Functional traits of fossil plants

A minuscule fraction of the Earth's paleobiological diversity is preserved in the geological record as fossils. What plant remnants have withstood taphonomic filtering, fragmentation, and alteration in their journey to become part of the fossil record provide unique information on how plants functioned in paleo-ecosystems through their traits. Plant traits are measurable morphological, anatomical, physiological, biochemical, or phenological characteristics that potentially affect their environment and fitness. Here, we review the rich literature of paleobotany, through the lens of contemporary trait-based ecology, to evaluate which well-established extant plant traits hold the greatest promise for application to fossils. In particular, we focus on fossil plant functional traits, those measurable properties of leaf, stem, reproductive, or whole plant fossils that offer insights into the functioning of the plant when alive. The limitations of a trait-based approach in paleobotany are considerable. However, in our critical assessment of over 30 extant traits we present an initial, semi-quantitative ranking of 26 paleo-functional traits based on taphonomic and methodological criteria on the potential of those traits to impact Earth system processes, and for that impact to be quantifiable. We demonstrate how valuable inferences on paleo-ecosystem processes (pollination biology, herbivory), past nutrient cycles, paleobiogeography, paleo-demography (life history), and Earth system history can be derived through the application of paleo-functional traits to fossil plants.

Spectroelectrochemistry for determination of the redox potential in heme enzymes: Dye-decolorizing peroxidases

Dye-decolorizing peroxidases (DyPs) are heme-containing enzymes that are structurally unrelated to other peroxidases. Some DyPs show high potential for applications in biotechnology, which critically depends on the stability and redox potential (E°') of the enzyme. Here we provide a comparative analysis of UV-Vis- and surface-enhanced resonance Raman-based spectroelectrochemical methods for determination of the E°' of DyPs from two different organisms, and their variants generated targeting E°' upshift. We show that substituting the highly conserved Arginine in the distal side of the heme pocket by hydrophobic amino acid residues impacts the heme architecture and redox potential of DyPs from the two organisms in a very distinct manner. We demonstrate the advantages and drawbacks of the used spectroelectrochemical approaches, which is relevant for other heme proteins that contain multiple heme centers or spin populations.

Parental child-feeding practices at 4 years of age are associated with dietary patterns of 7-year-olds

BACKGROUND

Parental child-feeding practices have been associated with child body mass index (BMI) and specific food group consumption; however, their role in the development of dietary patterns is less understood. We aim to study the association between parental child-feeding practices at 4 years old and dietary patterns at 7 years that explain BMI z-scores at age 10.

METHODS

Participants were children from the Generation XXI birth cohort (n = 3272). Three patterns of feeding practices at 4 years were previously identified: 'Perceived monitoring', 'Restriction' and 'Pressure to eat'. At 7 years, two dietary patterns were derived: 'Energy-dense foods', higher consumption of energy-dense foods and drinks and processed meats and lower consumption of vegetable soup (significantly associated with BMI z-scores at 10 years) and 'Fish-based', higher in fishery intake and lower in energy-dense food intake. Associations were estimated by linear regression models, adjusted for potential confounders (mother's age, education and pre-pregnancy BMI).

RESULTS

Girls whose parents used more Restriction, Perceived monitoring and Pressure to eat at 4 years were less likely to follow the 'Energy-dense foods' dietary pattern at 7 years (β̂ = -0.082; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: -0.134; -0.029; β̂ = -0.093; 95% CI: -0.146; -0.039; β̂ = -0.079; 95% CI: -0.135; -0.04, respectively). In both sexes, children whose parents used more Restriction and Perceived monitoring at 4 years were more likely to follow the 'Fish-based' dietary pattern at 7 years (girls: β̂ = 0.143; 95% CI: 0.077; 0.210; β̂ = 0.079; 95% CI: 0.011; 0.148; boys: β̂ = 0.157; 95% CI: 0.090; 0.224; β̂ = 0.104; 95% CI: 0.041; 0.168).

CONCLUSIONS

Children whose parents used more Restriction and Perceived monitoring at preschool age were more likely to follow healthier dietary patterns at age 7.

Chitosan application towards the improvement of grapevine performance and wine quality

Intensification of agrochemicals application in vineyards has raised several concerns in Viticulture and Oenology value chain. Efforts have been developed to optimize grapevine health and productivity, assuring that viticulture is sustainable and competitive in today’s wine market. Viticulture practices have constantly been improved for a more sustainable and environment-friendly production, reducing the application of agrochemicals, replacing them by natural compounds that can have a double effect: protect grapevine against pathogens and improve compounds related to grape organoleptic quality. In this context, the development and optimization of alternative strategies to improve and enhance plant defences and grape/wine quality is becoming a necessity. Since the 1980s, chitosan has become a compound of special interest due to its double effect as elicitor and grapevine biostimulant, representing a complement to soil fertilisation, and reducing the negative effects nutrients leaching into the groundwater. The present review aims to present the wide possibilities of chitosan applications on grapevines to prevent and combat the main diseases and to improve wine quality. In this way, relevant studies about chitosan application will be presented as well as some concerns and limitations in order to cover the knowledge gaps inherent to its application in vineyard and wine as well.

P-505 Mapping acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) outcomes in the context of infertility: A systematic review

Study question

How ACT variables are associated or may impact mental health outcomes (i.e., anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms) in patients with an infertility diagnosis?

Summary answer

ACT variables seem to be associated with better mental health outcomes in patients with an infertility diagnosis.

What is known already

Evidence indicates that people with infertility face psychosocial challenges, with a significant number of studies finding that mental health seems to be negatively affected. ACT is part of the family of behavioral and cognitive therapies and was already established as having a beneficial effect on psychological issues in other health conditions. Since infertility is a relevant stressor, we expected that ACT had also a protective role on mental health. To date, no study tried to summarize this evidence, which might help to develop the intervention with ACT components for this population.

Study design, size, duration

A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify studies assessing Infertility and ACT. A literature search was conducted from inception to October 2021 in the following electronic databases: Web of Science, Pubmed, and B-On. The PRISMA guidelines were followed.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

A search was conducted using combinations of keywords and MeSH (“infertility” AND “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” AND “depression”; “anxiety”; “stress”). No limitation regarding the type of publication, date, or language was created during the searches. Empirical and quantitative studies were considered if they assessed mental health variables and ACT hexagon model components in patients with infertility.

Main results and the role of chance

Out of 137 studies initially identified, six of them met eligibility criteria and were included in the review. The studies were carried out between 2012 and 2020 and originated from two countries: four from Portugal and two from Iran. The samples were composed by women (three) and couples (three). The results revealed that couples dealing with infertility present higher psychological inflexibility and experiential avoidance scores, and lower scores of acceptance when compared with fertile couples and couples who pursued adoption. Psychological inflexibility seems to be positively correlated with depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Gender differences were also found, i.e., women tend to show higher scores of depression symptoms, psychological inflexibility, and experiential avoidance than men. Women dealing with infertility have the tendency to avoid thoughts, emotions, and situations somehow associated with pregnancy and parenthood as a way of trying to escape from infertility’s painful experience. In general, studies suggest that ACT may be an adequate approach for patients dealing with infertility.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The number of studies was small and they were predominantly from Portugal, increasing the likelihood of a risk of bias of the findings. Cultural variables must be considered and conclusions need to be interpreted with caution.

Wider implications of the findings

Since ACT variables seem to be associated with better mental health outcomes, these results indicated that couples with infertility would benefit from intervention addressing ACT components. Future studies should explore the effectiveness of these interventions in this population.

Trial registration number

not applicable

Molecular Details on Multiple Cofactor Containing Redox Metalloproteins Revealed by Infrared and Resonance Raman Spectroscopies

Vibrational spectroscopy and in particular, resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopy, can provide molecular details on metalloproteins containing multiple cofactors, which are often challenging for other spectroscopies. Due to distinct spectroscopic fingerprints, RR spectroscopy has a unique capacity to monitor simultaneously and independently different metal cofactors that can have particular roles in metalloproteins. These include e.g., (i) different types of hemes, for instance hemes c, a and a3 in caa3-type oxygen reductases, (ii) distinct spin populations, such as electron transfer (ET) low-spin (LS) and catalytic high-spin (HS) hemes in nitrite reductases, (iii) different types of Fe-S clusters, such as 3Fe-4S and 4Fe-4S centers in di-cluster ferredoxins, and (iv) bi-metallic center and ET Fe-S clusters in hydrogenases. IR spectroscopy can provide unmatched molecular details on specific enzymes like hydrogenases that possess catalytic centers coordinated by CO and CN- ligands, which exhibit spectrally well separated IR bands. This article reviews the work on metalloproteins for which vibrational spectroscopy has ensured advances in understanding structural and mechanistic properties, including multiple heme-containing proteins, such as nitrite reductases that house a notable total of 28 hemes in a functional unit, respiratory chain complexes, and hydrogenases that carry out the most fundamental functions in cells.

SERR Spectroelectrochemistry as a Guide for Rational Design of DyP-Based Bioelectronics Devices

Immobilised dye-decolorizing peroxidases (DyPs) are promising biocatalysts for the development of biotechnological devices such as biosensors for the detection of H2O2. To this end, these enzymes have to preserve native, solution properties upon immobilisation on the electrode surface. In this work, DyPs from Cellulomonas bogoriensis (CboDyP), Streptomyces coelicolor (ScoDyP) and Thermobifida fusca (TfuDyP) are immobilised on biocompatible silver electrodes functionalized with alkanethiols. Their structural, redox and catalytic properties upon immobilisation are evaluated by surface-enhanced resonance Raman (SERR) spectroelectrochemistry and cyclic voltammetry. Among the studied electrode/DyP constructs, only CboDyP shows preserved native structure upon attachment to the electrode. However, a comparison of the redox potentials of the enzyme in solution and immobilised states reveals a large discrepancy, and the enzyme shows no electrocatalytic activity in the presence of H2O2. While some immobilised DyPs outperform existing peroxidase-based biosensors, others fail to fulfil the essential requirements that guarantee their applicability in the immobilised state. The capacity of SERR spectroelectrochemistry for fast screening of the performance of immobilised heme enzymes places it in the front-line of experimental approaches that can advance the search for promising DyP candidates.

Occupational safety and health performance indicators in SMEs: A literature review

BACKGROUND

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face greatest difficulty in managing occupational risks compared to large enterprises. Limited resources, little knowledge about risk management process and deficiencies in organizational processes are often pointed in the literature as important obstacles to occupational safety and health (OSH) performance in SMEs. However, external factors can also be of paramount importance, such as the economic crisis. Because under specific scenarios OSH conditions may deteriorate in SMEs, is important to establish effective indicators.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to identify OSH performance indicators within the context of SMEs.

METHODS

To identify the indicators, a literature review was carried out on different studies published in scientific journals in the OSH field between 2008 and October 2018 using the Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and PubMed databases.

RESULTS

As a result, 14 management and organization OSH indicators applied to SMEs were identified, along with 5 at individual OSH indicators.

CONCLUSION

The indicators were discussed in relation to its applicability to assess OSH performance, as well as their reliability. Future research should be done to assess the identified indicators in SMEs.

Short communication: Uterine leptospiral infection is strongly associated to strains of serogroup Sejroe on experimentally infected hamsters

Leptospira infection is influenced by the host species and the bacterial strain involved. Important differences on their tissue distribution are referred, also depending on the host and the studied strain. Considering tissue distribution of leptospires the majority of the studies focus on a single strain, or strains from the same serogroup with different inoculation doses. Nevertheless, none had associated different serogroups with their tissue distribution. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the hypothesis that tissue distribution of Leptospira spp. on experimentally infected hamsters may vary according to the strain serogroup. Females of Golden Syrian hamsters were used for the experimental infection with Leptospira isolates (n = 13) belonging to serogroups Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 8) and Sejroe (n = 5). PCRs were conducted in renal, hepatic and uterine tissue. Seven out of the thirteen studied hamsters presented acute clinical signs and were euthanized before the 21° day p.i. (strains VF237, VF52, U81, UFF-SG001, UFF-G19, UFF-B15, L1-130), while the others presented a subclinical infection. Regarding to the PCR results it was possible to observe that, all but one strain (UFF-SG001), which was detected on all the studied tissues, presented some differences on their tissue distribution. All strains could be detected on at least one tissue and a significant association was observed for the occurrence of the strains of serogroup Sejroe in uterus (p = 0.044). The results of the present study indicate that strains of serogroup Sejroe are strongly associated to uterine infection on experimentally infected hamsters.

Immobilized dye-decolorizing peroxidase (DyP) and directed evolution variants for hydrogen peroxide biosensing

Immobilized dye-decolorizing peroxidase from Pseudomonas putida MET94 (PpDyP) and three variants generated by directed evolution (DE) are studied aiming at the design of a biosensor for H₂O₂ detection. Structural properties of the enzymes in solution and immobilized state are addressed by resonance Raman (RR) and surface enhanced RR (SERR) spectroscopy, and the electrocatalytic properties are analyzed by electrochemistry. The wild-type (wt) and 29E4 variant (with E188K and H125Y mutations) represent excellent candidates for development of H₂O₂ biosensors, since they exhibit a good dynamic response range (1-200 μM H₂O₂), short response times (2 s) and a superior sensitivity (1.3-1.4 A⋅M^-1⋅cm^-2) for H₂O₂, as well as selectivity and long term stability. In contrast to the solution state, 6E10 (with E188K, A142V and H125Y mutations) and 25F6 (with E188K, A142V, H125Y and G129D mutations) variants display much lower activity and are inhibited by high concentrations of H₂O₂ upon adsorption on an electrode. In terms of sensitivity, the bioelectrodes employing wt PpDyP and 29E4 variant outperform HRP based counterparts reported in the literature by 1-4 orders of magnitude. We propose the development of wt or 29E4 PpDyP based biosensor as a valuable alternative to devices that rely on peroxidases.

Genome sequence of the non-conventional wine yeast Hanseniaspora guilliermondii UTAD222 unveils relevant traits of this species and of the Hanseniaspora genus in the context of wine fermentation

Hanseanispora species, including H. guilliermondii, are long known to be abundant in wine grape-musts and to play a critical role in vinification by modulating, among other aspects, the wine sensory profile. Despite this, the genetics and physiology of Hanseniaspora species remains poorly understood. The first genomic sequence of a H. guilliermondii strain (UTAD222) and the discussion of its potential significance are presented in this work. Metabolic reconstruction revealed that H. guilliermondii is not equipped with a functional gluconeogenesis or glyoxylate cycle, nor does it harbours key enzymes for glycerol or galactose catabolism or for biosynthesis of biotin and thiamine. Also, no fructose-specific transporter could also be predicted from the analysis of H. guilliermondii genome leaving open the mechanisms underlying the fructophilic character of this yeast. Comparative analysis involving H. guilliermondii, H. uvarum, H. opuntiae and S. cerevisiae revealed 14 H. guilliermondii-specific genes (including five viral proteins and one β-glucosidase). Furthermore, 870 proteins were only found within the Hanseniaspora proteomes including several β-glucosidases and decarboxylases required for catabolism of biogenic amines. The release of H. guilliermondii genomic sequence and the comparative genomics/proteomics analyses performed, is expected to accelerate research focused on Hanseniaspora species and to broaden their application in the wine industry and in other bio-industries in which they could be explored as cell factories.

Production of blueberry wine and volatile characterization of young and bottle-aging beverages

The aim of this study was the production of blueberry wine and the characterization of the volatile compounds of fermented and aging in bottle products. Multivariate data analysis indicated similarity of volatile compounds released when fermentations were conducted at laboratory-scale and midscale, with the exception of one replicate creating a distinctive group characterized by low concentrations of acetaldehyde, methanol, 1-hexanol, and ethyl hexanoate, and the production of polyalcohols such as 2,3-butanediols. This experiment was the only one where no adjustments of YAN were performed. Some of the major volatile compounds (acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, 2-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, and 2-phenylethanol) were found above their perception thresholds. Esters and terpenic compounds were the groups of volatiles expressed the most in blueberry wines, followed by volatile fatty acids, alcohols, and norisoprenoids (3-hydroxy-7,8-dihydro-β-ionone, 3-oxo-α-ionol, and 3-hydroxy-7,8-dihydro-β-ionol). The wines that experienced bottle-aging are characterized by high concentrations of ethyl esters, diethyl succinate, ethyl lactate, and diethyl malonate. The results contribute for deeper knowledge of the technological procedure, analytical characteristics, and volatile compounds of blueberry wines, reinforcing the interest in this beverage and opening perspectives for further studies on the production of new blueberry-based products with differential characteristics that value its nutraceutical and functional properties.

The 'Outcome Reporting in Brief Intervention Trials: Alcohol' (ORBITAL) framework: protocol to determine a core outcome set for efficacy and effectiveness trials of alcohol screening and brief intervention

Background

The evidence base to assess the efficacy and effectiveness of alcohol brief interventions (ABI) is weakened by variation in the outcomes measured and by inconsistent reporting. The ‘Outcome Reporting in Brief Intervention Trials: Alcohol’ (ORBITAL) project aims to develop a core outcome set (COS) and reporting guidance for its use in future trials of ABI in a range of settings.

Methods/design

An international Special Interest Group was convened through INEBRIA (International Network on Brief Interventions for Alcohol and Other Drugs) to inform the development of a COS for trials of ABI. ORBITAL will incorporate a systematic review to map outcomes used in efficacy and effectiveness trials of ABI and their measurement properties, using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) criteria. This will support a multi-round Delphi study to prioritise outcomes. Delphi panellists will be drawn from a range of settings and stakeholder groups, and the Delphi study will also be used to determine if a single COS is relevant for all settings. A consensus meeting with key stakeholder representation will determine the final COS and associated guidance for its use in trials of ABI.

Discussion

ORBITAL will develop a COS for alcohol screening and brief intervention trials, with outcomes stratified into domains and guidance on outcome measurement instruments. The standardisation of ABI outcomes and their measurement will support the ongoing development of ABI studies and a systematic synthesis of emerging research findings. We will track the extent to which the COS delivers on this promise through an exploration of the use of the guidance in the decade following COS publication.

Water residence time affecting phytoplankton blooms: study case in Ibitinga Reservoir (São Paulo, Brazil) using Landsat/TM images

Abstract Satellite images are an effective tool for the detection of phytoplankton blooms, since they cause striking changes in water color. Bloom intensity can be expressed in terms of chlorophyll-a concentration. Previous studies suggest the use of Landsat TM4/TM3 reflectance ratio to retrieve surface chlorophyll-a concentration from aquatic systems. In this study we assumed that a remote sensing trophic state index can be applied to investigate how changes in HRT along the hydrologic year affect the spatial distribution of the phytoplankton blooms at Ibitinga’s reservoir surface. For that, we formulated two objectives: (1) apply a semi-empirical model which uses this reflectance ratio to map chlorophyll-a concentration at Ibitinga reservoir along the 2005 hydrologic year and (2) assess how changes in hydraulic residence time (HRT) affect the spatial distribution of phytoplankton blooms at Ibitinga Reservoir. The study site was chosen because previous studies reported seasonal changes in the reservoir limnology which might be related to the reservoir seasonality and hydrodynamics. Six Landsat/TM images were acquired over Ibitinga reservoir during 2005 and water flow measurements provided by the Brazilian Electric System National Operator - ONS were used to compute the reservoir´s residence time, which varied from 5.37 to 52.39 days during 2005. The HRT in the date of image acquisition was then compared to the distribution of chlorophyll-a in the reservoir. The results showed that the HRT increasing implies the increasing of the reservoir surface occupied by phytoplankton blooms.

Unusual Voltage-Gated Sodium Currents as Targets for Pain

Pain is a serious health problem that impacts the lives of many individuals. Hyperexcitability of peripheral sensory neurons contributes to both acute and chronic pain syndromes. Because voltage-gated sodium currents are crucial to the transmission of electrical signals in peripheral sensory neurons, the channels that underlie these currents are attractive targets for pain therapeutics. Sodium currents and channels in peripheral sensory neurons are complex. Multiple-channel isoforms contribute to the macroscopic currents in nociceptive sensory neurons. These different isoforms exhibit substantial variations in their kinetics and pharmacology. Furthermore, sodium current complexity is enhanced by an array of interacting proteins that can substantially modify the properties of voltage-gated sodium channels. Resurgent sodium currents, atypical currents that can enhance recovery from inactivation and neuronal firing, are increasingly being recognized as playing potentially important roles in sensory neuron hyperexcitability and pain sensations. Here we discuss unusual sodium channels and currents that have been identified in nociceptive sensory neurons, describe what is known about the molecular determinants of the complex sodium currents in these neurons. Finally, we provide an overview of therapeutic strategies to target voltage-gated sodium currents in nociceptive neurons.

Genomic expression program of Saccharomyces cerevisiae along a mixed-culture wine fermentation with Hanseniaspora guilliermondii

Background

The introduction of yeast starter cultures consisting in a blend of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and non-Saccharomyces yeast strains is emerging for production of wines with improved complexity of flavor. The rational use of this approach is, however, dependent on knowing the impact that co-inoculation has in the physiology of S. cerevisiae. In this work the transcriptome of S.cerevisiae was monitored throughout a wine fermentation, carried out in single culture or in a consortium with Hanseniasporaguilliermondii, this being the first time that this relevant yeast–yeast interaction is examined at a genomic scale.

Results

Co-inoculation with H. guilliermondii reduced the overall genome-wide transcriptional response of S. cerevisiae throughout the fermentation, which was attributable to a lower fermentative activity of S. cerevisiae while in the mixed-fermentation. Approximately 350 genes S. cerevisiae genes were found to be differently expressed (FDR < 0.05) in response to the presence of H. guilliermondii in the fermentation medium. Genes involved in biosynthesis of vitamins were enriched among those up-regulated in the mixed-culture fermentation, while genes related with the uptake and biosynthesis of amino acids were enriched among those more expressed in the single-culture. The differences in the aromatic profiles of wines obtained in the single and in the mixed-fermentations correlated with the differential expression of S. cerevisiae genes encoding enzymes required for formation of aroma compounds.

Conclusions

By integrating results obtained in the transcriptomic analysis performed with physiological data our study provided, for the first time, an integrated view into the adaptive responses of S. cerevisiae to the challenging environment of mixed culture fermentation. The availability of nutrients, in particular, of nitrogen and vitamins, stands out as a factor that may determine population dynamics, fermentative activity and by-product formation.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12934-015-0318-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Phenotypic and metabolic traits of commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts

Currently, pursuing yeast strains that display both a high potential fitness for alcoholic fermentation and a favorable impact on quality is a major goal in the alcoholic beverage industry. This considerable industrial interest has led to many studies characterizing the phenotypic and metabolic traits of commercial yeast populations. In this study, 20 Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains from different geographical origins exhibited high phenotypic diversity when their response to nine biotechnologically relevant conditions was examined. Next, the fermentation fitness and metabolic traits of eight selected strains with a unique phenotypic profile were evaluated in a high-sugar synthetic medium under two nitrogen regimes. Although the strains exhibited significant differences in nitrogen requirements and utilization rates, a direct relationship between nitrogen consumption, specific growth rate, cell biomass, cell viability, acetic acid and glycerol formation was only observed under high-nitrogen conditions. In contrast, the strains produced more succinic acid under the low-nitrogen regime, and a direct relationship with the final cell biomass was established. Glucose and fructose utilization patterns depended on both yeast strain and nitrogen availability. For low-nitrogen fermentation, three strains did not fully degrade the fructose. This study validates phenotypic and metabolic diversity among commercial wine yeasts and contributes new findings on the relationship between nitrogen availability, yeast cell growth and sugar utilization. We suggest that measuring nitrogen during the stationary growth phase is important because yeast cells fermentative activity is not exclusively related to population size, as previously assumed, but it is also related to the quantity of nitrogen consumed during this growth phase.

H. guilliermondii impacts growth kinetics and metabolic activity of S. cerevisiae: the role of initial nitrogen concentration

Non-Saccharomyces yeasts include different species which comprise an ecologically and biochemically diverse group capable of altering fermentation dynamics and wine composition and flavour. In this study, single- and mixed-culture of Hanseniaspora guilliermondii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were used to ferment natural grape-juice, under two nitrogen regimes. In single-culture the strain H. guilliermondii failed to complete total sugar breakdown even though the nitrogen available has not been a limiting factor of its growth or fermentative activity. In mixed-culture, that strain negatively interfered with the growth and fermentative performance of S. cerevisiae, resulting in lower fermentation rate and longer fermentation length, irrespective of the initial nitrogen concentration. The impact of co-inoculation on the volatile compounds profile was more evident in the wines obtained from DAP-supplemented musts, characterised by increased levels of ethyl and acetate esters, associated with fruity and floral character of wines. Moreover, the levels of fatty acids and sulphur compounds which are responsible for unpleasant odours that depreciate wine sensory quality were significantly lower. Accordingly, data obtained suggests that the strain H. guilliermondii has potential to be used as adjunct of S. cerevisiae in wine industry, although possible interactions with S. cerevisiae still need to be elucidated.

Probable initial pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis and mediastinal lymphangioleiomyoma

A 68 year old woman was submitted to a mediastinal lymphangioleiomyoma resection found in a follow-up study of lower left lung resection due to bronchiectasis complicated by chylothorax. This led to a revaluation of the pulmonary specimen that revealed, in addition to inflammatory bronchiectasis, small spindle cell nodules in the lung parenchyma, similar to minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules, but with smooth muscle actin immunohistochemical positivity. The possibility of initial pulmonary development of lymphangioleiomyomatosis is discussed.

Water quality changes in floodplain lakes due to the Amazon River flood pulse: Lago Grande de Curuaí (Pará)

Assurance of water quality for human consumption is essential for public health policies. In the Amazon floodplain, the seasonal water level variation causes periodic flooding of marginal areas that are usually used for settlements, agriculture and livestock. Therefore, the exchange of materials between the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem affects the proportion of suspended and dissolved components in water and its physical-chemical characteristics, and consequently the quality of the water used by local people. Following this approach, the aim of this study is to evaluate changes in water quality in Lago Grande de Curuaí floodplain, Óbidos, Pará in response to the flood pulse, during one hydrological year from 2003 to 2004, based on water use classes (according to National Water Agency 357/2005 resolution) using chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen concentration as parameters and the eutrophication index. Ordinary kriging was applied to interpolate chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen and to predict values at non sampled locations. Each location was then classified according to water use acceptable parameters and to Carlson Trophic State Index modified by Toledo to map lake water classes and trophic status. The result showed that Lago Grande de Curuaí floodplain is a supereutrophic system, with levels of dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll-a not suitable for human supply during the receding water phase. These areas are located near the riverine communities, which can cause health problems due to the presence of potentially toxic algae. Therefore, monitoring water quality in Amazon lakes is essential to ensure the availability has appropriate quality for human and animal supplies.

The wine yeast strain-dependent expression of genes implicated in sulfide production in response to nitrogen availability

Sulfur metabolism in S. cerevisiae is well established, but the mechanisms underlying the formation of sulfide remain obscure. Here we investigated by real time RT-PCR the dependence of expression levels of MET3, MET5/ECM17, MET10, MET16 and MET17 along with SSU1 on nitrogen availability in two wine yeast strains that produce divergent sulfide profiles. MET3 was the most highly expressed of the genes studied in strain PYCC4072, and SSU1 in strain UCD522. Strains behaved differently according to the sampling times, with UCD522 and PYCC4072 showing the highest expression levels at 120h and 72h, respectively. In the presence of 267mg assimilable N/l, the genes were more highly expressed in strain UCD522 than in PYCC4072. MET5/ECM17 and MET17 were only weakly expressed in both strains under any condition tested. MET10 and SSU1 in both strains, but MET16 only in PYCC4072, were consistently up-regulated when sulfide production was inhibited. This study illustrates that strain genotype could be important in determining enzyme activities and therefore the rate of sulfide liberation. This linkage, for some yeast strains, of sulfide production to expression levels of genes associated to sulfate assimilation and sulfur amino acid biosynthesis could be relevant for defining new strategies for genetic improvement of wine yeasts.

The timing of diammonium phosphate supplementation of wine must affects subsequent H2S release during fermentation

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of supplementation by diammonium phosphate (DAP) on hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) production, when DAP given either prior to fermentation or during the early stationary growth phase of yeast.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Three contrasting Saccharomyces cerevisiae wine strains were used to ferment synthetic grape juice (GJ) containing 67 mg l(-1) of initial yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN), supplied either as DAP or as mixture of amino acids. Sufficient DAP was added either prior to or 72 h after the initiation of fermentation to achieve a final YAN concentration of 267 mg l(-1). Supplementation prior to fermentation stimulated H(2)S production. The results obtained in model solutions were validated using natural GJ.

CONCLUSION

The timing of DAP supplementation is critical for ensuring that fermentation proceeds without excessive release of H(2)S.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This result has important implications for the wine-making industry, because it highlights the value of determining the initial nitrogen level of a GJ. It raises awareness of the dependence of wine quality on the correct timing of DAP supplementation.

The production of hydrogen sulphide and other aroma compounds by wine strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in synthetic media with different nitrogen concentrations

The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of initial nitrogen content on the production of hydrogen sulphide and other volatile compounds during alcoholic fermentation. For that propose, three commercial wine strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were used to ferment synthetic grape juice media under different nitrogen concentrations. H(2)S was measured throughout fermentations and other aroma compounds were analyzed at the end of the experiments. The trigger levels at which an inverse relationship between the initial nitrogen present in media and total H(2)S production varied among the three strains tested. For UCD522 and PYCC4072, the highest H(2)S levels were produced in media with 267 mg N l(-1) of initial nitrogen, whereas the lowest levels were detected with nitrogen limitation/starvation conditions (66 mg N l(-1)). Moreover, 21 other aroma compounds belonging to different chemical classes were identified and quantified by solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The initial nitrogen concentration more than yeast strain had a decisive effect on the final aroma composition, suggesting that modulation of nutrients emerges as a useful tool for producing desired flavour and odour compounds.

Stereotypies in Rett syndrome: Analysis of 83 patients with and without detected MECP2 mutations

BACKGROUND

Hand stereotypies are considered a hallmark of Rett syndrome (RTT) and are usually described as symmetric movements at the midline. However, related pathologies may show the same type of involuntary movement. Furthermore, patients with RTT also have stereotypies with other localizations that are less well characterized.

METHODS

We analyzed stereotypies in 83 patients with RTT, 53 with and 30 without a mutation detected in the MECP2 gene. Patients were observed and videotaped always by the same pediatric neurologist. Stereotypies were classified, and data were submitted to statistical analysis for comparison of mutation-positive and -negative patients and analysis of their evolution with the disease.

RESULTS

All the patients showed hand stereotypies that coincided with or preceded the loss of purposeful hand movements in 62% of the patients with MECP2 mutations. The hair pulling stereotypy was more frequent in the group with detected mutations, whereas hand washing was not. Hand gaze was absent in all RTT patients with MECP2 mutations. Patients with MECP2 mutations also had more varied stereotypies, and the number of stereotypies displayed by each patient decreased significantly with age in this group. In all patients, stereotypies other than manual tended to disappear with the evolution of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Although symmetric midline hand stereotypies were not specific to patients with an MECP2 mutation, some of the other stereotypies seemed to be more characteristic of this group. In patients younger than 10 years and meeting the necessary diagnostic criteria of Rett syndrome, the association of hand stereotypies without hand gaze, bruxism, and two or more of the other stereotypies seemed to be highly indicative of the presence of an MECP2 mutation.

Reducing subjectivity in the evaluation of pre-clinical dental preparations for fixed prosthodontics using the Kavo PrepAssistant

The evaluation of pre-clinical technical achievement in fixed prosthodontics cannot be objective when using visual examination of dental preparations. This is, however, still the main method used in dental schools. The present study introduces a new method, based on a mathematical formula, to reduce the problem. The idea emerged when using the Kavo PrepAssistant system (software version 1.05). This system is a 3D-scanner with software that can quantify geometrical differences between an instructor and student dental preparation in model teeth. Therefore, a mathematical formula was created, integrating selected clinically relevant geometric characteristics of dental preparations measured by the system. In this new formula, 70% of the evaluation parameters were computer analysed, whilst 30% were visually evaluated. This new method was compared with the traditional visual evaluation system during a pre-clinical practical examination, with the participation of 25 students. Using both methods to evaluate the 25 preparations, results showed similar grading for both methods (K-S test = 0.16; P < 0.05). Although this method does not provide overall clinical evaluation of student performance these results suggest that it can be helpful accessing technical achievement. In this method, the student has the guarantee that 70% of his/her grade results from an objective computer evaluation, with the possibility to visualise the mistakes with the software. It also reduces problems related to the calibration between different examiners. The Kavo PrepAssistant is a powerful tool in pre-clinical teaching, but has some drawbacks. It has to be developed towards the actual needs of pre-clinical departments, in order to achieve its full potential, as described in this study.

[Early infantile ceroid lipofuscinosis -- role of nuclear magnetic resonance in the diagnosis]

The authors report a case of Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis and emphasize the role of MRI in the diagnosis and follow-up of the disease describing a severe progressive cerebral atrophy. Clinical findings and laboratory data were reviewed and the importance of palmitoyl-protein thiosterase activity is described.

[Cervical spondylodiscitis in an infant]

Spondylitis in childhood is rare, presenting a great variety of symptoms that are related to the child s age and to the site of the inflammatory process. We present the case of a nine-month-old infant, who presented to the emergency department with a torticollis of six weeks evolution. The diagnosis of spondylitis (C6-C7) was confirmed by MRI. Intravenous antibiotic therapy was administered. The patient showed complete regression of symptoms and imaging tests were normal. The rarity of this disease in patients in this age group, as well as the site and form of presentation are emphasised as is the importance of diagnosing this disease to prevent permanent neurological injuries or bone deformities.

Recovery of cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus from upper and lower genital tract specimens obtained from women with pelvic inflammatory disease

Lower genital tract specimens and endometrial biopsies from 147 women with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and surgical specimens (fallopian tubes, ovaries, or both) from 22 women with PID and 37 women without PID were cultured for cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV), as well as for organisms commonly associated with PID. CMV was isolated from 39 cervical or endometrial samples from 30 (20.4%) of 147 women with PID and from ovaries or fallopian tubes from 5 (22.7%) of 22 women with PID, but CMV was not recovered from surgical specimens obtained from 37 women undergoing surgery for tubal ligation, ectopic pregnancy, or other gynecologic conditions (P = .005). HSV was isolated from cervical samples obtained from 5 (3.4%) of 147 women with PID but not from any endometrial or surgical specimens. These data suggest that CMV, but not HSV, may contribute to the pathogenesis of PID in some patients.