Taphoflora of Karroo in the Zambezi Basin (Tete region, Mozambique)

A small collection of plant impressions in ferruginous shales of the Productive Series of the Karroo System, in the Zambezi Basin, Mozambique, contains elements of a typical Glossopteris Flora including: Glossopteris communis Feistm., G. browniana Brongn., G. indica Schimper, G. cf. occidentalis White, G. stricta Bunbury, G. angustifolia Brongn., G. cf. G. longicaulis Feistm., G. cf. G. ampla Dana, Gangamopteris obovata (Carr.) White, Umbellaphyllites cf. U. ivini Rigby, Paracalamites australis Rigby, scaleleaves and seeds. Some species as Glossopteris occidentalis White and Umbellaphyllites ivini Rigby are for tre frrst time recorded in African Gondwanaland. This taphoflora suggests an Artinskian age for the Productive Series

Performance of Calves Receiving By-Products of Oil Palm during the Dry Season in an Integrated Pasture-Forestry System in Pré-Amazonic Regions of Brazil

The integrated farming and livestock-forestry constitutes a viable alternative for the advancement of sustainable agriculture through its influence on social and ecological processes. Silvopastoral systems are integrated systems characterised by the management of animals in an agricultural-forestry association. These systems aim to provide shade for animals, stabilize forage production for meat production and/or milk products, forestry and various other environmental services (Maurício et al. 2010). Despite the benefits mentioned, the seasonality in the production of tropical forages needs to be considered. An efficient way to avoid losses in animal production in the dry season is with the use of supplementation. By-products from agri-business with high nutritional value, are often not recovered, and are discarded, sometimes incorrectly harming the environment. The use of these residues in animal feed can reduce environmental impacts and the cost of animal feed. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a cattle silvopastoral system in the dry season, supplemented with babassu meal

Effects Of A Low Dose Of Fish Oil On Inflammatory Markers Of Brazilian Hiv-infected Adults On Antiretroviral Therapy: A Randomized, Parallel, Placebo-controlled Trial

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Background: The benefits of antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected subjects have been limited by an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of a low dose of marine omega-3 fatty acids on inflammatory marker concentrations in HIV-infected subjects under antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: This was a randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled trial that investigated the effects of 3 g fish oil/day (540 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid-EPA plus 360 mg of docosahexaenoic acid-DHA) or 3 g soy oil/day (placebo) for 24 weeks in 83 male and non-pregnant female HIV-infected adults on ART. Results: There were no differences between groups for the measures at baseline. Multilevel analyses revealed no statistically significant relationship between the longitudinal changes in high sensitivity-C reactive protein (hs-CRP) (Wald Chi2 = 0.17, p = 0.918), fibrinogen (Wald Chi2 = 3.82, p = 0.148), and factor VIII (Wald Chi2 = 5.25, p = 0.073) with fish oil. No significant changes in interleukin-6 (IL6), interleukin-1 beta (IL1-beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) serum concentrations were observed with fish oil supplements for 12 weeks. Conclusions: Compared to placebo, a low dose of 900 mg omega-3 fatty acids (EPA plus DHA) in fish oil capsules did not change hs-CRP, fibrinogen, factor VIII, IL6, IL1-beta and TNF-alpha serum concentrations in HIV-infected subjects on ART. Further investigations should consider the assessment of more sensitive inflammatory markers or higher doses to evaluate the effects of marine omega-3 fatty acids in this population. Registered at the Nederlands Trial Register, Identifier no. NTR1798.7865206528Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)FAPESP [2008/50970-8, 2009/55532-7

Elevated alpha-synuclein caused by SNCA gene triplication impairs neuronal differentiation and maturation in Parkinson's patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells

We have assessed the impact of α-synuclein overexpression on the differentiation potential and phenotypic signatures of two neural-committed induced pluripotent stem cell lines derived from a Parkinson´s disease patient with a triplication of the human SNCA genomic locus. In parallel, comparative studies were performed on two control lines derived from healthy individuals and lines generated from the patient iPS-derived neuroprogenitor lines infected with a lentivirus incorporating a small hairpin RNA to knock down the SNCA mRNA. The SNCA triplication lines exhibited a reduced capacity to differentiate into dopaminergic or GABAergic neurons and decreased neurite outgrowth and lower neuronal activity compared with control cultures. This delayed maturation phenotype was confirmed by gene expression profiling, which revealed a significant reduction in mRNA for genes implicated in neuronal differentiation such as delta-like homolog 1 (DLK1), gamma-aminobutyric acid type B receptor subunit 2 (GABABR2), nuclear receptor related 1 protein (NURR1), G-protein-regulated inward-rectifier potassium channel 2 (GIRK-2) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). The differentiated patient cells also demonstrated increased autophagic flux when stressed with chloroquine. We conclude that a two-fold overexpression of α-synuclein caused by a triplication of the SNCA gene is sufficient to impair the differentiation of neuronal progenitor cells, a finding with implications for adult neurogenesis and Parkinson´s disease progression, particularly in the context of bioenergetic dysfunction.Fil: Oliveira, L. M. A.. Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische Chemie; AlemaniaFil: Falomir Lockhart, Lisandro Jorge. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Prof. Dr. Rodolfo R. Brenner". Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata ; Argentina. Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische Chemie; AlemaniaFil: Botelho, M. G.. Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische Chemie; Alemania. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Lin, K. H.. Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische Chemie; AlemaniaFil: Wales, P.. Universität Göttingen; AlemaniaFil: Koch, J. C.. Universität Göttingen; AlemaniaFil: Gerhardt, Elizabeth. Universität Göttingen; AlemaniaFil: Taschenberger, H.. Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische Chemie; AlemaniaFil: Outeiro, T. F.. Universität Göttingen; AlemaniaFil: Lingor, P.. Universität Göttingen; AlemaniaFil: Schüele, B.. The Parkinson’s Institute; Estados UnidosFil: Arndt Jovin, D. J.. Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische Chemie; AlemaniaFil: Jovin, T. M.. Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische Chemie; Alemani

Effects Of A Low Dose Of Fish Oil On Inflammatory Markers Of Brazilian Hiv-infected Adults On Antiretroviral Therapy: A Randomized, Parallel, Placebo-controlled Trial.

The benefits of antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected subjects have been limited by an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of a low dose of marine omega-3 fatty acids on inflammatory marker concentrations in HIV-infected subjects under antiretroviral therapy (ART). This was a randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled trial that investigated the effects of 3 g fish oil/day (540 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid-EPA plus 360 mg of docosahexaenoic acid-DHA) or 3 g soy oil/day (placebo) for 24 weeks in 83 male and non-pregnant female HIV-infected adults on ART. There were no differences between groups for the measures at baseline. Multilevel analyses revealed no statistically significant relationship between the longitudinal changes in high sensitivity-C reactive protein (hs-CRP) (Wald Chi2 = 0.17, p = 0.918), fibrinogen (Wald Chi2 = 3.82, p = 0.148), and factor VIII (Wald Chi2 = 5.25, p = 0.073) with fish oil. No significant changes in interleukin-6 (IL6), interleukin-1 beta (IL1-beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) serum concentrations were observed with fish oil supplements for 12 weeks. Compared to placebo, a low dose of 900 mg omega-3 fatty acids (EPA plus DHA) in fish oil capsules did not change hs-CRP, fibrinogen, factor VIII, IL6, IL1-beta and TNF-alpha serum concentrations in HIV-infected subjects on ART. Further investigations should consider the assessment of more sensitive inflammatory markers or higher doses to evaluate the effects of marine omega-3 fatty acids in this population. Registered at the Nederlands Trial Register, Identifier no. NTR1798.76520-652

Effects of a low dose of fish oil on inflammatory markers of brazilian HIV-infected adults on antiretroviral therapy: a randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled trial

The benefits of antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected subjects have been limited by an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of a low dose of marine omega-3 fatty acids on inflammatory marker concentrations in HIV-infected subjects under antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: This was a randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled trial that investigated the effects of 3 g fish oil/day (540 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid-EPA plus 360 mg of docosahexaenoic acid-DHA) or 3 g soy oil/day (placebo) for 24 weeks in 83 male and non-pregnant female HIV-infected adults on ART. Results: There were no differences between groups for the measures at baseline. Multilevel analyses revealed no statistically significant relationship between the longitudinal changes in high sensitivity-C reactive protein (hs-CRP) (Wald Chi2 = 0.17, p = 0.918), fibrinogen (Wald Chi2 = 3.82, p = 0.148), and factor VIII (Wald Chi2 = 5.25, p = 0.073) with fish oil. No significant changes in interleukin-6 (IL6), interleukin-1 beta (IL1-beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) serum concentrations were observed with fish oil supplements for 12 weeks. Conclusions: Compared to placebo, a low dose of 900 mg omega-3 fatty acids (EPA plus DHA) in fish oil capsules did not change hs-CRP, fibrinogen, factor VIII, IL6, IL1-beta and TNF-alpha serum concentrations in HIV-infected subjects on ART. Further investigations should consider the assessment of more sensitive inflammatory markers or higher doses to evaluate the effects of marine omega-3 fatty acids in this population. Registered at the Nederlands Trial Register, Identifier no. NTR17987865206528FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP2008/50970-8; 2009/55532-

Prevalência de anemia e deficiência de ferro em adolescentes do sexo feminino - Taboão da Serra, SP, Brasil

Con el objetivo de evaluar la prevalencia de anemia y deficiencia de hierro en mujeres adolescentes, se estudió una muestra equiprobabilistica de 262 adolescentes del Municipio de Taboão da Serra, Brasil. La anemia fue diagnosticada por el nivel de hemoglobina y la deficiencia de hierro a través de la concentración de protoporfirina eritrocitaria libre. Se encontró 17,6% de anemia y su ocurrencia fue inversamente relacionada a los indicadores socioeconómicos estudiados: renta, escolaridad del jefe de familia y característica de la vivienda. Fue más frecuente en el grupo pre-menarquia y no mostró relación con el intervalo entre los ciclos menstruales. La prevalencia de deficiencia de hierro fue de 29,4% y no se encontró correlación con el nivel de hemoglobina a no ser en los casos severos de anemia.Com o objetivo de avaliar a prevalência de anemia e deficiência de ferro em mulheres adolescentes, estudou-se uma mostra equiprobabilística de 262 adolescentes do Município de Taboão da Serra, SP, Brasil. A anemia foi diagnosticada pelo nível de hemoglobina, e a deficiência de ferro através da concentração de protoporfirina eritrocitária livre. Encontrou-se 17,6% de anemia e sua ocorrência foi inversamente relacionada ao indicadores sócios-econômicos estudados: renda, escolaridade do chefe da família e características da moradia. Foi mais freqüente no grupo pré-menarca e não mostrou relação com o intervalo entre os ciclos menstruais. A prevalência de deficiência de ferro foi de 29,4% e não se verificou correlação com o nível de hemoglobina a não ser nos casos de severos de anemia.It was studied an equiprobabilistic sample of 262 female teenagers living in the city of Taboão da Serra, Brazil, with the aim of evaluating the prevalence of anemia and iron-deficiency. Anemia was identified by the hemoglobin level and the prevalence of iron-deficiency was determined through the concentration of free erythrocyte protoporphyrin. It was observed a prevalence of 17,6% of anemia, and its occurrence was inversely related to factors indicative of the economic-social level: income, schooling of parents and home's characteristics. The presence of anemia was higher in the group that did not have reached menarche, and its occurrence did not show relation with the interval between menstrual cycle. The prevalence of iron-deficiency was of 29,4% and it was not verified correlation between the bloody hemoglobin and the free erythrocyte protoporphyrin, except in severe cases of anemia

Cyanobacteria reduction in the integrated culture of Pacific white shrimp and West India pointed venus in a biofloc system

This study aimed to evaluate the integrated culture of the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and the West Indian pointed venus (Anomalocardia flexuosa) reared in a biofloc system. The performance of both species and the phytoplankton community were evaluated. Shrimp monoculture and three stocking densities of West Indian pointed venus (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 Kg m-3) were evaluated in 0.05 m3 tanks. First of all, the addition of A. brasiliana did not affect the water quality parameters of the culture. Regarding the phytoplankton community, 13 taxa were found: 5 cyanobacteria, 4 dinoflagellates, 3 diatoms and 1 green algae. Although diatoms were dominant at the beginning of cultivation, in the middle and at the end a cyanobacterial dominance was observed (proven by ANOSIM and nMDS). The taxa that most contributed to the abundance of cyanobacteria were Aphanocapsa sp. and Pseudanabaena sp. Regarding the performance of the shrimp, all integrated treatments present the higher growth performances (final weight, yield and survival) when compared to shrimp monoculture. Moreover, gradual mortalities of A. brasiliana were observed, probably due to the high concentration of cyanobacteria. Thus, it can be observed that the integration of molluscs in shrimp culture can reduce the concentration of harmful algae and improve the zootechnical performance of the shrimp