Genetic diversity among 16 genotypes of Coffea arabica in the Brazilian cerrado

For the selection of coffee plants that have favorable characteristics, it is necessary to evaluate variables related to production. Knowledge of the genetic divergence of arabica coffee is of extreme importance, as this knowledge can be associated with plant breeding programs in order to combine genetic divergence with good productive performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic divergence among 16 genotypes of Coffea arabica with the purpose of identifying the most dissimilar genotypes for the establishment of breeding programs and adaptation to the Brazilian cerrado. The genetic divergence was evaluated using multivariate procedures, the analysis of the average grouping unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and main components in 2013 and 2014. Eight characters were evaluated in an experiment conducted in Morrinhos, Goiás. The presence of genetic divergence among the 16 C. arabica genotypes under cerrado conditions was recorded. The formation of UPGMA groups for the evaluated characteristics was pertinent due to the number of genotypes. The first three major components accounted for 81.77% of the total variance. The genotype H-419-3-4-4-13(C-241) of low size was the most divergent, followed by Catucaí 2 SL and Catiguá MG2, according to the main components.

What are the risk factors for dislocation in primary total hip arthroplasty? A multicenter case-control study of 128 unstable and 438 stable hips

INTRODUCTION

Dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a leading reason for surgical revision. The risk factors for dislocation are controversial, particularly those related to the patient and to the surgical procedure itself. The differences in opinion on the impact of these factors stem from the fact they are often evaluated using retrospective studies or in limited patient populations. This led us to carry out a prospective case-control study on a large population to determine: 1) the risk factors for dislocation after THA, 2) the features of these dislocations, and 3) the contribution of patient-related factors and surgery-related factors.

HYPOTHESIS

Risk factors for dislocation related to the patient and procedure can be identified using a large case-control study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A multicenter, prospective case-control study was performed between January 1 and December 31, 2013. Four patients with stable THAs were matched to each patient with a dislocated THA. This led to 566 primary THA cases being included: 128 unstable, 438 stable. The primary matching factors were sex, age, initial diagnosis, surgical approach, implantation date and type of implants (bearing size, standard or dual-mobility cup).

RESULTS

The patients with unstable THAs were 67±12 [37-73]years old on average; there were 61 women (48%) and 67 men (52%). Hip osteoarthritis (OA) was the main reason for the THA procedure in 71% (91/128) of the unstable group. The dislocation was posterior in 84 cases and anterior in 44 cases. The dislocation occurred within 3 months of the primary surgery in 48 cases (38%), 3 to 12 months after in 23 cases (18%), 1 to 5years after in 20 cases (16%), 5 to 10years after in 17 cases (13%) and more than 10years later in 20 cases. The dislocation recurred within 6 months of the initial dislocation in 23 of the 128 cases (18%). The risk factors for instability were a high ASA score with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.93 (95% CI: 1.4-2.6), neurological disability (cognitive, motor or psychiatric disorders) with an OR of 3.9 (95% CI: 2.15-7.1), history of spinal disease (lumbar stenosis, spinal fusion, discectomy, scoliosis and injury sequelae) with an OR of 1.89 (95% CI: 1.0-3.6), unrepaired joint capsule (all approaches) with an OR of 4.1 (95% CI: 2.3-7.37), unrepaired joint capsule (posterior approach) with an OR of 6.0 (95% CI: 2.2-15.9), and cup inclination outside Lewinnek's safe zone (30°-50°) with OR of 2.4 (95% CI: 1.4-4.0).

DISCUSSION

This large comparative study isolated important patient-related factors for dislocation that surgeons must be aware of. We also found evidence that implanting the cup in 30° to 50° inclination has a major impact on preventing dislocation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III; case-control study.

Tiller density and tillering on Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu pastures inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense

ABSTRACT The objective of this study is to verify the population density and the dynamics of tillering in the Marandu palisade grass sward subjected to nitrogen (N) fertilization strategies, characterized by the N supply via urea or bacterial inoculant (Azospirillum brasilense). The treatments comprised of four nitrogen fertilization strategies: (A) Without fertilization, (B) 80 kg N/ha, (C) inoculant (A. brasilense), and (D) 80 kg N/ha + inoculant, distributed in a randomized complete block design, with three replications. The nitrogen supply strategies were evaluated during six periods: October, November, and December (2012) as well as January, March, and April (2013). The nitrogen dose or inoculant had no effect on the tiller appearance rate (TAR), tiller mortality rate (TMR), tiller survival rate (TSR), or tiller population density (TPD). However, these variables were influenced by the season. The TAR and TSR were higher at the beginning of the experimental period (October) and lower towards the end of the period (March-April), whereas, TMR and TPD exhibited the opposite behavior, with lower values in October and higher from January onward. Neither the nitrogen nor the inoculant influenced the population dynamics of the tillers in Marandu palisade grass.

An Approach to Identifying Phenomena Accompanying Micro and Nanoparticles in Contact With Irregular Vessel Walls

The objective of this paper is to present the method for determining the nature and values of the forces needed to set micro and nanoparticles sitting immobile at the blood vessel wall in motion. The problem was tackled in two ways. Microparticles were examined as objects coming into contact with the wall with the actual large arteriole-type vessel structure. The forces acting on microparticles 10, 30, and [Formula: see text] in diameter were determined: drag force F_D , lift force F_L , electrostatic force F_E , and gravity force F_G . Fluid-structure interaction analysis was used to research the problem. However, nanoparticles were examined as objects coming into contact with the endothelial surface layer (ESL). Resistance forces during the movement of nanoparticles 20, 50, and 100 nm in diameter in the ESL were determined. The same was done for aggregates of nanoparticles 50 nm in diameter. Local irregularities in wall surface are important for microparticles. Small irregularities with the small values of electrostatic force F_E can effectively stop the particle. In the case of nanoparticles, the key is the interaction of the particle with ESL. The research methodology presented can be used to better understand the particle-blood vessel wall interaction phenomena, leading to a more informed particle movement control. The new application of known calculation methods presented in this paper can be successfully used as an additional tool that simplifies planning and design of strategies for drug delivery by means of micro and nanoparticles.

Novel cosmetic formulations containing a biosurfactant from Lactobacillus paracasei

Cosmetic and personal care products including toothpaste, shampoo, creams, makeup, among others, are usually formulated with petroleum-based surfactants, although in the last years the consume trend for "green" products is inducing the replacement of surface-active agents in these formulations by natural surfactants, so-called biosurfactants. In addition to their surfactant capacity, many biosurfactants can act as good emulsifiers, which is an extra advantage in the preparation of green cosmetic products. In this work, a biosurfactant obtained from Lactobacillus paracasei was used as a stabilizing agent in oil-in-water emulsions containing essential oils and natural antioxidant extract. In the presence of biosurfactant, maximum percentages of emulsion volumes (EV=100%) were observed, with droplets sizes about 199nm. These results were comparable with the ones obtained using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), a synthetic well known surfactant with high emulsify capacity. Moreover, the biosurfactant and emulsions cytotoxicity was evaluated using a mouse fibroblast cell line. Solutions containing 5g/L of biosurfactant presented cell proliferation values of 97%, whereas 0.5g/L of SDS showed a strong inhibitory effect. Overall, the results herein gathered are very promising towards the development of new green cosmetic formulations.

CARACTERIZAÇÃO QUÍMICA DAS ANTOCIANINAS DO FRUTO DE JUÇARA (Euterpe edulis MARTIUS)

A antocianina é um pigmento presente no reino vegetal com inúmeras funções indo desde coloração até bioatividade em diversos sistemas. Atualmente, as indústrias de alimentos têm investido em pesquisas e procurado substituir seus aditivos sintéticos por compostos naturais, os quais têm se tornado uma ferramenta atrativa no mercado como corante a alimentos e prevenção do processo oxidativo. Este trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar as antocianinas presentes no extrato de Juçara das amostras coletadas na região Sul e Caparaó do estado do Espírito Santo. Os resultados encontrados na análise de pH diferencial do extrato foi 20,94 ± 1,57 µg/g de Antocianina Monomérica do extrato. O município de Alegre apresentou o maior teor de açúcar total e redutor, respectivamente 6,87 ± 1,17 e 6,12 ± 2,37. As antocianinas existentes no juçara possui capacidade de inserção no mercado, uma vez que os dados comprovam a sua presença expressiva no fruto.

Quality of life related to the health and socio-economic resources of the elderly

Introduction

Aging is a very heterogeneous and dissimilar process, full of asymmetries. There is evidence that socio-economic differences determine disadvantages and inequalities in old ages. Older people face particular inequalities in healthiness especially with more complex and vulnerable long-term conditions, being more likely to need support from social care services.

Aim

To evaluate the quality of life (well-being) related to the health of the elderly according to socio-economic indicators.

Method

Cross-sectional quantitative study was performed. A total of 316 elderly people (M = 74.78; SD = 9.78 years of age) was interviewed with the Portuguese version of the EQ-5D-3L scale for health-related quality of life.

Results

The interaction between income and the type of residential follow-up (alone vs. accompanied) was not statistically significant [F (2.310) = .910, P < .407; Ƞp2 = .006]. Differences in health status index were statistically significant for income [F (2.310) = 5.518, P < .004; Ƞp2 = .034]. Post-hoc comparisons indicated that the mean score for those with insufficient income for their expenses (M = .39, SD = .27) was significantly different from those with income reaching their expenses (M = .50, SD = .25) as well as those with income covering their expenses sufficiently (M = .60, SD = .21). The main effect for the type of follow-up (alone vs. accompanied) did not reach statistical significance [F (2.310) = .224, P < .636, Ƞp2 = .672].

Conclusions

Income has an impact on health-related quality of life. Health in aging as a social phenomenon is not neutral to economic differences and is exposed to these structural disadvantages.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Is early life environment a risk factor for psychiatric disorder?

Introduction

Season of birth, an exogenous indicator of early life environment, has been related to higher risk of adverse psychiatric outcomes. According to literature, an excess of 5–8% of winter-spring births is found in individuals who later develop schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; this seasonal birth excess is also found in schizoaffective disorder (winter), major depression (March–May), and autism (March).

Objectives

The objective of this study was to analyze the seasonal birth patterns of in-patients with psychiatric disorders.

Aims

Understand the relation between psychiatric disorders and season of birth during a 10 year period in a Portuguese University Hospital.

Methods

Analyze the birth date distribution of 2202 in-patients between 2007 and 2016 and compare with the psychiatric diagnosis.

Results

Patients’ diseases analyzed by birthday season: 60% of patients with schizoaffective disorder were born in winter-spring, 48.4% of mental retarded patients were born in autumn, 37% of dementia patients in winter, 77% of patients with delusional disorder in winter-spring, 78% of patients with Cluster A personality disorder in spring-summer and 71% of patients with substance abuse conditions in autumn-winter. No seasonal birth excess was found for bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia, alcohol abuse, major depressive disorder or Cluster B personality disorder.

Conclusions

Our sample data shows evidence for a potential link between season of birth and risk for schizoaffective disorder, dementia, mental retardation, Cluster A personality disorder, delusional disorder and substance abuse. The attempt to explain seasonal birth patterns in psychiatric illnesses could serve to clarify the etiological bases of such disorders.

Disclosure of Interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Phytotoxicity and cytotoxicity of Lepidaploa rufogrisea (Asteraceae) extracts in the plant model Lactuca sativa (Asteraceae)

Lepidaploa rufogrisea is a promising candidate in the search of natural herbicides, with compounds (sesquiterpene lactones-glaucolide B) which have been reported to present with phytotoxic potential against weeds. Thus, this work aimed to accomplish the phytochemical investigation of L. rufogrisea as well as the evaluation of its biological effects on the plant model Lactuca sativa. To this end, different extracts (aqueous, hydroalcoholic and hexane) of L. rufogrisea at different concentrations [0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 % (m/v)] were evaluated from macroscopic (percentage of germinated seeds, germination speed index and root length) and microscopic analysis (mitotic index and cell cycle alterations) in plantlets (150 per treatment) and meristematic cells (10 000 per treatment) of L. sativa var. Cristina. The extracts decreased the germination speed index and also the root growth of L. sativa plantlets. Cell proliferation was not significantly affected by the extracts. However, some chromosome and nuclear alterations in the mitotic spindle were observed, due to the interference of allelochemicals present in L. rufogrisea. Moreover, the plant model L. sativa demonstrated to be efficient for this kind of studies. 

Relationship between Psidium species (Myrtaceae) by resistance gene analog markers: focus on nematode resistance

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) crop is severely affected by the nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii. Native Psidium species have been reported as sources of resistance against this nematode. Knowledge on the molecular relationship between Psidium species based on plant resistance gene analogs (RGA) can be useful in the genetic breeding of guava for resistance to M. enterolobii. In this study, RGA markers from conserved domains, and structural features of plant R genes, were employed to characterize Psidium species and establish genetic proximity, with a focus on nematode resistance. SSR markers were also applied owing to their neutral nature, thus differing from RGA markers. For this, species reported as sources of resistance to M. enterolobii, such as P. cattleianum and P. friedrichsthalianum, as well as species occurring in the Atlantic Rainforest and susceptible genotypes, were investigated. In 10 evaluated Psidium species, high interspecific genetic variability was verified through RGA and SSR markers, with intraspecific variation in P. guajava higher with SSR, as was expected. Resistant species were clustered by RGA markers, and differential amplicons among genotypes resistant and susceptible to M. enterolobii were identified. Knowledge on the molecular relationships between Psidium species constitutes useful information for breeding of the guava tree, providing direction for hybridization and material for rootstocks. Additionally, the genetic relationship between native species, which have been little studied, and P. guajava were estimated by RGAs, which were confirmed as important markers for genetic diversity related to pathogen resistance.

ESTIMATIVA DE REPETIBILIDADE PARA RENDIMENTO DE POLPA E CARACTERES BIOMÉTRICOS DE FRUTOS E SEMENTES DE Euterpe edulis

O Euterpe edulis (Arecaceae) é uma espécie ameaçada de extinção, sobretudo pela exploração indiscriminada de seu palmito. O manejo do fruto surge como alternativa para contornar esta problemática, uma vez que possibilita a geração de renda e mantem os indivíduos vivos. Porém, pouco se sabe sobre os caracteres produtivos desta espécie. Objetivou-se caracterizar as variáveis relacionadas aos frutos e definir o tamanho mínimo de amostras para estas avaliações pela estimativa de repetibilidade. Foram avaliados caracteres de frutos e sementes de 138 genótipos (diâmetro equatorial e longitudinal, massa fresca, volume, intensidade de cor e o rendimento de polpa). Os caracteres avaliados apresentaram elevada variação. O rendimento de polpa de E. edulis é, em média, de 20,94%. O esforço experimental do presente trabalho foi maior que o necessário para todas as características, exceto para o rendimento de polpa, que exigiu maiores repetições para níveis de confiabilidade acima de 90%.

DIVERSIDADE GENÉTICA DA PROGÊNIE DO GENÓTIPO DE GOIABEIRA ‘PALUMA’

A goiabeira (Psidium guajava L.) está entre as espécies cultivadas da família Myrtaceae possuindo grande importância econômica e social. A espécie possui alta diversidade genética, no qual é favorecida pela polinização cruzada e uso de sementes oriundas de progenitores heterozigotos na produção de mudas. Neste trabalho a diversidade genética da progênie da cultivar Paluma foi avaliada. Para tanto marcadores microssatélites foram avaliados em plantas oriundas de sementes de frutos grandes e pequenos da cultivar Paluma que coexiste em um pomar com outras 12 cultivares e 10 genótipos melhorados. Foi verificada diversidade genética na progênie. Os marcadores amplificaram 18 alelos, a heterozigosidade esperada foi de 0,57 e a observada de 0,86 e o índice de fixação foi negativo (-0,52), indicando excesso de heterozigotos. Os marcadores não acessaram diferenças genéticas entre progênies oriundas de frutos grandes e pequenos.  A diversidade na progênie é importante para o melhoramento da espécie.

POLINIZAÇÃO PREFERENCIAL DA GOIABEIRA ‘PALUMA’

Dentre as mais importantes frutas no cenário brasileiro e mundial, destaca-se a goiaba. Sabe-se que o genótipo doador de pólen pode influenciar nas condições física e química dos frutos, por isso, é relevante entender mais amplamente as características relacionadas à polinização. Nesse trabalho, propuseram-se como objetivos determinar a taxa de autopolinização e polinização cruzada e inferir sobre um possível doador preferencial de pólen para o genótipo Paluma. Para isso, foram coletadas folhas de 23 genótipos (possíveis pais) presentes em um pomar comercial no município de Linhares, Espírito Santo. Foram também coletados 15 frutos grandes e 15 pequenos do genótipo Paluma, extraídas as sementes (filhos), colocadas para germinar. Em seguida, foi realizado teste de paternidade, utilizando marcadores microssatélites, comparando os genótipos das plântulas obtidas dos frutos com os possíveis polinizadores presentes no pomar. Verificou-se 100% de fecundação cruzada. O genótipo Século XXI foi identificado como doador preferencial de pólen, com 72,73% e 94,44% de paternidade, para filhos oriundos de frutos grandes e pequenos, respectivamente. Os dados obtidos nesse trabalho revelam uma futura possibilidade de seleção de genótipos para composição de um pomar e planejamento de cruzamentos, a fim de aumentar a produtividade e qualidade dos frutos.

CRESCIMENTO VEGETATIVO E FLORESCIMENTO DE GENÓTIPOS DE GOIABEIRA

Estudos quanto à fenologia dos genótipos, podem ser empregados, visando gerar informações que auxiliem na melhoria e aumento da produção. Nesse trabalho propôs-se como objetivo geral avaliar o crescimento vegetativo e florescimento de genótipos de goiabeira. Para isso, foram utilizados 22 genótipos comerciais cultivados em um experimento instalado no município de Mimoso do Sul, Espírito Santo. O experimento é constituído de blocos casualizados com três repetições. Foram feitas medições do maior ramo obtido em 77, 113, 134 e 217 após a poda com auxílio de trena. Além disso, foram avaliadas presença e ausência de flores abertas em 19, 32, 54, 77, 91, 113, 134, 154 e 217 após a poda. O crescimento médio variou de 0,661 a 0,435 m, havendo diferenças significativas entre os genótipos. Foi possível verificar que alguns genótipos foram mais precoces, outros mais tardios em relação ao período de florescimento, entretanto aos 91 dias após a poda, todos os genótipos apresentaram presença de flores abertas, em todas as repetições. Os resultados obtidos nesse trabalho revelam a possibilidade de alterações de manejo e tratos culturais.

GENOTOXICIDADE DO EXTRATO AQUOSO DE Myrsine coriacea AVALIADA POR MARCADOR ISSR

Myrsine coreacea tem se destacado na medicina popular por apresentar diferentes fitoquímicos em suas folhas e caules. A aplicação de compostos naturais extraídos de plantas com propriedades medicinais ou alelopáticas pode reduzir efeitos colaterais em relação à saúde humana, quando comparados com moléculas sintéticas. Mas para ser utilizado com segurança a ação dos fitoquímicos precisa ser testada. Neste trabalho objetivou-se avaliar a instabilidade genética, por meio de marcadores ISSR, induzida pelo extrato aquoso de Myrsine coriacea nos modelos Lactuca sativa e Sorghum bicolor. Utilizou-se como tratamentos quatro diferentes concentrações do extrato (100%, 50%, 25%, 12,5%) e o controle negativo foi água. Verificou-se mudança nos padrões de amplificação entre os tratamentos e o controle. A concentração 100% se manteve isolado e geneticamente distante das demais nos dois bioensaios. Os resultados sugerem ação mutagênica do extrato aquoso de M. coreacea sob as duas espécies modelos, Lactuca sativa e Sorghum bicolor.

The impact of the patient post-intensive care syndrome components upon caregiver burden

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate patient post-intensive care syndrome (PICS-P) and caregiver burden 3 months after discharge from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and determine the impact of different components of PICS-P upon caregiver burden.

DESIGN

A prospective observational study was conducted over 26 months (January 2013-February 2015).

SETTING

Medical-surgical ICU and follow-up consultation in Portugal.

PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS

Patients discharged after a minimum of 2 days in the ICU. Caregiver inclusion criteria: not paid, written and spoken Portuguese, and agreement to participate in the study.

MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST

In ICU: Patient gender, age, severity of illness (SAPS II) and length of ICU stay. At 3 months caregiver burden, physical (reduced mobility, weakness acquired in the ICU) and psychological components of PICS (anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder).

RESULTS

A total of 168 caregivers completed the survey (response rate of 69%). A low degree of overburden was reported by 34.5% of caregivers, while 15.5% showed moderate to high levels of overburden. Patient anxiety and depression 3 months after ICU discharge significantly influenced the presence of caregiver burden (p=0.030 vs p=0.008). When physical components of PICS-P were evaluated, no influence on caregiver burden was observed. Patient demographics, severity of illness and length of stay also failed to influence caregiver burden.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of psychological components of PICS-P 3 months after ICU seems to have a negative impact upon caregiver burden. On the other hand, physical problems showed no important impact upon caregiver overburden.

CONSTRUÇÃO E VALIDAÇÃO DA CURVA DE CALIBRAÇÃO EM NIR ATRAVÉS DE ANÁLISES BROMATOLÓGICAS DA POLPA DE GOIABA

Resumo: A P guajava L, comumente conhecida como goiaba, ocorre naturalmente em todo território brasileiro, sendo mais explorada na região nordeste e sudeste do país. O mercado brasileiro de goiaba está dividido em dois segmentos: o de goiaba in natura e o de goiaba para indústria. A avaliação da qualidade dos frutos é uma questão importante, porém, as metodologias convencionais utilizadas necessitam de extração prévia dos analitos. A espectroscopia na região do infravermelho é uma ferramenta com alto potencial analítico, pois fornece o perfil completo da composição de uma amostra em poucos segundos, apresenta alta sensibilidade, é de fácil implementação e baixo custo.Palavras-chave: Goiabeiras, Genótipo, Bromatologia, NIR 

AGRUPAMENTO DE CAFÉS CONILON ESPECIAIS POR CONDUTIVIDADE ELÉTRICA

Métodos apropriados para a avaliação da qualidade sensorial do café conilon foram desenvolvidos recentemente e exigem provadores experientes e especializados. A análise da condutividade elétrica de exsudados dos grãos de café é um método auxiliar para determinação da qualidade do café, baseado no fato de a condutividade elétrica ser maior em grãos de café de menor qualidade por estes possuírem membranas menos íntegras, que lixiviam maior conteúdo de íons e solutos. Neste trabalho objetivou-se avaliar a capacidade de se discriminar cafés conilon especiais de cafés comerciais através da análise da condutividade elétrica dos grãos. Foram avaliadas 10 amostras de café conilon, cinco de cafés especiais e cinco de cafés comerciais. A análise de condutividade elétrica foi um método eficiente para discriminar os cafés especiais dos cafés comerciais, agrupando-os em dois grupos distintos pelo método UPGMA. Os valores de condutividade são maiores em cafés de menor qualidade, com grãos menores e maior percentagem de defeitos.

DIVERSIDADE GENÉTICA DE Psidium guineense EM DUAS LOCALIDADES NO ESPÍRITO SANTO

Resumo: Psidium guineense Swartz pertence à família Myrtaceae, oferece potencial para exploração comercial e em virtude das propriedades nutricionais e farmacêuticas desperta a atenção da indústria. Entretanto, por ser uma espécie poliplóide, estudos de diversidade genética são escassos, dado a dificuldade das análises. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a diversidade genética de duas populações P. guineense em dois municípios do estado do Espírito Santo, utilizando sete marcadores microssatélites. Todos os locos analisados foram polimórficos com média de 11,14 por locus. O método UPGMA agrupou os genótipos em dois grupos principais, diferenciando as populações das duas localidades. Dois índividuos de Águia Branca alocaram-se separadamente dos demais, demonstrando divergência genética. Os marcadores SSR utilizados neste estudo demonstraram eficiência na detecção de polimorfismos moleculares, revelando que houve grande diversidade genética entre os indivíduos das duas populações amostradas, sendo importantes para o melhoramento e conservação da espécie.

Comparative analysis of soybean genotype resistance to Heterodera glycines and Meloidogyne species via resistance gene analogs

Nematodes are important pests of soybean throughout the world and cause high yield losses. As a control strategy, the identification of resistance genes is an important aim of breeding studies. Plants possess resistance genes (R), which are responsible for the recognition of pathogens and activation of the defense system. R genes and resistance gene analogs (RGAs) possess conserved domains, from which nucleotide-binding site is the most common. Using degenerate primers originating from these domains, it is possible to identify and isolate sequences of R and RGA genes. In this study, soybean genotypes resistant to the nematodes Heterodera glycines, Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica, and M. enterolobii were compared by the use of RGAs and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Forty-six soybean genotypes were studied, including plant introductions (PIs), commercial crops, and source of resistance genotypes. Thirteen combinations of RGA primers and different SSRs linked to QTLs were used to confirm resistance to soybean cyst nematodes (SCN). Fragments associated with resistance to the studied nematodes were amplified in the source of resistance and PI genotypes. RGA markers were efficient at distinguishing groups of genotypes that were resistant and susceptible to Meloidogyne spp and SCN. Combinations of specific primers were identified through their ability to amplify nucleotide sequences from possible resistance candidate genes. SSR markers contributed to the analysis of SCN race specificity, showing that the QTLs identified by these markers are distinct from those identified by RGA markers.

Left paraduodenal hernia: a rare cause of small bowel obstruction in the elderly

Left paraduodenal hernia is a rarely found condition in which the small bowel herniates through a congenital peritoneal defect located behind the 4th portion of duodenum. It usually courses with non-specific symptoms and a widely variable clinical presentation which makes preoperative diagnosis very difficult. It has been associated with a high rate of complications, including bowel strangulation and even death. Prompt surgical intervention consisting of intraoperative surgeon's awareness and recognition of this condition are crucial in order to improve postoperative morbidity and mortality. The authors present a case of a 73-year-old man with acute intestinal obstruction as the first presentation of a left paraduodenal hernia.

Abstract P4-09-06: The prognostic role of RANK single nucleotide polymorphisms in breast cancer patients with bone metastases

Background: Receptor activator of NF-kB (RANK) pathway regulates bone remodeling and is involved in breast cancer (BC) progression. RANK over-expression in primary BC associates with poor prognosis and metastasis development. In patients with BC, RANK and RANK-ligand (RANKL) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have also been associated with BC risk and bone metastasis (BM)-free survival , respectively. Here we analyze the association of five RANK missense SNPs with prognosis of patients with BM from BC.

Methods: Missense RANK SNPs (rs34945627, rs12721431, rs35184120, rs35993683, rs61751992) were genotyped in germline DNA from a retrospective cohort of 76 patients with BM from BC, under bisphosphonates; and a cohort of 80 healthy volunteers (samples from Biobanco-IMM, Lisbon, Portugal). Genotypic allelic frequencies were assessed using TaqMan assays (Applied Biosystems). SNP rs34945627 was analyzed with regard to clinicopathological characteristics, skeletal-related events (SRE), bone progression-free interval (BPFi), and overall survival (OS). Univariate association with clinicopathological characteristics was performed using Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test; univariate differences between survival rates were tested for significance using the log-rank test, while multivariate analysis for survival was tested using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results: SNP rs34945627 had a minor allele frequency of 11.84% (n=9) in BC patients versus 1.25% (n=1) in healthy individuals, whereas the remaining SNPs had a minor allele frequency of 2.60% (n=2) in BC patients. Therefore, for inferential analysis only SNP rs34945627 was considered. No differences between alleles were observed regarding clinicopathological characteristics, including treatment. Homozygous patients (CC) had increased OS when compared to heterozygous patients (CT) controlling for age at diagnosis, visceral involvement, radiographic pattern of BM and baseline urine NTX (adjusted HR 5.76, 95% CI 2.10-15.81; p&lt;0.001). No association could be seen with regard to SREs (adjusted HR 1.43, 95% CI 0.46-4.46; p=0.54) or BPFi (adjusted HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.06-1.17; p=0.08).

Conclusions: RANK SNP rs34945627 seems to be a marker of poor prognosis in patients with BC and BM. Further studies are required to characterize the biological and clinical significance of this finding.

Citation Format: Casimiro S, Ferreira A, Alho I, Melo M, Brás R, Costa AL, Sousa AR, Mansinho A, Abreu C, Pulido C, Macedo D, Pacheco TR, Costa L. The prognostic role of RANK single nucleotide polymorphisms in breast cancer patients with bone metastases. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-09-06.