José Luis da Conceição Silva

Genome of Herbaspirillum seropedicae Strain SmR1, a Specialized Diazotrophic Endophyte of Tropical Grasses

The molecular mechanisms of plant recognition, colonization, and nutrient exchange between diazotrophic endophytes and plants are scarcely known. Herbaspirillum seropedicae is an endophytic bacterium capable of colonizing intercellular spaces of grasses such as rice and sugar cane. The genome of H. seropedicae strain SmR1 was sequenced and annotated by The Paraná State Genome Programme—GENOPAR. The genome is composed of a circular chromosome of 5,513,887 bp and contains a total of 4,804 genes. The genome sequence revealed that H. seropedicae is a highly versatile microorganism with capacity to metabolize a wide range of carbon and nitrogen sources and with possession of four distinct terminal oxidases. The genome contains a multitude of protein secretion systems, including type I, type II, type III, type V, and type VI secretion systems, and type IV pili, suggesting a high potential to interact with host plants. H. seropedicae is able to synthesize indole acetic acid as reflected by the four IAA biosynthetic pathways present. A gene coding for ACC deaminase, which may be involved in modulating the associated plant ethylene-signaling pathway, is also present. Genes for hemagglutinins/hemolysins/adhesins were found and may play a role in plant cell surface adhesion. These features may endow H. seropedicae with the ability to establish an endophytic life-style in a large number of plant species.

Polymorphism of alpha s1-casein gene in a dairy goat herd in the southeastern region of Brazil

Three different regions of the alphas1-casein gene (CSN1S1) were investigated to determine the frequencies of major alleles for null, low, intermediate and high milk protein expression in a herd of dairy goats raised in the southeastern region of Brazil. Genomic DNA samples were obtained from leukocytes of 145 dairy goats and regions of interest in the gene were amplified through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), then evaluated in both agarose (O and E allele) and polyacrylamide gels (F allele). For better characterization of the F allele, a PCR-RFLP (PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) study was performed employing the endonuclease XmnI. The allelic frequencies in the herd of 62 Saanen goats studied were: CSN1S1E = 0.35; CSN1S1F = 0.30; CSN1S1O1 = 0.02; CSN1S1A+B+C = 0.30, other alleles = 0.03. In another group of 83 Alpine animals, the frequencies were: CSN1S1E = 0.48; CSN1S1F = 0.28; CSN1S1O1 = 0.01; CSN1S1A+B+C = 0.20, other alleles = 0.03. In the region of exon 9 and intron downstream, where mutations that characterize the F allele occur, it was verified that different intragenic haplotypes may exist, involving the deletion of the 23rd nucleotide in the ninth exon in addition to the insertion of 11bp on intron. These haplotypes may be used to make direct association with other alleles. Although rare, a higher number of combinations were found in this work by evaluating in conjunction the region of the insertion of 3bp in the referred intron, which may allow a higher number of associations. A complete characterization of these combinations will allow elaborating simplified protocols to identify animals concerning the alleles of CSN1S1 gene in goats.

Xylanase from Fusarium heterosporum: Properties and influence of thiol compounds on xylanase activity

The properties of xylanase purified from Fusarium heterosporum that was grown in barley-brewing residue under solid-state fermentation and the effects of thiol compounds on the reactivation of the metal ion-inhibited xylanase were investigated. Xylanase was purified to homogeneity by ion exchange chromatography, and its molecular mass was estimated to be 19.5 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The optimum pH for the xylanase was 5.0, and it was stable in acidic pH (4.5 to 5.5), where it retained more than 87% of its activity after 24 h. The optimum temperature was 50°C, and it had a half-life of 53 min at 45°C. The apparent Km and Vmax values for the xylanase were 5.63 mg/ml and 800 μmol/mg/min, respectively. Ba 2+ , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ and the thiol compounds β-mercaptoethanol and dithiothreitol (DTT) enhanced xylanase activity, while Hg 2+ , Pb 2+ and Zn 2+ strongly inhibited enzyme activity. Furthermore, this xylanase had an alternative mode of regulation in the presence of thiol compounds because the enzyme was able to recover its catalytic activity after inhibition by heavy metal ions. Keywords: Hemicellulase, fungus, solid-state fermentation, barley brewing residue, thiol compounds African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol. 13(9), pp. 1047-1055, 26 February, 2014

Characterization of a novel Aspergillus niger beta-glucosidase tolerant to saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass products and fermentation inhibitors

Properties of beta-glucosidase produced by Aspergillus niger URM 6642 recently isolated from the Atlantic rainforest biome and its potential tolerance to saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass products and fermentation inhibitors was evaluated. The fungus was cultivated under solid state culture conditions at 37°C with different agro-industrial wastes. High levels of beta-glucosidase (3778.9 U g−1)from A. niger were obtained with rice meal as substrate under solid state culture conditions after ten days. Optimum pH for this particular beta-glucosidase activity was 4.0 although it was stable in the range of 4.0 to 7.0. The half-life (T½) of beta-glucosidase at 55°C is 3 h. However, at the optimum temperature of the enzyme, 65°C, T½ is 20 min. The enzyme showed tolerance to various compounds such as glucose, xylose, 5-hydroxymethyl furfural, furfural, coumarin, ethanol and acetic acid. Therefore, beta-glucosidase from the novel A. niger species may be of potential use in the saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass, as well as an additional enzyme supplement in cellulase cocktails used to increase the yield of fermentable sugars.

Neurotrophin expression and histomorphometric evaluation in Wistar rats subjected to neural mobilization after compression of the median nerve

Objective To evaluate the neurotrophin mRNA expression and axon count in the median nerve of Wistar rats submitted to neural mobilization (NM) after nerve compression. Methods Eighteen animals were randomly divided into G1 (nerve compression only), G2 (NM for 1 min), and G3 (NM for 3 min). For NM, the animals were anesthetized and the right scapula received the mobilization, adapted as indicated for humans, on alternate days, from the third to the 13th postoperative (PO) day, totaling six days of therapy. On the 14th PO day, animals were anesthetized and euthanized. Fragments of the median nerve, distal to the compression procedure, were removed for histomorphometric analysis and expression of neurotrophins, nerve growth factor (NGF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by RT-PCR. Results Histomorphometric analysis revealed differences in the number of axons in the injured side, which was significantly lower in the injured limb nerve compared to the control limb, whereas the RT-PCR analysis showed no significant differences in the expression of NGF or BDNF. Conclusion NM treatment did not affect median nerve regeneration, which maintained normal recovery rates.

Análise do tecido muscular de ratos Wistar submetidos ao modelo de compressão do nervo isquiático e à crioterapia

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da compressao nervosa do isquiatico direito e da crioterapia no tecido muscular. Metodos: Foram utilizados 42 ratos Wistar machos, subdivididos nos Grupos Controle, Lesao 3, Lesao 8 e Lesao 15, submetidos a compressao nervosa e eutanasiados, respectivamente, no 3°, 8° e 15° dias pos-operatorio; Lesao Crioterapia 3, tratado com crioterapia, por imersao durante 20 minutos, por 1 dia, e eutanasiados no 3° dia pos-operatorio; e Lesao Crioterapia 8 e Lesao Crioterapia 15, tratados durante 6 [...]ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effects of right sciatic nerve compression and cryotherapy on muscle tissue. Methods: We used 42 male Wistar rats, subdivided in the following Groups Control, Injury 3, Injury 8 and Injury 15 submitted to nerve compression and euthanized in the 3rd, 8th and 15th day after surgery. The Cryotherapy Injury 3 was entailed treatment with cryotherapy by immersion of the animal in recipient for 20 minutes during 1 day, then animals were euthanized at the 3rd day after surgery, and the Cryotherapy Injury 8 and the Cryotherapy Injury 15 was treated for 6 days, and euthanized at the 8th and 15th day after surgery. Functional evaluation was performed by the grasping strength of the right pelvic limb. The right tibialis anterior muscles were evaluated for mass, smaller diameter and cross-sectional area. In the Cryotherapy Injury 8 and the Cryotherapy Injury 15 groups, the hydroxyproline was dosed in the right soles. Results: In the compression there was a significant difference in the Injury Groups compared with the Control Group (p<0.05). In the smaller diameter, the compression in Control Group was higher than Injury 8 (p=0.0094), Injury 15 (p=0.002) and Cryotherapy Injury 15 (p<0.001) groups. The comparison between groups with euthanasia in the same post-operative period, a significant difference (p=0.0363) was seen in day 8th after surgery, and this result in Cryotherapy Injury Group was greater than Injury Group. In the fiber area, Control Group was also higher than the Injury 8 (p=0.0018), the Injury 15 (p<0.001) and the Cryotherapy Injury 15 (p<0.001). In hydroxyproline, no significant difference was seen between groups. Conclusion: Nerve damage resulted in decreased muscle strength and trophism, the cryotherapy delayed hypotrophy, but this effect did not persist after cessation of treatment.

Avaliação nociceptiva da associação entre exercício físico e fibrina rica em plaquetas em ratos Wistar submetidos ao modelo de compressão de nervo mediano

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Platelet-rich fibrin is a new and promising technique to accelerate repair, with possible analgesic effects; however, there is still a gap with regard to peripheral nerve injury and the association with physical exercises. So, this study aimed at evaluating the effects of platelet-rich fibrin associated to physical exercises on nociception and edema in experimental median nerve compression model. METHODS: Thirty-six rats, all submitted to median nerve compression, were divided in six groups: G1: without additional manipulation; G2: compression and treated with platelet-rich fibrin; G3: compression and treated with free swimming; G4: compression and walking on a treadmill; G5: free swimming + platelet-rich fibrin; G6: walking on a treadmill + platelet-rich fibrin. Injury was induced by tying the median nerve with chrome plated catgut 4.0. Platelet-rich fibrin was obtained by centrifuging 1.5 mL of blood and positioning the fibrin clot directly on the compression region. Exercises were carried out during two weeks, between the 3rd and 14th postoperative days. Nociception and edema were evaluated, respectively, by flinch threshold and plethysmometer, in moments before injury and in the 3rd, 7th and 15th postoperative days. RESULTS: There have been no differences among groups, only among evaluations, showing increased nociception and edema, which has lasted or improved, respectively, over time. CONCLUSION: Platelet-rich fibrin alone or associated to physical exercises has not changed nociception and edema.BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Platelet-rich fibrin is a new and promising technique to accelerate repair, with possible analgesic effects; however, there is still a gap with regard to peripheral nerve injury and the association with physical exercises. So, this study aimed at evaluating the effects of platelet-rich fibrin associated to physical exercises on nociception and edema in experimental median nerve compression model. METHODS: Thirty-six rats, all submitted to median nerve compression, were divided in six groups: G1: without additional manipulation; G2: compression and treated with platelet-rich fibrin; G3: compression and treated with free swimming; G4: compression and walking on a treadmill; G5: free swimming + platelet-rich fibrin; G6: walking on a treadmill + platelet-rich fibrin. Injury was induced by tying the median nerve with chrome plated catgut 4.0. Platelet-rich fibrin was obtained by centrifuging 1.5 mL of blood and positioning the fibrin clot directly on the compression region. Exercises were carried out during two weeks, between the 3rd and 14th postoperative days. Nociception and edema were evaluated, respectively, by flinch threshold and plethysmometer, in moments before injury and in the 3rd, 7th and 15th postoperative days. RESULTS: There have been no differences among groups, only among evaluations, showing increased nociception and edema, which has lasted or improved, respectively, over time. CONCLUSION: Platelet-rich fibrin alone or associated to physical exercises has not changed nociception and edema.

β-(1→3)-Glucan of the Southern Bracket Mushroom, Ganoderma australe (Agaricomycetes), Stimulates Phagocytosis and Interleukin-6 Production in Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages

Ganoderma australe was studied to determine the composition of the cell wall, and polysaccharide fraction SK5 was obtained after freeze-thawing an aqueous 5% potassium hydroxide extraction. The monosaccharide composition of the SK5 fraction revealed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed 81.3% glucose, and analyses by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed a β-glucan with glycosidic links of the (1→3)-β type and most likely 4-O substituted. In addition, the biological effect of the β-glucan from G. australe was evaluated via in vitro cell cultures of peritoneal macrophages isolated from Swiss mice. Biological assays were assessed for toxicity and cell activation, interleukin-6 cytokine concentrations, and the ability to stimulate phagocytic activity. There was an increase in interleukin-6 by approximately 111% with 1.0 µg/mL of polysaccharide, and phagocyte activity was increased in all concentrations examined, obtaining 52.3% with 0.25 µg/mL polysaccharide. The results indicate that a β-(1→3)-glucan isolated from G. australe can be classified as a biological response modifier.

Improvement in the bleaching of kraft pulp with xylanase from Penicillium crustosum FP 11 isolated from the Atlantic forest

Abstract Xylanase produced from the newly isolated Penicillium crustosum FP 11 and its potential in the prebleaching of kraft pulp were evaluated using a statistical approach. A Plackett–Burman design (PBD) was carried out to select the significant variables of the medium, these being NaNO3, KH2PO4, MgSO4, KCl, Fe2(SO4)3, yeast extract, corn stover, and initial pH, in a liquid culture under static conditions for 6 d at 28 °C. Statistical analysis with a central composite design and response surface methodology showed that 0.15% (w/v) KH2PO4, 2% (w/v) corn stover, and an initial pH of 6.0 provided the best conditions for xylanase production. Furthermore, xylanase from P. crustosum FP 11 was effective in the bleaching of Eucalyptus kraft pulp, with a significant kappa efficiency of 35.04%. Therefore, the newly isolated P. crustosum FP 11 from the Atlantic Forest biome in Brazil showed two advantages: xylanase production with agricultural residue (corn stover) as a carbon source and an improvement in the bleaching of kraft pulp. Environmental pollution could thus be minimized because of a reduction in the use of chlorine as a bleaching agent.