Showing papers by "Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro published in 2019"

Multi-level governance and power in climate change policy networks

Abstract: This article proposes an innovative theoretical framework that combines institutional and policy network approaches to study multi-level governance. The framework is used to derive a number of propositions on how cross-level power imbalances shape communication and collaboration across multiple levels of governance. The framework is then applied to examine the nature of cross-level interactions in climate change mitigation and adaptation policy processes in the land use sectors of Brazil and Indonesia. The paper identifies major barriers to cross-level communication and collaboration between national and sub-national levels. These are due to power imbalances across governance levels that reflect broader institutional differences between federal and decentralized systems of government. In addition, powerful communities operating predominantly at the national level hamper cross-level interactions. The analysis also reveals that engagement of national level actors is more extensive in the mitigation and that of local actors in the adaptation policy domain, and specialisation in one of the climate change responses at the national level hampers effective climate policy integration in the land use sector.

Strategic approaches to restoring ecosystems can triple conservation gains and halve costs

Abstract: International commitments for ecosystem restoration add up to one-quarter of the world’s arable land. Fulfilling them would ease global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity decline but could displace food production and impose financial costs on farmers. Here, we present a restoration prioritization approach capable of revealing these synergies and trade-offs, incorporating ecological and economic efficiencies of scale and modelling specific policy options. Using an actual large-scale restoration target of the Atlantic Forest hotspot, we show that our approach can deliver an eightfold increase in cost-effectiveness for biodiversity conservation compared with a baseline of non-systematic restoration. A compromise solution avoids 26% of the biome’s current extinction debt of 2,864 plant and animal species (an increase of 257% compared with the baseline). Moreover, this solution sequesters 1 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent (a 105% increase) while reducing costs by US$28 billion (a 57% decrease). Seizing similar opportunities elsewhere would offer substantial contributions to some of the greatest challenges for humankind. A restoration prioritization approach applied to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot considers 362 scenarios for synergies and trade-offs between ecological and economic costs, benefits and scales.

Evaluation of bone marrow stem cell response to PLA scaffolds manufactured by 3D printing and coated with polydopamine and type I collagen.

Abstract: The majority of synthetic polymers used in 3 D printing are not designed to promote specific cellular interactions and hence possess limited bioactivity. Most of the strategies proposed to overcome this limitation demand multiple and expensive processing steps. This study aimed to evaluate the surface modification of 3D-printed poly(lactic acid) (PLA) scaffolds with polydopamine (PDA) coating as an alternative strategy to enhance their bioactivity and to facilitate the immobilization of type I collagen (COL I) onto the implant surface. Physical and chemical properties of PLA scaffolds coated with PDA, COL I or both were evaluated. The response of porcine bone marrow stem cells (MSCs) to the coatings was also investigated. The PDA layer improved COL immobilization onto the surface of the PLA scaffolds by 92%. The combination of PDA and COL functionalizations provided the best conditions for early-stage (<7 days) cell response. In addition, the PDA plus COL surface facilitated the robust deposition of extracellular matrix in the first 14 days of cell culture. Although the behavior of the MSCs appeared to be similar for both uncoated PLA and PDA plus COL-coated scaffolds by day 21, cells seeded onto PDA plus COL scaffolds produced substantially higher amounts of alkaline phosphatase. These results indicate that the osteoinductivity of 3D-printed PLA scaffolds can be enhanced by PDA and type I collagen coatings. This surface modification of polymeric scaffolds represents a promising strategy for bone tissue engineering. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 37-49, 2019.

Multicomponent Reactions for the Synthesis of Bioactive Compounds: A Review

Abstract: Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) are composed of three or more reagents in which the final product has all or most of the carbon atoms from its starting materials. These reactions represent, in the medicinal chemistry context, great potential in the research for new bioactive compounds, since their products can present great structural complexity. The aim of this review is to present the main multicomponent reactions since the original report by Strecker in 1850 from nowadays, covering their evolution, highlighting their significance in the discovery of new bioactive compounds. The use of MCRs is, indeed, a growing field of interest in the synthesis of bioactive compounds and approved drugs, with several examples of commerciallyavailable drugs that are (or can be) obtained through these protocols.

Unitarity, stability and loops of unstable ghosts

Abstract: We present a new understanding of the unstable ghostlike resonance which appears in theories such as quadratic gravity and Lee-Wick type theories. Quantum corrections make this resonance unstable, such that it does not appear in the asymptotic spectrum. We prove that these theories are unitary to all orders. Unitarity is satisfied by the inclusion of only cuts from stable states in the unitarity sum. This removes the need to consider this as a ghost state in the unitarity sum. However, we often use a narrow-width approximation where we do include cuts through unstable states and ignore cuts through the stable decay products. If we do this with the unstable ghost resonance at one loop, we get the correct answer only by using a contour which was originally defined by Lee and Wick. The quantum effects also provide damping in both the Feynman and the retarded propagators, leading to stability under perturbations.

Arrow of Causality and Quantum Gravity.

Abstract: Causality in quantum field theory is defined by the vanishing of field commutators for spacelike separations. However, this does not imply a direction for causal effects. Hidden in our conventions for quantization is a connection to the definition of an arrow of causality, i.e., what is the past and what is the future. If we mix quantization conventions within the same theory, we get a violation of microcausality. In such a theory with mixed conventions, the dominant definition of the arrow of causality is determined by the stable states. In some quantum gravity theories, such as quadratic gravity and possibly asymptotic safety, such a mixed causality condition occurs. We discuss some of the implications.

Virtual Screening Techniques in Drug Discovery: Review and Recent Applications.

Abstract: The discovery of bioactive molecules is an expensive and time-consuming process and new strategies are continuously searched for in order to optimize this process. Virtual Screening (VS) is one of the recent strategies that has been explored for the identification of candidate bioactive molecules. The number of new techniques and software that can be applied in this strategy has grown considerably in recent years, so, before their use, it is necessary to understand the basics an also the limitations behind each one to get the most out of them. It is also necessary to assess the real contributions of this strategy so that more significant progress can be made in the future. In this context, this review aims to discuss some important points related to VS, including the use of virtual ligand and biotarget libraries, structurebased and ligand-based VS techniques, as well as to present recent cases where this strategy was successfully applied.

Microwave Processing: Current Background and Effects on the Physicochemical and Microbiological Aspects of Dairy Products.

Abstract: Overheating is still a major problem in the use of conventional heating for milk and various dairy products, because it leads to the lowering of quality and sensory and nutritional values. Microwave (MW) heating has been credited with providing superior-quality dairy-based products with extended shelf-life, representing a good alternative to conventional heat treatment. The main drawback of MW heating refers to nonuniform temperature distribution, resulting in hot and cold spots mainly in solid and semisolid products; however, MW heating has been shown to be suitable for liquid foods, especially in a continuous fluid system. This review aims to describe the main factors and parameters necessary for the application of MW heating technology for dairy processing, considering the theoretical fundamentals and its effects on quality and safety aspects of milk and dairy products. MW heating has demonstrated great ability for the destruction of pathogenic/spoilage microorganisms and their spores, and also inactivation of enzymes, thereby preserving fresh characteristics of dairy products.

Epidemiology of capybara-associated Brazilian spotted fever

Abstract: Background Brazilian spotted fever (BSF), caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, has been associated with the transmission by the tick Amblyomma sculptum, and one of its main hosts, the capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). Methods During 2015–2019, we captured capybaras and ticks in seven highly anthropic areas of Sao Paulo state (three endemic and four nonendemic for BSF) and in two natural areas of the Pantanal biome, all with established populations of capybaras. Results The BSF-endemic areas were characterized by much higher tick burdens on both capybaras and in the environment, when compared to the BSF-nonendemic areas. Only two tick species (A. sculptum and Amblyomma dubitatum) were found in the anthropic areas; however, with a great predominance of A. sculptum (≈90% of all ticks) in the endemic areas, in contrast to a slight predominance of A. dubitatum (≈60%) in the nonendemic areas. Tick species richness was higher in the natural areas, where six species were found, albeit with a predominance of A. sculptum (≈95% of all ticks) and environmental tick burdens much lower than in the anthropic areas. The BSF-endemic areas were characterized by overgrowth populations of A. sculptum that were sustained chiefly by capybaras, and decreased populations of A. dubitatum. In contrast, the BSF-nonendemic areas with landscape similar to the endemic areas differed by having lower tick burdens and a slight predominance of A. dubitatum over A.sculptum, both sustained chiefly by capybaras. While multiple medium- to large-sized mammals have been incriminated as important hosts for A. sculptum in the natural areas, the capybara was the only important host for this tick in the anthropic areas. Conclusions The uneven distribution of R. rickettsii infection among A. sculptum populations in highly anthropic areas of Sao Paulo state could be related to the tick population size and its proportion to sympatric A. dubitatum populations.

Characterization of residual biomasses from the coffee production chain and assessment the potential for energy purposes

Abstract: Chemical quantitative characterization of biomass is relevant for waste to energy recovery technologies. In the present work, selected agroindustry solid residues from coffee crops – parchment and coffee shrub, i.e., stem, branches and leaves – were characterized. Properties such proximate, ultimate and biochemical composition, energy content, and thermogravimetric analysis, were evaluated. Results showed high values of higher heating value and volatile matter content. The silica contents are small for all samples. Additionally, the high content of extractives and lignin, reveal that these residual biomasses are more suitable for charcoal than cellulose pulp production. The extensive residue characterization provided valuable data that helped in outcome of the evaluation of different conversion technologies as being an environmentally friendly alternative, contributing to sustainable, reliable, carbon-neutral form of modern energy and upgrade the large quantity of waste generated by the coffee industry into energetically valued residues, by improving their management.

Sustained mass coral bleaching (2016–2017) in Brazilian turbid-zone reefs: taxonomic, cross-shelf and habitat-related trends

Abstract: Between 2014 and 2017, an unprecedented heat stress accumulated and propagated across the tropical oceans and resulted in the so-called Third Global Bleaching Event (TGBE). Information about the effects of the TGBE in marginal coral reef provinces are still scarce, but can be relevant to understand the trajectories of coral reefs as climate changes intensify. Akin to deep mesophotic reefs and reefs in thermally stressed regions, low diversity, turbid-zone reefs may exhibit high bleaching tolerance due to local adaptations and conditions (e.g., shading by turbidity). Here, we summarize previous bleaching events in the tropical Western South Atlantic Ocean and explore taxonomic, cross-shelf and habitat-related bleaching trends in the Abrolhos reefs in February, May, June and October 2016, and March 2017. Fire corals (Millepora spp.) were the most affected, but all scleractinian species and several octocorals and zoanthids also bleached. Bleaching prevalence was higher in shallow coastal and offshore reef arcs than in deeper mesophotic reefs. All coral species bleached, but there were taxonomic and habitat-related trends in bleaching prevalence. Several species bleached less in the sites and habitats where their abundance was lower. As of March 2017, coral mortality was overall low across the region (< 3% of total coral cover). Our results add to the recent evidence that deep reefs provide partial refugia for a few coral species, and that turbid-zone reefs may be less susceptible to climate stress due to shading, higher heterotrophy levels, and local adaptations.

Immunomodulatory Role of Capsular Polysaccharides Constituents of Cryptococcus neoformans.

Abstract: Cryptococcosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. In immunocompetent patients, cryptococcal infection is often confined to the lungs. In immunocompromised individuals, C. neoformans may cause life-threatening illness, either from novel exposure or through reactivation of a previously acquired latent infection. For example, cryptococcal meningitis is a severe clinical disease that can manifest in people that are immunocompromised due to AIDS. The major constituents of the Cryptococcus polysaccharide capsule, glucuronoxylomannan (GXM), and galactoxylomannan (GalXM), also known as glucuronoxylomanogalactan (GXMGal), are considered the primary virulence factors of Cryptococcus. Despite the predominance of GXM in the polysaccharide capsule, GalXM has more robust immunomodulatory effects on host cellular immunity. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding host-Crytococcus neoformans interactions and the role of capsular polysaccharides in host immunomodulation. Future studies will likely facilitate a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in antigenic recognition and host immune response to C. neoformans and lead to the development of new therapeutic pathways for cryptococcal infection.

A Novel Single-Site Mutation in the Catalytic Domain of Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase IX (PPO) Confers Resistance to PPO-Inhibiting Herbicides

Abstract: Protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)-inhibiting herbicides are used to control weeds in a variety of crops. These herbicides inhibit heme and photosynthesis in plants. PPO-inhibiting herbicides are used to control Amaranthus palmeri (Palmer amaranth) especially those with resistance to glyphosate and acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibiting herbicides. While investigating the basis of high fomesafen-resistance in A. palmeri, we identified a new amino acid substitution of glycine to alanine in the catalytic domain of PPO2 at position 399 (G399A) (numbered according to the protein sequence of A. palmeri). G399 is highly conserved in the PPO protein family across eukaryotic species. Through combined molecular, computational, and biochemical approaches, we established that PPO2 with G399A mutation has reduced affinity for several PPO-inhibiting herbicides, possibly due to steric hindrance induced by the mutation. This is the first report of a PPO2 amino acid substitution at G399 position in a field-selected weed population of A. palmeri. The mutant A. palmeri PPO2 showed high-level in vitro resistance to different PPO inhibitors relative to the wild type. The G399A mutation is very likely to confer resistance to other weed species under selection imposed by the extensive agricultural use of PPO-inhibiting herbicides.

Antibiofilm activity of the essential oil of citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) and its major component, geraniol, on the bacterial biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract: Medicinal plants with antimicrobial action have been investigated for uses against biofilms, among which, Cymbopogon nardus, citronella, stands out as a promising species. The present study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm action of the essential oil of C. nardus (EOCN) and geraniol on Gram-negative and positive bacteria from the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration and inhibition of biofilms. In the results, the EOCN produced a 41 mm halo on S. aureus, which was susceptible with MIC values of 0.5 and 0.25 mg/mL for the EOCN and geraniol respectively, both with bactericidal effect. The antibiofilm action was confirmed, the EOCN and geraniol reduced the biofilm biomass of S. aureus up to 100% between 0.5 and 4 mg/mL concentrations. The reduction of cell viability was 0.25 and 1 mg/mL, of EOCN and geraniol, respectively. EOCN and geraniol were shown to be promising antibiotic against S. aureus.

Look down—there is a gap—the need to include soil data in Atlantic Forest restoration

Abstract: Look down—there is a gap—the need to include soil data in Atlantic Forest restoration Maiara S. Mendes1,2,3, Agnieszka E. Latawiec1,2,3,4,5,6 , Jerônimo B. B. Sansevero3,7, Renato Crouzeilles1,2,8, Luiz F. D. Moraes3,9, Ana Castro1,2, Helena N. Alves-Pinto1,2,8, Pedro H. S. Brancalion10 , Ricardo R. Rodrigues11, Robin L. Chazdon2,12, Felipe S. M. Barros2, Juliana Santos1,2, Alvaro Iribarrem1,2, Stella Mata3, Luisa Lemgruber1,2, Aline Rodrigues1,2, Katarzyna Korys1,2, Bernardo B. N. Strassburg1,2,8

A novel scaffold for EGFR inhibition: Introducing N-(3-(3-phenylureido)quinoxalin-6-yl) acrylamide derivatives.

Abstract: Clinical data acquired over the last decade on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment with small molecular weight Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) inhibitors have shown significant influence of EGFR point mutations and in-frame deletions on clinical efficacy. Identification of small molecules capable of inhibiting the clinically relevant EGFR mutant forms is desirable, and novel chemical scaffolds might provide knowledge regarding selectivity among EGFR forms and shed light on new strategies to overcome current clinical limitations. Design, synthesis, docking studies and in vitro evaluation of N-(3-(3-phenylureido)quinoxalin-6-yl) acrylamide derivatives (7a-m) against EGFR mutant forms are described. Compounds 7h and 7l were biochemically active in the nanomolar range against EGFRwt and EGFRL858R. Molecular docking and reaction enthalpy calculations have shown the influence of the combination of reversible and covalent binding modes with EGFR on the inhibitory activity. The inhibitory profile of 7h against a panel of patient-derived tumor cell lines was established, demonstrating selective growth inhibition of EGFR related cells at 10 μM among a panel of 30 cell lines derived from colon, melanoma, breast, bladder, kidney, prostate, pancreas and ovary tumors.

Guideline of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology on Telemedicine in Cardiology - 2019

Abstract: Apresentacao Em boa hora, decidiu a Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia (SBC) fazer uma diretriz em telemedicina aplicada a cardiologia, tambem designada telecardiologia. A Organizacao Pan-americana de Saude (OPAS) e a Organizacao Mundial de Saude (OMS) definem Telemedicina como “a prestacao de servicos de saude remotos na promocao, prevencao, diagnostico, tratamento e reabilitacao pelos profissionais de saude que utilizam as tecnologias de informacao e comunicacao, que lhes permitem trocar dados, com o objetivo de facilitar o acesso e a oportunidade na [...]