Modelagem estrutural e tridimensional para a prospecção e avaliação dos depósitos de ágata do distrito mineiro de Salto do Jacuí (RS)

O Distrito Mineiro de Salto do Jacuí (DMSJ) abrange uma área aproximada de 250 km2 localizada no Município de Salto do Jacuí na região central do estado do Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil). A região é caracterizada pela ocorrência de derrames basálticos a dacíticos pertencentes a Fm. Serra Geral, uma das unidades de topo da Bacia do Paraná. O DMSJ é um dos maiores produtores mundiais de geodos de ágata que ocorrem em derrames basálticos. Em escala de mina, os depósitos de geodos de ágata do DMSJ ocorrem em uma seqüência vulcânica constituída por 3 unidades líticas principais: 1) o dacito semi-vítreo vesículoamigdaloidal inferior (DSVI), 2) o basalto vesículo-amigdaloidal mineralizado (BM, “tabatinga”), e 3) o dacito vesicular (DV, “cupim”). Essas unidades vulcânicas constituem a denominada Estrutura Jacuí. Essa tese propõe um modelo estrutural para o controle da distribuição dos geodos de ágata no DMSJ e um novo conjunto de procedimentos aplicados para a exploração dos geodos de ágata. A modelagem estrutural 3D e a distribuição espacial dos depósitos e dos tipos de geodos de ágata são avaliados para permitir futuras investigações detalhadas a respeito da estimativa de reservas remanescentes do DMSJ. Mapeamento geológico em escala de mina, análise estrutural e investigação da distribuição espacial dos geodos de ágata foram realizados para desenvolver um modelo 3D do controle estrutural dos geodos de ágata e definir parâmetros de prospecção de geodos de ágata. A modelagem 3D e o controle estrutural da distribuição dos geodos de ágata permitiram definir alguns critérios para investigações quanto à estimativa de recursos/reservas no DMSJ. Nessa linha de investigação, devem-se considerar principalmente os seguintes parâmetros: i) os novos procedimentos para exploração de geodos de ágata, ii) a diluição introduzida pela presença de diques de arenito Botucatu que cortam o Basalto Mineralizado, e iii) o controle estrutural proposto parta os depósitos de ágata do DMSJ. Esses parâmetros são úteis nas atividades de exploração e na avaliação de novas áreas de geodos de ágata. O controle estrutural e a modelagem 3D da distribuição dos geodos de ágata também permitem definir os limites das unidades vulcânicas mineralizadas e a extensão do corpo mineralizado.

Limiting glutamate transmission in a Vglut2-expressing subpopulation of the subthalamic nucleus is sufficient to cause hyperlocomotion

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a key area of the basal ganglia circuitry regulating movement. We identified a subpopulation of neurons within this structure that coexpresses Vglut2 and Pitx2, and by conditional targeting of this subpopulation we reduced Vglut2 expression levels in the STN by 40%, leaving Pitx2 expression intact. This reduction diminished, yet did not eliminate, glutamatergic transmission in the substantia nigra pars reticulata and entopeduncular nucleus, two major targets of the STN. The knock-out mice displayed hyperlocomotion and decreased latency in the initiation of movement while preserving normal gait and balance. Spatial cognition, social function, and level of impulsive choice also remained undisturbed. Furthermore, these mice showed reduced dopamine transporter binding and slower dopamine clearance in vivo, suggesting that Vglut2-expressing cells in the STN regulate dopaminergic transmission. Our results demonstrate that altering the contribution of a limited population within the STN is sufficient to achieve results similar to STN lesions and high-frequency stimulation, but with fewer side effects.

Increased hippocampal excitability and impaired spatial memory function in mice lacking VGLUT2 selectively in neurons defined by tyrosine hydroxylase promoter activity

Three populations of neurons expressing the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (Vglut2) were recently described in the A10 area of the mouse midbrain, of which two populations were shown to express the gene encoding, the rate-limiting enzyme for catecholamine synthesis, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH).One of these populations (‘‘TH– Vglut2 Class1’’) also expressed the dopamine transporter (DAT) gene while one did not ("TH–Vglut2 Class2"), and the remaining population did not express TH at all ("TH-Vglut2-only"). TH is known to be expressed by a promoter which shows two phases of activation, a transient one early during embryonal development, and a later one which gives rise to stable endogenous expression of the TH gene. The transient phase is, however, not specific to catecholaminergic neurons, a feature taken to advantage here as it enabled Vglut2 gene targeting within all three A10 populations expressing this gene, thus creating a new conditional knockout. These knockout mice showed impairment in spatial memory function. Electrophysiological analyses revealed a profound alteration of oscillatory activity in the CA3 region of the hippocampus. In addition to identifying a novel role for Vglut2 in hippocampus function, this study points to the need for improved genetic tools for targeting of the diversity of subpopulations of the A10 area

A microestrutura e o desenvolvimento dos órgãos genitais masculinos de preás (Galea spixii) criados em cativeiro

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Structural and ultrastructural characteristics of interrenal gland and chromaffin cell of matrinxa, Brycon cephalus Gunther 1869 (Teleostei-Characidae)

This work presents the structure and ultrastructure of the interrenal gland and chromaffin cells, as well as the morphology of the head kidney of Brycon cephalus, the head kidney is composed of fused bilateral lobes located anterior to the swim bladder and ventrolateral to the spinal column, the parenchyma revealed lympho-haematopoietic tissue, melano-macrophage centres, interrenal gland and chromaffin cells. The interrenal gland consisted of cords or strands of cells grouped around the posterior cardinal vein and their branches. Chromaffin cells are found in small groups, closely associated with the interrenal gland and/or under the endothelium of the posterior cardinal vein. So far, the ultrastructural analysis has revealed only one interrenal cell type which contained abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum and numerous mitochondria with tubulo-vesicular cristae, characteristic of steroid-producing cells. Two types of chromaffin cells were observed. The first type was characterized by the presence of vesicles with round, strongly electron-dense granules, which were eccentrically located, Such cells were interpreted as noradrenaline cells, Meanwhile, cells which contained smaller vesicles and electron-lucent granules, with a small halo separating the granule from the vesicular limiting membrane, were identified as adrenaline cells.

Efeito da sucessão com leguminosas sob diferentes níveis de calagem no desenvolvimento e micorrização do trigo

Estudou-se, em areia quartzosa, em Assis (SP), a influência da calagem e de leguminosas para adubação verde sobre o desenvolvimento e micorrização do trigo. Verificou-se o efeito do pousio, do cultivo da soja e dos adubos verdes Crotalaria paulina, Crotalaria juncea e mucuna-preta (Stizolobium aterrimum), e da dosagem de calcário 0, 2 e 4 t/ha sobre os seguintes fatores: massa das raízes e da parte aérea e produtividade de grãos de trigo; teores de fósforo no solo e na folha-bandeira; percentagem de colonização e número de esporos de fungos micorrízicos no solo. A percentagem do sistema radicular do trigo, colonizado por fungos micorrízicos arbusculares aos 21 dias da emergência, e a massa de matéria seca da parte aérea e de grãos foram maiores nos tratamentos com aplicação de calcário e nos cultivados com C. paulina. A colonização do sistema radicular por fungos micorrízicos arbusculares influenciou positivamente o desenvolvimento da parte aérea e a produção de grãos do trigo. O teor de fósforo no solo e a micorrização não correlacionaram com o estado nutricional da planta em relação ao fósforo.

Synthetic lethality between eIF5A and Ypt1 reveals a connection between translation and the secretory pathway in yeast

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effect of vesicles of dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride and phospholipids on the rate of decarboxylation of 6-nitrobenzisoxazole-3-carboxylate

Sonicated mixtures of dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride (DODAC), egg phosphatidylcholine (PC), dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC), and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) were used to analyze vesicle effects on the rate of decarboxylation of 6-nitrobenzisoxazol-3-carboxylic acid (Nboc). Electron microscopic images of the vesicles were obtained with trehalose, a know cryoprotector. Phase diagrams and phase transitions temperatures of the vesicle bilayers were determined. Nboc decarboxylation rates increased in the presence of vesicles prepared with both phospholipids and DODAC/phospholipid mixtures. Quantitative analysis of vesicular effects was done using pseudophase models. Phospholipids catalyzed up to 140-fold while the maximum catalysis by DODAC/lipid vesicles reached 800-fold. Acceleration depends on alkyl chain length, fatty acid insaturation of the lipids, and the DODAC/phospholipid molar ratio. Catalysis is not related to the liquid crystalline-gel state of the bilayer and may be related to the relative position of Nboc with respect to the interface.

Participação da neurotransmissão dopaminergica no efeito hiperlocomotor do neuropeptideo S

Neuropeptide S (NPS) is an endogenous 20-aminoacid peptide which binds a G protein-coupled receptor named NPSR. This peptidergic system is involved in the modulation of several biological functions, such as locomotion, anxiety, nociception, food intake and motivational behaviors. Studies have shown the participation of NPSR receptors in mediating the hyperlocomotor effects of NPS. A growing body of evidence suggests the participation of adenosinergic, dopaminergic and CRF systems on the hyperlocomotor effects of NPS. Considering that little is known about the role of dopaminergic system in mediating NPS-induced hyperlocomotion, the present study aims to investigate the locomotor actions of intracerebroventricular (icv) NPS in mice pretreated with α-metil-p-tirosine (AMPT, inhibitor of dopamine synthesis), reserpine (inhibitor of dopamine vesicle storage) or sulpiride (D2 receptor antagonist) in the open field test. A distinct group of animals received the same pretreatments described above (AMPT, reserpine or sulpiride) and the hyperlocomotor effects of methylphenidate (dopamine reuptake inhibitor) were investigated in the open field. NPS and methylphenidate increased the mouse locomotor activity. AMPT per se did not change the locomotion of the animals, but it partially reduced the hyperlocomotion of methylphenidate. The pretreatment with AMPT did not affect the psychostimulant effects of NPS. Both reserpine and sulpiride inhibited the stimulatory actions of NPS and methylphenidate. These findings show that the hyperlocomotor effects of methylphenidate, but not NPS, were affected by the pretreatment with AMPT. Furthermore, methylphenidate- and NPS-induced hyperlocomotion was impaired by reserpine and sulpiride pretreatments. Together, data suggests that NPS can increase locomotion even when the synthesis of catecholamines was impaired. Additionally, the hyperlocomotor effects of NPS and methylphenidate depend on monoamines vesicular storaged, mainly dopamine, and on the activation of D2 receptors. The psychostimulant effects of NPS via activation of dopaminergic system display clinical significance on the treatment of diseases which involves dopaminergic pathways, such as Parkinson s disease and drug addiction

Variáveis microbiológicas e produtividade do feijoeiro sob diferentes manejos do solo e calagem

O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar variáveis microbiológicas e produtividade do feijoeiro em razão do manejo do solo e da calagem. Parte de uma área cultivada há 20 anos em plantio direto (PD) foi submetida ao cultivo mínimo (CM), com escarificação a 0,25 m de profundidade, para incorporação do calcário. Os tratamentos consistiram de manejo do solo (PD e CM) e 0 e 2 t ha-1 de calcário dolomítico aplicadas na superfície, com quatro repetições. Os maiores valores de C da biomassa microbiana foram verificados no CM e os de C de CO2 liberado no PD sem calagem. A menor colonização micorrízica e a maior esporulação foram observadas no CM sem calagem. Não foram detectadas diferenças entre os tratamentos em relação à produção de matéria seca, enquanto na produtividade de grãos, o maior valor foi verificado no CM com calagem. É possível evitar a interrupção do PD com aplicação de calcário na superfície, visto que a incorporação do material de cobertura e a calagem pouco alteraram a estabilidade do sistema, conforme comprovado pelos valores estatísticos semelhantes de C do CO2 liberado e pelas pequenas diferenças observadas nas demais variáveis entre manejos.

Contribuição de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares autóctones no crescimento de Guazuma ulmifolia em solo de cerrado degradado

Ensaios foram conduzidos, em casa de vegetação, com solos de pastagem degradada reflorestada e cerrado preservado (controle) visando avaliar a contribuição de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMA) autóctones no crescimento de mutambo (Guazuma ulmifolia Lamb.). As mudas foram transplantadas para sacos de plástico (2 kg) com substratos esterilizados na proporção 4:1 (solo:areia), e o tratamento inoculado recebeu 300 esporos de FMA por saco. A inoculação não proporcionou aumento significativo na produção da matéria seca da parte aérea, matéria fresca das raízes e altura da planta, sugerindo que a G. ulmifolia não é responsiva à micorrização.

Restos vegetais e adubação nitrogenada na micorrização e produtividade do arroz de terras altas em sistema plantio direto

The objective of this research was to verify the influence of plant residues and the nitrogen fertilization in covering on the mycorrhization (colonization and number of spores of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi), and grain yield of upland rice grown under a no tillage system. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm Station of Unesp/Ilha Solteira Campus, at Selviria (Mato Grosso do Sul State). In the main plots, the leguminous were tested: sun hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) and velvet bean (Stizolobium aterrimum Piper & Tracy) and the grass: corn (Zea mays L.), millet (Peenisetum americamum L.) and grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), plus no planted area during the winter, as plant cover. In the subplots, after the rice sowing, the nitrogen fertilization in covering (zero and 75 kg ha(-1) of N at the urea form) was used. The rice grain yield was influenced by the plant residues, but not for the N doses or the interaction. The sorghum grain showed negative influence on the rice productivity. The nitrogen fertilization influenced the number of spores, but not the mycorrhizal colonization or the grain yield, at the time of the crop. Correlation between the studied variable was riot found.

Alterações microbiológicas, de fertilidade e de produtividade do arroz de terras altas em diferentes manejos de solo e água

In Brazil, the upland rice Culture system is predominant, but its water supply depends of precipitation and its distribution. Sol-lie practices or disturbances on soil conditions may cause alterations that call be detected by microorganisms, which are quite sensitive. This experiment was developed to study microbiological alterations (microbial biomass carbon (MBC), released CO2 (C-CO2), metabolic quotient (qCO(2)) and mycorrhization), as well as alterations in soil fertility and productivity of upland rice, cultivated under different soil and water managements. Cultivar BRS Talento was used in the experiment. The experimental design was a completely randomized block design, with four replications, using three soil managements: no-tillage (NT), heavy disk + leveling disk harrowing (HL), and chisel plowing + leveling disk harrowing (CL), plus three water managements: no irrigation (WD0); water depth 1 (WD1), with irrigation at the reproductive and maturation periods; and water depth 2 (WD2), with irrigation throughout the rice cycle. Autochthones arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi proved to be sensitive to soil and water management. The NT presented the highest values for MO, Ca, SB and V% and the lowest for H+A1. This management, together with irrigation at the reproductive and maturation periods of BRS Talento cultivar, promoted goods results for crop yield and microbiology characteristics.

Efeitos alelopáticos de extratos vegetais na germinação, colonização micorrízica e crescimento inicial de milho, soja e feijão

Restos vegetais e liteira podem interferir no desenvolvimento de plantas. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar os efeitos alelopáticos de extratos aquosos de Pinus sp., milheto (Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke) e mucuna (Stizolobium aterrimum Piper & Tracy) sobre a germinação, colonização micorrízica e crescimento inicial de milho (Zea mays L.), soja (Glycine max L.) e feijão (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Os extratos foram elaborados utilizando folhas trituradas. O experimento in vitro empregou papel Germitest umedecido com extratos ou água destilada por sete dias. O experimento em casa de vegetação teve esquema fatorial 3 x 3 x 4, com quatro repetições: três espécies vegetais (soja, milho e feijão), três extratos aquosos (Pinus, milheto e mucuna) e quatro doses de extrato (0,0; 0,5; 1,0; e 2,0 kg L-1). O substrato foi Latossolo Vermelho coletado no município de Selvíria-MS, no bioma Cerrado. Após a semeadura, os vasos receberam, a cada cinco dias, por 45 dias, 50 mL dos extratos. Para a soja, extratos de mucuna e milheto diminuíram o comprimento do hipocótilo e da radícula e os de Pinus aumentaram esses comprimentos. em feijão, o extrato de Pinus diminuiu o comprimento do hipocótilo e da radícula, mas os extratos de mucuna e milheto aumentaram-no. O extrato do milheto reduziu a percentagem e a velocidade de germinação em feijão. Todos os extratos reduziram a colonização micorrízica e o número de esporos de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares em soja, milho e feijão.

Dinâmica sazional de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (Glomeromycota) em cerradão e brejo de altitude na Chapada do Araripe, CE

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are obligatory symbiotic organisms that associate with roots of a large number of plant taxa, and are found in all terrestrial ecosystems. These fungi promote greater tolerance to environmental stresses to associated plant, favoring the establishment of plant communities, especially where soil fertility is a limiting factor, as in the Caatinga, an exclusively Brazilian domain that has been focus of research due to its great biodiversity that can help clarify the history of vegetation in South America. Because of the ecological importance of AMF, the limited number of jobs and the potential diversity of the Caatinga, this work aims to inventory the diversity and determine AMF communities in areas with different faces occurrent in FLONA Araripe, Ceará (CE). The sample collection occurred in four periods at the beginning and end of the dry season (August and December 2011, respectively) and rainy (February and June 2012, respectively) in an area of marsh and woodland altitude of the Araripe, Crato, CE. The glomerosporos were extracted by wet sieving and centrifugation in water and sucrose (50%) mounted between slide and coverslip using PVLG and PVLG + Reagent Melzer. In total, we found 46 species of AMF distributed in eight families and 16 genera: Acaulospora (6), Ambispora (1), Cetraspora (2), Dentiscutata (5), Fuscutata (2), Gigaspora (6), Glomus (13) Intraornatospora (1), Kuklospora (1), Orbispora (1), Paradentiscutata (1), Quatunica (1), Racocetra (1), Scutellospora (2), Septoglomus (2) and a new genus. analysis showed that ecological each area of study has its own seasonal dynamics, with an area of woodland with a greater diversity of species throughout the year, while the marsh elevation showed greater variation in species found among the collection periods, showing that vegetation and rainfall has strong influence on the seasonal dynamics of AMF, as well as the availability of nutrients and soil pH so