Generation of random mutants to improve light-use efficiency of Nannochloropsis gaditana cultures for biofuel production

Background The productivity of an algal culture depends on how efficiently it converts sunlight into biomass and lipids. Wild-type algae in their natural environment evolved to compete for light energy and maximize individual cell growth; however, in a photobioreactor, global productivity should be maximized. Improving light use efficiency is one of the primary aims of algae biotechnological research, and genetic engineering can play a major role in attaining this goal. Results In this work, we generated a collection of Nannochloropsis gaditana mutant strains and screened them for alterations in the photosynthetic apparatus. The selected mutant strains exhibited diverse phenotypes, some of which are potentially beneficial under the specific artificial conditions of a photobioreactor. Particular attention was given to strains showing reduced cellular pigment contents, and further characterization revealed that some of the selected strains exhibited improved photosynthetic activity; in at least one case, this trait corresponded to improved biomass productivity in lab-scale cultures. Conclusions This work demonstrates that genetic modification of N. gaditana has the potential to generate strains with improved biomass productivity when cultivated under the artificial conditions of a photobioreactor

The Tadpole of \u3cem\u3eLeptodactylus notoaktites\u3c/em\u3e Heyer, 1978 (Anura, Leptodactylidae)

The external morphology and oral disc of the tadpole of Leptodactylus notoaktites Heyer, 1978, are described and illustrated for Gosner’s stage 33. The internal oral anatomy was analyzed under SEM at Gosner’s stage 36 whereas chondrocranial anatomy is reported for Gosner’ stage 38. The morphology of this tadpole is compared with those available for other species of the L. mystaceus complex. The overall characteristics do not depart from those known for the genus Leptodactylus and they particularly agree for those of the fuscus species group. The labial tooth row formula is 2(2)/3

High-temperature piezoelectric materials for elements of linear piezo motors

This paper discusses technological and construction ways to achieve a high working temperature with a high displacement in linear piezo motors. The first part reviews the results of the piezoelectric material development, its temperature stability testing and basic parameters for piezo motors. The second part focuses on the multilayer structure of piezoelectric elements, which are based on high-temperature piezoelectric materials (HTPM). Also analyzed are working temperatures of multilayer piezoelectric elements (MPE) and their hysteresis. Finally, the third part shows a comparison of three recent prototypes of high-temperature MPEs that were in our lab using different materials

Hospitalization and mortality rates for heart failure in public hospitals in São Paulo

BACKGROUND: Advances in the treatment of heart failure (HF) have resulted in reduced mortality and hospitalization rates. On the other hand, when hospitalized, patients are at high risk of death. OBJECTIVE: As there are few studies in this group of patients in Brazil, we analyzed the numbers of hospitalization and deaths due to HF in the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) in the city of São Paulo. METHODS: Historical prospective study carried out between 1992 and 2010. The data were obtained from DATASUS. We used Chi-square and t tests for comparison between the periods 1992-1993 and 2008-2009 and logistic regression models when appropriate. The level of significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: There was a 32% decrease in the number of hospitalizations for HF between 1992-1993 and 2008-2009 (p = 0.002). The in-hospital mortality rate for HF was 15%, with a 15% increase in the period (p = 0.004). Between 1992 and 1993, the mean time of hospitalization for HF was 8.8 days. Between 2008 and 2009, it was 11.3 days (p = 0.001). August was the month with the highest incidence of hospitalizations for HF, 20% higher than in February, the month with the lowest incidence (p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: This study showed changes in trends of hospitalization for HF and mortality over the last two decades. We emphasize important implications: 1: 32% decrease in the number of hospitalizations for HF in SUS hospitals in São Paulo; 2: 25% increase in hospitalization time, and 3: seasonal pattern of hospitalization for HF, with a peak in the third quarter.FUNDAMENTO: Os avanços no tratamento da insuficiência cardíaca (IC) resultaram em redução da taxa de mortalidade e de hospitalização. Por outro lado, quando hospitalizados, os pacientes apresentam alto risco de óbito. OBJETIVO: Como são poucos os estudos com esse grupo de pacientes no Brasil, analisamos os números de internação e óbito por IC no SUS do município de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo histórico realizado entre 1992 e 2010. Os dados foram obtidos no DATASUS. Utilizamos os testes qui-quadrado e T para a comparação entre os períodos 1992-1993 e 2008-2009 e modelos de regressão logística quando apropriado. O nível de significância considerado foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: Houve redução de 32% no número de internações por IC entre 1992-1993 e 2008-2009 (p = 0,002). A taxa de mortalidade hospitalar por IC foi de 15%, com aumento de 15% no período (p = 0,004). Entre 1992-1993, o tempo médio de hospitalização por IC foi de 8,8 dias. Entre 2008-2009, 11,3 dias (p = 0,001). Agosto foi o mês com maior incidência de internações por IC, 20% maior do que fevereiro, mês de menor incidência (p = 0,041). CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo apresentou as modificações nas tendências de hospitalização e mortalidade hospitalar por IC ao longo das duas últimas décadas. Ressaltamos importantes implicações: 1º: redução em 32% no número de internações por IC em hospitais do SUS no município de São Paulo; 2º: aumento de 25% no tempo de hospitalização; e 3º: padrão sazonal de internação por IC, com pico no terceiro trimestre.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UNIFESPSciEL

Carotenoporphyrins as selective photodiagnostic agents for tumours.

The covalent binding of a carotene moiety to one phenyl ring and meso-tetraphenyl-substituted porphyrins (see Figure 1) efficiently quenches the photosensitising activity of the porphyrin while a relatively large yield of fluorescence emission around 650 nm is retained. Pharmacokinetic studies performed with two carotenoporphyrins (CPs) and the corresponding porphyrins (Ps) in Balb/c mice bearing an MS-2 fibrosarcoma show that the two Ps give a high selectivity of tumour localisation (tumour/peritumoral tissue ratios of dye concentration ranging between c. 30 and 90 at 24 h after injection of 4.2-8.4 mumol kg-1 in a Cremophor emulsion) and photosensitive tumour necrosis upon red light irradiation. For the same injected doses, the two CPs show no tumour-photosensitising activity even though they localise in the tumour in concentrations of the order of 10-40 micrograms g-1 at 24 h with tumour/peritumoral ratios larger than 10. Thus, the fluorescence emitted by these CPs in the tumour can be used for photodiagnostic purposes with no risk of skin photosensitisation. However, this approach is presently limited by the large accumulation and prolonged retention of the CPs in the liver and spleen

Laser-induced fluorescence studies of the biodistribution of carotenoporphyrins in mice.

The biodistribution of two recently developed tumour markers, trimethylated (CP(Me)3) and trimethoxylated (CP(OMe)3) carotenoporphyrin, was investigated by means of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) after i.v. injection into 38 tumour-bearing (MS-2 fibrosarcoma) female Balb/c mice. At 3, 24, 48 or 96 h after administration, the carotenoporphyrin fluorescence was measured in tumoral and peritumoral tissue, as well as in the abdominal, thoracic and cranial cavities. The fluorescence was induced by a nitrogen laser-pumped dye laser, emitting light at 425 nm, and analysed by a polychromator equipped with an image-intensified CCD camera. The fluorescence was evaluated at 490, 655 and 720 nm: the second and third wavelengths represent the carotenoporphyrin (CP)-related peaks, whereas the first one is close to the peak of the tissue autofluorescence. The tumour and the liver were the two tissue types showing the strongest carotenoporphyrin-related fluorescence, whereas the cerebral cortex and muscle consistently exhibited weak substance-related fluorescence. In most tissue types, the fluorescence intensities decreased over time. A few exceptions were observed, notably the liver, in which the intensity remained remarkably constant over the time period investigated

Laser-induced fluorescence in malignant and normal tissue in mice injected with two different carotenoporphyrins.

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) was used to characterise the localisation of an intravenously administered trimethylated carotenoporphyrin [CP(Me)3] and a trimethoxylated carotenoporphyrin [CP(OMe)3] in an intramuscularly transplanted malignant tumour (MS-2 fibrosarcoma) and healthy muscle in female Balb/c mice, 3, 24, 48 and 96 h post injection. The fluorescence was induced with a dye laser pumped by a nitrogen laser, emitting light at 425 nm. The fluorescence spectra were recorded in the region 455-760 nm using a polychromator equipped with an image-intensified CCD camera. The tumour/peritumoral muscle ratio was about 5:1 for CP(Me)3 and about 6:1 for CP(OMe)3 in terms of the background-free fluorescence intensity, which peaked at about 655 nm. By including the endogenous tissue fluorescence, the contrast was further enhanced by a factor of approximately 2