Native and Non-Native Soil and Endophytic spp. from Semi-Arid Sisal Fields of Brazil Are Potential Biocontrol Agents for Sisal Bole Rot Disease.

Sisal () bole rot caused by is the main phytosanitary problem affecting sisal in the Brazilian semi-arid region. The aim of this study was to evaluate spp. as biocontrol agents for sisal bole rot.

Expanded HPV Genotyping by Single-Tube Nested-Multiplex PCR May Explain HPV-Related Disease Recurrence.

The role of the human papillomavirus (HPV) in the establishment of cervical cancer has driven studies to find more effective methods of viral detection so that early intervention strategies can be performed. However, the methods still have limitations, especially regarding detecting the different genotypes simultaneously. We have developed a high-throughput system using a single-tube nested-multiplex polymerase chain reaction (NMPCR) for the detection of 40 HPV genotypes using capillary electrophoresis.

Aptamer-associated colorimetric reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for detection of dengue virus.

Unlabelled: Current diagnostic methods for dengue, such as serological tests, have limitations in terms of cross-reactivity with other viruses. To address this issue, we explored the potential of combining the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique with the affinity of aptamers to develop point-of-care testing. In this study, we utilized 60 serum samples.

The Immunomodulatory Potential Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Diseases of the Central Nervous System.

Introduction: Several studies indicate the role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as an important tool in regenerative medicine associated with injuries that affect the central nervous system (CNS). The MSCs have the capacity to differentiate into cells of the embryonic tissue, such as the mesoderm. So, these cells can be found in a variety of tissues.

Histomorphometric and vascular changes in equine endometrium after the infusion of conceptus fragments.

This experiment aimed to verify if the proteins present in a 13 day conceptus induce changes in the equine endometrial ultra-structure, histology, and vascularization, two days after its infusion. Ten healthy cyclic mares were used. Once estrus was confirmed, mares were examined daily to detect ovulation (day 0).

Structural modelling of the equine protein disulphide isomerase A1 and its quantification in the epididymis and seminal plasma.

The protein disulphide isomerase A1 (PDIA1) is an important chaperone involved in protein quality control and redox regulation. Also, the ability of PDIA1 to bind to oestrogens suggests that it may play a role in epididymal maturation and male fertility. The goals of this study were to (a) verify the possible interaction between 17β-estradiol and equine PDIA1 using bioinformatics; (b) identify and quantify PDIA1 protein in equine cauda epididymis throughout peripuberty; and (c) determine whether the amounts of PDIA1 in equine seminal plasma and spermatozoa are associated with fertility.

Gene surgery: Potential applications for human diseases.

Gene therapy became in last decade a new emerging therapeutic era showing promising results against different diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurological disorders. Recently, the genome editing technique for eukaryotic cells called CRISPR-Cas (Clustered Regulatory Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) has enriched the field of gene surgery with enhanced applications. In the present review, we summarized the different applications of gene surgery for treating human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, nervous, and cardiovascular diseases, besides the molecular mechanisms involved in these important effects.

Synthesis of thiazolidin-4-ones and thiazinan-4-ones from 1-(2-aminoethyl)pyrrolidine as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.

The present study describes the synthesis of a novel series of thiazolidin-4-one and thiazinan-4-one using 1-(2-aminoethyl)pyrrolidine as amine precursor. All compounds were synthesised by one-pot three component cyclocondensation reaction from the amine, a substituted benzaldehyde and a mercaptocarboxylic acid. The compounds were obtained in moderate to good yields and were identified and characterised by H, C, 2 D NMR and GC/MS techniques.

New Insights into the Role of Polybromo-1 in Prostate Cancer.

The human protein Polybromo-1 (PBMR1/BAF180) is a component of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex that has been reported to be deregulated in tumors. However, its role in prostate cancer (PCa) is largely unknown. In this study, we described the PBRM1 transcriptional levels and the protein expression/localization in tissues of PCa patients and in prostatic cell lines.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of benzothiazin-4-ones: a possible new class of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.

A series of nineteen benzothiazin-4-ones from N-(3-aminopropyl) piperidine, 4-(2-aminoethyl)morpholine or 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperidine, aliphatic or aromatic aldehyde and thiosalicylic acid, were synthesized in good yields by multicomponent one-pot reactions. The solvent was toluene and this efficient procedure afforded the desired heterocycles in 5 h. Identification and characterization were achieved by NMR and GC-MS techniques.

In Vitro and In Vivo Biocompatibility Of ReOss® in Powder and Putty Configurations.

This study evaluated comparatively two configurations (powder and putty) of a composite biomaterial based on PLGA (Poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/nanoescale hydroxyapatite (ReOss®, Intra-Lock International) through microscopic morphology, in vitro cytotoxicity, biocompatibility and in vivo response as a bone substitute. SEM and EDS characterized the biomaterials before/after grafting. Cytocompatibility was assessed with murine pre-osteoblasts.

Peptide identification in a salmon gelatin hydrolysate with antihypertensive, dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory and antioxidant activities.

Salmon gelatin (Salmo salar, SG) enzymatic hydrolysates were generated using Alcalase 2.4L, Alcalase 2.4L in combination with Flavourzyme 500L, Corolase PP, Promod 144MG and Brewer's Clarex.

Characterization of oligonucleotide aptamers targeting the 5'-UTR from dengue virus.

Aim: The dengue virus is responsible for a high worldwide incidence of infections, aggravated by late diagnosis, and often confused with other tropical diseases. Results/methodology: Oligonucleotide aptamers binding to the 5'-UTR from dengue virus selected after eight rounds by systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment technology were analyzed by dot-blot assay and in silico prediction of secondary structures, demonstrating the presence of stem-loops that may have the potential for interaction with the viral genome, which can lead to loss of their original conformation.

Conclusion: This is the first description of RNA aptamers against functional RNA elements of the dengue virus genome with implications for disease control, which may have potential as tools in the future of antiviral therapies and for diagnostics.

Autoreactive helper T cells alleviate the need for intrinsic TLR signaling in autoreactive B cell activation.

T cells play a significant role in the pathogenesis of systemic autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus; however, there is relatively little information on the nature and specificity of autoreactive T cells. Identifying such cells has been technically difficult because they are likely to be rare and low affinity. Here, we report a method for identifying autoreactive T cell clones that recognize proteins contained in autoantibody immune complexes, providing direct evidence that functional autoreactive helper T cells exist in the periphery of normal mice.

Bioactive peptides from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) with angiotensin converting enzyme and dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory, and antioxidant activities.

The pH shift method was utilised for the recovery of proteins from salmon trimmings (ST), yielding 93% (w/w) protein. ST protein (STP) hydrolysates were generated with different enzyme preparations. STP incubated with Corolase PP for 1h (STP-C1) had the most potent angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) activities.

Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth: A Growing Literature.

Adult stem cells research has been considered the most advanced sort of medical-scientific research, particularly stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), which represent an immature stem cell population. The purpose of this review is to describe the current knowledge concerning SHED from full-text scientific publications from 2003 to 2015, available in English language and based on the keyword and/or abbreviations 'stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED)', and individually presented as to the properties of SHED, immunomodulatory properties of SHED and stem cell banking. In summary, these cell populations are easily accessible by noninvasive procedures and can be isolated, cultured and expanded in vitro, successfully differentiated in vitro and in vivo into odontoblasts, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes and neural cells, and present low immune reactions or rejection following SHED transplantation.

Association of vitamin D receptor variants with clinical parameters in prostate cancer.

Purpose: Prostate Cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers in men and its early detection can provide a high chance of cure. The detection of Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms may be useful as a molecular indicator of clinical outcome, once VDR is implicated in a wide variety of biological processes including modulation of the immune response and inhibition of cancer cell growth, angiogenesis and metastasis. In this study we explored the Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) FokI, BsmI, ApaI and TaqI, to evaluate the susceptibility locus for PCa and verify its correlation with clinical parameters.

Prostate-specific RNA aptamer: promising nucleic acid antibody-like cancer detection.

We described the selection of a novel nucleic acid antibody-like prostate cancer (PCa) that specifically binds to the single-stranded DNA molecule from a 277-nt fragment that may have been partially paired and bound to the PCA3 RNA conformational structure. PCA3-277 aptamer ligands were obtained, and the best binding molecule, named CG3, was synthesized for validation. Aiming to prove its diagnostic utility, we used an apta-qPCR assay with CG3-aptamer conjugated to magnetic beads to capture PCA3 transcripts, which were amplified 97-fold and 7-fold higher than conventional qPCR in blood and tissue, respectively.

Enzymatic scavengers in the epididymal fluid: comparison between pony and miniature breed stallions.

The use of stallion semen collected from cauda epididymis for AI has increased due to the new protocols available for cryopreservation. Preserving the genetic material from valuable males that suffer sudden death or other events that prematurely end the stallion's reproductive life is an important strategy for Stud breeding management. While protecting spermatozoa from oxidative stress and infectious agents, the epididymis promotes the enhancement of sperm cell morphology and changes in membrane protein profile, increasing its fertility potential.

Dynamic dialog between cytokeratin 18 and annexin A1 in breast cancer: a transcriptional disequilibrium.

Cytokeratins (CKs) constitute the cytoskeletal network and are regulated by post-translational modifications, acting not only as a mechanical support, but also in cell signaling and regulatory processes. Signaling is mediated by CK-associated proteins, such as Annexin A1 (ANXA1), a ligand of the CK18/CK8 complex. ANXA1 has a pivotal role in cellular and immunological responses, and together with CK18 have been implicated in several processes related to malignant transformation in breast cancer (BC).

Cathepsin B/X is secreted by Echinometra lucunter sea urchin spines, a structure rich in granular cells and toxins.

Background: Echinometra lucunter is a common American sea urchin responsible for the majority of the marine accidents in Brazil. Although not lethal, these accidents are reported to be extremely painful. Recently, our group described the presence of toxins in its spines that contribute to the pathological reactions.