Psychiatric disorders and SLC6A4 gene variants: possible effects on alcohol dependence and alzheimer’s disease

Molecular Biology Reports - Serotoninergic system is one of the most important neurotransmission systems investigated in the field of psychiatry. Extensive evidence reveals how alterations of this...     

Highways are a threat for giant armadillos that underpasses can mitigate

We report 24 records of giant armadillo roadkill on Brazilian highways in the Cerrado, Pantanal and Amazon biomes illustrating that highways are a threat to this species. However, we also documented the species using underpasses, demonstrating that these structures could help to reduce the risk of roadkill for giant armadillos.     

Application of nonspecific commercial AMF inocula results in poor mycorrhization in Camellia japonica L.

Camellia japonica L. (Theaceae, Theales) is an acidophilic evergreen flowering shrub and is traded worldwide. Symbiotic associations between the roots of this plant species and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), commonly recognized as natural biofertilizers and biocontrol agents, have been poorly studied so far. The aim of our study was to verify whether the application of nonspecific commercial AMF-based inocula could succeed and improve the growth of C. japonica. An experiment was conducted concerning the application of commercial inocula constituted by a specific AMF isolate (Funneliformis mosseae) or a consortium of different fungi and bacteria as alternatives to fertilization in pot cultivated C. japonica ‘Dr. Burnside’. Several growth parameters, plant nutrition and mycorrhization levels were monitored at the end of plant cultivation. Generally, increases in some macroelements (Ca, Mg, K) and microelements (Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn) were detected in the root system of inoculated camellias, while only Cu and Mn accumulation was increased in the leaves. Plants inoculated with the consortium inoculum exhibited increased chlorophyll content and foliage diameter while plants inoculated with F. mosseae exhibited increased number of flowers. Based on the polymorphism of an 18S rDNA region, we assessed the inoculated AMF that colonized C. japonica roots. The experiments showed that the applied AMF poorly colonized the root system of C. japonica. We suggest that commercial AMF formulations should be more targeted and host-specific in order to successfully colonize the host root and, potentially, fully express their benefits.     

Reproducibility of Positive Results for the Detection of Serum Galactomannan by Platelia™ Aspergillus EIA

Galactomannan (GM) was recently included in consensus guidelines as an indirect mycological criterion for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis. Currently, there is an enzyme immunoassay available to detect GM in biological samples, the Platelia? Aspergillus EIA. In this study, the reproducibility of positive results obtained using this assay was evaluated using serum samples from neutropenic patients. A trend toward lower values was observed, and 55 %(27/49) of positive results were negative after retesting. A low reproducibility of positive results for the detection of GM in serum was observed.     

Global biostratigraphic comparison and correlation of an early Cisuralian palynoflora from Bolivia

This paper presents new data about Early Permian (Cisuralian) strata, palynostratigraphy and absolute dating from the Copacabana Formation in central Bolivia. Recent stratigraphic and palynologic data from marine and transitional rocks at Apillapampa refine the age of Cisuralian palynomorphs in South America. Twelve samples interbedded with five volcanic ashes (processed and productive) yielded 94 palynomorph species arranged in two informal palynoassemblages: the lower assemblage Vittatina costabilis corresponds to one sample near the base of the Copacabana Formation and the upper Lueckisporites virkkiae assemblage occurs in overlying marine and coal-bearing transitional intervals. Ages were also independently refined by a modern review of conodonts, fusulinids, along with those U–Pb radiometric ages (Isotope Dilution Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry [ID-TIMS] of zircon-bearing interbedded tuffs). These data suggest that the lower marine member of the Copacabana Formation at this location is Asselian and Sakmarian. Lueckisporites virkkiae is a key species of palynomorph utilised in South American and global Permian biostratigraphic reconstructions. Hence, a thorough global comparison of these palynofloras and correlations is addressed in this contribution, considering first appearances of mainly cosmopolitan diagnostic taxa. Correlations are established with many similar Permian palynofloras, some also constrained with radiometric data, in South America (Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina) and elsewhere.     

Influence of environmental variables on the growth and reproductive cycle of Crassostrea (Mollusca,Bivalvia) in Guaratuba Bay,Brazil

The production of oysters in Guaratuba Bay, in the state of Paraná, Brazil, is still a mixed activity of mariculture and extractivism. The sustainable development of this production requires the monitoring of environmental, genetic, reproductive, and zootechnical variables. This study evaluated the importance of these variables on Crassostrea oyster production. Data were obtained between September 2009 and February 2011 from six evaluations: water quality, oyster larvae in plankton, capture of oyster spat by artificial collectors, molecular identification of collected spat and larvae, continuous evaluation of the reproductive maturity stage of adult oysters, and zootechnical performance achieved by experimental production. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, and water transparency were the environmental factors that had the most influence on the reproductive cycle (e.g. gonadal development and spat capture) and on the growth of the oyster. The highest rates for spat uptake were recorded in the summer, coinciding with the peak of sexual maturity of adults. The growth of the oysters, in terms of the weight of the meat, was related to the gonadal stage.     

Activity of sodium trimetaphosphate,associated or not with fluoride,on dual-species biofilms

Abstract

A response surface methodology was used to build a model to predict reductions in uropathogenic Escherichia coli biofilms in response to three compounds: cranberry extract [CB] at 3.0–9.0%, and caprylic acid [CAR] and thymol [TM] at 0.01%–0.05%. The predictive model for microbial reduction had a high regression coefficient (R²?=?0.9988), and the accuracy of the model was verified (R²?=?0.9527). Values of CAR, TM, and the quadratic term CAR² were the most significant (P?10 reduction) determined by ridge analysis were 8.3% CB +0.04% CAR +0.04% TM at 37?°C for 1?min. The model could be used to predict the most cost-efficient amounts of antimicrobial agents for anti-urinary tract infection products such as catheter lock solution and antimicrobial coatings for catheters.     

The effects of disinfectant foam on microbial biofilms

This investigation examined the effects of common aqueous biocides and disinfectant foams derived from them on Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. Biofilms were grown on stainless steel coupons under standardised conditions in a reactor supplemented with low concentrations of organic matter to simulate conditions prevalent in industrial systems. Five-day-old biofilms formed under ambient conditions with continuous agitation demonstrated a low coefficient of variation (5.809%) amongst viable biofilm bacteria from independent trials. Scanning electron microscopy revealed biofilms on coupons with viable biofilm bacteria observed by confocal microscopy. An aqueous solution of a common foaming agent amine oxide (AO) produced negligible effects on bacterial viability in biofilms (p?>?0.05). However, significant biofilm inactivation was noted with aqueous solutions of common biocides (peracetic acid, sodium hypochlorite, sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) with or without AO (p?<?0.05). Aereation of a mixture of AO with each of these common biocides resulted in significant reductions in the viability of biofilm bacteria (p?<?0.05). In contrast, limited effects were noted by foam devoid of biocides. A relationship between microbial inactivation and the concentration of biocide in foam (ranging from 0.1?–?0.5%) and exposure period were noted (p?<?0.05). Although, lower numbers of viable biofilm bacteria were recovered after treatment with the disinfectant foam than by the cognate aqueous biocide, significant differences between these treatments were not evident (p?>?0.05). In summary, the studies revealed significant biofilm inactivation by biocidal foam prepared with common biocides. Validation of foam disinfectants in controlled trials at manufacturing sites may facilitate developments for clean in place applications. Advantages of foam disinfectants include reductions in the volumes of biocides for industrial disinfection and in their disposal after use.