A survey of the eutrophication state of an urbanized tropical estuary, the case of the Great Vitória Estuarine System, Brazil.

Although, estuarine ecosystems have an ecological and economical importance as they have a high  biological productivity and occur within a unique and dynamic environment, they have been subjected to anthropogenic alterations. The Great Vitória Estuarine System (GVES), Espírito Santo State, Brazil, is not an exception, as urbanization is growing around it with a high quantity of sewage been added to the system. In order to evaluate the eutrophication state as well as the meiofauna response to it, several parameters in both sediments and in the water column were assessed. Orthophosphate, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, chla and Fecal Coliform counts (FC) ranged from 0.2 to 3.2 μM, 0.25 to 1.14 μM, 1.83 to 0.19μM, 4.19 to 49.23 μM, 0.61 to 6.72 μg/L and 14 to 5.0x104 MPN/100 mL of water, respectively. These results showed that the GVES is under an eutrophication process and that the Passagem Channel experienced the largest impacts. Sewage plays an important role in this eutrophication process as indicated by PCA and correlations tests. The density of meiofauna showed similar values to those found in environments with similar levels of anthropogenic stress. This multi-approach evaluation revealed several aspects of the impacted estuary and could be used as an important tool to manage better the estuary.Although, estuarine ecosystems have an ecological and economical importance as they have a high  biological productivity and occur within a unique and dynamic environment, they have been subjected to anthropogenic alterations. The Great Vitória Estuarine System (GVES), Espírito Santo State, Brazil, is not an exception, as urbanization is growing around it with a high quantity of sewage been added to the system. In order to evaluate the eutrophication state as well as the meiofauna response to it, several parameters in both sediments and in the water column were assessed. Orthophosphate, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, chla and Fecal Coliform counts (FC) ranged from 0.2 to 3.2 μM, 0.25 to 1.14 μM, 1.83 to 0.19μM, 4.19 to 49.23 μM, 0.61 to 6.72 μg/L and 14 to 5.0x104 MPN/100 mL of water, respectively. These results showed that the GVES is under an eutrophication process and that the Passagem Channel experienced the largest impacts. Sewage plays an important role in this eutrophication process as indicated by PCA and correlations tests. The density of meiofauna showed similar values to those found in environments with similar levels of anthropogenic stress. This multi-approach evaluation revealed several aspects of the impacted estuary and could be used as an important tool to manage better the estuary

Expression of tyrosine kinase receptor AXL is associated with worse outcome of metastatic renal cell carcinomas treated with sunitinib

Expression of tyrosine kinase receptor AXL is associated with worse outcome of metastatic renal cell carcinomas treated with sunitinibBackground: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents 2%-3% of all cancers of the Western countries. Currently, sunitinib, a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, particularly of PDGF and VEGF receptors, is the first-line therapy for metastatic RCC (mRCC), with significant improvement in clinical outcome. However, there is a lack of predictive biomarkers of sunitinib response. Recently, others and our group suggested that the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL may modify the response to sunitinib. Objective: To study the expression of AXL in a series patients with of mRCC treated with sunitinib and to correlate it with patient's clinic-pathological features and therapeutic response. Material and methods: Sixty-four patients with mRCC (51 clear cell carcinomas (CCCs) and 13 non-CCCs) were evaluated for AXL expression by immunohistochemistry in the primary tumor. Results: AXL positivity was observed in 47% (30/64) of cases, namely in 43% (22/51) of CCCs and 61% (8/13) of non-CCC. Considering only the clear cell subtype, the univariate analysis showed that AXL expression was statistically associated with a poor prognosis, with a median overall survival of 13 months vs. 43 months in patients with negative AXL. In this subtype, along with the AXL positivity, other prognostic factors were absence of nephrectomy, Karnofsky performance status, more than 1 site of metastasis and liver metastasis. Moreover, AXL expression was associated with shorter progression to sunitinib. Overall, the multivariate survival analysis showed that absence of nephrectomy (HR = 4.85, P = 0.001), more than 1 site of metastasis (HR = 2.99, P = 0.002), bone metastasis (HR = 2.95, P = 0.001), together with AXL expression (HR = 2.01, P = 0.048) were independent poor prognostic factor in patients with mRCC. Conclusion: AXL expression was associated with worse clinical outcome and may be an important prognostic biomarker in sunitinibtreated patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.this study was supported by Barretos Cancer Hospital Internal Research Funds (PAIP) of participant authors. Rui Manuel Reis is recipient of a National Council of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq) scholarship.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

CARACTERÍSTICAS FÍSICO-QUÍMICAS DA CASCA DO MARACUJÁ AMARELO (Passiflora edulis Flavicarpa Degener) OBTIDA POR SECAGEM

O objetivo desse trabalho foi determinar a composição centesimal e o teor de fibras (solúvel, insolúvel e alimentar) da casca do maracujá amarelo (Passiflora edulis Flavicarpa Degener), obtida por secagem. Foram utilizadas amostras produzidas na região de Araquari, Santa Catarina (Brasil). Por meio dos resultados obtidos foi possível observar que a casca desse maracujá é rica em fibras solúveis e minerais. Assim, as indústrias de processamento de suco de maracujá podem utilizar o resíduo orgânico dessas cascas para desenvolver novos produtos a base de fibras

Influência da calagem e micronutrientes na nodulação da soja por Rhizobium japonicum em solos ácidos

Three experiments were performed in field conditions and in the glasshouse. Four different levels of lime and micronutrients were applied and the effect of inoculation with various strains of R. japonicum on the yield and symbiotic performance of soybean was studied. In the first experiment the Rhizobium inoculant used was prepared from a suspension of macerated nodules. In the other two experiments various inoculants were used. The effect of the higher rates of lime addition (4 and 6 t/ha) was to reduce dry weight of nodules, but did not affect plant dry weight and total plant nitrogen. The results show that an addition of 4 t/ha of lime is sufficient for maximum yield in the experimental conditions. There was a significant positive effect of zinc additions. An application of 50 kg FTE Br 12 supplied sufficient of this element. The different inoculants prepared, showed the same efficiency in the field conditions.Em três experimentos conduzidos em campo e em casa de vegetação, foram avaliados os efeitos de quatro níveis de calcário e diferentes estirpes de Rhizobium japonicum no rendimento de grãos e simbiose da soja. No primeiro experimento foi utilizado inoculante preparado a partir de suspensão de nódulos macerados e nos demais, vários inoculantes. Nos níveis mais elevados de calcário (4 e 6 t/ha), houve uma redução no peso seco de nódulos sem influenciar o peso seco da parte aérea e nitrogênio total acumulado nas plantas até o enchimento de grão. Os resultados demonstram ter sido suficiente a utilização de 4 t/ha de calcário, em termos de produção de grãos, para as condições experimentais. Houve efeito do zinco na nodulação e produção de grãos, sendo que o uso de 50 kg/ha de FTE Br-12 supriu plenamente a necessidade deste elemento. Os diferentes inoculantes utilizados apresentaram a mesma eficiência em campo

Estudo de seguimento por dois anos de idosos residentes em São Paulo, Brasil: metodologia e resultados preliminares

INTRODUCTION: Previous cross-sectional studies have shown a high prevalence of chronic disease and disability among the elderly. Given Brazil s rapid aging process and the obvious consequences of the growing number of old people with chronic diseases and associated disabilities for the provision of health services, a need was felt for a study that would overcome the limitations of cross-sectional data and shed some light on the main factors determining whether a person will live longer and free of disabling diseases, the so-called successful aging. The methodology of the first follow-up study of elderly residents in Brazil is presented. METHOD: The profile of the initial cohort is compared with previous cross-sectional data and an in-depth analysis of nonresponse is carried out in order to assess the validity of future longitudinal analysis. The EPIDOSO ( Epidemiologia do Idoso ) Study conducted a two-year follow-up of 1,667 elderly people (65+), living in S. Paulo. The study consisted of two waves, each consisting of household, clinical, and biochemical surveys. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: In general, the initial cohort showed a similar profile to previous cross-sectional samples in S. Paulo. There was a majority of women, mostly widows, living in multigenerational households, and a high prevalence of chronic illnesses, psychiatric disturbances, and physical disabilities. Despite all the difficulties inherent in follow-up studies, there was a fairly low rate of nonresponse to the household survey after two years, which did not actually affect the representation of the cohort at the final household assessment, making unbiased longitudinal analysis possible. Concerning the clinical and blood sampling surveys, the respondents tended to be younger and less disabled than the nonrespondents, limiting the use of the clinical and laboratory data to longitudinal analysis aimed at a healthier cohort. It is worth mentioning that gender, education, family support, and socioeconomic status were not important determinants of nonresponse, as is often the case.INTRODUÇÃO: Estudos transversais recentes mostraram alta prevalência de doenças crônicas e incapacidades físicas entre idosos. Considerando o rápido processo de envelhecimento do Brasil e as conseqüências que esse aumento de idosos com doenças crônicas e incapacidades associadas acarretará para o sistema de saúde, fazia-se necessário estudo que pudesse superar as limitações dos dados transversais, permitindo determinar quais os fatores determinantes de uma vida longa e livre de doenças incapacitantes, o chamado envelhecimento bem sucedido. É apresentada a metodologia do primeiro estudo epidemiológico longitudinal com idosos residentes na comunidade, no Brasil. MÉTODO: O perfil do cohorte inicial é comparado com dados de estudos anteriores a com o perfil dos não respondentes para avaliar a validade de análises longitudinais futuras.O projeto EPIDOSO (Epidemiologia do Idoso) seguiu por dois anos 1.667 idosos (65+), residentes em São Paulo. Consistiu de duas ondas, cada qual com três inquéritos: domiciliar, clínico e laboratorial. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: O perfil da população não diferiu de estudos anteriores, mostrando maioria de mulheres, viúvas, vivendo em domicílios multigeracionais, com uma alta prevalência de doenças crônicas, distúrbios psiquiátricos e incapacidades físicas. A despeito de todas as dificuldades inerentes a um estudo longitudinal, o grupo de não-respondentes ao segundo inquérito domiciliar não diferiu significativamente dos respondentes, assegurando análises longitudinais livres desse tipo de viés. Em relação aos inquéritos clínico e laboratorial, os não-respondentes mostraram-se mais velhos e mais incapacitados que os respondentes, limitando o uso dos dados clínicos e laboratoriais a análises pertinentes a uma cohorte mais jovem e saudável. Sexo, educação, apoio familiar e nível socioeconômico não influenciaram de forma significativa a taxa de não - resposta, ao contrário do que se costuma verificar.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UNIFESPSciEL

Towards an applied metaecology

The complexity of ecological systems is a major challenge for practitioners and decision-makers who work to avoid, mitigate and manage environmental change. Here, we illustrate how metaecology – the study of spatial interdependencies among ecological systems through fluxes of organisms, energy, and matter – can enhance understanding and improve managing environmental change at multiple spatial scales. We present several case studies illustrating how the framework has leveraged decision-making in conservation, restoration and risk management. Nevertheless, an explicit incorporation of metaecology is still uncommon in the applied ecology literature, and in action guidelines addressing environmental change. This is unfortunate because the many facets of environmental change can be framed as modifying spatial context, connectedness and dominant regulating processes - the defining features of metaecological systems. Narrowing the gap between theory and practice will require incorporating system-specific realism in otherwise predominantly conceptual studies, as well as deliberately studying scenarios of environmental change.We thank FAPESP (grants 2014/10470-7 to AM, 2013/04585-3 to DL, 2013/50424-1 to TS and 2015/18790-3to LS), CNPq (Productivity Fellowships 301656/2011-8 to JAFDF,308205/2014-6 to RP, 306183/2014-5 to PIP and 307689/2014-0 to VDP), the National Science Foundation (DEB 1645137 toJGH), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (SJL,PPN), and the Academy of Finland (grants 257686 and 292765 toMC) for support. This work contributes to the Labex OT-Med (no.ANR-11-LABX-0061), funded by the French government throughthe A*MIDEX project (no. ANR-11-IDEX-0001-02)

Towards an applied metaecology

The complexity of ecological systems is a major challenge for practitioners and decision-makers who work to avoid, mitigate and manage environmental change. Here, we illustrate how metaecology - the study of spatial interdependencies among ecological systems through fluxes of organisms, energy, and matter - can enhance understanding and improve managing environmental change at multiple spatial scales. We present several case studies illustrating how the framework has leveraged decision-making in conservation, restoration and risk management. Nevertheless, an explicit incorporation of metaecology is still uncommon in the applied ecology literature, and in action guidelines addressing environmental change. This is unfortunate because the many facets of environmental change can be framed as modifying spatial context, connectedness and dominant regulating processes - the defining features of metaecological systems. Narrowing the gap between theory and practice will require incorporating system-specific realism in otherwise predominantly conceptual studies, as well as deliberately studying scenarios of environmental change. (C) 2019 Associacao Brasileira de Ciencia Ecologica e Conservacao. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda.Peer reviewe

A genome survey of Moniliophthora perniciosa gives new insights into Witches' Broom Disease of cacao

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The basidiomycete fungus <it>Moniliophthora perniciosa </it>is the causal agent of Witches' Broom Disease (WBD) in cacao (<it>Theobroma cacao</it>). It is a hemibiotrophic pathogen that colonizes the apoplast of cacao's meristematic tissues as a biotrophic pathogen, switching to a saprotrophic lifestyle during later stages of infection. <it>M. perniciosa</it>, together with the related species <it>M. roreri</it>, are pathogens of aerial parts of the plant, an uncommon characteristic in the order Agaricales. A genome survey (1.9× coverage) of <it>M. perniciosa </it>was analyzed to evaluate the overall gene content of this phytopathogen.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Genes encoding proteins involved in retrotransposition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) resistance, drug efflux transport and cell wall degradation were identified. The great number of genes encoding cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (1.15% of gene models) indicates that <it>M. perniciosa </it>has a great potential for detoxification, production of toxins and hormones; which may confer a high adaptive ability to the fungus. We have also discovered new genes encoding putative secreted polypeptides rich in cysteine, as well as genes related to methylotrophy and plant hormone biosynthesis (gibberellin and auxin). Analysis of gene families indicated that <it>M. perniciosa </it>have similar amounts of carboxylesterases and repertoires of plant cell wall degrading enzymes as other hemibiotrophic fungi. In addition, an approach for normalization of gene family data using incomplete genome data was developed and applied in <it>M. perniciosa </it>genome survey.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This genome survey gives an overview of the <it>M. perniciosa </it>genome, and reveals that a significant portion is involved in stress adaptation and plant necrosis, two necessary characteristics for a hemibiotrophic fungus to fulfill its infection cycle. Our analysis provides new evidence revealing potential adaptive traits that may play major roles in the mechanisms of pathogenicity in the <it>M. perniciosa</it>/cacao pathosystem.</p