Assessing genotype-phenotype associations in three dorsal colour morphs in the meadow spittlebug Philaenus spumarius (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae) using genomic and transcriptomic resources.

Background: Colour polymorphisms are common among animal species. When combined with genetic and ecological data, these polymorphisms can be excellent systems in which to understand adaptation and the molecular changes underlying phenotypic evolution. The meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius (L.

Structure of Escherichia coli Flavodiiron Nitric Oxide Reductase.

Flavodiiron proteins (FDPs) are present in organisms from all domains of life and have been described so far to be involved in the detoxification of oxygen or nitric oxide (NO), acting as O and/or NO reductases. The Escherichia coli FDP, named flavorubredoxin (FlRd), is the most extensively studied FDP. Biochemical and in vivo studies revealed that FlRd is involved in NO detoxification as part of the bacterial defense mechanisms against reactive nitrogen species.

A combined field survey and molecular identification protocol for comparing forest arthropod biodiversity across spatial scales.

Obtaining fundamental biodiversity metrics such as alpha, beta and gamma diversity for arthropods is often complicated by a lack of prior taxonomic information and/or taxonomic expertise, which can result in unreliable morphologically based estimates. We provide a set of standardized ecological and molecular sampling protocols that can be employed by researchers whose taxonomic skills may be limited, and where there may be a lack of robust a priori information regarding the regional pool of species. These protocols combine mass sampling of arthropods, classification of samples into parataxonomic units (PUs) and selective sampling of individuals for mtDNA sequencing to infer biological species.

Protective effect of gedunin on TLR-mediated inflammation by modulation of inflammasome activation and cytokine production: Evidence of a multitarget compound.

Activation of toll-like receptors (TLRs) by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) triggers an innate immune response, via cytokine production and inflammasome activation. Herein, we have investigated the modulatory effect of the natural limonoid gedunin on TLR activation in vitro and in vivo. Intraperitoneal (i.

Climate threat on the Macaronesian endemic bryophyte flora.

Oceanic islands are of fundamental importance for the conservation of biodiversity because they exhibit high endemism rates coupled with fast extinction rates. Nowhere in Europe is this pattern more conspicuous than in the Macaronesian biogeographic region. A large network of protected areas within the region has been developed, but the question of whether these areas will still be climatically suitable for the globally threatened endemic element in the coming decades remains open.

Obtaining a protocol for extraction of phenolics from açaí fruit pulp through Plackett-Burman design and response surface methodology.

This work aimed to obtain a simplified extraction protocol for simultaneous achievement of total anthocyanin and total phenolic in açaí pulp using a 3-step optimization approach. First, a Plackett-Burman 20 was applied in 16 independent variables selected in literature. Secondly, seven factors pre-selected in the first screening were reassessed using a Plackett-Burman 12.

Oceanic island biogeography through the lens of the general dynamic model: assessment and prospect.

The general dynamic model of oceanic island biogeography (GDM) has added a new dimension to theoretical island biogeography in recognizing that geological processes are key drivers of the evolutionary processes of diversification and extinction within remote islands. It provides a dynamic and essentially non-equilibrium framework generating novel predictions for emergent diversity properties of oceanic islands and archipelagos. Its publication in 2008 coincided with, and spurred on, renewed attention to the dynamics of remote islands.

Combined effect of starch/montmorillonite coating and passive MAP in antioxidant activity, total phenolics, organic acids and volatile of fresh-cut carrots.

This work evaluates fresh-cut carrots (FCC) coated with montmorillonite (MMT) subjected to passive modified atmosphere packaging. Carrots were sanitized, cooled, peeled and sliced. Half of the FCC were coated with MMT nanoparticle film and the other half were not.

The dual function of flavodiiron proteins: oxygen and/or nitric oxide reductases.

Flavodiiron proteins have emerged in the last two decades as a newly discovered family of oxygen and/or nitric oxide reductases widespread in the three life domains, and present in both aerobic and anaerobic organisms. Herein we present the main features of these fascinating enzymes, with a particular emphasis on the metal sites, as more appropriate for this special issue in memory of the exceptional bioinorganic scientist R. J.

Birds from the Azores: An updated list with some comments on species distribution.

Background: An updated checklist of the Birds of the Azores is presented based on information compiled from Rodrigues et al. (2010) and from the websites, Azores Bird Club. (2014), Aves dos Açores (2014) Azores Bird Sightings (2014) and Vittery (2014), since 2010.

Modeling directional spatio-temporal processes in island biogeography.

A key challenge in island biogeography is to quantity the role of dispersal in shaping biodiversity patterns among the islands of a given archipelago. Here, we propose such a framework. Dispersal within oceanic archipelagos may be conceptualized as a spatio-temporal process dependent on: (1) the spatial distribution of islands, because the probability of successful dispersal is inversely related to the spatial distance between islands and (2) the chronological sequence of island formation that determines the directional asymmetry of dispersal (hypothesized to be predominantly from older to younger islands).

Toxicity of Gossypol from Cottonseed Cake to Sheep Ovarian Follicles.

Gossypol, a polyphenol compound produced by cotton plant, has proven reproductive toxicity, but the effects of gossypol on sheep ovaries are unknown. This study was aimed to determine the in vitro and in vivo effects of gossypol on the ovarian follicles of sheep. This trial was divided into two experiments.

Cave microbial community composition in oceanic islands: disentangling the effect of different colored mats in diversity patterns of Azorean lava caves.

Processes determining diversity and composition of bacterial communities in island volcanic caves are still poorly understood. Here, we characterized colored microbial mats in 14 volcanic caves from two oceanic islands of the Azores using 16S rRNA gene sequences. Factors determining community diversity (α) and composition (β) were explored, namely colored mats, caves and islands, as well as environmental and chemical characteristics of caves.

Comparative phylogeography of endemic Azorean arthropods.

Background: For a remote oceanic archipelago of up to 8 Myr age, the Azores have a comparatively low level of endemism. We present an analysis of phylogeographic patterns of endemic Azorean island arthropods aimed at testing patterns of diversification in relation to the ontogeny of the archipelago, in order to distinguish between alternative models of evolutionary dynamics on islands. We collected individuals of six species (representing Araneae, Hemiptera and Coleoptera) from 16 forest fragments from 7 islands.

PESI - a taxonomic backbone for Europe.

Background: Reliable taxonomy underpins communication in all of biology, not least nature conservation and sustainable use of ecosystem resources. The flexibility of taxonomic interpretations, however, presents a serious challenge for end-users of taxonomic concepts. Users need standardised and continuously harmonised taxonomic reference systems, as well as high-quality and complete taxonomic data sets, but these are generally lacking for non-specialists.

Fertility in Adult Bitches Previously Treated with a 4.7 mg Subcutaneous Deslorelin Implant.

The absence of fertility problems in male dogs after a single treatment with deslorelin acetate (Suprelorin(®)) is well acknowledged. However, reports on the application of deslorelin in the bitch and information concerning fertility after implant treatment are still limited. In this retrospective study, data concerning induced and spontaneous oestruses of 39 bitches from 17 breeds, treated with deslorelin acetate implants (4.

Gedunin Binds to Myeloid Differentiation Protein 2 and Impairs Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling in Macrophages.

Recognition of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by innate immune system is mediated by the cluster of differentiation 14/Toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD-2) complex. In this study, we investigated the modulatory effect of gedunin, a limonoid from species of the Meliaceae family described as a heat shock protein Hsp90 inhibitor, on LPS-induced response in immortalized murine macrophages. The pretreatment of wild-type (WT) macrophages with gedunin (0.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic characteristics of the diseased canine prostate gland.

The work was carried out on a total of 26 male dogs that on the basis of clinical examination, prostate ultrasound and prostate biopsy, were divided prospectively into four groups: (1) normal dogs (control group; n = 8); (2) dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia (group BPH; n = 8); (3) dogs suffering from prostatitis (group prostatitis; n = 4); (4) dogs with prostatic tumors (group tumors; n = 6). The examination of the prostate by means of contrast medium and dedicated ultrasound system allowed a detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of prostatic vessels in normal and diseased conditions, enabling the detection and characterization of different disease states, and quantification of parameters such as peak intensity of perfusion (%), arrival time of the contrast medium to its maximum value of video intensity (time to peak [TTP; seconds]), regional blood volume, regional blood flow, and mean transit time (MTT [seconds]). The hemodynamic indices TTP (P < 0.

A global reference for caesarean section rates (C-Model): a multicountry cross-sectional study.

Objective: To generate a global reference for caesarean section (CS) rates at health facilities.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Health facilities from 43 countries.

Biomechanical analysis on transverse tibial fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions.

Objective: To verify whether the combination of tibial cross pin fixation and femoral screw fixation presents biomechanical advantages when compared to femoral cross pin fixation and tibial screw fixation for the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Methods: Thirty-eight porcine knees and bovine extensor digitorum tendons were used as the graft materials. The tests were performed in three groups: (1) standard, used fourteen knees, and the grafts were fixated with the combination of femoral cross pin and a tibial screw; (2) inverted, used fourteen knees with an inverted combination of tibial cross pin and a femoral screw; (3) control, ten control tests performed with intact ACL.

Drivers of extinction: the case of Azorean beetles.

Oceanic islands host a disproportionately high fraction of endangered or recently extinct endemic species. We report on species extinctions among endemic Azorean beetles following 97% habitat loss since AD 1440. We infer extinctions from historical and contemporary records and examine the influence of three predictors: geographical range, habitat specialization and body size.

Microvascular reactivity in women with gestational diabetes mellitus studied during pregnancy.

Aim: To compare microvascular reactivity assessed in the skin using laser Doppler fluximetry (LDF) in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and gestational age-matched control during pregnancy.

Methods: 110 pregnant women at ~33 weeks gestation participated in the study. Skin microvascular reactivity was evaluated by LDF, at rest, during the response to brief arterial occlusion (post occlusive hyperaemic response) and during sympathetically mediated vasoconstrictor response to deep inspiratory breath hold.

The colonisation of exotic species does not have to trigger faunal homogenisation: lessons from the assembly patterns of arthropods on oceanic islands.

Human-caused disturbances can lead to the extinction of indigenous (endemic and native) species, while facilitating and increasing the colonisation of exotic species; this increase can, in turn, promote the similarity of species compositions between sites if human-disturbed sites are consistently invaded by a regionally species-poor pool of exotic species. In this study, we analysed the extent to which epigean arthropod assemblages of four islands of the Azorean archipelago are characterised by nestedness according to a habitat-altered gradient. The degree of nestedness represents the extent to which less ubiquitous species occur in subsets of sites occupied by the more widespread species, resulting in an ordered loss/gain of species across environmental or ecological gradients.

Brazilian scientific production on phytoplankton studies: national determinants and international comparisons.

In this study, we determined the temporal trends of publications by Brazilian authors on phytoplankton and compared these trends to those of other Latin American countries as well as to the 14 countries ranking ahead of Brazil in terms of scientific publication. To do this, we investigated phytoplankton studies published in an international database (Thomson-ISI). The data showed that Brazil plays an important role among other Latin American countries in the publication of these studies.