Fear Mediates Trophic Cascades: Nonconsumptive Effects Of Predators Drive Aquatic Ecosystem Function

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Predators control prey populations and influence communities and the functioning of ecosystems through a combination of consumptive and nonconsumptive effects. These effects can be locally confined to one ecosystem but can also be extended to neighboring ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the nonconsumptive effects of terrestrial avian predators on the communities of aquatic invertebrates inhabiting bromeliads and on the functioning of these natural ecosystems. Bromeliads with stuffed birds placed nearby showed a decrease in aquatic damselfly larvae abundance and biomass, and we can infer that these changes were caused by antipredator responses. These larvae, which are top predators in bromeliad ecosystems, changed the composition of the entire aquatic invertebrate community. While total species richness, mesopredator richness, and shredder abundance increased in the presence of birds, scraper biomass decreased, possibly as a consequence of the increase in mesopredator richness. High scraper biomass in the absence of birds may have accelerated detrital decomposition, making more nutrients available for bromeliads, which grew more. These results show that nonconsumptive effects triggered by terrestrial predators can cascade down to lower trophic levels and dramatically affect the functioning of aquatic ecosystems, which can in turn alter nutrient provision to terrestrial ecosystems.1895490500National Postdoctoral Program/Brazilian Federal Agency for the Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel [PNPD/CAPES])Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) [306115/2013-1]Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) [2014/23141-1]CNPqFAPESPCoordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Species-specific Effects Of Ant Inhabitants On Bromeliad Nutrition

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Predator activities may lead to the accumulation of nutrients in specific areas of terrestrial habitats where they dispose of prey carcasses. In their feeding sites, predators may increase nutrient availability in the soil and favor plant nutrition and growth. However, the translocation of nutrients from one habitat to another may depend on predator identity and diet, as well as on the amount of prey intake. Here we used isotopic (N-15) and physiological methods in greenhouse experiments to evaluate the effects of the identity of predatory ants (i.e., the consumption of prey and nest sites) on the nutrition and growth of the bromeliad Quesnelia arvensis. We showed that predatory ants with protein-based nutrition (i.e., Odontomachus hastatus, Gnamptogenys moelleri) improved the performance of their host bromeliads (i.e., increased foliar N, production of soluble proteins and growth). On the other hand, the contribution of Camponotus crassus for the nutritional status of bromeliads did not differ from bromeliads without ants, possibly because this ant does not have arthropod prey as a preferred food source. Our results show, for the first time, that predatory ants can translocate nutrients from one habitat to another within forests, accumulating nutrients in their feeding sites that become available to bromeliads. Additionally, we highlight that ant contribution to plant nutrition may depend on predator identity and its dietary requirements. Nest debris may be especially important for epiphytic and terrestrial bromeliads in nutrient-poor environments.113Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo scholarship [2011/10137-8]Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao PauloConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico [2010/17204-0]Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

Microbial Production Of Propionic And Succinic Acid From Sorbitol Using Propionibacterium Acidipropionici

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Three sequential fermentative batches were carried out with cell recycle in four simultaneously operating bioreactors maintained at pH 6.5, 30 degrees C, and 100 rpm. P. acidipropionici ATCC 4875 was able to produce propionic and succinic acid from sorbitol. The concentration of propionic acid decreased slightly from 39.5 +/- 5.2 g L-1 to 34.4 +/- 1.9 g L-1, and that of succinic acid increased significantly from 6.1 +/- 2.1 g L-1 to 14.8 +/- 0.9 g L-1 through the sequential batches. In addition, a small amount of acetic acid was produced that decreased from 3.3 +/- 0.4 g L-1 to 2.0 +/- 0.3 g L-1 through the batches. The major yield for propionic acid was 0.613 g g(-1) in the first batch and succinic acid it was 0.212 g g(-1) in the third batch. The minor yield of acetic acid was 0.029 g g(-1), in the second and third batches.5Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)BRASKEM S/AFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)FAPESP [2011/51861-9

Photochemistry of Lipofuscin and the Interplay of UVA and Visible Light in Skin Photosensitivity

The topics about prevention against sunlight-induced damages and a secure threshold to light exposition have reached a bigger number of specialists in basic science and medical care. It has been accepted that ultraviolet light is very hazardous and visible light is safe, but recent studies from our group has shown that human keratinocytes exposed previously to ultraviolet A (UVA) light can generate an endogenous visible light-sensitive photosensitizer (lipofuscin), leading to higher levels of singlet oxygen, DNA damages and a wide-range of cellular insults due to intracellular lipofuscin accumulation. Disruption of cell death pathways and on essential metabolic processes, as autophagy and redox signaling, can collaborate to increase light-induced damages. We also discuss the importance of considering not only UVA but visible light too in protection against solar exposure as a way to prevent future pretumoral lesions

Estudo comparativo entre duas lâmpadas de descarga de baixa pressão: análise de viabilidade econômica

The current search for lighting efficiency on building projects has involved constructors, engineers and architects to look for reliable information which fits different available light sources. This study presents analytical data about light sources, more specifically the post-fluorescent period, limiting this research on low pressure discharge lamps, given the widespread use of this light source in the environments today. Thus, the main objective of this study is to present a comparison between the fluorescent lamps and the cold cathode lamps concerning its efficiency and the eventual retrofit benefits. Considering both peculiar characteristics calculates economic index as Payback, NPV and IRR and also presents argumentsto investor’s decision covering initial costs, operation costs and maintenance of the lighting systems. All analysis was meant by the illumination and energetic efficiency values obtained by the different manufacturer’s data for its appliance. And, as a preliminary result, there is greater economic viability for the cold cathode in some applications, mainly due to its longer life spam and low power consumption, making the return on the initial investment next to 3.4 years with return rates on 30,51% for one of the conditions adopted.A constante procura pela eficiência em projetos de iluminação nas edificações tem envolvido os profissionais da construção civil, engenharias e arquitetura na busca por informações confiáveis que melhor adéquem as inúmeras fontes de iluminação disponíveis, sejam elas artificiais ou a luz natural. Este estudo apresenta dados analíticos sobre as fontes de luz artificial, mais especificamente para o período denominado pós- fluorescente, limitando a pesquisa nas lâmpadas de descarga de baixa pressão, haja vista a grande utilização desta fonte de luz nos ambientes hoje em dia. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo é demonstrar o comparativo entre as lâmpadas fluorescentes tubulares e as lâmpadas de catodo frio quanto a sua eficiência e os benefícios da eventual substituição (retrofit). Aborda as características peculiares destas lâmpadas, calcula os fatores econômicos Payback, VPL e TIR, e também apresenta argumentos para a tomada de decisão do investidor, a partir dos custos iniciais de implantação, de operação e de manutenção dos sistemas de iluminação. Toda a análise foi realizada através da comparação dos valores luminotécnicos e de eficiência energética, ambos obtidos por meio dos dados fornecidos pelos diferentes fabricantes para as aplicações das lâmpadas. E, como resultado preliminar, verifica-se maior viabilidade econômica para o catodo frio em algumas aplicações, principalmente devido ao seu maior tempo de vida útil e baixo consumo de energia elétrica, tornando o retorno sobre o investimento inicial próximo de 3,4 anos com taxas de retorno de 30,51% para uma das condições adotadas

The role of minocycline in cognitive impairment and dysfunction of the blood brain barrier in experimental pneumococcal meningitis

Artigo submetido ao Curso de Medicina da UNESC como requisito parcial para obtenção do Título de Bacharel em Medicina.Bacterial meningitis is a life threatening infection associated with cognitive impairment in many survivors. The pathogen invades the CNS by penetrating through the luminal side of the cerebral endothelium, which is an integral part of the BBB. Microglia are the resident macrophages of the CNS which can trigger a host of immunological pathways. The inflammatory response from microglial activation can facilitate the elimination of invasive microorganisms; however, excessive or extended microglial activation can result in neuronal damage and eventually cell death. The inhibition of microglia using minocycline can be a relevant pharmacological tool to study the role of microglia in different CNS diseases. In this study, animals received either artificial cerebrospinal fluid or a Streptococcus pneumoniae suspension. The animals receive minocycline or saline immediately after induction. For the evaluation of the BBB integrity, the animals were killed at 12, 18 and 24 h after induction. For the behavioural tests, ten days after meningitis was induced, were subjected to open-field habituation and the step-down inhibitory task. In both cerebral structures the use of the minocycline prevented BBB disruption. In the behavioural tests the use of minocycline prevented habituation and aversive memory impairment in the meningitis/minocycline group when compared with meningitis/saline. Our results demonstrate that the minocycline was able to decrease long-term cognitive impairment and BBB dysfunction in rats survivors of meningitis representing a new pharmacological approach towards pneumococcal meningitis

Diagnóstico de trauma pancreático associado à trombose da veia mesentérica feito através da ultrassonografia endoscópica

BACKGROUND: Blunt pancreatic injuries occur when a high-energy crushing force is applied to the upper abdomen. In adults, the majority of blunt pancreatic injuries result from motor vehicle accidents. CASE REPORT: Male with 32 years old had a high-energy crushing history in witch he was pressured by the chest on the front car area. His life signs demonstrated to be regular. Ct scan demonstrated body pancreatic edema. All routine laboratorial exams were normal, EUS revealed pancreatic lesion grade II without involvement of the pancreatic duct and an impressive superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. He was sustained by means of anti- coagulation for about two months and after that time the multislice CT scan showed a mesenteric vein recanalization and a normal pancreatic parenchyma. The patient had an uneventfull follow-up. CONCLUSION: Patients presenting possible pancreatic trauma associated to superior mesenteric vein thrombosis, EUS must be used firstly.INTRODUÇÃO: Traumas pancreáticos fechados ocorrem em acidentes que promovem força intensa no abdome superior, principalmente em acidentes automobilísticos. RELATO DO CASO: Homem de 32 anos foi jogado contra a área frontal de seu automóvel. Seus sinais vitais eram normais. CT mostrou edema pancreático. EUS mostrou lesão pancreática grau II sem envolvimento do ducto pancreático, mas com impressionante trombose da veia mesentérica superior. Ele foi mantido com anticoagulants por dois meses e após este period novo scan mostrou recanalização e pâncreas normal. Teve seguimento favorável. CONCLUSÃO: Paciente apresentando edema pancreático associado a possível trombose de veia mesentérica superior deve ser submetido à EUS para monitorização e acompanhamento

Revealing soil legacy phosphorus to promote sustainable agriculture in Brazil

Exploiting native soil phosphorus (P) and the large reservoirs of residual P accumulated over decades of cultivation, namely "legacy P", has great potential to overcome the high demand of P fertilisers in Brazilian cropping systems. Long-term field experiments have shown that a large proportion (> 70%) of the surplus P added via fertilisers remains in the soil, mainly in forms not readily available to crops. An important issue is if the amount of legacy P mobilized from soil is sufficient for the crop nutritional demand and over how long this stored soil P can be effectively 'mined' by crops in a profitable way. Here we mapped the spatial-temporal distribution of legacy P over the past 50 years, and discussed possible agricultural practices that could increase soil legacy P usage by plants in Brazil. Mineral fertiliser and manure applications have resulted in ~ 33.4 Tg of legacy P accumulated in the agricultural soils from 1967 to 2016, with a current annual surplus rate of 1.6 Tg. Following this same rate, soil legacy P may reach up to 106.5 Tg by 2050. Agricultural management practices to enhance soil legacy P usage by crops includes increasing soil pH by liming, crop rotation, double-cropping, inter-season cover crops, no-tillage system and use of modern fertilisers, in addition to more efficient crop varieties and inoculation with P solubilising microorganisms. The adoption of these practices could increase the use efficiency of P, substantially reducing the new input of fertilisers and thus save up to 31.8 Tg of P fertiliser use (US$ 20.8 billion) in the coming decades. Therefore, exploring soil legacy P is imperative to reduce the demand for mineral fertilisers while promoting long-term P sustainability in Brazil