Herein, we investigated the potential phenotypic effects of two miRNA-related functional SNPs, pri-miR-34b/c rs4938723 and 3'UTR KRAS rs61764370, in a cohort of 273 LFS patients from Southern and Southeastern Brazil., Methods: The genotyping of selected SNPs was performed by TaqMan® allelic discrimination and subsequently custom TaqMan® genotyping results were confirmed by Sanger sequencing in all SNP-positive LFS patients., Results: Although the KRAS SNP showed no effect as a phenotype modulator, the rs4938723 CC genotype was significantly associated with development of LFS non-core tumors (first tumor diagnosis) in p.R337H carriers (p = 0.039). Non-core tumors were also more frequently diagnosed in carriers of germline TP53 DNA binding domain variants harboring the rs4938723 C variant allele. Previous studies described pri-miR-34b/c rs4938723 C as a risk allele for sporadic occurrence of thyroid and prostate cancers (non-core tumors of the LFS spectrum)., Conclusion: With this study, we presented additional evidence about the importance of analyzing miRNA genes that could indirectly regulate p53 expression, and, therefore, may modulate the LFS phenotype, such as those of the miR-34 family., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Henrique de Campos Reis Galvao reports a relationship with AstraZeneca of Brazil that includes: speaking and lecture fees. Henrique de Campos Reis Galvao reports a relationship with Hermes Pardini Institute that includes: consulting or advisory., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Medulloblastomas are the most common primary malignant brain tumors in children. They are divided into molecular subgroups: WNT-activated, SHH-Activated, TP53 mutant or wild type, and non-WNT/non-SHH (Groups 3 and 4). WNT-activated medulloblastomas are usually caused by mutations in the CTNNB1 gene (85%-90%), and most remaining cases of CTNNB1 wild type are thought to be caused by germline mutations in APC . So far, the frequencies of CTNNB1 have been reported mainly in North American and European populations. The aim of this study was to report the frequency of CTNNB1 mutations in WNT-activated medulloblastomas in a Latin-Iberian population and correlate with their clinicopathological characteristics., Methods: A total of 266 medulloblastomas from seven different institutions from Brazil (n=211), Portugal (n=38), and Argentina (n=17) were evaluated. Following RNA and DNA isolation from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues, the molecular classification and CTNNB1 mutation analysis were performed by nCounter and Sanger sequencing, respectively., Results: WNT-activated medulloblastomas accounted for 15% (40/266) of the series. We observed that 73% of WNT-activated medulloblastomas harbored CTNNB1 mutations. CTNNB1 wild-type cases (27%) were more prevalent in female individuals and suggested to be associated with a worse outcome. Among the CTNNB1 wild-type cases, the available analysis of family history revealed two cases with familiar adenomatous polyposis, harboring APC germline variants., Conclusion: We observed a lower incidence of CTNNB1 mutations in WNT-activated medulloblastomas in our Latin-Iberian cohort compared to frequencies previously described in other populations. Considering that CTNNB1 wild-type cases may exhibit APC germline mutations, our study suggests a higher incidence (~30%) of hereditary WNT-activated medulloblastomas in the Latin-Iberian population., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Moreno, Bonatelli, Antoniazzi, de Paula, Leal, Garcia, de Paula, Teixeira, Santana, Saggioro, Neder, Valera, Scrideli, Stavale, Malheiros, Lima, Hajj, Garcia-Rivello, Christiansen, Nunes, Gil-da-Costa, Pinheiro, Martins, Junior, Mançano and Reis.)

Choroid plexus tumors (CPTs) are rare intracranial neoplasms, representing <1% of all brain tumors, yet they represent 20% of first-year pediatric brain tumors. Although these tumors have been linked to TP53 germline mutations in the context of Li-Fraumeni syndrome, their somatic driver alterations remain poorly understood. In this study, we report two cases of lateral ventricle tumors: 3-yr-old male diagnosed with an atypical choroid plexus papilloma (aCPP), and a 6-mo-old female diagnosed with a choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC). We performed whole-exome sequencing of paired blood and tumor tissue in both patients, categorized somatic variants, and determined copy-number alterations. Our analysis revealed a tier II variant (Association for Molecular Pathology [AMP] criteria) in BRD1, a H3 and TP53 acetylation agent, in the aCPP. In addition, we detected copy-number gains on Chromosomes 12, 18, and 20 and copy-number losses on Chromosomes 13q and 22q ( BRD1 locus) in this tumor. The CPC tumor had only a pathogenic germline TP53 variant, based on American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) criteria, with a clinical and familiar history of Li-Fraumeni syndrome. The CPC patient presented loss of heterozygosity (LoH) of TP53 loci and hyperdiploid genome. Both tumors were microsatellite-stable. This is the first study performing whole-exome sequencing in Brazilian choroid plexus tumors, and in line with the literature, we corroborate the absence of recurrent somatic mutations in these tumors. Further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm our findings and better understand the underlying biology of these tumors., (© 2023 Garcia et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.)

Molecular biology is currently a fast-advancing science. Sequencing techniques are getting cheaper, but the interpretation of genetic variants requires expertise and computational power, therefore is still a challenge. Next-generation sequencing releases thousands of variants and to classify them, researchers propose protocols with several parameters. Here we present a review of several in silico pathogenicity prediction tools involved in the variant prioritization/classification process used by some international protocols for variant analysis and studies evaluating their efficiency., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Garcia, Andrade and Palmero.)

Lynch syndrome (LS) is the most common hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) syndrome, characterized by germline pathogenic variants in mismatch repair (MMR)-related genes that lead to microsatellite instability. Patients who meet the clinical criteria for LS and MMR deficiency and without any identified germline pathogenic variants are frequently considered to have Lynch-like syndrome (LLS). These patients have a higher risk of CRC and extracolonic tumors, and little is known about their underlying genetic causes. We investigated the germline spectrum of LLS patients through whole-exome sequencing (WES). A total of 20 unrelated patients with MMR deficiency who met the clinical criteria for LS and had no germline variant were subjected to germline WES. Variant classification was performed according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) criteria. Pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were identified in 35% of patients in known cancer genes such as MUTYH and ATM . Besides this, rare and potentially pathogenic variants were identified in the DNA repair gene POLN and other cancer-related genes such as PPARG , CTC1 , DCC and ALPK1 . Our study demonstrates the germline mutational status of LLS patients, a population at high risk of colorectal cancer.

Familial colorectal cancer type X (FCCTX) is a heterogeneous colorectal cancer predisposition syndrome that, although displays a cancer pattern similar to Lynch syndrome, is mismatch repair proficient and does not exhibit microsatellite instability. Besides, its genetic etiology remains to be elucidated. In this study we performed germline exome sequencing of 39 cancer-affected patients from 34 families at risk for FCCTX. Variant classification followed the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines. Pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were identified in 17.65% of the families. Rare and potentially pathogenic alterations were identified in known hereditary cancer genes (CHEK2), in putative FCCTX candidate genes (OGG1 and FAN1) and in other cancer-related genes such as ATR, ASXL1, PARK2, SLX4 and TREX1. This study provides novel important clues that can contribute to the understanding of FCCTX genetic basis., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

The use of gene panels introduces a new dilemma in the genetics field due to the high frequency of variants of uncertain significance (VUS). The objective of this study was to provide evidence that may help in the classification of these germline variants in terms of their clinical impact and association with the disease in question. A total of 52 unrelated women at-risk for HBOC and negative for BRCA1/BRCA2 pathogenic variants were evaluated through a gene panel comprising 14 breast and/or ovarian cancer susceptibility genes. Of the 453 germline variants identified, 15 variants (classes 3, 4, and 5) in the ATM, BRIP1, CHEK2, MRE11A, MUTHY, PALB2, RAD50 , and RAD51C genes were evaluated via databases, co-segregation studies and loss of heterozygosity in the tumor. The co-segregation analysis allowed the establishment of an association with the presence of variants and the risk of cancer for variant c.316C>T in the BRIP1 gene. Four variants of uncertain significance showed loss of heterozygosity in the tumor ( ATM c.4709T>C; CHEK2 c.1036C>T; PALB2 c.1001A>G, and RAD50 c.281T>C), which is an indication of pathogenicity. Thus, the present study provides novel evidence that favors the association of variants in moderate-risk genes with the development of hereditary breast cancer., (Copyright © 2020 Grasel, Felicio, de Paula, Campacci, Garcia, de Andrade, Evangelista, Fernandes, Sabato, De Marchi, Souza, de Paula, Torrezan, Galvão, Carraro and Palmero.)

Background/aims: Therapies aimed at modulating cytokines have been used to treat inflammatory illnesses, such as inflammatory bowel disease. On the other hand, patients may become intolerant, refractory, or present with several side effects. Arthrospira ( Spirulina ) platensis (SPI) is a blue-green microalga with bioactive molecules that have been evaluated to treat inflammatory diseases. On the other hand, few studies have examined their effects on the production of specific cytokines and the intestinal architecture in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Therefore, this study examined the effects of a treatment using SPI in a murine model of intestinal inflammation., Methods: All mice (C57BL/6 male) were evaluated daily for their food and water intake, bodyweight variations, and clinical signs of disease. Colon inflammation was induced by exposure to DSS for 6 consecutive days. SPI was given orally at 50, 100, and 250 mg/kg/day. ELISA was performed to assess the production of cytokines. Myeloperoxidase and nitric oxide were also investigated. The level of microscopic damage was assessed by staining colon sections with hematoxylin and eosin., Results: SPI attenuated the DSS-induced inflammation, with improvements in the clinical signs and a decrease in the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ. In addition, particularly at 250 mg/kg, SPI attenuated the severity of colitis by modulating the level of mucosal and submucosal cell infiltration, which preserved the epithelial barrier., Conclusions: SPI may be an alternative source of bioactive molecules with immunomodulatory properties, and has great potential to be used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Background: Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) is one of the most common and debilitating toxicity. Up till now, no treatment or preventive medication is recommended by guidelines. Pentoxifylline has been found to prevent PIPN in animal models. This study aimed to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of pentoxifylline in preventing PIPN. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical trial to evaluate the potential effect of pentoxifylline on the prevention of PIPN in breast cancer (BC) patients. Results: A simple-randomized placebo-controlled study was conducted on 60 BC patients receiving weekly paclitaxel and either pentoxifylline 400 mg twice daily (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 12 weeks. Only 55 patients completed the study. The main objective was the evaluation of the effect of pentoxifylline on the incidence of PIPN which revealed no significant difference between the pentoxifylline group (85%) and the placebo group (100%). Secondary objectives included time to develop grade 2 or 3 (TTG 2/3) PIPN, the patient’s quality of life (QOL), serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and malondialdehyde and the tolerability of pentoxifylline. The median TTG 2/3 PIPN was not reached in the pentoxifylline group compared to 77 days (95% confidence interval of 70.91 to 83.07) in the placebo group. However, the difference did not reach significance. The assessment of the impact of PIPN on QOL was performed at baseline and at weeks 4, 8 and 12 using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group-Neurotoxicity (FACT/GOG-NTX) subscale. The magnitude of the worsening in the QOL was significantly lower in the pentoxifylline group than in the placebo group at weeks 4, 8, and 12 (p values = 0.028, 0.003, and 0.018, respectively). Analysis of the serum TNF-α and malondialdehyde revealed no significant differences between the groups. Pentoxifylline was safe, tolerable and did not affect paclitaxel toxicity. Conclusion: Oral pentoxifylline (400 mg twice daily) did not decrease the incidence of PIPN. However, it improved patients’ QOL significantly. Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov, NCT05189535. Registered 4 October 2021, . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Soil bacteria often form close associations with their host plants, particularly within the root compartment, playing a significant role in plant growth and stress resilience. Vachellia tortilis subsp. raddiana, (V. tortilis subsp. raddiana)a leguminous tree, naturally thrives in the harsh, arid climate of the Guelmim region in southern Morocco. This study aims to explore the diversity and potential plant growth-promoting (PGP) activities of bacteria associated with this tree. Results: A total of 152 bacterial isolates were obtained from the rhizosphere of V. tortilis subsp. raddiana. Rep-PCR fingerprinting revealed 25 distinct genomic groups, leading to the selection of 84 representative strains for further molecular identification via 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. Seventeen genera were identified, with Bacillus and Pseudomonas being predominant. Bacillus strains demonstrated significant tolerance to water stress (up to 30% PEG), while Pseudomonas strains showed high salinity tolerance (up to 14% NaCl). In vitro studies indicated variability in PGP activities among the strains, including mineral solubilization, biological nitrogen fixation, ACC deaminase activity, and production of auxin, siderophores, ammonia, lytic enzymes, and HCN. Three elite strains were selected for greenhouse inoculation trials with V. tortilis subsp. raddiana. Strain LMR725 notably enhanced various plant growth parameters compared to uninoculated control plants. Conclusions: The findings underscore the potential of Bacillus and Pseudomonas strains as biofertilizers, with strain LMR725 showing particular promise in enhancing the growth of V. tortilis subsp. raddiana. This strain emerges as a strong candidate for biofertilizer formulation aimed at improving plant growth and resilience in arid environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pathogenic variants of MYH7, which encodes the beta-myosin heavy chain protein, are major causes of dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Methods: In this study, we used whole-genome sequencing data to identify MYH7 variants in 397 patients with various cardiomyopathy subtypes who were participating in the National Project of Bio Big Data pilot study in Korea. We also performed in silico analyses to predict the pathogenicity of the novel variants, comparing them to known pathogenic missense variants. Results: We identified 27 MYH7 variants in 41 unrelated patients with cardiomyopathy, consisting of 20 previously known pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants, 2 variants of uncertain significance, and 5 novel variants. Notably, the pathogenic variants predominantly clustered within the myosin motor domain of MYH7. We confirmed that the novel identified variants could be pathogenic, as indicated by high prediction scores in the in silico analyses, including SIFT, Mutation Assessor, PROVEAN, PolyPhen-2, CADD, REVEL, MetaLR, MetaRNN, and MetaSVM. Furthermore, we assessed their damaging effects on protein dynamics and stability using DynaMut2 and Missense3D tools. Conclusions: Overall, our study identified the distribution of MYH7 variants among patients with cardiomyopathy in Korea, offering new insights for improved diagnosis by enriching the data on the pathogenicity of novel variants using in silico tools and evaluating the function and structural stability of the MYH7 protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early in the SARS-CoV2 pandemic, in this journal, Hou et al. (BMC Med 18:216, 2020) interpreted public genotype data, run through functional prediction tools, as suggesting that members of particular human populations carry potentially COVID-risk-increasing variants in genes ACE2 and TMPRSS2 far more often than do members of other populations. Beyond resting on predictions rather than clinical outcomes, and focusing on variants too rare to typify population members even jointly, their claim mistook a well known artifact (that large samples reveal more of a population's variants than do small samples) as if showing real and congruent population differences for the two genes, rather than lopsided population sampling in their shared source data. We explain that artifact, and contrast it with empirical findings, now ample, that other loci shape personal COVID risks far more significantly than do ACE2 and TMPRSS2—and that variation in ACE2 and TMPRSS2 per se unlikely exacerbates any net population disparity in the effects of such more risk-informative loci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canada thistle is a pervasive perennial weed, causing challenges to agricultural and natural ecosystems globally. Although research has focused on the phenology, genetics, and control of Canada thistle, little is known about the rhizosphere microbiome and the role plant–microbe interactions play in invasion success. This study investigated the rhizosphere microbiome of Canada thistle across diverse climates, soils, and crops in the U.S. northern Great Plains. Soil and rhizosphere samples were collected and bacterial 16S and fungal ITS2 sequencing were performed to characterize the core microbiome and identify potential factors contributing to invasion success. Amplicon sequencing revealed a stable core microbiome that was detected in the Canada thistle rhizosphere across all locations. The core microbiome was dominated by the bacterial phyla Actinobacteriota and Proteobacteria and fungal phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Differential abundance analysis showed rhizosphere fungal communities were enriched in pathogen-containing genera with a 1.7-fold greater abundance of Fusaria and a 2.6-fold greater abundance of Gibberella compared to bulk soil. Predictive functional profiling showed rhizosphere communities were enriched (p < 0.05, FDR corrected) in plant pathogen fungal guilds which represented 19% of the fungal community. The rhizosphere microbiome was similar in composition across environments, highlighting the stable association between Canada thistle and specific microbial taxa. This study characterized the core microbiome of Canada thistle, and the findings highlight plant–microbe interactions shaping invasive behavior. These findings are important for understanding the ecological impacts of plant invasion and soil-microbe ecological processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A detailed understanding of the genetic basis of cancer is of great interest to public health monitoring programs. Although many studies have been conducted in Brazil, a global view on the molecular profile related to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) in this large and heterogeneous population is lacking. Methods: A systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines was conducted in three electronic databases (PubMed, BIREME and SciELO). Brazilian studies covering molecular analysis of genes related to HBOC, published until December 2023, were considered. Results: We identified 35 original studies that met all the inclusion criteria. A total of 137 distinct mutations were found in the BRCA1 gene, but four of them corresponded to 44.5% of all mutations found in this gene. The c.5266dupC BRCA1 mutation was responsible for 26.8% of all pathogenic mutations found in the BRCA1 gene in patients with clinical criteria for HBOC from the Brazilian population. Considering all studies that track this mutation in the BRCA1 gene, we found a frequency of 2% (120/6008) for this mutation in Brazilian patients. In the BRCA2 gene, the four most frequent mutations corresponded to 29.2% of pathogenic mutations. Even though it was tracked by few studies, the c.156_157insAlu mutation was responsible for 9.6% of all pathogenic mutations reported in the BRCA2 gene. Seventeen studies found pathogenic mutations in other non-BRCA genes, the c.1010G > A mutation in the TP53 gene being the most frequent one. Considering all studies that screened for this specific mutation in patients with the clinical criteria for HBOC, the frequency of c.1010G > A was estimated at 1.83% (61/3336). Conclusions: Despite significant molecular heterogeneity among mutations in HBOC patients from Brazil, three mutations deserve to be highlighted, c.5266dupC, c.156_157insAlu and c.1010G > A in the BRCA1, BRCA2 and TP53 genes, respectively. With more than 200 records, these three mutations play a vital role in the pathology of breast and ovarian cancer in Brazil. The data collected shed light on the subject, but there is still not enough data from certain subpopulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic susceptibility to familial colorectal cancer (CRC), including for individuals classified as Familial Colorectal Cancer Type X (FCCTX), remains poorly understood. We describe a multi-generation CRC-affected family segregating pathogenic variants in both BRCA1, a gene associated with breast and ovarian cancer and RNF43, a gene associated with Serrated Polyposis Syndrome (SPS). A single family out of 105 families meeting the criteria for FCCTX (Amsterdam I family history criteria with mismatch repair (MMR)-proficient CRCs) recruited to the Australasian Colorectal Cancer Family Registry (ACCFR; 1998–2008) that underwent whole exome sequencing (WES), was selected for further testing. CRC and polyp tissue from four carriers were molecularly characterized including a single CRC that underwent WES to determine tumor mutational signatures and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) events. Ten carriers of a germline pathogenic variant BRCA1:c.2681_2682delAA p.Lys894ThrfsTer8 and eight carriers of a germline pathogenic variant RNF43:c.988 C > T p.Arg330Ter were identified in this family. Seven members carried both variants, four of which developed CRC. A single carrier of the RNF43 variant met the 2019 World Health Organization (WHO2019) criteria for SPS, developing a BRAF p.V600 wildtype CRC. Loss of the wildtype allele for both BRCA1 and RNF43 variants was observed in three CRC tumors while a LOH event across chromosome 17q encompassing both genes was observed in a CRC. Tumor mutational signature analysis identified the homologous recombination deficiency (HRD)-associated COSMIC signatures SBS3 and ID6 in a CRC for a carrier of both variants. Our findings show digenic inheritance of pathogenic variants in BRCA1 and RNF43 segregating with CRC in a FCCTX family. LOH and evidence of BRCA1-associated HRD supports the importance of both these tumor suppressor genes in CRC tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes leads to uncertainty in the clinical management of patients being evaluated for Lynch syndrome (LS). Currently, there is no platform to systematically use tumor-derived evidence alongside germline data for the assessment of VUS in relation to LS. We developed INT2GRATE (INTegrated INTerpretation of GeRmline And Tumor gEnomes) to leverage information from the tumor genome to inform the potential role of constitutional VUS in MMR genes. INT2GRATE platform has two components: a comprehensive evidencebased decision tree that integrates well-established clinico-genomic data from both the tumor and constitutional genomes to help inform the potential relevance of germline VUS in LS; and a web-based user interface (UI). With the INT2GRATE decision tree operating in the backend, INT2GRATE UI enables the front-end collection of comprehensive clinical genetics and tumor-derived evidence for each VUS to facilitate INT2GRATE assessment and data sharing in the publicly accessible ClinVar database. The performance of the INT2GRATE decision tree was assessed by qualitative retrospective analysis of genomic data from 5057 cancer patients with MMR alterations which included 52 positive control cases. Of 52 positive control cases with LS and pathogenic MMR alterations, 23 had all the testing parameters for the evaluation by INT2GRATE. All these variants were correctly categorized as INT2GRATE POSITIVE. The stringent INT2GRATE decision tree flagged 29 of positive cases by identifying the absence or unusual presentation of specific evidence, highlighting the conservative INT2GRATE logic in favor of a higher degree of confidence in the results. The remaining 99% of cases were correctly categorized as INCONCLUSIVE due to the absence of LS criteria and =1 tumor parameters. INT2GRATE is an effective platform for clinical and genetics professionals to collect and assess clinical genetics and complimentary tumor-derived information for each germline VUS in suspected LS patients. Furthermore, INT2GRATE enables the collation of integrated tumor-derived evidence relevant to germline VUS in LS, and sharing them with a large community, a practice that is needed in precision oncology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), or diffuse pulmonary lung disease, are a subset of lung diseases that primarily affect lung alveoli and the space around interstitial tissue and bronchioles. It clinically manifests as progressive dyspnea, and patients often exhibit a varied decrease in pulmonary diffusion function. Recently, variants in telomere biology-related genes have been identified as genetic lesions of ILDs. Here, we enrolled 82 patients with interstitial pneumonia from 2017 to 2021 in our hospital to explore the candidate gene mutations of these patients via whole-exome sequencing. After data filtering, a novel heterozygous mutation (NM_025099: p.Gly131Arg) of CTC1 was identified in two affected family members. As a component of CST (CTC1-STN1-TEN1) complex, CTC1 is responsible for maintaining telomeric structure integrity and has also been identified as a candidate gene for IPF, a special kind of chronic ILD with insidious onset. Simultaneously, real-time PCR revealed that two affected family members presented with short telomere lengths, which further confirmed the effect of the mutation in the CTC1 gene. Our study not only expanded the mutation spectrum of CTC1 and provided epidemiological data on ILDs caused by CTC1 mutations but also further confirmed the relationship between heterozygous mutations in CTC1 and ILDs, which may further contribute to understanding the mechanisms underlying ILDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Medulloblastomas are the most common primary malignant brain tumors in children. They are divided into molecular subgroups: WNT-activated, SHH-Activated, TP53 mutant or wild type, and non-WNT/non-SHH (Groups 3 and 4). WNT-activated medulloblastomas are usually caused by mutations in the CTNNB1 gene (85%-90%), and most remaining cases of CTNNB1 wild type are thought to be caused by germline mutations in APC. So far, the frequencies of CTNNB1 have been reported mainly in North American and European populations. The aim of this study was to report the frequency of CTNNB1 mutations in WNT-activated medulloblastomas in a Latin-Iberian population and correlate with their clinicopathological characteristics. Methods: A total of 266 medulloblastomas from seven different institutions from Brazil (n=211), Portugal (n=38), and Argentina (n=17) were evaluated. Following RNA and DNA isolation from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues, the molecular classification and CTNNB1 mutation analysis were performed by nCounter and Sanger sequencing, respectively. Results: WNT-activated medulloblastomas accounted for 15% (40/266) of the series. We observed that 73% of WNT-activated medulloblastomas harbored CTNNB1 mutations. CTNNB1 wild-type cases (27%) were more prevalent in female individuals and suggested to be associated with a worse outcome. Among the CTNNB1 wild-type cases, the available analysis of family history revealed two cases with familiar adenomatous polyposis, harboring APC germline variants. Conclusion: We observed a lower incidence of CTNNB1 mutations in WNT-activated medulloblastomas in our Latin-Iberian cohort compared to frequencies previously described in other populations. Considering that CTNNB1 wild-type cases may exhibit APC germline mutations, our study suggests a higher incidence (~30%) of hereditary WNT-activated medulloblastomas in the Latin-Iberian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a rare group of cancers with heterogeneous behaviour and mostly of unknown aetiology. Excluding some infrequent hereditary cancer syndromes, the extent and clinical significance of mutations in other cancer predisposing genes (CPGs) are not known. We aimed to investigate the frequency of pathogenic and likely germline pathogenic variants (GPVs) in known CPGs in young adults with NEN and the clinical and molecular characteristics of these patients. We recruited 108 patients with lung or digestive NEN diagnosed between 18 and 50 years and performed targeted sequencing of 113 CPGs on germline DNA. For some patients, tumour features such as loss of heterozygosity (LOH), tumour mutation burden and microsatellite instability were evaluated. GPVs were detected in 17 patients (15.7%). Median age, sex, stage at diagnosis, family history of NENs or any personal history of neoplasm were similar between patients with or without GPVs. GPV carriers had more gastric (P = 0.084), functioning NEN (P = 0.041), positive family history of cancer (P = 0.015) and exclusively well-differentiated histology. Genes affected were mostly involved in DNA repair (CHEK2, ERCC2, ERCC3, XPC, MSH6, POLE and SLX4), with most GPVs found in MUTYH (four cases). LOH was performed in eight tumours and detected only in an SLX4-positive case. Overall, our findings indicate a role of inherited genetic alterations, particularly in DNA repair genes, in NEN carcinogenesis in young adults. These patients more often had a family history of cancer and functioning NENs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: PTEN hamartoma tumour syndrome (PHTS) is a rare hereditary disorder caused by germline pathogenic mutations in the PTEN gene. This study presents a case of PHTS referred for genetic evaluation due to multiple polyps in the rectosigmoid area, and provides a literature review of PHTS case reports published between March 2010 and March 2022. Case presentation: A 39-year-old Iranian female with a family history of gastric cancer in a first-degree relative presented with minimal bright red blood per rectum and resistant dyspepsia. Colonoscopy revealed the presence of over 20 polyps in the rectosigmoid area, while the rest of the colon appeared normal. Further upper endoscopy showed multiple small polyps in the stomach and duodenum, leading to a referral for genetic evaluation of hereditary colorectal polyposis. Whole-exome sequencing led to a PHTS diagnosis, even though the patient displayed no clinical or skin symptoms of the condition. Further screenings identified early-stage breast cancer and benign thyroid nodules through mammography and thyroid ultrasound. Method and results of literature review: A search of PubMed using the search terms "Hamartoma syndrome, Multiple" [Mesh] AND "case report" OR "case series" yielded 43 case reports, predominantly in women with a median age of 39 years. The literature suggests that patients with PHTS often have a family history of breast, thyroid and endometrial neoplasms along with pathogenic variants in the PTEN/MMAC1 gene. Gastrointestinal polyps are one of the most common signs reported in the literature, and the presence of acral keratosis, trichilemmomas and mucocutaneous papillomas are pathognomonic characteristics of PHTS. Conclusion: When a patient presents with more than 20 rectosigmoid polyps, PHTS should be considered. In such cases, it is recommended to conduct further investigations to identify other potential manifestations and the phenotype of PHTS. Women with PHTS should undergo annual mammography and magnetic resonance testing for breast cancer screening from the age of 30, in addition to annual transvaginal ultrasounds and blind suction endometrial biopsies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with other aquaculture issues, attention to human and social dimensions is lagging behind. Sectoral development, policy, and programmatic factors have created inequities and sub‐optimal social outcomes, which are jeopardizing the broader contribution the sector could make to human well‐being. Human rights in aquaculture are at the core of this article, which argues that aquaculture development, as a major economic and food producing sector, needs to be about human development. The article reviews: the application of human rights in aquaculture, and the related right to decent work; the notions of justice and equity including the idea of Blue Justice and its relevance in aquaculture; and ethics and social license to operate with the challenges that business ethics and public acceptance pose to the sector. It also reviews how these issues affect people: women, along with slow progress in gender equality in the sector; youth and their engagement in aquaculture, while noting that 'youth' does not equate to "jobs" and requires the lifting of many more societal hurdles for their full participation in the sector; indigenous people and local ecological knowledge—a precious asset for future aquaculture as well as the survival and enhancement of the cultural value of aquaculture; and people with disabilities and other minorities who have yet to become fully visible and accounted for in aquaculture development. Redressing human and social issues in aquaculture, and placing people at the center of aquaculture development requires a fundamental change from business as usual. To humanize aquaculture development, a renewed human relationship with aquaculture is proposed, which is founded on recognizing substantive equality and agency, embracing intersectionality, that is, the multiple social dimensions of identity and interaction, and valuing cross‐disciplinary knowledge systems. It would be implemented through new, inclusive, business models, social provisioning approaches, and procedural justice and governance mechanisms for overcoming inequalities. Public, private, and non‐state actors will need to be involved, inclusive of small‐scale farmers, women, youth, people with disabilities, and indigenous communities as key groups. Six key messages conclude the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly prevalent disease in developed countries. Inherited Mendelian causes account for approximately 5% of CRC cases, with Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis being the most prevalent forms. Scientific efforts are focused on the discovery of new candidate genes associated with CRC and new associations of phenotypes with well-established cancer-related genes. BRCA1-associated ring domain (BARD1) gene deleterious germline variants are associated with a moderate increase in the relative risk of breast cancer, but their association with other neoplasms, such as CRC, remains unclear. Case presentation: We present the case of a 49-year-old male diagnosed with rectal adenocarcinoma whose maternal family fulfilled Amsterdam clinical criteria for Lynch syndrome. Genetic test confirmed the presence in heterozygosis of a germline pathogenic deletion of exons 8–11 in BARD1 gene. The predictive genetic study of the family revealed the presence of this pathogenic variant in his deceased cancer affected relatives, confirming co-segregation of the deletion with the disease. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first published work in which this BARD1 deletion is detected in a family with familial colorectal cancer type X (FCCTX) syndrome, in which the clinical criteria for Lynch syndrome without alteration of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system are fulfilled. Whether this incidental germline finding is the cause of familial colorectal aggregation remains to be elucidated in scientific forums. Patients should be carefully assessed in specific cancer genetic counseling units to account for hypothetical casual findings in other genes, in principle unrelated to the initial clinical suspicion, but with potential impact on their health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fungus Ganoderma boninense is a causal pathogen of basal stem rot, a serious disease of oil palm plantation systems. As previously observed, some oil palm trees show no appearance of disease symptoms (asymptomatic oil palm), although they have grown close to a tree that showed severe symptoms of basal stem rot disease (symptomatic oil palm). The microbial community difference between asymptomatic and symptomatic oil palm will help understand disease suppression. Thus, in this study, rhizosphere soil was sampled around asymptomatic (OP − G) and symptomatic (OP + G) oil palm trees in Ganoderma-infected oil palm orchards. Illumina next-generation sequencing (NGS), bioinformatics analysis, bacterial diversity, and soil physicochemical properties were evaluated. The results demonstrated that soil physicochemical properties and species richness around rhizosphere soil of OP − G and OP + G samples were not significantly different. The age of the oil palm trees and oil palm variety showed negligible correlation and were not significant with bacterial diversity. However, the top ten most abundant analysis of the bacterial communities showed that phyla Actinobacteria and Firmicutes were significantly increased in rhizosphere soil around OP − G samples relative to the OP+ G samples. The unique operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of OP − G (2137) were higher than in the OP+ G samples (1747 OTUs). These bacterial communities have been reported as biological control agents and/or plant growth-promoting rhizosphere bacteria that are related to disease suppression. Thus, the data provided are useful for developing suppressive soil to biologically control G. boninense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Potato late blight (PLB) caused by Phytophthora infestans is one of the most devastating plant diseases. The heavy use of chemical control agents is at odds with the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture practices. It is necessary to screen the antagonistic microorganisms of P. infestans and provide a new choice of PLB biocontrol. RESULTS: In vitro, eight bacterial strains (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H) isolated from the rhizosphere of resistant potato plants had a significant inhibitory effect on the mycelium growth of P. infestans, and the inhibition rate was 35.02–79.20%. These isolates were assigned to Streptomyces, Pseudomonas, Saccharothrix and Nocardiopsis by phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA genes. Their physiological and biochemical characteristics suggested that they can produce cellulase and catalase, which may help to inhibit the infection of P. infestans. In vivo, each strain significantly inhibited the infection of P. infestans after individual inoculation into potato tubers, and no strains posed a pathogenic threat to tubers. In the field environment, multibacterial treatment significantly reduced the disease index. Compared with the control, multibacterial and single H treatment significantly increased the microbial species and abundance of the potato rhizosphere and enriched potential beneficial bacteria such as Rhizobiaceae. Meanwhile, multi‐bacterial and single H treatment significantly reduced the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and Bacillaceae. CONCLUSION: Our results provide some valuable native strains from the potato rhizosphere with the ability to inhibit P. infestans in vivo and in vitro, which may be a new option for PLB biocontrol. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the energizing and therapeutic effects of infusions of mate (Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil) leaves are increasingly recognized, rising global consumption is also increasing the demand for plantlets with high genetic and morphological qualities. Mini-cuttings are an alternative for clonal plantlets; however, more details are needed on factors that affect the success of this technique. Here, toward maximizing production, we evaluated adventitious rooting competence of mini-cuttings of different sizes and the morphophysiological quality of the resultant plantlets. Small (one bud; length up to 2.5 cm), medium (multiple buds; length 2.6–5.0 cm), and large (multiple buds; length 5.1–10.0 cm) mini-cuttings were planted in a mixture of commercial substrate, vermiculite, and coarse sand (1:1:1 v:v:v), grown in a humidity chamber, then evaluated after 45, 60, 75, and 90 days for survival, percentage of callus and shoot formation, number and length of shoots, percentage of rooted cuttings, and number and length of roots. Any rooted mini-cuttings were then cultivated in commercial substrate and subsurface soil (2:1 v:v) and evaluated after 30, 60, 90 and 120 days of cultivation for morphophysiology of the plantlets, percentage of survival, number of leaves, shoot height, stem diameter, and ratio of shoot height to stem diameter. After 120 days, the plantlets were evaluated for the ratio of shoot and root dry mass, total length, surface area, total volume, and mean diameter of roots and Dickson quality index. Adventitious rooting of the mini-cuttings and the morphophysiological quality of the plantlets were not influenced by the size of the vegetative propagule. Therefore, single-bud mini-cuttings have similar adventitious rooting competence, and result in plantlets with adequate morphophysiological quality, based upon leaf development, shoot height, stem diameter and length, and surface area, volume and diameter of roots. Single-bud mini-cuttings up to 2.5 cm long can thus be used to maximize production of mate plantlets by mini-cuttings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White mold caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is one of the main common bean diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of phosphonates and elicitors in reducing the severity of white mold. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with six treatments and six replications in a split-plot, where each experimental plot consisted of one bean plant. The treatments were acibenzolar-S-methyl—ASM (500 g L−1) 0.25 g L−1, chitosan (85% deacetylation) 50 mg L−1, fluazinam (500 g L−1) 120 g L−1, copper phosphite (275 g L−1) 250 g L−1, and copper ethylphosphonate (20% P2O5 + 1.75% S + 3.5% Cu) 5 mL L−1 and control. Inoculation was performed 28 DAS, and assessment of disease severity was conducted 8 days after inoculation (DAI) using a grade scale. The parameters evaluated were photosystem II (PSII) quantum yield (Fv/Fm) and total chlorophyll content 3, 6, and 9 days after application (DAA) of the chemicals and 3, 6, and 8 DAI. Statistical analyses were performed using R Statistical Software. The phytosanitary chemicals herein evaluated promoted lower intensity of S. sclerotiorum infection in common bean plants compared to the control. No decrease in chlorophyll content was observed, but there was a reduction in Fv/Fm values in inoculated plants compared with uninoculated plants caused by S. sclerotiorum infection, which resulted in damage to the photochemical step of photosynthesis. In this sense, the tested phosphonates and elicitors, especially ASM and copper ethylphosphonate, enhanced protection and reduced disease severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, catch statistics of mullets are first time evaluated to know their exploitation status and ongoing economic implications. Catch and effort (CE) figures of mullets acquired from Sindh, Pakistan was statistically evaluated by employing surplus production models (SPMs), non-equilibrium versions, through two famous fishery related software, viz., catch and effort data analysis (CEDA) and a stock production model incorporating covariates (ASPIC). In total three SPMs, i.e., Fox, Schaefer and Pella-Tomlinson were used to investigate CE statistics, 1995 to 2012. Obtained results reveal that catch per unit effort (CPUE) has considerably dropped from 0.206 (1995) to 0.055 (2012). CEDA estimates of maximum sustainable yield (MSY) remained conservative as they were calculated between 5100 to 6500 t against ASPIC for which estimates of this parameter remained between 5800 and 7600 t. Considering the results, it can be concluded that mullet fishery is experiencing overexploitation (OE). This OE is an indicator of economic losses by increasing costs and decreasing profits. Thus, mullet resource conservation is necessary for its long-term economic utilization. Therefore, it is suggested that the target reference point (TRP) with respect to harvest should be between 5100 to 5500 t. However, this study is a preliminary study, hence; further in-depth studies are suggested before making and implementing any management plan for mullet fishery in Sindh, Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial marine fishery resources of China are generally considered to be overexploited. This condition may lead to the extinction of fishery resources and overcapitalization of the fishing fleets. Therefore, this study simultaneously evaluates the stock status and economic efficiency of a very important commercial marine fishery resource, i.e., Scomberomorus sinensis of Shandong, China by using a data for a period between 2003 and 2016. It employs a famous fishery surplus production model, viz., Gordon-Schaefer Model (GS-model) to compute various harvest levels and their corresponding effort levels. These levels or reference points (RPs) were estimated for three exploitation states, i.e., maximum sustainable yield (MSY), maximum economic yield (MEY), and open access yield (OAE). At MSY the harvest, effort, and revenue were calculated as HMSY = 185357 metric tons (MT), EMSY = 35624 and 1.80 billion RMB. On the other hand, the same parameters computed at MEY remained HMEY = 137177 MT, EMEY = 17462 and 5.01 billion RMB, in that order. Harvest and corresponding effort levels at OAE were computed as HOAY = 185285 MT and 34924, respectively. It is also found that despite controlling the effort levels, CPUE is showing a decreasing trend in the past few years which may be an outcome of overexploitation. Moreover, the revenue generated at MEY is about three times greater than the revenue generated at MSY. This increased revenue can be achieved by further lowering the effort levels. Thus, there is a dire need to make and implement such policies which can conserve S. sinensis fishery resource and increase the revenue at the same time. Therefore, further comprehensive studies are needed in this regard as this study is just a preliminary work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The anamorphic form of powdery mildew is the most common form in Brazil. Traditionally, this group of fungi has been classified based on morphological characteristics and host species. This study was designed to determine the species involved in a severe occurrence of powdery mildew on Clitoria fairchildiana in northeastern Brazil. Based on morphology, molecular analyses and pathogenicity tests of fungal samples, anamorphic Erysiphe quercicola was recognized as the powdery mildew on C. fairchildiana. This is the first report of E. quercicola causing powdery mildew on this species in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cashew powdery mildew is presently the most important disease of cashew trees in all Brazilian growing regions. Although it was described over a century ago, it had never threatened the Brazilian cashew industry until the first decade of the 21st century. Morphological and pathogenic evidence indicated the possibility of different pathogen species being involved in early and late types of cashew powdery mildew. This study was designed to elucidate this issue by comparing two different powdery mildew fungi occurring on cashew plants in Brazil according to the morphological characteristics, phylogenetic relationships with closely related powdery mildew fungi and pathogenic relationships. Based on morphology, molecular phylogenetics and pathogenicity on cashew, it was shown that two species of powdery mildew specimens are without question associated with cashew trees. One species, which infects young immature tissues such as shiny leaves, flowers and young fruits, is Erysiphe quercicola, while Erysiphe necator is associated exclusively with mature leaves. This is the first report of both E. quercicola and E. necator causing cashew powdery mildew, and the first detection of E. necator on cashew. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) has severely decreased global tomato production. Organic amendments are widely applied to suppress Fol all over the world. However, the ways in which different amendments alter soil bulk microflora and thereby induce the suppression of Fol remain unclear. Methods: In this study, the effects of three organic amendments on the suppression of Fol in soil and the underlying mechanisms of those effects were studied. The organic amendments included in this study are rice straw, chicken manure compost, and vermicompost. High-throughput HiSeq sequencing and Real-Time PCR were used to determine the effect of the soil microbiota on the abundance of Fol. Results: The abundance of Fol increased significantly with the duration of tomato cultivation. Vermicompost was the most effective organic fertilizer to suppress Fol in long-term continuous tomato cropping soil. Partial Least Squares Path Modeling revealed a strong positive relationship between the relative abundance of bacterial groups (including the genera Nocardioides, Ilumatobacter and Gaiella) and Fol inhibition. Soil chemical properties (pH, NH4+-N, soil organic matter and dissolved organic carbon) were positively associated with the genera Nocardioides, Ilumatobacter and Gaiella. Compared with chemical fertilizer and rice straw, vermicompost addition significantly increased soil pH, NH4+-N, soil organic matter and dissolved organic carbon concentrations in the soil with 20 years of tomato cultivation. Most importantly, the genera Nocardioides, Ilumatobacter and Gaiella were enriched in vermicompost, which may contribute to the propagation of these bacteria in the soil when vermicompost is added. Conclusions: This study provides a mechanistic framework that permits the exploration of specific functions at lower taxonomic levels. This may represent a novel approach in the management of crop pathogens via promotion of beneficial organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ege Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences (EgeJFAS) / Su Ürünleri Dergisi is the property of Ege Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences (EgeJFAS) / Su Urunleri Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Greenhouse experiments were conducted to study the efficacy of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) for control of root rot (RR) in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) caused by Macrophomina phaseolina and to test the ability of plant systemic acquired resistance (SAR) inducers and plant extracts to protect groundnut plants from late leaf spot (LLS) caused by Phaeoisariopsis personata. Seed treatment and soil application of a talc-based formulation of B. subtilis strain G1 significantly reduced the incidence of root rot under greenhouse conditions. In experiments with SAR inducers, foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) (7 mM) on 45 days after sowing significantly reduced LLS incidence and increased the pod yield. Foliar application of aqueous extract (10%) from leaves of Adhatoda vasica and zimmu (Allium sativum x A. cepa) on 45 days after sowing significantly decreased the LLS incidence and increased the pod yield compared with the untreated control. Field experiments were conducted to develop an integrated method for the management of LLS and RR of groundnut using the best performing PGPR, SAR inducer and plant extract in combinations. Combined application of B. subtilis strain G1 through seed (10 g/kg) and soil (2.5 kg/ha) followed by foliar application of A. vasica extract (10%) on 30, 45 and 60 days after sowing significantly reduced LLS and RR diseases in groundnut and increased the pod yield under field conditions. The above treatment resulted in significant reductions in the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) for LLS compared with that of untreated control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fungus Ganoderma boninense is a causal pathogen of basal stem rot, a serious disease of oil palm plantation systems. As previously observed, some oil palm trees show no appearance of disease symptoms (asymptomatic oil palm), although they have grown close to a tree that showed severe symptoms of basal stem rot disease (symptomatic oil palm). The microbial community difference between asymptomatic and symptomatic oil palm will help understand disease suppression. Thus, in this study, rhizosphere soil was sampled around asymptomatic (OP - G) and symptomatic (OP + G) oil palm trees in Ganoderma-infected oil palm orchards. Illumina next-generation sequencing (NGS), bioinformatics analysis, bacterial diversity, and soil physicochemical properties were evaluated. The results demonstrated that soil physicochemical properties and species richness around rhizosphere soil of OP - G and OP + G samples were not significantly different. The age of the oil palm trees and oil palm variety showed negligible correlation and were not significant with bacterial diversity. However, the top ten most abundant analysis of the bacterial communities showed that phyla Actinobacteria and Firmicutes were significantly increased in rhizosphere soil around OP - G samples relative to the OP+ G samples. The unique operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of OP - G (2137) were higher than in the OP+ G samples (1747 OTUs). These bacterial communities have been reported as biological control agents and/or plant growth-promoting rhizosphere bacteria that are related to disease suppression. Thus, the data provided are useful for developing suppressive soil to biologically control G. boninense., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

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

Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis (CNP) is the most common type of prostatitis and oxidative stress (OS) was shown to be highly elevated in prostatitis patients. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) on CNP induced by carrageenan in rats. Male adult Wistar rats ( n = 30) were divided into control, CNP and three treatment groups ( n = 6) including CNP + cernilton and CNP + PTX groups. CNP was induced by single intraprostatic injection of 1% carrageenan (100 µl). Rats in treatment groups received orally cernilton 100 mg/kg and PTX at 50 and 100 mg/kg 1 week after CNP induction for 21 days. Prostatic index (PI), prostatic specific antigen (PSA), tumor-necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), serum lipid peroxidation (MDA), blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and histopathological changes were compared between groups. There were significant increase of PI, serum levels of PSA, TNF-α and MDA in CNP group at 29 day. In treatment groups, significant reduction in PI, serum levels of PSA, TNF-α, MDA and creatinine was observed especially in rats treated with dose of 50 mg/kg of PTX. In CNP group, histopathological changes of the prostate such as leucocyte infiltration, large involutions and projection into the lumen and reducing the volume of the lumen were observed as well. Whereas PTX, especially at dose of 50 mg/kg, could improve the above-mentioned changes remarkably in CNP treated rats. For the first time, our findings indicated that PTX improved CNP induced by carrageenan in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethanol is a psychoactive substance highly consumed around the world whose health problems include gastric lesions. Baccharis trimera is used in folk medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. However, few studies have evaluated its biological and toxic effects. To validate the popular use of B. trimera and elucidate its possible antiulcerogenic and cytotoxic mechanisms, a hydroethanolic extract of B. trimera (HEBT) was evaluated in models of gastric lesions. Rats and mice were used to evaluate the protective and antiulcerogenic effects of HEBT on gastric lesions induced by ethanol, acetic acid, and chronic ethanol consumption. The effects of HEBT were also evaluated in a pylorus ligature model and on gastrointestinal motility. The LD50 of HEBT in mice was additionally estimated. HEBT was analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance, and a high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprint analysis was performed. Oral HEBT administration significantly reduced the lesion area and the oxidative stress induced by acute and chronic ethanol consumption. However, HEBT did not protect against gastric wall mucus depletion and did not alter gastric secretory volume, pH, or total acidity in the pylorus ligature model. Histologically, HEBT accelerated the healing of chronic gastric ulcers in rats, reflected by contractions of the ulcer base. Flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids were detected in HEBT, which likely contributed to the therapeutic efficacy of HEBT, preventing or reversing ethanol- and acetic acid-induced ulcers, respectively. HEBT antiulcerogenic activity may be partially attributable to the inhibition of free radical generation and subsequent prevention of lipid peroxidation. Our results indicate that HEBT has both gastroprotective and curative activity in animal models, with no toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among all plant derivates, essential oils (EOs) have gained the attention of many scientists. Diterpenes, a family of components present in some EO, are becoming a milestone in the EOs world. The goal of this review is to describe a scenario of diterpenes taking into health-consumption deportment. Previous studies revealed that diterpenes have antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiprotozoal, cytotoxic, anticancer, antigenotoxic, antimutagenic, chemopreventive, antiinflammatory, antinociceptive, immunostimulatory, organoprotective, antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, antiallergic, antiplatelet, antithrombotic, and antitoxin activities. In conclusion, diterpenes may be an immense featuring concern in pharmaceutical consumption from a drug discovery point of view. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melamine has recently been recognized as a food contaminant with adverse human health effects. Melamine contamination in some crops arises from soil and water pollution from various causes. To remove melamine from the polluted environment, a novel bacterium, Nocardioides sp. strain ATD6, capable of degrading melamine was enriched and isolated from a paddy soil sample. The enrichment culture was performed by the soil-charcoal perfusion method in the presence of triazine-degrading bacteria previously obtained. Strain ATD6 degraded melamine and accumulated cyanuric acid and ammonium, via the intermediates ammeline and ammelide. No gene known to encode for triazine-degrading enzymes was detected in strain ATD6. A mixed culture of strain ATD6 and a simazine-degrading Methyloversatilis sp. strain CDB21 completely degraded melamine, but the degradation rate of cyanuric acid was slow. The degradation of melamine and its catabolites by the mixed culture was greatly enhanced by including Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain CSB1 in the inoculum and adding ethanol to the culture medium. The melamine-degrading consortium consisting of strains ATD6, CDB21, and CSB1 appears to be potentially safer than other known melamine-degrading bacteria for the bioremediation of farmland and other contaminated sites, as no known pathogens were included in the consortium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shannon, L. J., Coll, M., Yemane, D., Jouffre, D., Neira, S., Bertrand, A., Diaz, E., and Shin, Y-J. 2010. Comparing data-based indicators across upwelling and comparable systems for communicating ecosystem states and trends. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 67: 807–832.A suite of ecological indicators was selected for communicating, in a comparable way, how fishing affects the state of several upwelling ecosystems and others in which small pelagic fish play key ecological roles. Detailed background and understanding of system-specific processes and changes is needed for proper interpretation of results. In particular, environmental forcing is important in driving dynamics in upwelling systems; fishing impacts cannot be understood without understanding the corresponding dynamics of the environment. The Saharan Coastal (Morocco) and southern Benguela, both having experienced upsurges in low-trophic-level species, differed from other ecosystems when considering indicator trends. The ecosystem off Portugal emerged as showing reduced signs of fishing impacts in recent years, although the change may also be reflecting climate change favouring recruitment and abundance of demersal stocks. The indicator suite confirmed general understanding that the Mediterranean ecosystems have been notably degraded for several decades. Results and conclusions from this descriptive synthesis are compared with other comparisons of more complex, model-derived indicators. Even in upwelling and comparable systems, the simple data-based indicators are useful in synthesizing information on the status of an ecosystem, in particular on the ecosystem effects of fishing, to provide an ecological diagnosis at the ecosystem level, to be used in decision-making. Indicators of recent ecosystem state and trends over time are needed to assess the effects of fishing, but more indicators measuring biodiversity attributes and environmental change would complement the suite, providing fuller assessment of the status of upwelling and comparable ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Shin, Y-J., Shannon, L. J., Bundy, A., Coll, M., Aydin, K., Bez, N., Blanchard, J. L., Borges, M. F., Diallo, I., Diaz, E., Heymans, J. J., Hill, L., Johannesen, E., Jouffre, D., Kifani, S., Labrosse, P., Link, J. S., Mackinson, S., Masski, H., Möllmann, C., Neira, S., Ojaveer, H., ould Mohammed Abdallahi, K., Perry, I., Thiao, D., Yemane, D., and Cury, P. M. 2010. Using indicators for evaluating, comparing, and communicating the ecological status of exploited marine ecosystems. 2. Setting the scene. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 67: 692–716.Background is provided to the selection of ecological indicators by the IndiSeas Working Group, and the methodology adopted for analysis and comparison of indicators across exploited marine ecosystems is documented. The selected indicators are presented, how they are calculated is explained, and the philosophy behind the comparative approach is given. The combination of selected indicators is intended to reflect different dynamics, tracking processes that display differential responses to fishing, and is meant to provide a complementary means of assessing marine ecosystem trends and states. IndiSeas relied on inputs and insights provided by the local experts from participating ecosystems, helping to understand state and trend indicators and to disentangle the effect of other potential ecosystem drivers, such as climate variability. This project showed that the use of simple and available indicators under an ecosystem approach can achieve a real, wide-reaching evaluation of marine ecosystem status caused by fishing. This is important because the socio-economics of areas where fishing activities develop differs significantly around the globe, and in many countries, insufficient data are available for complex and exhaustive analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Garcia, S. M., and Charles, A. T. 2007. Fishery systems and linkages: from clockworks to soft watches. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 580–587. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Maintenance of overall ecosystem complexity is perceived as critical to the sustainability of ecosystem use. The development of an operational basis for an ecosystem approach to fisheries, however, faces many difficulties. On the research side, the challenge is in defining proper long-term, ecosystem-related objectives; determining meaningful reference values and indicators for desirable or undesirable states of the ecosystem; and developing appropriate data collection, analytical tools and models. The “viability” concept developed in economics by Jean-Pierre Aubin can be used to assist in the definition, selection of, and interaction among long-term objectives at an ecosystem level. It recognizes that ecosystems are complex assemblages of interacting and self-organizing natural and human components that cannot be predicted. Viability models define an ensemble of “viable states”, in contrast to undesirable states defined as such by ecological, economic, and/or social constraints. These constraints can be derived from fisheries objectives, conservation principles, scientific results of modelling, or precautionary principles, and correspond to limit reference points to be avoided. Viability theory does not attempt to choose any “optimal solution” according to given criteria, but selects “viable evolutions”. These evolutions are compatible with the constraints in the sense that they satisfy them at each time and can be delineated by the viability kernel. The southern Benguela marine ecosystem is presented as a first attempt for the application of this theory. In defining ecosystem-based objectives (and related issues such as target reference points), it seems more difficult to reach consensus among stakeholders on what is desirable than on what is undesirable (e.g. biological or economic collapse, species extinction, displacement of local rural communities). Expressed in the negative form or as limit reference points, ecosystem-based constraints can be considered simultaneously with current target reference points, such as maximum sustainable yield, using viability models. The viability approach can help to progressively integrate ecosystem considerations, such as conservation, into fisheries management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary 1. Long-lived species play a paramount role in the structure and functioning of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The dramatic increase of human-induced disturbances may be irremediably affecting populations of long-lived species. Data on life-history traits on these species taking into account relevant temporal and spatial scales are very scarce for marine ecosystems, though these data are key to guarantee the conservation of these species and the communities that they shape. 2. This study examined long-term data on life-history traits of the precious red coral (Corallium rubrum L., 1758) in the NW Mediterranean. This was performed by surveying the fate of 67 red coral colonies during 21 years in a shallow-water habitat (27 m depth). 3. Photographic monitoring provided data on survivorship, whole and partial mortality, recruitment and growth of colonies allowing about 1000 observations on life-history traits. 4. Red coral showed a high survivorship, 60% of colonies reaching 22 years of age. Whole mortality was significantly higher in juvenile colonies while partial mortality displayed the inverse pattern. Recruitment showed a pulse mode with a single peak at the beginning of the study and low rates thereafter. Average growth rates over the study period were extremely low: 0·24 ± 0·05 mm year-1 for the basal diameter, 1·78 ± 0·7 mm year-1 for colony height and 3·40 ± 0·31 branches in 22 years. 5. This study also examined size-related effects of harvesting on red coral populations since shallow-water populations (between 10 and 40 m depth) have long been submitted to intensive harvesting. 6. Measurements (basal diameter and height) of 400 colonies corresponding to the largest ones dwelling in 10 currently harvested and two non-harvested populations were compared to analyse the effects on the population's recovery and potential colonies’ maximum sizes. Harvested populations showed... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]