Partial kindling induces neurogenesis, activates astrocytes and alters synaptic morphology in the dentate gyrus of freely moving adult rats

A partial kindling procedure was used to investigate the correlation between focal seizure development and changes in dendritic spine morphology, ongoing neurogenesis and reactive astrogliosis in the adult rat dentate gyrus (DG). The processes of neurogenesis and astrogliosis were investigated using markers for doublecortin (DCX), BrdU and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Our data demonstrate that mild focal seizures induce a complex series of cellular events in the DG one day after cessation of partial rapid kindling stimulation consisting (in comparison to control animals that were electrode implanted but unkindled), firstly, of an increase in the number of postmitotic BrdU labelled cells, and secondly, an increase in the number of DCX labelled cells, mainly in subgranular zone. Ultrastructural changes were examined using qualitative electron microscope analysis and 3-D reconstructions of both dendritic spines and postsynaptic densities. Typical features of kindling in comparison to control tissue included translocation of mitochondria to the base of the dendritic spine stalks; a migration of multivesicular bodies into mushroom dendritic spines, and most notably formation of 'giant' spinules originating from the head of the spines of DG neurons. These morphological alterations arise at seizure stages 2-3 (focal seizures) in the absence of signs of the severe generalized seizures that are generally recognized as potentially harmful for neuronal cells. We suggest that an increase in ongoing neurogenesis, reactive astrogliosis and dendritic spine reorganization in the DG are the crucial steps in the chain of events leading to the progressive development of seizure susceptibility in hippocampal circuits

Modelagem de um sistema de informação para rastreabilidade na indústria do vinho baseado em uma arquitetura orientada a serviços Modeling of an information system for wine traceability based on a service oriented architecture

Apresenta-se neste trabalho pesquisa científica que levou à modelagem de um sistema de informação para o registro de dados de rastreabilidade destinado à indústria do vinho, segundo os conceitos de uma arquitetura computacional orientada a serviços (service oriented architecture, SOA). Desde 2005, a manutenção de tais registros é obrigatória para todos os produtores que pretendem exportar para países da União Europeia. Ademais, os consumidores finais, inclusive brasileiros, preocupados com a segurança alimentar, apresentam demanda crescente por informações. Buscou-se uma solução que contemple a indústria coletivamente, por meio de consórcios ou associações de produtores, diluindo custos e compartilhando benefícios. A partir do levantamento bibliográfico realizado e de contatos com pesquisadores e representantes do setor produtivo vinícola brasileiro, em Bento Gonçalves -RS, pesquisaram-se tópicos de tecnologia da informação ligados ao tema, além de detalhes sobre o processo produtivo do vinho. A partir de um modelo do processo produtivo do vinho sugerido pelos autores, empregou-se a Unified Modeling Language (UML), para a modelagem do sistema, que utiliza a tecnologia de web services para o tráfego de dados. Com um protótipo funcional, constataram-se a viabilidade do modelo e a possibilidade de sua utilização em outros domínios.<br>The purpose is to present a scientific research that led to the modeling of an information system which aimed at the maintenance of traceability data in the Brazilian wine industry, according to the principles of a service-oriented architecture (SOA). Since 2005, traceability data maintenance is an obligation for all producers that intend to export to any European Union country. Also, final customers, including the Brazilian ones, have been asking for information about food products. A solution that collectively contemplated the industry was sought in order to permit that producer consortiums of associations could share the costs and benefits of such a solution. Following an extensive bibliographic review, a series of interviews conducted with Brazilian researchers and wine producers in Bento Gonçalves -RS, Brazil, elucidated many aspects associated with the wine production process. Information technology issues related to the theme were also researched. The software was modeled with the Unified Modeling Language (UML) and uses web services for data exchange. A model for the wine production process was also proposed. A functional prototype showed that the adopted model is able to fulfill the demands of wine producers. The good results obtained lead us to consider the use of this model in other domains

From numbers to ecosystems and biodiversity: A mechanistic approach to monitoring

Diverse political, cultural and biological needs epitomise the contrasting demands impacting on the mandate of the South African National Parks (SANParks) to maintain biological diversity. Systems-based approaches and strategic adaptive management (learn by doing) enable SANParks to accommodate these demands. However, such a management strategy creates new information needs, which require an appropriate analytical approach. We use conceptual links between objectives, indicators, mechanisms and modulators to identify key concerns in the context of and related to management objectives. Although our suggested monitoring designs are based mostly on defined or predicted underlying mechanisms of a concern, SANParks requires inventory monitoring to evaluate its key mandate. We therefore propose a predictive inventory approach based on species assemblages related to habitat preferences. Inventories alone may not always adequately serve unpacking of mechanisms: in some cases population size needs to be estimated to meet the information needs of management strategies, but actual population sizes may indirectly affect how the species impact on other values. In addition, ecosystem objectives require multivariate assessments of key communities, which can be used in trend analysis. SANParks therefore needs to know how to detect and define trends efficiently, which, in turn, requires precision of measures of variables. Conservation implications: Current research needs with regard to monitoring should focus on defining designs to yield optimal precision whilst taking methodology, survey trade-offs and analytical approaches into account. Use of these directives and research will guide monitoring during evaluation of SANParks objectives at various scales