Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, a new causal agent of citrus post-bloom fruit drop

Citrus post-bloom fruit drop (caused by Colletotrichum acutatum) frequently occurs in the southwestern region of So Paulo State, Brazil. A survey of Colletotrichum isolates associated with symptoms of post-bloom fruit drop in So Paulo State showed C. gloeosporioides in addition to C. acutatum. The objectives of this study were to confirm the identification of C. gloeosporioides isolated from symptomatic citrus flowers, to test the pathogenicity of C. gloeosporioides isolates, to compare the development of disease caused by C. gloeosporioides and C. acutatum, and to determine the frequency of C. gloeosporioides in a sample of isolates obtained from symptomatic flowers in different regions of So Paulo State. Through the use of species-specific primers by PCR, 17.3% of 139 isolates were C. gloeosporioides, and the remaining 82.7% were C. acutatum. The pathogenicity tests, carried out in 3-year old potted plants of sweet oranges indicated that both species caused typical symptoms of the disease including blossom blight and persistent calyces. Incubation periods (3.5 and 3.9 days, respectively, for C. acutatum and C. gloeosporioides) and fruit sets (6.7 and 8.5%, respectively for C. acutatum and C. gloeosporioides) were similar for both species. The incidences of blossom blight and persistent calyces were higher on plants inoculated with C. acutatum than in those inoculated with C. gloeosporioides. Conidial germination was similar for both species under different temperatures and wetness periods. Under optimal conditions, appressorium formation and melanisation were higher for C. gloeosporioides than for C. acutatum. These results indicated that Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is a new causal agent of post-bloom fruit drop.

Detection of Sourgrass (Digitaria insularis) Biotypes Resistant to Glyphosate in Brazil

Sourgrass is a perennial weed infesting annual and perennial crops in Brazil. Three biotypes (R1, R2, and R3) of sourgrass suspected to be glyphosate-resistant (R) and another one (S) from a natural area without glyphosate application, in Brazil, were tested for resistance to glyphosate based on screening, dose-response, and shikimic acid assays. Both screening and dose-response assays confirmed glyphosate resistance in the three sourgrass biotypes. Dose-response assay indicated a resistance factor of 2.3 for biotype RI and 3.9 for biotypes R2 and R3. The hypothesis of a glyphosate resistance was corroborated on the basis of shikimic acid accumulation, where the S biotype accumulated 3.3, 5.0, and 5.7 times more shikimic acid than biotypes R1, R2, and R3, respectively, 168 h after treatment with 157.50 g ae ha(-1) of glyphosate. There were no differences in contact angle of spray droplets on leaves and spray retention, indicating that differential capture of herbicide by leaves was not responsible for resistance in these biotypes. The results confirmed resistance of sourgrass to glyphosate in Brazil.

3D-Pharmacophore mapping of thymidine-based inhibitors of TMPK as potential antituberculosis agents

Tuberculosis (TB) is the primary cause of mortality among infectious diseases. Mycobacterium tuberculosis monophosphate kinase (TMPKmt) is essential to DNA replication. Thus, this enzyme represents a promising target for developing new drugs against TB. In the present study, the receptor-independent, RI, 4D-QSAR method has been used to develop QSAR models and corresponding 3D-pharmacophores for a set of 81 thymidine analogues, and two corresponding subsets, reported as inhibitors of TMPKmt. The resulting optimized models are not only statistically significant with r (2) ranging from 0.83 to 0.92 and q (2) from 0.78 to 0.88, but also are robustly predictive based on test set predictions. The most and the least potent inhibitors in their respective postulated active conformations, derived from each of the models, were docked in the active site of the TMPKmt crystal structure. There is a solid consistency between the 3D-pharmacophore sites defined by the QSAR models and interactions with binding site residues. Moreover, the QSAR models provide insights regarding a probable mechanism of action of the analogues.

Chronic ethanol intake modulates vascular levels of endothelin-1 receptor and enhances the pressor response to endothelin-1 in anaesthetized rats

Background and purpose: The contribution of endothelin-1 (ET-1) to vascular hyper-reactivity associated with chronic ethanol intake, a major risk factor in several cardiovascular diseases, remains to be investigated. Experimental approach: The biphasic haemodynamic responses to ET-1 (0.01-0.1 nmol kg(-1), i.v.) or to the selective ET(B) agonist, IRL1620 (0.001-1.0 nmol kg(-1), i.v.), with or without ET(A) or ET(B) antagonists (BQ123 (c(DTrp-Dasp-Pro-Dval-Leu)) at 1 and 2.5 mg kg(-1) and BQ788 (N-cis-2,6-dimethyl-piperidinocarbonyl-L-gamma-methylleucyl1-D-1methoxycarbonyltryptophanyl-D-norleucine) at 0.25 mg kg(-1), respectively) were tested in anaesthetized rats, after 2 weeks` chronic ethanol treatment. Hepatic parameters and ET receptor protein levels were also determined. Key results: The initial hypotensive responses to ET-1 or IRL1620 were unaffected by chronic ethanol intake, whereas the subsequent pressor effects induced by ET-1, but not by IRL1620, were potentiated. BQ123 at 2.5 but not 1 mg kg(-1) reduced the pressor responses to ET-1 in ethanol-treated rats. Conversely, BQ788 (0.25 mg kg(-1)) potentiated ET-1-induced increases in mean arterial blood pressure in control as well as in ethanol-treated rats. Interestingly, in the latter group, increases in heart rate, induced by ET-1 at a dose of 0.025 mg kg(-1) were enhanced following ET(B) receptor blockade. Finally, we observed higher levels of ET(A) receptor in the heart and mesenteric artery and a reduction of ET(B) receptor protein levels in the aorta and kidney from rats chronically treated with ethanol. Conclusions and implications: Increased vascular reactivity to ET-1 and altered protein levels of ET(A) and ET(B) receptors could play a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular complications associated with chronic ethanol consumption.

Visualizing inhibition of fatty acid synthase through mass spectrometric analysis of mitochondria from melanoma cells

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is the metabolic enzyme responsible for the endogenous synthesis of the saturated long-chain fatty acid palmitate. In contrast to most normal cells, FASN is overexpressed in a variety of human cancers including cutaneous melanoma, in which its levels of expression are associated with a poor prognosis and depth of invasion. Recently, we have demonstrated the mitochondrial involvement in FASN inhibition-induced apoptosis in melanoma cells. Herein we compare, via electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), free fatty acids (FFA) composition of mitochondria isolated from control (EtOH-treated cells) and Orlistat-treated B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the ESI-MS data and found to separate the two groups of samples. Mitochondria from control cells showed predominance of six ions, that is, those of m/z 157 (Pelargonic, 9:0), 255 (Palmitic, 16:0), 281 (Oleic, 18:1), 311 (Arachidic, 20:0), 327 (Docosahexaenoic, 22:6) and 339 (Behenic, 22:0). In contrast, FASN inhibition with Orlistat changes significantly mitochondrial FFA composition by reducing synthesis of palmitic acid, and its elongation and unsaturation products, such as arachidic and behenic acids, and oleic acid, respectively. ESI-MS of mitochondria isolated from Orlistat-treated cells presented therefore three major ions of m/z 157 (Pelargonic, 9:0), 193 (unknown) and 199 (Lauric, 12:0). These findings demonstrate therefore that FASN inhibition by Orlistat induces significant changes in the FFA composition of mitochondria. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Inhibition of fatty acid synthase in melanoma cells activates the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is the metabolic enzyme responsible for the endogenous synthesis of the saturated long-chain fatty acid, palmitate. In contrast to most normal cells, FASN is overexpressed in a variety of human cancers, including cutaneous melanoma, in which its levels of expression are associated with tumor invasion and poor prognosis. We have previously shown that FASN inhibition with orlistat significantly reduces the number of spontaneous mediastinal lymph node metastases following the implantation of B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells in the peritoneal cavity of C57BL/6 mice. In this study, we investigate the biological mechanisms responsible for the FASN inhibition-induced apoptosis in B16-F10 cells. Both FASN inhibitors, cerulenin and orlistat, significantly reduced melanoma cell proliferation and activated the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, as demonstrated by the cytochrome c release and caspase-9 and -3 activation. Further, apoptosis was preceded by an increase in both reactive oxygen species production and cytosolic calcium concentrations and independent of p53 activation and mitochondrial permeability transition. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the mitochondrial involvement in FASN inhibition-induced apoptosis in melanoma cells. Laboratory Investigation (2011) 91, 232-240; doi:10.1038/labinvest.2010.157; published online 30 August 2010

Endogenous cannabinoids induce fever through the activation of CB(1) receptors

Background and purpose: The effects of centrally administered cannabinoids on body core temperature (Tc) and the contribution of endogenous cannabinoids to thermoregulation and fever induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (Sigma Chem. Co., St. Louis, MO, USA) were investigated. Experimental approach: Drug-induced changes in Tc of male Wistar rats were recorded over 6 h using a thermistor probe (Yellow Springs Instruments 402, Dayton, OH, USA) inserted into the rectum. Key results: Injection of anandamide [(arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA); Tocris, Ellisville, MO, USA], 0.01-1 mu g i.c.v. or 0.1-100 ng intra-hypothalamic (i.h.), induced graded increases in Tc (peaks 1.5 and 1.6 degrees C at 4 h after 1 mu g i.c.v. or 10 ng i.h.). The effect of AEA (1 mu g, i.c.v.) was preceded by decreases in tail skin temperature and heat loss index (values at 1.5 h: vehicle 0.62, AEA 0.48). Bell-shaped curves were obtained for the increase in Tc induced by the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor [3-(3-carbamoylphenyl)phenyl] N-cyclohexylcarbamate (Cayman Chemical Co., Ann Arbor, MI, USA) (0.001-1 ng i.c.v.; peak 1.9 degrees C at 5 h after 0.1 ng) and arachidonyl-2-chloroethylamide (ACEA; Tocris) (selective CB(1) agonist; 0.001-1 mu g i.c.v.; peak 1.4 degrees C 5 h after 0.01 mu g), but (R,S)-(+)-(2-Iodo-5-nitrobenzoyl)-[1-(1-methyl-piperidin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-indole-3-yl] methanone (Tocris) (selective CB(2) agonist) had no effect on Tc. AEA-induced fever was unaffected by i.c.v. pretreatment with 6-Iodo-2-methyl-1-[2-(4-morpholinyl)ethyl]-1H-indole-3-yl](4-methoxyphenyl) methanone (Tocris) (selective CB(2) antagonist), but reduced by i.c.v. pretreatment with N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-iodophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (AM251; Tocris) (selective CB(1) antagonist). AM251 also reduced the fever induced by ACEA or LPS. Conclusions and implications: The endogenous cannabinoid AEA induces an integrated febrile response through activation of CB(1) receptors. Endocannabinoids participate in the development of the febrile response to LPS constituting a target for antipyretic therapy.

Rapid Screening and Identification of Polar Constituents from Brazilian Arnica Lychnophora sp by LC-UV/DAD-ESI-MS and LC-UV/DAD-ESI-MS/MS Analysis

This paper describes an analytical method for the rapid screening and identification of the phenolic constituents present in the polar extracts of different Lychnophora spp. using LC-UV/DAD-ESI-MS and LC-UV/DAD-ESI-MS/MS. Compounds were identified based on UV, retention time, MS experiments and MS/MS of precursor ion or standard. On-line phytochemical investigation of Lychnophora spp. allowed for the identification of flavonoids, chlorogenic acid derivatives and lactones. Some of the observed compounds were for the first time identified in Lychnophora species in a fast analytical procedure. The data obtained here may be helpful to the investigation of polar constituents from other Lychnophora species.

Coronary events and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke: a case-control study from Australia and New Zealand

Objectives-To estimate the relative risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) associated with exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Design-Population-based case-control study. Subjects-Cases were 953 people identified in a population register of coronary events, and controls were 3189 participants in independent community-based risk factor prevalence surveys from the same study populations. Setting-Newcastle, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand. Main outcome measures-Acute myocardial infarction or coronary death. Results-After adjusting for the effects of age, education, history of heart disease, and body mass index, women had a statistically significant increased risk of a coronary event associated with exposure to ETS (relative risk (RR) = 1.99; 95% confidence interval (CI)= 1.40-2.81). There was little statistical evidence of increased risk found in men (RR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.81-1.28). Conclusion-Our study found evidence for the adverse effects of exposure to ETS on risk of coronary heart disease among women, especially at home. For men the issue is unclear according to the data from our study. Additional studies with detailed information on possible confounders and adequate statistical power are needed. Most importantly, they should use methods for measuring exposure to ETS that are sufficiently accurate to permit the investigation of dose-response relationships.

Designs for an asymmetric gradient set and a compact superconducting magnet for neural magnetic resonance imaging

Imaging of the head and neck is the most commonly performed clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination [R. G. Evans and J. R. G. Evans, AJR 157, 603 (1991)]. This is usually undertaken in a generalist MRI instrument containing superconducting magnet system capable of imaging all organs. These generalist instruments are large, typically having a bore of 0.9-1.0 m and a length of 1.7-2.5 m and therefore are expensive to site, somewhat claustrophobic to the patient, and offer little access by attending physicians. In this article, we present the design of a compact, superconducting MRI magnet for head and neck imaging that is less than 0.8 m in length and discuss in detail the design of an asymmetric gradient coil set, tailored to the magnet profile. In particular, the introduction of a radio-frequency FM modulation scheme in concert with a gradient sequence allows the epoch of the linear region of the gradient set to be much closer to the end of the gradient structure than was previously possible. Images from a prototype gradient set demonstrate the effectiveness of the designs. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S0034-6748(99)04910-2].

The game to play: expanding the co-opetition proposal through the strategic games matrix

Purpose - Using Brandenburger and Nalebuff`s 1995 co-opetition model as a reference, the purpose of this paper is to seek to develop a tool that, based on the tenets of classical game theory, would enable scholars and managers to identify which games may be played in response to the different conflict of interest situations faced by companies in their business environments. Design/methodology/approach - The literature on game theory and business strategy are reviewed and a conceptual model, the strategic games matrix (SGM), is developed. Two novel games are described and modeled. Findings - The co-opetition model is not sufficient to realistically represent most of the conflict of interest situations faced by companies. It seeks to address this problem through development of the SGM, which expands upon Brandenburger and Nalebuff`s model by providing a broader perspective, through incorporation of an additional dimension (power ratio between players) and three novel, respectively, (rival, individualistic, and associative). Practical implications - This proposed model, based on the concepts of game theory, should be used to train decision- and policy-makers to better understand, interpret and formulate conflict management strategies. Originality/value - A practical and original tool to use game models in conflict of interest situations is generated. Basic classical games, such as Nash, Stackelberg, Pareto, and Minimax, are mapped on the SGM to suggest in which situations they Could be useful. Two innovative games are described to fit four different types of conflict situations that so far have no corresponding game in the literature. A test application of the SGM to a classic Intel Corporation strategic management case, in the complex personal computer industry, shows that the proposed method is able to describe, to interpret, to analyze, and to prescribe optimal competitive and/or cooperative strategies for each conflict of interest situation.

KuhlmanniodendronFiaschi & Groppo, a new eastern Brazilian genus of Achariaceae sensu lato segregated from Carpotroche Endl. (formerly included in Flacourtiaceae)

Kuhlmanniodendron Fiaschi & Groppo, a new genus of the tribe Lindackerieae (Achariaceae sensu lato) is created to accommodate Carpotroche apterocarpa Kuhlm, a species previously described based on incomplete floriferous and fruiting material from the rainforests of Espirito Santo state, eastern Brazil. The genus is defined by a unique set of character states, including leaves with Clusia-like venation and scaly trichomes, flowers with glabrous stamen filaments and three free styles, and indehiscent fruits with a smooth surface (sometimes with vertical ribs when dried). A description and illustration are provided, with comments on geographical distribution, phenology and generic relationships, and an emended key to neotropical genera of Lindackerieae. (c) 2008 The Linnean Society of London.

A non-invasive method for silencing gene transcription in honeybees maintained under natural conditions

in the Apis mellifera post-genomic era, RNAi protocols have been used in functional approaches. However, sample manipulation and invasive methods such as injection of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) can compromise physiology and survival. To circumvent these problems, we developed a non-invasive method for honeybee gene knockdown, using a well-established vitellogenin RNAi system as a model. Second instar larvae received dsRNA for vitellogenin (dsVg-RNA) in their natural diet. For exogenous control, larvae received dsRNA for GFP (dsGFP-RNA). Untreated larvae formed another control group. Around 60% of the treated larvae naturally developed until adult emergence when 0.5 mu g of dsVg-RNA or dsGFP-RNA was offered while no larvae that received 3.0 mu g of dsRNA reached pupal stages. Diet dilution did not affect the removal rates. Viability depends not only on the delivered doses but also on the internal conditions of colonies. The weight of treated and untreated groups showed no statistical differences. This showed that RNAi ingestion did not elicit drastic collateral effects. Approximately 90% of vitellogenin transcripts from 7-day-old workers were silenced compared to controls. A large number of samples are handled in a relatively short time and smaller quantities of RNAi molecules are used compared to invasive methods. These advantages culminate in a versatile and a cost-effective approach. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Is screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm bad for your health and well-being?

Background: The purpose of the present paper was to investigate whether screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) causes health-related quality of life to change in men or their partners. Methods: A cross-sectional case-control comparison was undertaken of men aged 65-83 years living in Perth, Western Australia, using questionnaires incorporating three validated instruments (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36, EuroQol EQ-5D and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) as well as several independent questions about quality of life. The 2009 men who attended for ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta completed a short prescreening questionnaire about their perception of their general health. Four hundred and ninety-eight men (157 with an AAA and 341 with a normal aorta) were sent two questionnaires for completion 12 months after screening, one for themselves and one for their partner, each being about the quality of life of the respondent. Results: Men with an AAA were more limited in performing physical activities than those with a normal aorta (t-test of means P = 0.04). After screening, men with an AAA were significantly less likely to have current pain or discomfort than those with a normal aorta (multivariate odds ratio: 0.5; 95% confidence interval (Cl): 0.3-0.9) and reported fewer visits to their doctor. The mean level of self-perceived general health increased for all men from before to after screening (from 63.4 to 65.4). Conclusions: Apart from physical functioning, screening was not associated with decreases in health and well-being. A high proportion of men rated their health over the year after screening as being either the same or improved, regardless of whether or not they were found to have an AAA.

STATIC IMAGES WITH DIFFERENT INDUCED INTENSITIES OF HUMAN BODY MOVEMENTS AFFECT SUBJECTIVE TIME

Modulation of subjective time was examined using static images eliciting perceptions of different intensities of body movement. Undergraduate students were exposed to photographs of dancer sculptures in different dance positions for 36 sec. and asked to estimate the exposure duration. Lower movement intensities were related to shorter estimated durations. Mean durations for images of unmoving dancers were underestimated and for dancers taking a ballet step were overestimated. Temporal estimations were also related to the order of presentation of the stimuli, which suggested that subjective time estimations were influenced by the experimental context. Subjective time is related not only to the visual perception of moving images, but also of elicited perceptions of movement in static images, suggesting an embodiment effect on subjective time estimation.