Oxidative damage linked to neurodegeneration by selective alpha-synuclein nitration in synucleinopathy lesions

Aggregated alpha-synuclein proteins form brain lesions that are hallmarks of neurodegenerative synucleinopathies, and oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of some of these disorders. Using antibodies to specific nitrated tyrosine residues in alpha-synuclein, we demonstrate extensive and widespread accumulations of nitrated alpha-synuclein in the signature inclusions of Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, the Lewy body variant of Alzheimer's disease, and multiple system atrophy brains. We also show that nitrated alpha-synuclein is present in the major filamentous building blocks of these inclusions, as well as in the insoluble fractions of affected brain regions of synucleinopathies. The selective and specific nitration of alpha-synuclein in these disorders provides evidence to directly link oxidative and nitrative damage to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative synucleinopathies.     

Pyroclastic activity at Home Plate in Gusev Crater, Mars

Home Plate is a layered plateau in Gusev crater on Mars. It is composed of clastic rocks of moderately altered alkali basalt composition, enriched in some highly volatile elements. A coarsegrained lower unit lies under a finer-grained upper unit. Textural observations indicate that the lower strata were emplaced in an explosive event, and geochemical considerations favor an explosive volcanic origin over an impact origin. The lower unit likely represents accumulation of pyroclastic materials, whereas the upper unit may represent eolian reworking of the same pyroclastic materials.     

Voltammetric determination of the antioxidant capacity in wine samples using a carbon nanotube modified electrode

A direct determination of gallic acid was achieved at a carbon paste electrode modified with carbon nanotubes under differential pulse voltammetry conditions. The values obtained for gallic acid were used to estimate the antioxidant properties of the wine sample based on gallic acid oxidation. The proposed method is based on the gallic acid oxidation process at a modified carbon paste electrode (MCPE) containing 30% (m/m) of carbon nanotubes monitored at 0.35 V versus Ag/AgCl (KCl 3 mol L(-1)). Using the optimized experimental conditions, the calibration curve for gallic acid was linear in the concentration range from 5.0 × 10(-7) to 1.5 × 10(-5) mol L(-1) with a detection limit of 3.0 × 10(-7) mol L(-1). The MCPE was successfully applied for the determination of the antioxidant capacity for red and white wine samples without interference of glucose and ascorbic acid, and the obtained results were compared with the standard spectrophotometric method.     

Using BCG,MPT-51 and Ag85 as antigens in an indirect ELISA for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis

This study evaluated the Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein antigen MPT-51, the trimeric antigen 85 (Ag85) complex, and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) in an indirect ELISA to diagnose bovine tuberculosis (TB) from serum samples. Serum was collected from 208 intra-dermal tuberculin test (ITT)-positive and 54 ITT-negative animals from a region where bovine TB is endemic. Using the Ag85 and BCG antigens, the indirect ELISA was able to discriminate ITT-positive from ITT-negative animals. This level of discrimination was not achieved when using the MPT-51 antigen. The highest sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the test was found when BCG was used (Se, 82%; Sp, 91%). Further work in different epidemiological settings and with larger numbers of animals will be required to validate these findings.     

Integrating geospatial and multi‐depth laboratory spectral data for mapping soil classes in a geologically complex area in southeastern Brazil

Soil mapping across large areas can be enhanced by integrating different methods and data sources. This study merges laboratory, field and remote sensing data to create digital maps of soil suborders based on the Brazilian Soil Classification System, with and without additional textural classification, in an area of 13 000 ha in the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. Data from 289 visited soil profiles were used in multinomial logistic regression to predict soil suborders from geospatial data (geology, topography, emissivity and vegetation index) and visible–near infrared (400–2500 nm) reflectance of soil samples collected at three depths (0–20, 40–60 and 80–100 cm). The derived maps were validated with 47 external observations, and compared with two conventional soil maps at scales of 1:100 000 and 1:20 000. Soil suborders with and without textural classification were predicted correctly for 44 and 52% of the soil profiles, respectively. The derived suborder maps agreed with the 1:100 000 and 1:20 000 conventional maps in 20 and 23% (with textural classification) and 41 and 46% (without textural classification) of the area, respectively. Soils that were well defined along relief gradients (Latosols and Argisols) were predicted with up to 91% agreement, whereas soils in complex areas (Cambisols and Neosols) were poorly predicted. Adding textural classification to suborders considerably degraded classification accuracy; thus modelling at the suborder level alone is recommended. Stream density and laboratory soil reflectance improved all classification models, showing their potential to aid digital soil mapping in complex tropical environments.     

Integrating species and successional classes for wood production in a mixed forest restoration system in a neotropical region

As forests in neotropical regions,particularly in developing countries,are devastated,interventions to restore biodiversity and its ecological functions are nee...     

A molecular diagnostic for tropical race 4 of the banana fusarium wilt pathogen

This study analysed genomic variation of the translation elongation factor 1α (TEF‐1α) and the intergenic spacer region (IGS) of the nuclear ribosomal operon of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) isolates, from different banana production areas, representing strains within the known races, comprising 20 vegetative compatibility groups (VCG). Based on two single nucleotide polymorphisms present in the IGS region, a PCR‐based diagnostic tool was developed to specifically detect isolates from VCG 01213, also called tropical race 4 (TR4), which is currently a major concern in global banana production. Validation involved TR4 isolates, as well as Foc isolates from 19 other VCGs, other fungal plant pathogens and DNA samples from infected tissues of the Cavendish banana cultivar Grand Naine (AAA). Subsequently, a multiplex PCR was developed for fungal or plant samples that also discriminated Musa acuminata and M. balbisiana genotypes. It was concluded that this diagnostic procedure is currently the best option for the rapid and reliable detection and monitoring of TR4 to support eradication and quarantine strategies.     

Catheter-induced urethral trauma in cats with urethral obstruction

Fifteen cats were evaluated with urethral obstruction. Penile trauma by catheterization was the major indication for perineal urethrostomy. Ten cats had developed a urethral stricture and five had rupture of the urethra following medical management. All cats had abnormalities in penis and/or prepuce and/or scrotal sacs including hyperemia or swelling. Perineal urethrostomy was performed in all cases and they were evaluated for 6 months after surgery. Few complications were noted. Urinary tract infection was the most frequent complication observed. The clients considered their cats to have a good quality of life following surgery.     

Evaluation of tangerine hybrid resistance to Alternaria alternata

The Alternaria Brown Spot, caused by Alternaria alternata, is a major fungal disease in some kinds of tangerines, tangor, mandarins and pomelos. In Brazil as well as worldwide, A. alternata can cause necrosis in fruits, branches and leaves, causing substantial profit loss. In the present research, in laboratory conditions and in the field, we evaluated the resistance to the fungus, in leaves and fruits, for 22 varieties and hybrids of tangerines. To this end, we evaluated genotypes belonging to the Germplasm Bank of the Estação Experimental de Citricultura de Bebedouro. The resistant genetic materials (found in leaves and fruits) represented four varieties of clementines (Citrus clementina); six varieties of mandarins (two belonging to C. reticulata, two to C. tangerina, one to C. deliciosa and one to C. nobilis); one tangelo (C. tangerina × C. paradisi); two mandarin hybrids (one resulting from crossing C. nobilis × C. deliciosa and the other from crossing C. clementina × C. reticulata); one tangor hybrid (C. clementina) and two satsuma hybrids (C. unshiu × C. deliciosa). We also determined a relation between the inoculation of leaves and fruits. The resistance and susceptibility following inoculation in leaves and fruits supports a relationship between these organs and the physiological responses observed for the evaluated genotypes.