Improving phosphorus sustainability of sugarcane production in Brazil

Phosphorus (P) use in global food and bioenergy production needs to become more efficient and sustainable to reduce environmental impacts and conserve a finite and critical resource (Carpenter & Bennett, Environmental Research Letters, 2011, 6, 014009; Springmann et al., Nature, 2018, 562, 519). Sugarcane is one crop with a large P footprint because production is centered on P‐fixing soils with low P availability (Roy et al., Nature Plants, 2016, 2, 16043; Withers et al., Scientific Reports, 2018, 8, 2537). As global demand for processed sugar and bioethanol continues to increase, we advocate that improving P efficiency could become a key sustainability goal for the sugarcane industry. Here, we applied the 5R global P stewardship framework (Withers et al., Ambio, 2015, 44, 193) to identify more sustainable options to manage P in Brazilian sugarcane production. We show that current inputs of P fertilizer to the current crop area could be reduced by over 305 Gg, or 63%, over the next three decades by reducing unnecessary P fertilizer use, better utilization of recyclable bioresources and redesigning recommendation systems. Adoption of these 5R options would save the sugarcane industry in Brazil 528 US$ million and help safeguard global food and energy security.     

Speciation and periodic restricted environments. The case of genus Ononis L. (subsections Natrix and Viscosae)

The morpho–environmental similarity between subsections Natrix and Viscosae has been pointed out as the reason for the genetic complexity of these groups of taxa. Based on this characterization a question emerges: could a very recent ongoing evolutionary process explain that morpho–environmental similarity? ISSR and cpSSR amplifications for 45 specimens belonging to taxa of Natrix and Viscosae subsections were developed, along their biogeographic distribution areas. Twenty-nine haplotypes were detected in the biogeographic area of both subsections, 79% were exclusive haplotypes, but the rest is shared between subsections Natrix and Viscosae species. Could that haplotype sharing be the result of potential hybridization between these taxa? Do current environmental conditions restrict the gene flow among taxa? The combination of ancestral genetic polymorphism, introgression, coalescence processes and periodic restricted environments (PRE) by glacial–interglacial environmental dynamics were discussed to explain the relevant percentage of exclusive haplotypes detected, as well as the persistence of shared haplotypes. These results are in accordance with the morpho–environmental proximity previously described for both subsections.     

Habitat use of the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) in Brazilian Amazon

Amazonia forest plays a major role in providing ecosystem services for human and sanctuaries for wildlife. However, ongoing deforestation and habitat fragmentation in the Brazilian Amazon has threatened both. The ocelot is an ecologically important mesopredator and a potential conservation ambassador species, yet there are no previous studies on its habitat preference and spatial patterns in this biome. From 2010 to 2017, twelve sites were surveyed, totaling 899 camera trap stations, the largest known dataset for this species. Using occupancy modeling incorporating spatial autocorrelation, we assessed habitat use for ocelot populations across the Brazilian Amazon. Our results revealed a positive sigmoidal correlation between remote‐sensing derived metrics of forest cover, disjunct core area density, elevation, distance to roads, distance to settlements and habitat use, and that habitat use by ocelots was negatively associated with slope and distance to river/lake. These findings shed light on the regional scale habitat use of ocelots and indicate important species–habitat relationships, thus providing valuable information for conservation management and land‐use planning.     

A novel mutation in DAX1 gene causing different phenotypes in three siblings with adrenal hypoplasia congenita

Adrenal hypoplasia congenita (AHC) is a rare disease that can be caused by many abnormalities, including an X-linked form. Mutations in the DAX1 gene have been assigned as the genetic cause of AHC. We describe here three siblings with AHC, clinically presented at different ages, two in the neonatal period and one oligosymptomatic during infancy. Molecular analysis was able to detect a novel mutation in exon 1 of the DAX1 gene, consisting of a transition of C to T at position 359, determining a stop codon at position 359 (Q359X). The mutated gene encodes a truncated protein missing a large portion of the ligand-binding domain (C-terminal domain). The recognition of the disease in the index case suggested the diagnosis in the other siblings. Interestingly, the same mutation is presented with different phenotypes, suggesting that first-degree family members of patients with DAX1 mutations should be carefully evaluated routinely.     

Decline in self-renewal factors contributes to aging of the stem cell niche in the Drosophila testis

Aging is characterized by compromised organ and tissue function. A decrease in stem cell number and/or activity could lead to the aging-related decline in tissue homeostasis. We have analyzed how the process of aging affects germ line stem cell (GSC) behavior in the Drosophila testis and report that significant changes within the stem cell microenvironment, or niche, occur that contribute to a decline in stem cell number over time. Specifically, somatic niche cells in testes from older males display reduced expression of the cell adhesion molecule DE-cadherin and a key self-renewal signal unpaired (upd). Loss of upd correlates with an overall decrease in stem cells residing within the niche. Conversely, forced expression of upd within niche cells maintains GSCs in older males. Therefore, our data indicate that age-related changes within stem cell niches may be a significant contributing factor to reduced tissue homeostasis and regeneration in older individuals.     

Studies on the cytotoxicity of miscellaneous compounds from Eupatorium betonicaeforme (D.C.) Baker (Asteraceae)

A detailed study on the cytotoxic effects of five known constituents isolated from the flowers and roots of Eupatorium betonicaeforme is reported, including 2,2-dimethyl-6-vinylchroman-4-one (1), 2-senecioyl-4-vinylphenol (2), 6-acetyl-2,2-dimethylchroman-4-one (3), (4E)-8beta-angeloyloxy-9beta,10beta-dihydroxy-1-oxogermacra-4,11(13)-dien-12,6alpha-olide (4), and 3beta-hydroxyicosan-1,5beta-olide (5). The sesquiterpene lactone 4 exhibited the highest cytotoxicity, with IC50 values ranging from 3.9 to 9.9 microM, showing some degree of cell selectivity. The antiproliferative activity of 4 was examined towards HL-60 cells, and found to diminish cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, at all concentrations tested, there was a decrease in the number of cells capable of incorporating 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU), indicating disruption of DNA synthesis. The morphological changes induced by 4 were compatible with apoptotic cell death. This work, thus, corroborates the anticancer potential of Eupatorium secondary metabolites.     

Morphogenesis control in Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis through signaling molecules produced by planktonic and biofilm cells

Morphogenesis control by chemical signaling molecules is beginning to be highlighted in Candida biology. The present study focuses on morphogenic compounds produced in situ by Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis during planktonic and biofilm growth that may at least partially substantiate the effect promoted by supernatants in morphogenesis. For both species, planktonic versus biofilm supernatants were analyzed by headspace-solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Both planktonic cells and biofilm supernatants of C. albicans and C. dubliniensis contained isoamyl alcohol, 2-phenylethanol, 1-dodecanol, E-nerolidol, and E,E-farnesol. Alcohol secretion profiles were species, culture mode, and growth time specific. The addition of exogenous alcohols to the cultures of both species inhibited the morphological transition from the yeast to the filamentous form by up to 50%. The physiological role of these alcohols was put to evidence by comparing the effects of a 96-h cultured supernatant with synthetic mixtures containing isoamyl alcohol, 2-phenylethanol, E-nerolidol, and E,E-farnesol at concentrations determined herein. All synthetic mixtures elicited a morphological effect similar to that observed for the corresponding supernatants when used to treat C. albicans and C. dubliniensis cultures, except for the effect of the 96-h C. dubliniensis planktonic supernatant culture on C. albicans. Overall, these results reveal a group of alcohol extracellular signaling molecules that are biologically active with C. albicans and C. dubliniensis morphogenesis.     

Enzymes that hydrolyze adenine nucleotides of patients with hypercholesterolemia and inflammatory processes

The activity of NTPDase (EC 3.6.1.5, apyrase, CD39) was verified in platelets from patients with increasing cholesterol levels. A possible association between cholesterol levels and inflammatory markers, such as oxidized low-density lipoprotein, highly sensitive C-reactive protein and oxidized low-density lipoprotein autoantibodies, was also investigated. Lipid peroxidation was estimated by measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in serum. The following groups were studied: group I, < 150 mg.dL(-1) cholesterol; group II, 151-200 mg.dL(-1) cholesterol; group III, 201-250 mg.dL(-1) cholesterol; and group IV, > 251 mg.dL(-1) cholesterol. The results demonstrated that both ATP hydrolysis and ADP hydrolysis were enhanced as a function of cholesterol level. Low-density lipoprotein levels increased concomitantly with total cholesterol levels. Triglyceride levels were increased in the groups with total cholesterol above 251 mg.dL(-1). Oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels were elevated in groups II, III, and IV. Highly sensitive C-reactive protein was elevated in the group with cholesterol levels higher than 251 mg.dL(-1). Oxidized low-density lipoprotein autoantibodies were elevated in groups III and IV. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance content was enhanced as a function of cholesterol level. In summary, hypercholesterolemia is associated with enhancement of inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and ATP and ADP hydrolysis. The increased ATP and ADP hydrolysis in group IV was confirmed by an increase in CD39 expression on its surface. The increase in CD39 activity is possibly related to a compensatory response to the inflammatory and pro-oxidative state associated with hypercholesterolemia.     

A novel in vitro propagation system for West Indian elm [Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. (Malvaceae)]: a valuable medicinal woody species

In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Plant - The aim of this study was to establish a system of in vitro germination and propagation of Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. microcuttings (Malvaceae)....