Showing papers by "Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso published in 2018"

Resveratrol and Brain Mitochondria: a Review

Abstract: Resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene; C14H12O3) is a polyphenolic phytoalexin found in grapes, berries, peanuts, and wines. Resveratrol has been viewed as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anticancer agent. Moreover, it has been reported that resveratrol modulates mitochondrial function, redox biology, and dynamics in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Resveratrol also attenuates mitochondrial impairment induced by certain stressors. Resveratrol upregulates, for example, mitochondria-located antioxidant enzymes, decreasing the production of reactive species by these organelles. Resveratrol also triggers mitochondrial biogenesis, ameliorating the mitochondria-related bioenergetics status in mammalian cells. In the present work, we discuss about the effects of resveratrol on brain mitochondria. Brain cells (both neuronal and glial) are susceptible to mitochondrial dysfunction due to their high demand for adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Additionally, brain cells consume oxygen (O2) at very high rates, leading to a proportionally high mitochondrial production of reactive species. Therefore, strategies focusing on the maintenance of mitochondrial function in these cell types are of pharmacological interest in the case of neurodegenerative diseases, which involve mitochondrial impairment and increased generation of reactive species, leading to neuroinflammation and cell death. The mechanism by which resveratrol protects mitochondrial function and dynamics is not completely understood, and further research would be necessary in order to investigate exactly how resveratrol affects mitochondria-related parameters. Furthermore, it is particularly important because resveratrol is able to induce cytotoxicity depending on its dosage.

Second rate or a second chance? Assessing biomass and biodiversity recovery in regenerating Amazonian forests.

Abstract: © 2018 The Authors Global Change Biology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd Secondary forests (SFs) regenerating on previously deforested land account for large, expanding areas of tropical forest cover Given that tropical forests rank among Earth’s most important reservoirs of carbon and biodiversity, SFs play an increasingly pivotal role in the carbon cycle and as potential habitat for forest biota Nevertheless, their capacity to regain the biotic attributes of undisturbed primary forests (UPFs) remains poorly understood Here, we provide a comprehensive assessment of SF recovery, using extensive tropical biodiversity, biomass, and environmental datasets These data, collected in 59 naturally regenerating SFs and 30 co-located UPFs in the eastern Amazon, cover >1,600 large- and small-stemmed plant, bird, and dung beetles species and a suite of forest structure, landscape context, and topoedaphic predictors After up to 40 years of regeneration, the SFs we surveyed showed a high degree of biodiversity resilience, recovering, on average among taxa, 88% and 85% mean UPF species richness and composition, respectively Across the first 20 years of succession, the period for which we have accurate SF age data, biomass recovered at 12% per year, equivalent to a carbon uptake rate of 225 Mg/ha per year, while, on average, species richness and composition recovered at 26% and 23% per year, respectively For all taxonomic groups, biomass was strongly associated with SF species distributions However, other variables describing habitat complexity—canopy cover and understory stem density—were equally important occurrence predictors for most taxa Species responses to biomass revealed a successional transition at approximately 75 Mg/ha, marking the influx of high-conservation-value forest species Overall, our results show that naturally regenerating SFs can accumulate substantial amounts of carbon and support many forest species However, given that the surveyed SFs failed to return to a typical UPF state, SFs are not substitutes for UPFs

The role of antimicrobial peptides in plant immunity

Abstract: Selective pressure imposed by millions of years of relentless biological attack has led to the development of an extraordinary array of defense strategies in plants. Among these, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) stand out as one of the most prominent components of the plant immune system. These small and usually basic peptides are deployed as a generalist defense strategy that grants direct and durable resistance against biotic stress. Even though their name implies a function against microbes, the range of plant-associated organisms affected by these peptides is much broader. In this review, we highlight the advances in our understanding on the role of AMPs in plant immunity. We demonstrate that the capacity of plant AMPs to act against a large spectrum of enemies relies on their diverse mechanism of action and remarkable structural stability. The efficacy of AMPs as a defense strategy is evidenced by their widespread occurrence in the plant kingdom, an astonishing heterogeneity in host peptide composition, and the extent to which plant enemies have evolved effective counter-measures to evade AMP action. Plant AMPs are becoming an important topic of research due to their significance in allowing plants to thrive and for their enormous potential in agronomical and pharmaceutical fields.

Disease protection and allelopathic interactions of seed-transmitted endophytic pseudomonads of invasive reed grass ( Phragmites australis )

Abstract: Non-native Phragmites australis (haplotype M) is an invasive grass that decreases biodiversity and produces dense stands. We hypothesized that seeds of Phragmites carry microbes that improve seedling growth, defend against pathogens and maximize capacity of seedlings to compete with other plants. We isolated bacteria from seeds of Phragmites, then evaluated representatives for their capacities to become intracellular in root cells, and their effects on: 1.) germination rates and seedling growth, 2.) susceptibility to damping-off disease, and 3.) mortality and growth of competitor plant seedlings (dandelion (Taraxacum officionale F. H. Wigg) and curly dock (Rumex crispus L.)). Ten strains (of 23 total) were identified and characterized; seven were identified as Pseudomonas spp. Strains Sandy LB4 (Pseudomonas fluorescens) and West 9 (Pseudomonas sp.) entered root meristems and became intracellular. These bacteria improved seed germination in Phragmites and increased seedling root branching in Poa annua. They increased plant growth and protected plants from damping off disease. Sandy LB4 increased mortality and reduced growth rates in seedlings of dandelion and curly dock. Phragmites plants associate with endophytes to increase growth and disease resistance, and release bacteria into the soil to create an environment that is favorable to their seedlings and less favorable to competitor plants.

Soil organic matter doubles the cation exchange capacity of tropical soil under no-till farming in Brazil.

Abstract: Agricultural conservation practices increase total organic carbon storage in soil (TOCS ), a factor that is correlated with the physical and chemical qualities of highly weathered soils. In this study, we investigated the effects of TOCS on the physicochemical attributes of a Latosol after 10 years of no-till management in Mato Grosso State, Brazil.; Results: TCOS was highly correlated (r = 0.92) with cation exchange capacity (CEC, pH = 7) and soil density. In the top 0.2 m soil layer, CEC increased by 25% with every 1.8 kg m-2 of stored organic carbon. Eliminating soil organic matter reduced CEC from an already low value of 8.40 cmolc kg-1 to 4.82 cmolc kg-1 . Humus is therefore clearly important for the formation of a negative liquid charge in a predominantly electropositive but clayey soil.; Conclusion: We confirmed that TOCS is an indicator related to the physiochemical characteristics of weathered soils. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that the increased carbon storage under non-tilling systems is essential for guaranteeing weathered soil fertility in tropical climates. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.; © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Is environmental legislation conserving tropical stream faunas? A large-scale assessment of local, riparian and catchment-scale influences on Amazonian fish.

Abstract: 1. Agricultural expansion and intensification are major threats to tropical biodiversity. In addition to the direct removal of native vegetation, agricultural expansion often elicits other human-induced disturbances, many of which are poorly addressed by existing environmental legislation and conservation programmes. This is particularly true for tropical freshwater systems, where there is considerable uncertainty about whether a legislative focus on protecting riparian vegetation is sufficient to conserve stream fauna. 2. To assess the extent to which stream fish are being effectively conserved in agricultural landscapes, we examined the spatial distribution of assemblages in river basins to identify the relative importance of human impacts at instream, riparian and catchment scales, in shaping observed patterns. We used an extensive dataset on the ecological condition of 83 low-order streams distributed in three river basins in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. 3. We collected and identified 24,420 individual fish from 134 species. Multiplicative diversity partitioning revealed high levels of compositional dissimilarity (DS) among stream sites (DS = 0.74 to 0.83) and river basins (DS = 0.82), due mainly to turnover (77.8% to 81.8%) rather than nestedness. The highly heterogeneous fish faunas in small Amazonian streams underscore the vital importance of enacting measures to protect forests on private lands outside of public protected areas. 4. Instream habitat features explained more variability in fish assemblages (15%-19%) than riparian (2%-12%), catchment (4%-13%) or natural covariates (4%-11%). Although grouping species into functional guilds allowed us to explain up to 31% of their abundance (i.e. for nektonic herbivores), individual riparian - and catchment- scale predictor variables that are commonly a focus of environmental legislation explained very little of the observed variation (partial R-2 values mostly 5. Policy implications. Current rates of agricultural intensification and mechanization in tropical landscapes are unprecedented, yet the existing legislative frameworks focusing on protecting riparian vegetation seem insufficient to conserve stream environments and their fish assemblages. To safeguard the species-rich freshwater biota of small Amazonian streams, conservation actions must shift towards managing whole basins and drainage networks, as well as agricultural practices in already-cleared land.

Expansion of aquaculture parks and the increasing risk of non‐native species invasions in Brazil

Abstract: Aquaculture is the main vector for introduction of non-native species in Brazil and around the world. Despite the potentially serious and irreversible ecological impacts caused by non-native species, they continue to be in many cases the preferred option in aquaculture farms, of which the recent plans of aquaculture expansion promoted by the Brazilian Government are an emblematic example. In this study, we present a survey of publicly available information on aquaculture parks to be installed across the Brazilian territory, with emphasis on species status as native or non-native, and discuss the implications for the conservation of aquatic biodiversity. One hundred and thirty-nine aquaculture parks (APs), with a total of 1556 sites covering 941.38 hectares, have been called for bids. Among these, 122 APs will contain at least one non-native species, and 68 APs will be based exclusively on their cultivation. A predictable consequence is the enhancement of propagule pressure in surrounding aquatic ecosystems, increasing the risk of non-native species establishment or persistence, which will likely intensify the environmental impacts already in course in four major river basins and along the Brazilian coast. These impacts will add up to more direct effects of aquaculture farming – for example elevated input of nutrients and organic matter – and include changes in habitat and water quality, spread of diseases, biotic homogenization, loss of population viability resulting from hybridization and outbreeding depression, and the local extirpation of native species.

Turnover and nestedness in subtropical dung beetle assemblages along an elevational gradient

Abstract: AIM: We investigated changes in dung beetle β‐diversity components along a subtropical elevational gradient, to test whether turnover or nestedness‐related processes drive the dissimilarity of assemblages at spatial and temporal scales. LOCATION: An elevational gradient (200–1,600 m a.s.l.) of the Atlantic Forest in southern Brazil. METHODS: We investigated the extent to which β‐diversity varied along the elevational gradient (six elevations) at both spatial (among sites at different elevations) and temporal (different months at the same site) scales. We compared both the turnover and nestedness‐related dissimilarity of species and genera using multiple‐site or multiple‐month measures and tested whether these measurements were different from random expectations. RESULTS: A mid‐elevation peak in species richness along the elevational gradient was observed, and the lowest richness occurred at the highest elevations. We found two different groups of species, lowland and highland species, with a mixing of groups at intermediate elevations. The turnover component of β‐diversity was significantly higher for both spatial (i.e. elevational) and temporal changes in species composition. However, when the data for genera by site were considered, the elevational turnover value decreased in relative importance. Nestedness‐related processes are more important for temporal dissimilarity patterns at higher elevation sites. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Spatial and temporal turnover of dung beetle species is the most important component of β‐diversity along the elevational gradient. High‐elevation assemblages are not subsets of assemblages that inhabit lower elevations, but this relationship ceases when β‐diversity is measured at the generic level. Environmental changes across elevations may be the cause of the differential establishment of distinctive species, but these species typically belong to the same higher taxonomic rank. Conservation strategies should consider elevational gradients in case‐specific scenarios as they may contain distinct species assemblages in lowlands vs. highlands.

Guava, orange and passion fruit by-products: Characterization and its impacts on kinetics of acidification and properties of probiotic fermented products

Abstract: This study aimed at characterizing guava, orange and passion fruit by-products and investigating the effect of adding these fruit by-products to probiotic fermented goat milk and cereal-based fermented products. Fruit by-products showed total fiber content, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity varying from, respectively, 58.20–89.80%, 253.14–420.89 mg GAE/100 g, and 11.38–17.37 μmol TE/g. Most carotenoids were represented by β-carotene, which ranged from 7.91 to 56.07 μg/g. The presence of fruit by-products did not affect the fermentation time of fermented oat beverage and fermented goat milk; however, a significant increase (ranging from 0.28 to 0.91 h) in fermentation time of fermented rice beverages was observed after the addition of by-products. Fruit by-products also resulted in an increase in acidification throughout storage; however, they did not affect the counts of probiotic bacteria. A decrease in probiotic survival during in vitro gastrointestinal simulation was observed in all treatments. Nonetheless, the presence of orange and passion fruit by-products enhanced the resistance of the probiotics to simulated gastrointestinal conditions and resulted in population 2 log CFU/mL higher than the control treatment. Fruit by-products can be considered relevant sources of bioactive compounds useful in raising the functional attributes of probiotic fermented products.

Aerobic Solid State Red Phosphorescence from Benzobismole Monomers and Patternable Self‐Assembled Block Copolymers

Abstract: The synthesis of the first bismuth-containing macromolecules that exhibit phosphorescence in the solid state and in the presence of oxygen is reported. These red emissive high molecular weight polymers (>300 kDa) feature benzobismoles appended to a hydrocarbon scaffold, and were built via an efficient ring-opening metathesis (ROMP) protocol. Moreover, our general procedure readily allows for the formation of cross-linked networks and block copolymers. Attaining stable red phosphorescence with non-toxic elements remains a challenge and, thus, our new class of soluble (processable) polymeric phosphor is of great interest. Furthermore, the formation of bismuth-rich cores within organic-inorganic block copolymer spherical micelles is possible, leading to patterned arrays of bismuth in the film state.

Aquaculture expansion in Brazilian freshwaters against the Aichi Biodiversity Targets

Abstract: The Convention on Biological Diversity proposed the Aichi Biodiversity Targets to improve conservation policies and to balance economic development, social welfare, and the maintenance of biodiversity/ecosystem services. Brazil is a signatory of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and is the most diverse country in terms of freshwater fish, but its national policies have supported the development of unsustainable commercial and ornamental aquaculture, which has led to serious disturbances to inland ecosystems and natural resources. We analyzed the development of Brazilian aquaculture to show how current aquaculture expansion conflicts with all 20 Aichi Targets. This case suggests that Brazil and many other megadiverse developing countries will not meet international conservation targets, stressing the need for new strategies, such as the environmental management system, to improve biodiversity conservation.

Effects of Brazil's Political Crisis on the Science Needed for Biodiversity Conservation

Abstract: The effects of Brazil´s political crisis on biodiversity conservation are likely to be global. Brazil is not only the World´s most biodiverse nation, it is responsible for the greater part of the Amazon forest, which regulates the climate and provides rain to much of southern South America. Brazil was a World leader in satellite monitoring of land-use change, in-situ biodiversity monitoring, reduction in tropical-forest deforestation, protection of indigenous lands, and a model for other developing nations. Coordinated public responses will be necessary to prevent special-interest groups from using the political crisis to weaken environmental legislation and law enforcement.

Soybean Yield Gap in the Areas of Yield Contest in Brazil

Abstract: Soybean yield is mainly influenced by the interaction among genotype, environmental conditions and management practices. Based on that, the aim of this study was to quantify the soybean yield gap caused by water deficit (YGWD) and sub-optimum crop management (YGCM), considering data from the areas of soybean yield contest in Brazil. Potential (Yp) and attainable (Ya) yields were estimated by a crop yield simulation model, whereas actual farmers yields (Yf) were obtained from the contests conducted by the Brazilian Soybean Strategic Committee (CESB), comprising 200 sites. The YGWD and YGCM were, respectively, calculated by the difference between Yp and Ya, and Ya and Yf. The climate efficiency (EFC) was obtained by the ratio between Ya and Yp, while crop management efficiency (EFM) considered the ratio between Yf and Ya. The mean Yf from CESB was 5021 kg ha−1, higher than the national average of about 3000 kg ha−1. The YGWD and YGCM were, respectively, 2931 and 3458 kg ha−1, representing 46 and 54% of total yield gap. The weather conditions did not affect Yf in the studied sites with lower EFM. For sites with EFC higher than 0.80, Yf increased in a rate of 92 kg ha−1 per percentage of increase in EFM. When comparing the national average and CESB winners, the results showed that average Yf could be increased in 2514 and 2584 kg ha−1, respectively, by closing YGCM and YGWD, which shows that there is room to double the present Brazilian soybean yield by adopting the technology already available to the farmers. These results can serve as reference to guide other studies about soybean yield gap around the world, helping policy makers and other stakeholders to elaborate strategies for closing yield gaps and making soybean production more sustainable.

Variation in the angiosperm ionome

Abstract: The ionome is defined as the elemental composition of a subcellular structure, cell, tissue, organ or organism. The subset of the ionome comprising mineral nutrients is termed the functional ionome. A ‘standard functional ionome’ of leaves of an ‘average’ angiosperm, defined as the nutrient composition of leaves when growth is not limited by mineral nutrients, is presented and can be used to compare the effects of environment and genetics on plant nutrition. The leaf ionome of a plant is influenced by interactions between its environment and genetics. Examples of the effects of the environment on the leaf ionome are presented and the consequences of nutrient deficiencies on the leaf ionome are described. The physiological reasons for (1) allometric relationships between leaf nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and (2) linear relationships between leaf calcium and magnesium concentrations are explained. It is noted that strong phylogenetic effects on the mineral composition of leaves of angiosperm species are observed even when sampled from diverse environments. The evolutionary origins of traits including (1) the small calcium concentrations of Poales leaves, (2) the large magnesium concentrations of Caryophyllales leaves, and (3) the large sulfur concentrations of Brassicales leaves are traced using phylogenetic relationships among angiosperm orders, families and genera. The rare evolution of hyperaccumulation of toxic elements in leaves of angiosperms is also described. Consequences of variation in the leaf ionome for ecology, mineral cycling in the environment, strategies for phytoremediation of contaminated land, sustainable agriculture, and the nutrition of livestock and humans are discussed.

Carnosic Acid Induces Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Paraquat-Treated SH-SY5Y Cells Through a Mechanism Involving a Crosstalk Between the Nrf2/HO-1 Axis and NF-κB.

Abstract: Carnosic acid (CA) is a phenolic diterpene obtained from Rosmarinus officinalis L. and has demonstrated cytoprotective properties in several experimental models. CA exerts antioxidant effects by upregulating the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which controls the expression of antioxidant and phase II detoxification enzymes. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression is modulated by Nrf2 and has been demonstrated as part of the mechanism underlying the CA-induced cytoprotection. Nonetheless, it remains to be studied whether and how HO-1 would mediate CA-elicited anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, we have investigated here whether and how CA would prevent paraquat (PQ)-induced inflammation-related alterations in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated for 12 h with CA at 1 μM before exposure to PQ for further 24 h. CA suppressed the PQ-induced alterations on the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) through a mechanism involving the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 axis. Furthermore, we observed a crosstalk between the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and the activation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription factor, since administration of ZnPP IX (specific inhibitor of HO-1) or Nrf2 knockdown using small interfering RNA (siRNA) abolished the anti-inflammatory effects induced by CA. Moreover, administration of SN50 (specific inhibitor of NF-κB) inhibited the PQ-induced inflammation-related effects in SH-SY5Y cells. Therefore, CA exerted anti-inflammatory effects in SH-SY5Y cells through an Nrf2/HO-1 axis-dependent manner associated with downregulation of NF-κB.

Greenhouse gas emissions from soil amended with agricultural residue biochars: Effects of feedstock type, production temperature and soil moisture

Abstract: The conversion of agricultural residues into biochar produces a material with agronomic and environmental benefits. Biochars have been found to positively or negatively affect soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with the variability being explained by differences in biochar properties and environmental conditions. This study evaluated the effect of soil moisture conditions on the emissions of GHGs from soils amended with different types of biochar. For that, we added biochars to a sandy soil and incubated the samples at 23 °C for 90 days under two moisture conditions. While CH4 fluxes remained not significantly different from zero in all treatments, CO2 effluxes were stimulated at higher soil moisture contents, though the stimulating effect varied with biochar type. Soils amended with biochars with a narrow C:N ratio showed a higher CO2 efflux than soils amended with biochars with a wide C:N ratio. There were significant main effects of pyrolysis temperature and soil moisture conditions on the N2O fluxes from the treatments, however total N2O fluxes from biochar amended soils were overall not significantly different from the control due to treatment interactions. Our study indicates that the main effect of biochars on the GHG balances of soils is related to an increase in soil C stocks, with little short-term changes in soil CH4 and N2O fluxes. Nevertheless, short-term increases in GHG emissions due to biochar addition to soils can be easily mitigated by use of biochars with high C:N ratios produced under high temperatures and by avoiding application to moist soils.

Prevalência simultânea de hipertensão e diabetes em idosos brasileiros: desigualdades individuais e contextuais

Abstract: Resumo A prevalencia da simultaneidade de doencas especificas nos idosos ainda e pouco descrita na literatura. O objetivo do estudo foi estimar a prevalencia simultânea de hipertensao arterial e diabetes mellitus em idosos brasileiros, e os fatores contextuais e individuais a ela associados. Estudo transversal de base populacional com idosos (≥ 60 anos) entrevistados pelo Vigitel em 2012 (n = 10.991). As analises foram realizadas por meio de regressao de Poisson multinivel no Stata 12. A media de idade dos idosos foi de 69,4 anos e a prevalencia simultânea das doencas foi de 16,2% com variacao nas capitais brasileiras. Em Sao Paulo e Curitiba as prevalencias foram mais elevadas do que em Boa Vista e Manaus. Maiores prevalencias foram observadas nas capitais das regioes Sul/Sudeste/Centro-Oeste, nos idosos de cor preta e parda, naqueles com escolaridade ≤ 8 anos de estudo, nos nao fumantes e ex-fumantes, e com excesso de peso. Verificou-se o efeito da regiao geografica na prevalencia simultânea pela elevacao de 23,5% na magnitude da razao de prevalencia, apos ajuste para todas as variaveis individuais. Por meio do estudo, foi possivel dimensionar o efeito do contexto onde estao inseridos os idosos (regiao de residencia) sobre a prevalencia das principais doencas que acometem e relacionam-se a mortalidade na populacao idosa na atualidade.

6ª DIRETRIZES DE MONITORIZAÇÃO AMBULATORIAL DA PRESSÃO ARTERIAL E 4ª DIRETRIZES DE MONITORIZAÇÃO RESIDENCIAL DA PRESSÃO ARTERIAL

Abstract: Apresentacao Reunem-se, novamente, representantes das sociedades brasileiras de Cardiologia (SBC), de Hipertensao (SBH) e de Nefrologia (SBN) para uma revisao e atualizacao das ultimas diretrizes de MAPA e MRPA. O processo para a producao obedeceu a um cronograma de trabalho exclusivamente realizado via web com dois grupos de trabalhos voltados para cada um dos metodos. […] 6a DIRETRIZES DE MONITORIZACAO AMBULATORIAL DA PRESSAO ARTERIAL E 4a DIRETRIZES DE MONITORIZACAO RESIDENCIAL DA PRESSAO ARTERIAL

A Smart Trust Management Method to Detect On-Off Attacks in the Internet of Things

Abstract: Internet of Things (IoT) resources cooperate with themselves for requesting and providing services. In heterogeneous and complex environments, those resources must trust each other. On-Off attacks threaten the IoT trust security through nodes performing good and bad behaviors randomly, to avoid being rated as a menace. Some countermeasures demand prior levels of trust knowledge and time to classify a node behavior. In some cases, a malfunctioning node can be mismatched as an attacker. In this paper, we introduce a smart trust management method, based on machine learning and an elastic slide window technique that automatically assesses the IoT resource trust, evaluating service provider attributes. In simulated and real-world data, this method was able to identify On-Off attackers and fault nodes with a precision up to 96% and low time consumption.

Validity of Session Rating Perceived Exertion Method for Quantifying Internal Training Load during High-Intensity Functional Training

Abstract: The aim of this study was to validate the quantification of internal training load (session rating perceived exertion, sRPE) and the effect of recall timing of sRPE during high-intensity functional training (HIFT) sessions. Thirteen male HIFT practitioners (age 27.2 ± 33 years, height 177.1 ± 4.0 cm, body mass 81.1 ± 9.0 kg) were monitored during two common HIFT training sessions: Fight Gone Bad (FGB) and Fran. The Edwards summated heart-rate-zone method was used as a reference measure of internal training load. The session-RPE rating was obtained using the CR-10 scale modified by Foster. The training load calculated by the Edwards-TRIMP index was significantly higher (p < 0.05) during the FGB (77.7 ± 4.9) than the Fran (19.8 ± 8.4) workout. There was a strong correlation (p < 0.05) between the Edwards-TRIMP index and the training load calculated by the sRPE in all time frames (0, 10, 20, and 30 min post-exercise). The RPE and sRPE measured at 30 min post-exercise time frame was significant lower than 0, 10, and 20 min post-exercise for both workouts. The session-RPE method is an easy and valid tool to evaluate internal training load for high intensity functional training practitioners.

Maternal diet-induced obesity during suckling period programs offspring obese phenotype and hypothalamic leptin/insulin resistance

Abstract: During the early post-natal period, offspring are vulnerable to environmental insults, such as nutritional and hormonal changes, which increase risk to develop metabolic diseases later in life. Our aim was to understand whether maternal obesity during lactation programs offspring to metabolic syndrome and obese phenotype, in addition we aimed to assess the peripheral glucose metabolism and hypothalamic leptin/insulin signaling pathways. At delivery, female Wistar rats were randomly divided in two groups: Control group (CO), mothers fed a standard rodent chow (Nuvilab); and Diet-induced obesity group (DIO), mothers who had free access to a diet performed with 33% ground standard rodent chow, 33% sweetened condensed milk (Nestle), 7% sucrose and 27% water. Maternal treatment was performed throughout suckling period. All offspring received standard rodent chow from weaning until 91-day-old. DIO dams presented increased total body fat and insulin resistance. Consequently, the breast milk from obese dams had altered composition. At 91-day-old, DIO offspring had overweight, hyperphagia and higher adiposity. Furthermore, DIO animals had hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, they also showed pancreatic islet hypertrophy and increased pancreatic β-cell proliferation. Finally, DIO offspring showed low ObRb, JAK2, STAT-3, IRβ, PI3K and Akt levels, suggesting leptin and insulin hypothalamic resistance, associated with increased of hypothalamic NPY level and decreased of POMC. Maternal obesity during lactation malprograms rat offspring to develop obesity that is associated with impairment of melanocortin system. Indeed, rat offspring displayed glucose dyshomeostasis and both peripheral and central insulin resistance.

Probing the antioxidant potential of phloretin and phlorizin through a computational investigation.

Abstract: The structures and energetics of two dihydrochalcones (phloretin and its glycoside phlorizin) were examined with density functional theory, using the B3LYP, M06-2X, and LC-ω PBE functionals with both the 6-311G(d,p) and 6-311 + G(d,p) basis sets. Properties connected to antioxidant activity, i.e., bond dissociation enthalpies (BDEs) for OH groups and ionization potentials (IPs), were computed in a variety of environments including the gas-phase, n-hexane, ethanol, methanol, and water. The smallest BDEs among the four OH groups for phloretin (three for phlorizin) were determined (using B3LYP/6-311 + G(d,p) in water) to be 79.36 kcal/mol for phloretin and 79.98 kcal/mol for phlorizin while the IPs (at the same level of theory) were obtained as 139.48 and 138.98 kcal/mol, respectively. By comparing with known antioxidants, these values for the BDEs indicate both phloretin and phlorizin show promise for antioxidant activity. In addition, the presence of the sugar moiety has a moderate (0-6 kcal/mol depending on functional) effect on the BDEs for all OH groups. Interestingly, the BDEs suggest that (depending on the functional chosen) the sugar moiety can lead to an increase, decrease, or no change in the antioxidant activity. Therefore, further experimental tests are encouraged to understand the substituent effect on the BDEs for phloretin and to help determine the most appropriate functional to probe BDEs for dihydrochalcones.

Moving Beyond Boron-Based Substituents To Achieve Phosphorescence in Tellurophenes.

Abstract: Previous research in our group showed that tellurophenes with pinacolboronate (BPin) units at the 2- and/or 5-positions displayed efficient phosphorescence in the solid state, both in the presence of oxygen and water. In this current study, we show that luminescence from a tellurophene is possible when various aryl-based substituents are present, thus greatly expanding the family of known (and potentially accessible) Te-based phosphors. Moreover, for the green phosphorescent perborylated tellurium heterocycle, 2,3,4,5-TeC4BPin4 (4BTe), oxygen-mediated quenching of phosphorescence is an important contributor to the lack of emission in solution (when exposed to air); thus, this system displays aggregation-enhanced emission (AEE). These discoveries should facilitate the future design of color tunable tellurium-based luminogens.

A computational investigation on the antioxidant potential of myricetin 3,4'-di-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside.

Abstract: In this work, we present a computational study on the antioxidant potential of myricetin 3,4 $^{\prime }$ -di-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (Compound M). A density functional theory (DFT) approach with the B3LYP and LC-ωPBE functionals and with both the 6-311G(d,p) and 6-311+G(d,p) basis sets was used. The focus of the investigation was on the structural and energetic parameters including both bond dissociation enthalpies (BDEs) and ionization potentials (IPs), which provide information on the potential antioxidant activity. The properties computed were compared with BDEs and IPs available in the literature for myricetin, a compound well known for presenting antioxidant activity (and the parent molecule of the compound of interest in the present work). Myricetin 3,4 $^{\prime }$ -di-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside presented the lowest BDE to be 79.13 kcal/mol (as determined using B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) in water) while myricetin has a quite similar value (within 3.4 kcal/mol). IPs computed in the gas phase [B3LYP/6-311G(d,p)] are 157.18 and 161.4 kcal/mol for myricetin 3,4 $^{\prime }$ -di-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside and myricetin, respectively. As the values of BDEs are considerably lower than the ones probed for IPs (in the gas phase or in any given solvent environment), the hydrogen atom transfer mechanism is preferred over the single electron transfer mechanism. The BDEs obtained suggest that myricetin 3,4 $^{\prime }$ -di-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside can present antioxidant potential as good as the parent molecule myricetin (a well-known antioxidant). Therefore, experimental tests on the antioxidant activity of Compound M are encouraged.

Pinocembrin Suppresses H 2 O 2 -Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction by a Mechanism Dependent on the Nrf2/HO-1 Axis in SH-SY5Y Cells

Abstract: Mitochondria are susceptible to redox impairment, which has been associated with neurodegeneration. These organelles are both a source and target of reactive species. In that context, there is increasing interest in finding natural compounds that modulate mitochondrial function and mitochondria-related signaling in order to prevent or to treat diseases involving mitochondrial impairment. Herein, we investigated whether and how pinocembrin (PB) would prevent mitochondrial dysfunction elicited by the exposure of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). PB (25 μM) was administrated for 4 h before H2O2 treatment (300 μM for 24 h). PB prevented H2O2-induced loss of cell viability mitochondrial depolarization in SH-SY5Y cells. PB also attenuated redox impairment in mitochondrial membranes. The production of superoxide anion radical (O2 −•) and nitric oxide (NO•) was alleviated by PB in cells exposed to H2O2. PB suppressed the H2O2-induced inhibition of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes aconitase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and succinate dehydrogenase. Furthermore, PB induced anti-inflammatory effects by abolishing the H2O2-dependent activation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and upregulation of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The PB-induced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are dependent on the heme oxygenate-1 (HO-1) enzyme and on the activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), since HO-1 inhibition (with 0.5 μM ZnPP IX) or Nrf2 silencing (with small interfering RNA (siRNA)) abolished the effects of PB. Overall, PB afforded cytoprotection by the Nrf2/HO-1 axis in H2O2-treated SH-SY5Y cells.