Evaluating plant breeding strategies by simulating gene action and dryland environment effects

Functional genomics is the systematic study of genome-wide effects of gene expression on organism growth and development with the ultimate aim of understanding how networks of genes influence traits. Here, we use a dynamic biophysical cropping systems model (APSIM-Sorg) to generate a state space of genotype performance based on 15 genes controlling four adaptive traits and then search this spice using a quantitative genetics model of a plant breeding program (QU-GENE) to simulate recurrent selection. Complex epistatic and gene X environment effects were generated for yield even though gene action at the trait level had been defined as simple additive effects. Given alternative breeding strategies that restricted either the cultivar maturity type or the drought environment type, the positive (+) alleles for 15 genes associated with the four adaptive traits were accumulated at different rates over cycles of selection. While early maturing genotypes were favored in the Severe-Terminal drought environment type, late genotypes were favored in the Mild-Terminal and Midseason drought environment types. In the Severe-Terminal environment, there was an interaction of the stay-green (SG) trait with other traits: Selection for + alleles of the SG genes was delayed until + alleles for genes associated with the transpiration efficiency and osmotic adjustment traits had been fixed. Given limitations in our current understanding of trait interaction and genetic control, the results are not conclusive. However, they demonstrate how the per se complexity of gene X gene X environment interactions will challenge the application of genomics and marker-assisted selection in crop improvement for dryland adaptation.

Estudo de casos de pacientes portadores de onicomicose tratados com laser Nd : YAG 1.064 nm

Onicomicose �� a doen��a ungueal mais frequente, com preval��ncia estimada entre 2 e 8% da popula����o. As estrat��gias de tratamentos atuais incluem uso de antif��ngicos t��picos e orais, ambos geralmente com baixos ��ndices de cura. Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar a resposta terap��utica ao laser Nd:YAG 1.064 nm no tratamento da onicomicose, bem como o m��todo de avalia����o cl��nica dessa terapia e os poss��veis efeitos colaterais de seu uso. Foram revisados prontu��rios de 20 pacientes submetidos �� laserterapia. Ao todo, 34 unhas afetadas foram avaliadas de acordo com o ��ndice de Severidade de Onicomicose (ISO). Esse ��ndice analisa a ��rea de envolvimento da unha, a proximidade da doen��a com a matriz ungueal, a ocorr��ncia de dermatofitoma e a presen��a de hiperqueratose subungueal > 2 mm, gerando uma pontua����o que classifica a onicomicose como leve, moderada ou grave. A determina����o do ISO foi realizada antes do tratamento e ap��s um per��odo de acompanhamento, em m��dia, de oito meses. A compara����o entre o ISO Inicial e o ISO Final nas 34 unhas submetidas �� laserterapia mostrou diferen��a significativa, por��m, com baixa associa����o entre essas vari��veis. Com rela����o �� ��rea de envolvimento e �� pontua����o num��rica referente ao ISO, houve, no geral, uma redu����o dessas medidas. Esses dados apontam para uma tend��ncia �� melhora da onicomicose por meio do tratamento com o laser Nd:YAG 1.064 nm. O ISO permitiu uma an��lise cl��nica adequada da resposta �� laserterapia. Os efeitos colaterais locais apresentados durante a aplica����o do laser n��o causaram desconforto acentuado na maioria dos pacientes, demonstrando que o procedimento �� bem tolerado.

���Portugal, pa��s de brandos costumes���?

Ser��? Um pouco da sua hist��ria e j�� no S��c. XX. Vamos, por momentos, esquecer as milhares de guerras que tivemos antes, a tortura p��blica ou a inquisi����o ou at�� alguns massacres e genoc��dios que fizemos aquando das chamadas descobertas. Em alguns casos, pois os portugueses foram bem mais brandos do que outros ���descobridores���, �� certo, misturando-se inclusive com os nativos. Os Portugueses, ���esse Povo de brandos costumes������. Abstract: Will be? A little of its history and in the century. XX. Let's for a moment forget the thousands of wars we had before, public torture or inquisition or even some massacres and genocides we did during the calls findings. In some cases, because the Portuguese were far more lenient than others "discoverers", of course, including blending with the natives. The Portuguese, "People of this mild manners ...".

Parental predictors of poor visual outcome with occlusion treatment for unilateral amblyopia

Aim: Visual acuity outcome of amblyopia treatment depends on the compliance. This study aimed to determine parental predictors of poor visual outcome with occlusion treatment in unilateral amblyopia and identify the relationship between occlusion recommendations and the patient's actual dose of occlusion reported by the parents. Methods: This study comprised three phases: refractive adaptation for a period of 18 weeks after spectacle correction; occlusion of 3 to 6 hours per day during a period of 6 months; questionnaire administration and completion by parents. Visual acuity as assessed using the Sheridan-Gardiner singles or Snellen acuity chart was used as a measure of visual outcome. Correlation analysis was used to describe the strength and direction of two variables: prescribed occlusion reported by the doctor and actual dose reported by parents. A logistic binary model was adjusted using the following variables: severity, vulnerability, self-efficacy, behaviour intentions, perceived efficacy and treatment barriers, parents' and childrens' age, and parents' level of education. Results: The study included 100 parents (mean age 38.9 years, SD approx 9.2) of 100 children (mean age 6.3 years, SD approx 2.4) with amblyopia. Twenty-eight percent of children had no improvement in visual acuity. The results showed a positive mild correlation (kappa = 0.54) between the prescribed occlusion and actual dose reported by parents. Three predictors for poor visual outcome with occlusion were identified: parents' level of education (OR = 9.28; 95%CI 1.32-65.41); treatment barriers (OR = 2.75; 95%CI 1.22-6.20); interaction between severity and vulnerability (OR = 3.64; 95%CI 1.21-10.93). Severity (OR = 0.07; 95%CI 0.00-0.72) and vulnerability (OR = 0.06; 95%CI 0.05-0.74) when considered in isolation were identified as protective factors. Conclusions: Parents frequently do not use the correct dosage of occlusion as recommended. Parents' educational level and awareness of treatment barriers were predictors of poor visual outcome. Lower levels of education represented a 9-times higher risk of having a poor visual outcome with occlusion treatment.

Assessment and prediction of asthma and its severity in the pediatric community

Seventy four asthmatic children aged 7 to 11 years were examined along with controls matched by age and sex. Clinical and laboratory investigations preceded a 28-day follow-up where data about morning and evening peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), symptoms and treatment were recorded. The coefficient of variation of PEF was found to be an objective measurement of asthma severity that has statistically significant correlation with both symptoms (r s= .36) and treatment (r s= .60). Moreover, it separates mild and severe asthmatics, as confirmed by statistically significant differences (p= .008 or less) in symptoms, treatment, skin allergy and airways response to exercise. Skin allergy and airways responsiveness to exercise were found to be predictors of both disease and severity. By means of logistic regression analysis it was possible to establish the probabilities for both asthma and severe asthma when children presenting and not presenting these characteristics are compared. One single positive skin test represent a probability of 88% for the development of asthma and a probability of 70% for severe disease. A PEF reduction of 10% after an exercise test implies a probability of 73% for disease and a probability of 64% for severe disease. Increases in these variables imply geometrically increased risks and their presence together have a multiplicative effect in the final risk.

Response of a multi-domain continental margin to compression: Study from seismic reflection-refraction and numerical modelling in the Tagus Abyssal Plain

The effects of the Miocene through Present compression in the Tagus Abyssal Plain are mapped using the most up to date available to scientific community multi-channel seismic reflection and refraction data. Correlation of the rift basin fault pattern with the deep crustal structure is presented along seismic line IAM-5. Four structural domains were recognized. In the oceanic realm mild deformation concentrates in Domain I adjacent to the Tore-Madeira Rise. Domain 2 is characterized by the absence of shortening structures, except near the ocean-continent transition (OCT), implying that Miocene deformation did not propagate into the Abyssal Plain, In Domain 3 we distinguish three sub-domains: Sub-domain 3A which coincides with the OCT, Sub-domain 3B which is a highly deformed adjacent continental segment, and Sub-domain 3C. The Miocene tectonic inversion is mainly accommodated in Domain 3 by oceanwards directed thrusting at the ocean-continent transition and continentwards on the continental slope. Domain 4 corresponds to the non-rifted continental margin where only minor extensional and shortening deformation structures are observed. Finite element numerical models address the response of the various domains to the Miocene compression, emphasizing the long-wavelength differential vertical movements and the role of possible rheologic contrasts. The concentration of the Miocene deformation in the transitional zone (TC), which is the addition of Sub-domain 3A and part of 3B, is a result of two main factors: (1) focusing of compression in an already stressed region due to plate curvature and sediment loading; and (2) theological weakening. We estimate that the frictional strength in the TC is reduced in 30% relative to the surrounding regions. A model of compressive deformation propagation by means of horizontal impingement of the middle continental crust rift wedge and horizontal shearing on serpentinized mantle in the oceanic realm is presented. This model is consistent with both the geological interpretation of seismic data and the results of numerical modelling.

Novel Scorpionate and Pyrazole Dioxovanadium Complexes, Catalysts for Carboxylation and Peroxidative Oxidation of Alkanes

The dioxovanadium(V) complexes [VO2(3,5-Me(2)Hpz)(3)][BF4] (1) (pz = pyrazolyl), [VO2{SO3C(pz)(3)}] (2), [VO2{HB(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)}] (3) and [VO2{HC(pz)(3)}][BF4] (4), bearing pyrazole or scorpionate ligands, were obtained by reaction of triethyl vanadate [VO(OEt)(3)] with hydrotris(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane [HC(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)] or 3,5-dimethylpyrazole (3,5-Me(2)Hpz; 1), lithium tris(1-pyrazolyl)methanesulfonate {Li[SO3C(pz)(3)], 2}, potassium hydrotris(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)borate {K[HB(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)], 3} and hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)methane [HC(pz)(3), 4], respectively. Treatment of [VO(OEt)(3)] with potassium hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)borate {K[HB(pz)(3)]} led to the mixed eta(3)-tris(pyrazolyl)borate and eta(2)-bis(pyrazolyl)borate oxovanadium(IV) complex [VO{HB(pz)(3)}{H2B(pz)(2)}, 5]. The compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, NMR and EPR spectroscopy, FAB and ESI mass spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry and, for 5, also by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All complexes exhibit catalytic activity in the single-pot carboxylation [in trifluoroacetic acid/potassium peroxodisulfate (CF3COOH/K2S2O8)] of gaseous alkanes (methane and ethane) to carboxylic acids (yields up to 40%. TONs up to 157) and in the peroxidative oxidation [in water/acetonitrile (H2O/NCMe)] of liquid alkanes (cyclohexane and cyclopentane) to the corresponding alcohols and ketones (yields up to 24%, TONs up to 117), under mild conditions.

Synthesis, characterization and redox behaviour of benzoyldiazenido- and oxorhenium complexes bearing N,N- and S,S-type ligands

The reactions of [ReCl2{eta(2)-N2C(O)Ph}(PPh3)(2)](1) with 2-aminopyrimidine (H(2)Npyrm), 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) and tetraethylthiuram disulfide (tds), in MeOH upon reflux, lead to the new eta(1)-(benzoyldiazenido)-rhenium(III) complexes [ReCl{eta(1)-N2C(O)Ph}(HNpyrm)(PPh3)(2)](2)and [ReCl2{eta(1)-N2C(O)Ph}(bpy)(PPh3)] (3), and the known oxo(diethyldithiocarbamato)dirhenium(v)complex [Re2O2(mu O){Et2NC(S)S}(4)](4), respectively. The Et2NC(S)S ligands in 4 result from S-S bond rupture of tds molecules. The obtained compounds have been characterized by IR, H-1, P-31{H-1} and C-13{H-1} NMR spectroscopies, FAB(+)-MS, elemental and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (for 2 and 4)analyses. Complex 2 represents the first structurally characterized Re compound derived from 2-aminopyrimidine. Besides, the redox behaviour of 2-4 in CH2Cl2 solution has been studied by cyclic voltammetry, and the Lever electrochemical ligand parameter (E-L)has been estimated, for the first time, for HNpyrm. The electrochemical results are discussed in terms of electronic properties of the Re centres and the ligands.

Exerc��cio f��sico e cancro da mama: uma revis��o

Introdu����o ��� Os efeitos fisiol��gicos da atividade f��sica e do treino s��o atualmente motivo de extensa investiga����o cujos resultados mostraram j�� de forma incontroversa os seus benef��cios em diferentes condi����es cl��nicas. Diferentes estudos mostraram j�� os efeitos ben��ficos do exerc��cio regular de intensidade leve a moderada na diminui����o do risco de cancro, bem como na aptid��o f��sica de indiv��duos portadores de cancro, submetidos ou n��o a cirurgia. A prescri����o do exerc��cio mais adequado para a sua maior efic��cia na melhoria da aptid��o f��sica e para a diminui����o da fadiga n��o ��, no entanto, ainda consensual. O objetivo deste estudo foi o de rever o conhecimento atual sobre os benef��cios do exerc��cio f��sico em sobreviventes de cancro da mama, bem como sistematizar as linhas orientadoras atuais para a prescri����o do exerc��cio f��sico na referida popula����o. Metodologia ��� Recorreu-se a uma revis��o da literatura, tendo como base as palavras-chave: cancro da mama, sobreviventes de cancro da mama, risco de cancro, exerc��cio f��sico, atividade f��sica e treino, dando prefer��ncia a estudos que, na classifica����o de Oxford, correspondessem aos n��veis I (ensaios cl��nicos randomizados e revis��es sistem��ticas) e II de evid��ncia cient��fica (ensaios cl��nicos n��o randomizados). Conclus��o ��� Embora se reconhe��a que o exerc��cio f��sico �� ben��fico para a popula����o em geral e existam linhas orientadoras para a prescri����o do exerc��cio f��sico em indiv��duos com cancro, estas n��o s��o ainda absolutamente consensuais, necessitando sempre de individualiza����o no treino. A investiga����o em torno das quest��es que envolvem a adequada prescri����o do exerc��cio f��sico em indiv��duos com ou em risco de desenvolver cancro �� primordial. ABSTRACT - Introduction ��� Physiological effects of physical activity and training are currently subject of extensive research which has already showed uncontroversial benefits in different clinical conditions. Different studies have already shown the beneficial effects of mild to moderate regular exercise in decreasing cancer risk and increasing physical fitness of individuals suffering from cancer, undergoing surgery or not. However, the appropriate exercise prescription for greater efficacy in improving physical fitness and decreasing fatigue is not yet consensus. The aim of this study was to review current knowledge about the benefits of exercise on breast cancer survivors and systematize the existing guidelines for prescribing exercise in this population. Methodology ��� A literature review was conducted based on the keywords: breast cancer, breast cancer survivors, cancer risk, physical exercise, physical activity and training, giving preference to studies in the classification of Oxford corresponded to level I (randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews) and II (no randomized clinical trials) scientific evidence. Conclusion ��� Although it is recognized that exercise is beneficial for general population and that there are guidelines for exercise prescription for individuals with cancer, there is no absolute agreement and they constantly require individual adaptations in training. Research on issues involving the correct prescription of exercise for individuals with or at risk of developing cancer is vital.

O impacto do uso da tala nocturna na funcionalidade do indiv��duo com s��ndrome do t��nel carpiano

A s��ndrome do t��nel carpiano (STC) �� considerada a neuropatia compressiva mais comum na popula����o. �� causada pela compress��o directa sobre o nervo mediano no interior do t��nel carpiano, que origina parestesias, dor na m��o e disfun����o muscular. Como consequ��ncia destes sintomas, os indiv��duos v��em comprometida a sua funcionalidade ao n��vel das ocupa����es e, por consequ��ncia, alterado o seu desempenho ocupacional. Este trabalho tem como objectivo principal verificar de que forma a utiliza����o da tala nocturna influencia a funcionalidade do indiv��duo com STC. Concomitantemente pretende-se definir em que medida altera����es das for��as de preens��o palmar e de pin��as se relaciona com o uso da tala. Por ��ltimo, identificar quais as vari��veis s��cio - demogr��ficas e as que caracterizam a patologia que est��o relacionadas com o problema em estudo e aos valores obtidos com as escalas do Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BQTC), nos indiv��duos dos grupos controlo e experimental. A amostra �� constitu��da por 22 indiv��duos no grupo controlo e 24 no grupo experimental, com diagn��stico de STC ligeiro e moderado. Foram aplicados o BCTQ, o dinam��metro e o pinch meter de Jamar. Os resultados deste estudo mostram uma diminui����o significativa da sintomatologia da STC, ap��s a aplica����o da tala, nos momentos de reavalia����o e follow up, (p=0,000 e p=0,004), assim como um aumento significativo da funcionalidade nos dois momentos (p=0,000 e p=0,004). Deste estudo conclui-se que a utiliza����o da tala nocturna beneficia os indiv��duos com STC ligeiro e moderado.

Risk of drug interaction: combination of antidepressants and other drugs

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of combination of antidepressants with other drugs and risk of drug interactions in the setting public hospital units in Brazil. METHODS: Prescriptions of all patients admitted to a public hospital from November 1996 to February 1997 were surveyed from the hospital's data processing center in S��o Paulo, Brazil. A manual search of case notes of all patients admitted to the psychiatric unit from January 1993 to December 1995 and all patients registered in the affective disorders outpatient clinic in December 1996 was carried out. Patients taking any antidepressant were identified and concomitant use of drugs was checked. By means of a software program (Micromedex��) drug interactions were identified. RESULTS: Out of 6,844 patients admitted to the hospital, 63 (0.9%) used antidepressants and 16 (25.3%) were at risk of drug interaction. Out of 311 patients in the psychiatric unit, 63 (20.2%) used antidepressants and 13 of them (20.6%) were at risk. Out of 87 patients in the affective disorders outpatient clinic, 43 (49.4%) took antidepressants and 7 (16.2%) were at risk. In general, the use of antidepressants was recorded in 169 patients and 36 (21.3%) were at risk of drug interactions. Twenty different forms of combinations at risk of drug interactions were identified: four were classified as mild, 15 moderate and one severe interaction. CONCLUSION: In the hospital general units the number of drug interactions per patient was higher than in the psychiatric unit; and prescription for depression was lower than expected.

Complexes of copper(II) with 3-(ortho-substituted phenylhydrazo)pentane-2,4-diones: syntheses,properties and catalytic activity for cyclohexane oxidation

Reactions of copper(II) with 3-phenylhydrazopentane-2,4-diones X-2-C6H4-NHN = C{C(= O)CH3}(2) bearing a substituent in the ortho-position [X = OH (H2L1) 1, AsO3H2 (H3L2) 2, Cl (HL3) 3, SO3H (H2L4) 4, COOCH3 (HL5) 5, COOH (H2L6) 6, NO2 (HL7) 7 or H (HL8) 8] lead to a variety of complexes including the monomeric [CuL4(H2O)(2)]center dot H2O 10, [CuL4(H2O)(2)] 11 and [Cu(HL4)(2)(H2O)(4)] 12, the dimeric [Cu-2(H2O)(2)(mu-HL2)(2)] 9 and the polymeric [Cu(mu-L-6)](n)] 13 ones, often bearing two fused six-membered metallacycles. Complexes 10-12 can interconvert, depending on pH and temperature, whereas the Cu(II) reactions with 4 in the presence of cyanoguanidine or imidazole (im) afford the monomeric compound [Cu(H2O)(4){NCNC(NH2)(2)}(2)](HL4)(2)center dot 6H(2)O 14 and the heteroligand polymer [Cu(mu-L-4)(im)](n) 15, respectively. The compounds were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction (complexes), electrochemical and thermogravimetric studies, as well as elemental analysis, IR, H-1 and C-13 NMR spectroscopies (diones) and ESI-MS. The effects of the substituents in 1-8 on the HOMO-LUMO gap and the relative stability of the model compounds [Cu(OH)(L-8)(H2O)]center dot H2O, [Cu(L-1)(H2O)(2)]center dot H2O and [Cu(L-4)(H2O)(2)]center dot H2O are discussed on the basis of DFT calculations that show the stabilization follows the order: two fused 6-membered > two fused 6-membered/5-membered > one 6-membered metallacycles. Complexes 9, 10, 12 and 13 act as catalyst precursors for the peroxidative oxidation (with H2O2) of cyclohexane to cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone, in MeCN/H2O (total yields of ca. 20% with TONs up to 566), under mild conditions.

Alginate-chitosan particulate delivery systems for mucosal immunization against tuberculosis

Although vaccination is still the most cost-effective strategy for tuberculosis control, there is an urgent need for an improved vaccine. Current BCG vaccine lacks efficacy in preventing adult pulmonary tuberculosis, the most prevalent form of the disease. Targeting nasal mucosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection site, will allow a simpler, less prone to risk of infection and more effective immunization against disease. Due to its biodegradable, immunogenic and mucoadhesive properties, chitosan particulate delivery systems can act both as carrier and as adjuvant, improving the elicited immune response. In this study, BCG was encapsulated in alginate and chitosan microparticles, via a mild ionotropic gelation procedure with sodium tripolyphosphate as a counterion. The particulate system developed shows effective modulation of BCG surface physicochemical properties, suitable for mucosal immunization. Intracellular uptake was confirmed by effective transfection of human macrophage cell lines.

Preval��ncia de dor cervical e incapacidade funcional na Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Sa��de do Porto

A dor cervical �� cada vez mais um problema comum e incapacitante nos pa��ses industrializados. O objectivo do estudo foi determinar a preval��ncia de dor cervical nos ��ltimos seis meses, intensidade da dor e incapacidade funcional em indiv��duos com dor cervical. O estudo do tipo observacional, descritivo e transversal. Amostra constitu��da por alunos, docentes, administrativos e auxiliares da ESTSP (n=285). Os instrumentos utilizados foram: question��rio de caracteriza����o da amostra, escala visual anal��gica e Neck Disability Index. A preval��ncia de dor cervical foi elevada e a dor classificada como moderada. A incapacidade funcional variou entre ligeira e moderada.

Insufici��ncia de converg��ncia e aten����o visual: estudo explorat��rio em estudantes do ensino superior

RESUMO: Introdu����o ��� A insufici��ncia de converg��ncia (IC) pode desencadear altera����es da aten����o visual. Pretende-se investigar se existem altera����es na aten����o visual em estudantes do ensino superior com IC. Metodologia ��� Estudo quantitativo, comparativo e correlacional. Participaram 44 estudantes com idades compreendidas entre os 18 e os 24 anos. Formaram-se dois grupos, um com Vis��o Binocular Normal (VBN) e outro com IC. O grupo com IC incluiu os indiv��duos que apresentaram altera����es no ponto pr��ximo de converg��ncia (PPC) e/ou na converg��ncia para perto (C���). Para avaliar a aten����o visual utilizou-se o teste de cancelamento de sinos. Resultados ��� O grupo com VBN foi composto por 32 indiv��duos (23 do g��nero feminino) e o grupo com IC por 12 indiv��duos (11 do g��nero feminino). No teste de aten����o visual verificou-se que o n��mero m��dio de sinos identificados foi de 34,6 para o grupo com VBN e de 34,3 no grupo com IC. O tempo m��dio de realiza����o do teste foi de 167,9s e de 198,3s para os grupos de VBN e IC, respetivamente. Observou-se uma correla����o moderada positiva entre o PPC e o tempo m��dio de realiza����o do teste (r���0,63) e uma correla����o fraca positiva entre o n��mero m��dio de sinos identificados e a C��� (r���0,16). Por outro lado, a correla����o entre o PPC e o n��mero m��dio de sinos identificados (r���-0,48) foi fraca negativa e entre a C��� e o tempo m��dio (r���-0,05) foi ��nfima negativa. Discuss��o/Conclus��es ��� O grupo com VBN apresenta um n��mero m��dio de sinos identificados superior ao grupo com IC. Verifica-se ainda que o grupo com IC demorou mais tempo na realiza����o do teste, comparativamente com o grupo com VBN. Estes resultados apontam para uma poss��vel rela����o entre a IC e a diminui����o da aten����o visual.