Fixação de fósforo em solos que receberam quantidades variáveis das argilas vermiculita e caulinita: I - efeitos da argila vermiculítica

Utilizando-se um minério vermiculítico, determinou-se a influência da argila vermiculita na capacidade de fixação de fósforo de um solo Podzólico e de um Latossol, ambos de textura arenosa, proveniente do Município de Piracicaba, S.P. E experimento foi conduzido em laboratório, amostras de terra coletadas no horizonte Ap dos solos misturadas com quantidades crescentes da argila, que variaram entre 1,25 e 25,0 por cento em peso, e incubadas durante períodos de 10 e 20 dias com doses de 50 e 100 ppm de P no solo. Foi feita preliminarmente, a análise mineralógica do minério e dos solos, e das características químicas e granulométricas de todas as amostras. Os resultados da porcentagem de fósforo fixado pelos tratamentos analisaram-se estatisticamente e fizeram-se correlações lineares simples com algumas das características edáficas das amostras. As seguintes conclusões foram obtidas: a) o minério vermiculítico e o solo Podzólico apresentaram as maiores capacidades de fixação do fósforo; b) a porcentagem de fósforo fixada pelos solos aumentou com o acréscimo do porcentual do minério ver miculítico, até adquirir valores próximos a porcentagem fixadas pelo minério puro. Atribui-se este aumento da fixação de fósforo à natureza da argila adicionada (vermiculita) e à alta concentração de magnésio numa faixa de pH favorável à precipitação de compostos fosfatados magnesianos; c) em todos os tratamentos, a quantidade e a porcentagem de fósforo fixada aumentou com o tempo de contato amostra-fósforo. Cerca de 90% ou mais da fixação ocorreu em 10 dias da incubação, sendo que dentro de um mesmo tempo de incubação, a quantidade, em ppm, de fósforo, aumentou com a dose de fósforo aplicado, mas o porcentual fixado diminuiu, indicando a saturação das amostras com o íon fosfato.

Identification of Novel Membrane Structures in Plasmodium falciparum Infected Erythrocytes

Little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the release of merozoites from malaria infected erythrocytes. In this study membranous structures present in the culture medium at the time of merozoite release have been characterized. Biochemical and ultrastructural evidence indicate that membranous structures consist of the infected erythrocyte membrane, the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane and a residual body containing electron dense material. These are subcellular compartments expected in a structure that arises as a consequence of merozoite release from the infected cell. Ultrastructural studies show that a novel structure extends from the former parasite compartment to the surface membrane. Since these membrane modifications are detected only after merozoites have been released from the infected erythrocyte, it is proposed that they might play a role in the release of merozoites from the host cell

First record of human trichinosis in Chile associated with consumption of wild boar (Sus scrofa)

The first South American case of human trichinosis, resulting from the consumption of roast wild boar (Sus scrofa) is reported in Chile. The patient presented fever, diarrhea, myalgias, facial edema, sub-conjunctival reddening, photophobia, eosinophilia, and elevated glutamic oxalacetic transaminase. The diagnosis was confirmed by two immunoenzymatic tests (ELISA) using somatic and excretion-secretion antigens.

Use of an immunodominant p17 antigenic fraction of Neospora caninum in detection of antibody response in cattle

A Neospora caninum 17 kDa protein fraction (p17) has been described as an immunodominant antigen (IDA) under reducing and non-reducing conditions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic utility of p17 in cattle. In order to achieve this, p17 was purified by electroelution from whole N. caninum tachyzoite soluble extract and a p17-based Western blot (WB-p17) was developed. The p17 recognition was measured by densitometry and expressed as OD values to check the validity of the WB-p17. A total of 131 sera including sequential samples from naturally- and experimentally-infected calves and breeding cattle were analysed by WB-p17 and compared with IFAT using whole formalin-fixed tachyzoites as a reference test. The results obtained highlight the feasibility of using the N. caninum p17 in a diagnostic test in cattle. Firstly, the assay based on the p-17 antigen discriminated between known positive and negative sera from different cattle populations, breeding cattle and calves. Secondly, the p17 antigen detected fluctuations in the antibody levels and seroconversion in naturally- and experimentally-infected cattle. Significant differences in p-17 antigen recognition were observed between naturally infected aborting and non-aborting cattle, as well as significant antibody fluctuations over time in experimentally infected cattle, which varied between groups. Furthermore, the results obtained with WB-p17 are in accordance with the results obtained with the IFAT, as high agreement values were obtained when all bovine subpopulations were included (kappa = 0.86).

Heterologous expression and biochemical characterization of an α1,2-mannosidase encoded by the Candida albicans MNS1 gene

Protein glycosylation pathways, commonly found in fungal pathogens, offer an attractive new area of study for the discovery of antifungal targets. In particular, these post-translational modifications are required for virulence and proper cell wall assembly in Candida albicans, an opportunistic human pathogen. The C. albicans MNS1 gene is predicted to encode a member of the glycosyl hydrolase family 47, with 1,2-mannosidase activity. In order to characterise its activity, we first cloned the C. albicans MNS1 gene into Escherichia coli, then expressed and purified the enzyme. The recombinant Mns1 was capable of converting a Man9GlcNAc2 N-glycan core into Man8GlcNAc2 isomer B, but failed to process a Man5GlcNAc2-Asn N-oligosaccharide. These properties are similar to those displayed by Mns1 purified from C. albicansmembranes and strongly suggest that the enzyme is an ±1,2-mannosidase that is localised to the endoplasmic reticulum and involved in the processing of N-linked mannans. Polyclonal antibodies specifically raised against recombinant Mns1 also immunoreacted with the soluble ±1,2-mannosidases E-I and E-II, indicating that Mns1 could share structural similarities with both soluble enzymes. Due to the high degree of similarity between the members of family 47, it is conceivable that these antibodies may recognise ±1,2-mannosidases in other biological systems as well.

Purification and biochemica characterisation of endoplasmic reticulum α 1,2-mannosidase from Sporothrix schenckiil

Alpha 1,2-mannosidases from glycosyl hydrolase family 47 participate in N-glycan biosynthesis. In filamentous fungi and mammalian cells, α1,2-mannosidases are present in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi complex and are required to generate complex N-glycans. However, lower eukaryotes such Saccharomyces cerevisiae contain only one α1,2-mannosidase in the lumen of the ER and synthesise high-mannose N-glycans. Little is known about the N-glycan structure and the enzyme machinery involved in the synthesis of these oligosaccharides in the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii. Here, a membrane-bound α-mannosidase from S. schenckii was solubilised using a high-temperature procedure and purified by conventional methods of protein isolation. Analytical zymograms revealed a polypeptide of 75 kDa to be responsible for enzyme activity and this purified protein was recognised by anti-α1,2-mannosidase antibodies. The enzyme hydrolysed Man9GlcNAc2 into Man8GlcNAc2 isomer B and was inhibited preferentially by 1-deoxymannojirimycin. This α1,2-mannosidase was localised in the ER, with the catalytic domain within the lumen of this compartment. These properties are consistent with an ER-localised α1,2-mannosidase of glycosyl hydrolase family 47. Our results also suggested that in contrast to other filamentous fungi, S. schenckii lacks Golgi α1,2-mannosidases and therefore, the processing of N-glycans by α1,2-mannosidases is similar to that present in lower eukaryotes.

Malaria seroprevalence in blood bank donors from endemic and non-endemic areas of Venezuela

In Venezuela, a total of 363,466 malaria cases were reported between 1999-2009. Several states are experiencing malaria epidemics, increasing the risk of vector and possibly transfusion transmission. We investigated the risk of transfusion transmission in blood banks from endemic and non-endemic areas of Venezuela by examining blood donations for evidence of malaria infection. For this, commercial kits were used to detect both malaria-specific antibodies (all species) and malaria antigen (Plasmodium falciparum only) in samples from Venezuelan blood donors (n = 762). All samples were further studied by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The antibody results showed that P. falciparum-infected patients had a lower sample/cut-off ratio than Plasmodium vivax-infected patients. Conversely, a higher ratio for antigen was observed among all P. falciparum-infected individuals. Sensitivity and specificity were higher for malarial antigens (100 and 99.8%) than for antibodies (82.2 and 97.4%). Antibody-positive donors were observed in Caracas, Ciudad Bolívar, Puerto Ayacucho and Cumaná, with prevalences of 1.02, 1.60, 3.23 and 3.63%, respectively. No PCR-positive samples were observed among the donors. However, our results show significant levels of seropositivity in blood donors, suggesting that more effective measures are required to ensure that transfusion transmission does not occur.

2D-immunoblotting analysis of Sporothrix schenckii cell wall

We utilized two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting (2D-immunoblotting) with anti-Sporothrix schenckii antibodies to identify antigenic proteins in cell wall preparations obtained from the mycelial and yeast-like morphologies of the fungus. Results showed that a 70-kDa glycoprotein (Gp70) was the major antigen detected in the cell wall of both morphologies and that a 60-kDa glycoprotein was present only in yeast-like cells. In addition to the Gp70, the wall from filament cells showed four proteins with molecular weights of 48, 55, 66 and 67 kDa, some of which exhibited several isoforms. To our knowledge, this is the first 2D-immunoblotting analysis of the S. schenckii cell wall.

Full-length genomic sequence of hepatitis B virus genotype C2 isolated from a native Brazilian patient

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is among the leading causes of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In Brazil, genotype A is the most frequent, followed by genotypes D and F. Genotypes B and C are found in Brazil exclusively among Asian patients and their descendants. The aim of this study was to sequence the entire HBV genome of a Caucasian patient infected with HBV/C2 and to infer the origin of the virus based on sequencing analysis. The sequence of this Brazilian isolate was grouped with four other sequences described in China. The sequence of this patient is the first complete genome of HBV/C2 reported in Brazil.

Molecular characterisation of hepatitis B virus in the resident Chinese population in Panama City

Despite the effectiveness of current hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccines, it is estimated that 350 million individuals suffer from chronic HBV infection and more than 50% of these affected individuals live on the Asian continent. Panama is a country with a great diversity of foreign groups; the Chinese community is a large example of this phenomenon. There is an urgent need to perform studies that evaluate the prevalence and the genetic diversity of HBV in this community. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HBV and its genotypes and mutant variants in the Chinese population residing in Panama. In total, 320 subjects were enrolled in the study. Forty-two subjects (13.1%) were positive for HBsAg and HBV-DNA from 18 subjects revealed the presence of genotypes B2 and C1. Secondary mutations associated with drug resistance at positions rtV207L and rtN239T of the reverse transcriptase gene were identified. Additionally, the mutation pair A1762T/G1764A was found in three samples and the mutation G1896A was detected in an HBeAg-negative subject. In conclusion, to our knowledge, this is the first study to report high HBV prevalence rates in resident ethnic Chinese in Central America and the presence of genotypes B2 and C1 in this region.

Bayesian genetic parameters for body weight and survival of Nile tilapia farmed in Brazil

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for survival and weight of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), farmed in cages and ponds in Brazil, and to predict genetic gain under different scenarios. Survival was recorded as a binary response (dead or alive), during harvest time in the 2008 grow-out period. Genetic parameters were estimated using a Bayesian mixed linear-threshold animal model via Gibbs sampling. The breeding population consisted of 2,912 individual fish, which were analyzed together with the pedigree of 5,394 fish. The heritabilities estimates, with 95% posterior credible intervals, for tagging weight, harvest weight and survival were 0.17 (0.09-0.27), 0.21 (0.12-0.32) and 0.32 (0.22-0.44), respectively. Credible intervals show a 95% probability that the true genetic correlations were in a favourable direction. The selection for weight has a positive impact on survival. Estimated genetic gain was high when selecting for harvest weight (5.07%), and indirect gain for tagging weight (2.17%) and survival (2.03%) were also considerable.

Estimativa de área de soja por classificação de imagens normalizada pela matriz de erros

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar a área plantada com soja por meio da normalização da matriz de erros gerada a partir da classificação supervisionada de imagens TM/Landsat‑5. Foram avaliados oito municípios no Estado do Paraná, com dados referentes à safra de 2003/2004. As classificações foram realizadas por meio dos métodos paralelepípedo e máxima verossimilhança, dando origem à "máscara de soja". Os valores do índice Kappa dos oito municípios ficaram acima de 0,6. As estimativas de área de soja, corrigidas por matriz de erros, apresentaram alta correlação com as estimativas oficiais do estado e com as estimativas geradas a partir de um método alternativo denominado "expansão direta". A estimativa de área de soja por meio da normalização da matriz de erros apresenta menor custo e pode subsidiar métodos convencionais na estimativa menos subjetiva de safras.

Avances de la fruticultura en México

Las estadísticas oficiales informaron que en 2008 se cultivaron 264 944 ha con valor de la producción de $ 14 741 millones de pesos, en 20 frutales de clima templado; mientras que, en 35 tropicales y subtropicales fue de 1 822748 ha con valor de $ 43 463 millones de pesos. De los 55 frutales, sólo naranjo (Citrus sinensis), mango (Mangifera indica), Aguacate (Persea americana), limón mexicano (C. aurantifolia), banano (Musa acuminata), lima persa (C. latifolia) y manzano (Malus domestica) se cultivan más de 50 000 ha, lo que explica porque es limitada la oferta de frutas en las grandes ciudades (Distrito Federal, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Puebla, Veracruz, entre otras). Considerando que el 79,27% de la superficie plantada con frutales tropicales y subtropicales es de temporal, las densidades de plantación son bajas, la propagación de plantas no se hace en viveros certificados (sólo cítricos), los rendimientos son bajos en comparación con otros países productores. Por otra parte, debido a la falta de técnicos capacitados, en los últimos 28 años la demanda de fruta se ha solucionado incrementando la superficie plantada, pero los rendimientos han disminuido. La presencia de nuevas enfermedades; Huanglongbing, Meleira, Sunblotch, plantean nuevos retos y también posibilidades si utilizamos los avances tecnológicos. La fruticultura es una alternativa viable pero deben utilizar altas densidades, árboles de porte bajo, plantas de origen genético conocido y calidad fitosanitaria probada que permitan tener mayores rendimientos y con ello competitividad.

ENRAIZAMIENTO DE VITROPLANTAS DE MEMBRILLO (Cydonia oblonga) POR MEDIO DE INMERSIÓN TEMPORAL AUTOMATIZADA Y SU ACLIMATACIÓN

RESUMEN El membrillo (Cydonia oblonga) es un frutal no tradicional en Costa Rica que presenta propiedades médicas y nutricionales, sin embargo la lentitud del crecimiento y enraizamiento dificulta obtener poblaciones homogéneas mediante técnicas convencionales. Es por esta razón que esta investigación tuvo como objetivo la producción de material vegetal uniforme en tiempos reducidos empleando sistemas de inmersión temporal (RITA ®). Se utilizó como referencia un medio de enraizamiento semisólido MS, suplementado con 0,1 mg L-1 ANA; 0,3 mg L-1 AIB y 3% de sacarosa a un pH de 6,5; desarrollado por el Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología(CIB), del Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (IT CR), en Cartago. Se realizaron cuatro variaciones en la concentración de sacarosa (1%, 2%, 3% y 4%) en medio líquido. Cada ensayo fue evaluado con vitroplantas previamente expuestas al medio correspondiente empleado en los tratamientos, de forma estacionaria por un período de 15 días, y con vitroplantas sin tratamiento previo (ocho tratamientos en total). La comparación de los porcentajes de enraizamiento mostraron una influencia directa en la dosis de sacarosa utilizada, obteniéndose los mejores resultados con 2% de sacarosa sin pretratamiento (73,3%). Las vitroplantas se aclimataron en cilindros a base de turba previamente desinfectados con fungicidas y se colocaron en cámaras húmedas a una temperatura promedio de 20,5 °C y una humedad relativa de 75,5% estableciendo ciclos de fertilización semanales. Se obtuvo un 80% de sobrevivencia a la aclimatación, debido a que algunas plántulas presentaron un estrangulamiento del tallo provocado por un ataque fúngico. Los conidióforos identificados por microscopia óptica y electrónica de barrido mostraron la presencia de Cladosporium spp., el cual fue controlado con las moléculas fungicidas carbendazima e iprodione.