Safeguarding, Integrating and Disseminating Knowledge on Exploited Marine Ecosystems: the Ecoscope

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Environmental constraints and pelagic fisheries in upwelling areas: The Peruvian puzzle

Pelagic fish catch statistics are used as surrogates to evaluate the potential fish productivity in upwelling ecosystems. A comparison between 10 upwelling areas of the world shows that the Peruvian ecosystem is threeto ten-fold more productive than the others. The size of the ecosystem, estimated by the surface of the continental shelf, does not by itself explain the observed disparity. Upwelling systems are characterized by different combinations of two different environmental variables: the upwelling intensity and the mixing generated by the wind. Using generalized additive models, an exploratory analysis is performed in order to identify the environmental conditions that maximize the total pelagic fish catch productivity (mainly sardine, sardinella and anchovy). The analyses consider fish catch as the dependent variable and the two environmental factors as the independent variables. Optimal environmental conditions appear to be a combination of: a high upwelling index (~ 1.2 m3·s-1·m-1) and moderate wind-mixing (~250 m3·s-3). The Peruvian ecosystem is the only upwelling system that has these characteristics, making it unique and singularly productive. These empirical results stress the importance of considering a combination of  nvironmental factors when explaining pelagic fish productivity inupwelling systems

Effect of saccharin on antibacterial activity of chlorhexidine gel

Although chlorhexidine is the most effective agent against dental plaque it is extremely bitter. To prepare formulations, it is necessary to use flavoring and sweetening, which can inhibit the antibacterial effect of chlorhexidine. Saccharin has been considered a compatible substance to use in chlorhexidine rinse or gel preparations; however, the effect of a range of concentrations has not been studied. To evaluate the effect of different concentrations of saccharin on the antibacterial activity of chlorhexidine gel, hydroxy-ethyl-cellulose gels containing 1.0% chlorhexidine digluconate and 0.0 to 1.0% sodium saccharin were prepared. Activity against Streptococcus mutans was evaluated using the agar diffusion method and determination of MIC values. The inhibitory zones of growth were 7.83 +/- 0.54 mm when no saccharin was added to the chlorhexidine gel and 7.75 +/- 0.50, 7.63 +/- 0.48, 6.21 +/- 0.40, 4.13 +/- 0.38, when the concentrations of saccharin in the gels were 0.02, 0.10, 0.5, and 1.0%, respectively. The range of MIC values was 1-2 micrograms/ml, with saccharin concentrations of 0%, 0.02, and 0.1%. In contrast, the MIC values were 4-8 and 8-16 micrograms/ml with saccharin concentrations of 0.5% and 1.0%, respectively. The paired "t" test showed that 0.5 and 1.0% sodium saccharin inhibit the antibacterial activity of 1% digluconate chlorhexidine gel. These in vitro results suggest that saccharin may inhibit the efficacy of chlorhexidine against mutans streptococci, depending on the concentration.Although chlorhexidine is the most effective agent against dental plaque it is extremely bitter. To prepare formulations, it is necessary to use flavoring and sweetening, which can inhibit the antibacterial effect of chlorhexidine. Saccharin has been considered a compatible substance to use in chlorhexidine rinse or gel preparations; however, the effect of a range of concentrations has not been studied. To evaluate the effect of different concentrations of saccharin on the antibacterial activity of chlorhexidine gel, hydroxy-ethyl-cellulose gels containing 1.0% chlorhexidine digluconate and 0.0 to 1.0% sodium saccharin were prepared. Activity against Streptococcus mutans was evaluated using the agar diffusion method and determination of MIC values. The inhibitory zones of growth were 7.83 +/- 0.54 mm when no saccharin was added to the chlorhexidine gel and 7.75 +/- 0.50, 7.63 +/- 0.48, 6.21 +/- 0.40, 4.13 +/- 0.38, when the concentrations of saccharin in the gels were 0.02, 0.10, 0.5, and 1.0%, respectively. The range of MIC values was 1-2 micrograms/ml, with saccharin concentrations of 0%, 0.02, and 0.1%. In contrast, the MIC values were 4-8 and 8-16 micrograms/ml with saccharin concentrations of 0.5% and 1.0%, respectively. The paired "t" test showed that 0.5 and 1.0% sodium saccharin inhibit the antibacterial activity of 1% digluconate chlorhexidine gel. These in vitro results suggest that saccharin may inhibit the efficacy of chlorhexidine against mutans streptococci, depending on the concentration1112934Embora clorexidina seja reconhecida como o agente antimicrobiano mais eficiente contra placa dental, seu gosto extremamente amargo é uma limitação nos preparos farmacêuticos. Substâncias adoçantes e flavorizantes usadas para preparar formulações podem inibir a atividade antibacteriana da clorexidina. Sacarina tem sido considerada uma substância compatível para ser usada em enxaguatórios bucais ou géis, entretanto o efeito da concentração deste adoçante não tem sido estudado. A atividade antibacteriana de géis de clorexidina a 1%, contendo sacarina de 0,0 a 1,0%, foi avaliada a partir de preparações farmacêuticas formuladas. Atividade contra Streptococcus mutans foi avaliada através da inibição do crescimento em ágar e determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM). Os halos de inibição de crescimento foram de 7,83 ± 0,54 mm, na ausência de sacarina, e de 7,75 ± 0,50, 7,63 ± 0,48, 6,21 ± 0,40 e 4,13 ± 0,38 quando da presença de sacarina a 0,02, 0,10, 0,5 e 1%, respectivamente, nos géis de clorexidina a 1%. A faixa de CIM foi de 1-2 µg/ml quando da presença de 0,0, 0,02 e 0,1% de sacarina nos géis. Quando o gel de clorexidina a 1% continha sacarina a 0,5 e 1% a CIM foi de 4-8 e 8-16 µg/ml, respectivamente. Teste "t" pareado mostrou que sacarina sódica nas concentrações de 0,5 e 1% inibiu a atividade anti mutans de digluconato de clorexidina a 1% em gel. Estes resultados in vitro sugerem que sacarina pode inibir a eficácia de clorexidina contra streptococcus do grupo mutans, dependendo da concentração usad

SIMULATIONS OF FISHING EFFECTS ON THE SOUTHERN BENGUELA FISH COMMUNITY USING AN INDIVIDUAL-BASED MODEL: LEARNING FROM A COMPARISON WITH ECOSIM

By applying an individual-based model (OSMOSE) to the southern Benguela ecosystem, a multispecies analysis is proposed, complementary to that provided by the application of ECOPATH/ECOSIM models. To reconstruct marine foodwebs, OSMOSE is based on the hypothesis that predation is a size-structured process. In all, 12 fish species, chosen for their importance in terms of biomass and catches, are explicitly modelled. Growth, reproduction and mortality parameters are required to model their dynamics and trophic interactions. Maps of mean spatial distribution of the species are compiled from published literature. Taking into account the spatial component is necessary because spatial co-occurrence determines potential interactions between predatory fish and prey fish of suitable size. To explore ecosystem effects of fishing, different fishing scenarios, previously examined using ECOSIM, are simulated using the OSMOSE model. They explore the effects of targeting fish species in the southern Benguela considered to be predators (Cape hake Merluccius capensis and M. paradoxus) or prey (anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus, sardine Sardinops sagax, round herring Etrumeus whiteheadi). Simulation results are compared and are generally consistent with those obtained using an ECOSIM model. This cross-validation appears to be a promising means of evaluating the robustness of model outputs, when separate validation of marine ecosystem models are still difficult to perform.Afr. J. mar. Sci. 26: 95–11

Avaliação do consumo de açúcar/sacarose nos alunos do curso de Odontologia do UniFOA

Durante os últimos anos, em especial devido ao aumento do consumo de açúcar nas grandes concentrações populacionais, o número de doenças associadas a este consumo tem repercutido na saúde humana, destacando-se entre essas doenças a cárie dentária. O Curso de Odontologia do UniFOA está localizado no campus Olezio Galotti no bairro Três Poços em Volta Redonda no estado do Rio de Janeiro, possuindo em suas instalações 3 restaurantes e 4 lanchonetes, onde são oferecidos alimentos que apresentam sacarose em sua composição, sendo esse, apontado como o principal substrato para desenvolvimento da doença cárie. No presente estudo foram selecionados aleatoriamente 64 acadêmicos matriculados no curso de Odontologia no período de julho de 2008 a julho de 2009. Foi realizado a partir da aplicação de um questionário contendo perguntas a respeito dos hábitos alimentares dos alunos, com ênfase no consumo de açúcar e sacarose. Foram avaliados o padrão do consumo de açúcar que os acadêmicos adotam para si próprios, ou adotarão na dieta de seus filhos, razões para restrição do consumo de açúcar de seus pacientes, e se os mesmos se consideram capazes de controlar e orientar o consumo de açúcar. Para a organização dos dados, foi utilizado o programa Microsoft Excel versão 2007. Os resultados foram apresentados em tabelas, e toda a análise foi realizada através de cálculo numérico e percentual. O objetivo foi o de estudar os padrões de consumo de açúcar e sacarose nos alunos do Curso de Odontologia do UniFOA, analisando mudanças de comportamento em relação a esse consumo

Levantamento da incidência de prolongamento do processo estilóide e/ou calcificação do ligamento estiloióideo em radiografias panorâmicas

A Síndrome de Eagle tem sido associada a uma variedade de sintomas, destacando-se a dor, usualmente unilateral, referida para a garganta, língua, olhos, terço médio da face, ATM e ouvido. É caracterizada pela presença de prolongamento do processo estilóde e/ou calcificação do ligamento estiloióideo, alterações que podem ser observadas em radiografias panorâmicas comumente utilizadas em clínicas e consultórios odontológicos durante tratamento de rotina. Quinhentas radiografias panorâmicas pertencentes ao arquivo da Disciplina de Patologia Bucal do Curso de Odontologia do UniFOA, serão avaliadas em relação a alterações anatômicas associadas à Síndrome de Eagle. Para avaliação das radiografias será utilizado negatoscópio de 1 corpo, à base de luz fria e composto por 2 lâmpadas fluorescentes, 110/220V, construído em chapa de aço esmaltada, com frente de acrílico leitoso, e possuindo fixação de RX por roletes. Área útil de 0,37m de largura, e 0,47m de altura (Santa Luzia – Brasil). As radiografias serão inicialmente avaliadas pelos alunos participantes da pesquisa, e posteriormente pelos professores orientadores. Os dados serão catalogados em planilha elaborada pelos professores orientadores, utilizando-se o Microsoft Excel 2007. Os resultados serão apresentados sob a forma de gráficos e tabelas. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo gerar maiores informações à respeito da incidência de alterações radiográficas associadas à Síndrome de Eagle, no intuito de orientar os cirurgiões dentistas e alunos de graduação em Odontologia, bem como avaliar sua incidência em Volta Redonda, ainda desconhecida

Mechanical competence of ovariectomy-induced compromised bone after single or combined treatment with high-frequency loading and bisphosphonates

Osteoporosis leads to increased bone fragility, thus effective approaches enhancing bone strength are needed. Hence, this study investigated the effect of single or combined application of high-frequency (HF) loading through whole body vibration (WBV) and alendronate (ALN) on the mechanical competence of ovariectomy-induced osteoporotic bone. Thirty-four female Wistar rats were ovariectomized (OVX) or sham-operated (shOVX) and divided into five groups: shOVX, OVX-shWBV, OVX-WBV, ALN-shWBV and ALN-WBV. (Sham)WBV loading was applied for 10 min/day (130 to 150 Hz at 0.3g) for 14 days and ALN at 2 mg/kg/dose was administered 3x/week. Finite element analysis based on micro-CT was employed to assess bone biomechanical properties, relative to bone micro-structural parameters. HF loading application to OVX resulted in an enlarged cortex, but it was not able to improve the biomechanical properties. ALN prevented trabecular bone deterioration and increased bone stiffness and bone strength of OVX bone. Finally, the combination of ALN with HF resulted in an increased cortical thickness in OVX rats when compared to single treatments. Compared to HF loading, ALN treatment is preferred for improving the compromised mechanical competence of OVX bone. In addition, the association of ALN with HF loading results in an additive effect on the cortical thickness

Zoneamento para o cultivo do café robusta (Coffea canephora Pierre) no Estado de Mato Grosso.

bitstream/item/24687/1/COT2005105.pdfDocumento on-line

Involvement of formyl peptide receptors in the stimulatory effect of crotoxin on macrophages co-cultivated with tumour cells

Crotoxin (CTX) is the main neurotoxic component of Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom. It inhibits tumour growth and modulates the function of macrophages, which are essential cells in the tumour microenvironment. the present study investigated the effect of CTX on the secretory activity of monocultured macrophages and macrophages co-cultivated with LLC-WRC 256 cells. the effect of the macrophage secretory activities on tumour cell proliferation was also evaluated. Macrophages pre-treated with CTX (0.3 mu g/mL) for 2 h were co-cultivated with LLC-WRC 256 cells, and the secretory activity of the macrophages was determined after 12, 24 and 48 h. the co-cultivation of CTX-treated macrophages with the tumour cells caused a 20% reduction in tumour cell proliferation. the production of both H2O2 and NO was increased by 41% and 29% after 24 or 48 h of co-cultivation, respectively, compared to the values for the co-cultures of macrophages of control. the level of secreted IL-1 beta increased by 3.7- and 3.2-fold after 12 h and 24 h of co-cultivation, respectively. Moreover, an increased level of LXA(4) (25%) was observed after 24 h of co-cultivation, and a 2.3- and 2.1-fold increased level of 15-epi-LXA(4) was observed after 24 h and 48 h, respectively. Boc-2, a selective antagonist of formyl peptide receptors, blocked both the stimulatory effect of CTX on the macrophage secretory activity and the inhibitory effect of these cells on tumour cell proliferation. Taken together, these results indicate that CTX enhanced the secretory activity of macrophages, which may contribute to the antitumour activity of these cells, and that activation of formyl peptide receptors appears to play a major role in this effect. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)PAPInstituto Nacional de Ciencia e Tecnologia em ToxinasButantan Inst, Lab Pathophysiol, BR-05503900 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Lab Inflammat & Vasc Pharmacol, BR-09913030 Diadema, SP, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Fac Med, BR-01246000 São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Inst Biomed Sci, Dept Anat, BR-05508900 São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Inst Biomed Sci, Dept Physiol & Biophys, BR-05508900 São Paulo, BrazilButantan Inst, Special Lab Pain & Signaling, BR-05503900 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Lab Inflammat & Vasc Pharmacol, BR-09913030 Diadema, SP, BrazilFAPESP: 09/52330-9Instituto Nacional de Ciencia e Tecnologia em Toxinas: INCTTOX 2008/57898-0Web of Scienc