Checklist of Spermatophyta of the São Paulo State, Brazil

The Phanerogamic Flora of São Paulo State project has been dedicated to create an inventory of the flora for 20 years. More than 200 collaborators are involved, mostly from the State of São Paulo, with the contributions of researchers from other states and from abroad. Since 2001, seven books with monographs of 151 families were published, dealing with 3,237 species within 722 genera. This project was the starting-point of the gathering of information about the diversity of spermatophytes of the State of São Paulo. The current checklist, at this point, presents an updated and virtually complete list of species, all certified by specialists. It also contains references to scientific collections for most of the taxa (vouchers) or to bibliography referring to the natural or subspontaneous occurrence of the species in the State. The list now contains 7,305 species distributed in 1,776 genera and in 197 spermatophyte families (according to Cronquist 1981) or 195 (according to APG III). 23% of the 31,728 species of spermatophytes listed in the Flora of Brazil occur in São Paulo State. The most representative families are Orchidaceae (797 species), Asteraceae (676 species), Fabaceae (513 species), Poaceae (500 species), Myrtaceae (304), Rubiaceae (265 species) and Melastomataceae (253 species), which, altogether, accumulate 3,308 species and constitute 45% of total species of spermatophytes in the state. The wealth of the Brazilian plant diversity, partially expressed in São Paulo, shows how important is the continuity of floristic studies in a country that is very likely to hold the largest plant diversity in the planet.O projeto Flora Fanerogâmica do Estado de São Paulo tem se dedicado a inventariar a flora paulistana há quase 20 anos. Conta com a atuação de mais de 200 colaboradores, a maioria do próprio estado, além de pesquisadores de outros estados e do exterior. Desde 2001, foram publicados sete volumes com as monografias de 151 famílias, contendo 3.237 espécies em 722 gêneros. Este projeto foi o ponto de partida para o conhecimento da diversidade das espécies de espermatófitas do estado de São Paulo. A apresentação do checklist neste momento é oportuna por constituir a produção de uma listagem das espécies com identificações certificadas pelos especialistas, além de conter a referência de uma coleção de herbário para a maior parte dos táxons (material-testemunho) ou referência à bibliografia em que a espécie é citada como ocorrente, de forma nativa ou subespontânea, no estado. Dessa forma, é aqui apresentada a listagem das espermatófitas do estado de São Paulo, com 7.305 espécies, distribuídas em 1.776 gêneros e em 197 famílias (segundo Cronquist 1981) ou então 195 (segundo o APG III). Em relação à flora do Brasil, com 31.728 espécies de espermatófitas, o estado São Paulo compartilha de 23% dessas espécies. As famílias mais representativas são Orchidaceae (797 espécies), Asteraceae (676 espécies), Fabaceae (513 espécies), Poaceae (500 espécies), Myrtaceae (304), Rubiaceae (265 espécies) e Melastomataceae (253 espécies) que, juntas, somam 3.308 espécies e constituem mais de 45% do total de espécies de espermatófitas do estado. Considerando a grande diversidade vegetal brasileira, parcialmente expressa em um estado, depreende-se a grande importância da continuidade dos estudos florísticos no Brasil, país provavelmente detentor da maior diversidade vegetal do planeta.19138

New genetic loci link adipose and insulin biology to body fat distribution.

Body fat distribution is a heritable trait and a well-established predictor of adverse metabolic outcomes, independent of overall adiposity. To increase our understanding of the genetic basis of body fat distribution and its molecular links to cardiometabolic traits, here we conduct genome-wide association meta-analyses of traits related to waist and hip circumferences in up to 224,459 individuals. We identify 49 loci (33 new) associated with waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for body mass index (BMI), and an additional 19 loci newly associated with related waist and hip circumference measures (P < 5 × 10(-8)). In total, 20 of the 49 waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for BMI loci show significant sexual dimorphism, 19 of which display a stronger effect in women. The identified loci were enriched for genes expressed in adipose tissue and for putative regulatory elements in adipocytes. Pathway analyses implicated adipogenesis, angiogenesis, transcriptional regulation and insulin resistance as processes affecting fat distribution, providing insight into potential pathophysiological mechanisms

Management priorities for exotic plants in an urban Atlantic Forest reserve

ABSTRACT Biological diversity is directly affected by alien species, even though the diagnosed impacts vary with scale. Early identification of the invasion of natural patches is essential for effective conservation actions. We aimed to determine the exotic plant species present inside Fontes do Ipiranga State Park (PEFI), an urban protected area located in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, and their relative proportions of occurrence in the native forest. Our goal was to use these data to assess their invasion status according to specific literature and to define management priorities for them. Therefore, we surveyed the presence of exotic plants within the canopy layer and understory of three native forest areas with different levels of disturbance. We found ten exotic plant species. The species found in both strata (60 %) were considered non-dominant ruderal. We assessed the density:coverage ratio to try to distinguish groups of priority, and found Livistona chinensis, Archontophoenix cunninghamiana, and Syzygium jambos to be classified as high priority for management. The early stage of the invasion process at PEFI indicates it is an area of high conservation value, and so we provide recommendations for management priorities prior to severe changes in the composition of the natural plant community

Dinâmica da comunidade vegetal em um fragmento florestal urbano da área metropolitana de São Paulo, Brasil

We present a synthesis (2006-2012) of plant community dynamics in an area (1 ha) of the largest remnant of Atlantic Rain Forest surrounded by São Paulo city. Plants with ≥ 2.5 cm dbh, including the climbers, were sampled in 10 transects (2 × 50 m), and the smaller (&gt; 1 m height, &lt; 2.5 cm dbh) in 10 subtransects (1 × 50 m). We sampled 901 individuals, 125 species (38 families), 83 classified as late-successional species, 12 threatened with extinction and 56 absent in the area management plan, some Endangered (EN) species. The climbers were the most dynamics, they had the largest decrease in basal area; and the larger (&gt; 5.0 cm dbh) and shorter (&lt; 2.5 cm dbh) trees had the highest mortality rates of the shrub-tree synusia. Late species regeneration was predominant. The studied forest showed progression towards more mature successional stages in the monitoring period.  Nós apresentamos uma síntese (2006-2012) da dinâmica da comunidade vegetal em uma área (1 ha) do maior remanescente de Mata Atlântica cercado pela cidade de São Paulo. As plantas com dap ≥ 2,5 cm, incluindo as trepadeiras, foram amostradas em 10 transectos (2 × 50 m) e as menores (altura &gt; 1 m, dap &lt; 2,5 cm) em 10 subtransectos (1 × 50 m). Nós amostramos 901 indivíduos, 125 espécies (38 famílias), 83 classificadas como tardias, 12 ameaçadas e 56 ausentes no plano de manejo da área, algumas Em Perigo (EN) de extinção. As trepadeiras foram as mais dinâmicas, com a maior redução de área basal; e as árvores maiores (dap &gt; 5,0 cm) e menores (dap &lt; 2,5 cm) tiveram a maior mortalidade da sinúsia arbórea. A regeneração de espécies tardias foi a predominante. No período monitorado, a floresta estudada apresentou progressão para estádios sucessionais mais maduros

Sociobiodiversidade e agricultura familiar em Joanópolis, SP, Brasil: potencial econômico da flora local

RESUMO Este trabalho se propôs a realizar um estudo sobre o potencial econômico da flora local com objetivos de apontar ou fortalecer novas cadeias produtivas a partir da biodiversidade. O projeto foi realizado junto a agricultores familiares no município de Joanópolis, SP, Brasil. O trabalho consistiu de levantamento da flora local, com coleta e herborização do material, em cada uma das propriedades beneficiadas pelo projeto, sendo realizadas quatro visitas anuais, uma em cada estação do ano. Foram coletadas as espécies em estágio reprodutivo, com flores e/ou frutos, para identificação botânica. As espécies coletadas foram pesquisadas quanto a seu uso tradicional por populações locais; as informações obtidas foram sistematizadas em uma tabela como opções para produção agrícola. Como resultado, listamos mais de uma centena de possibilidades a partir da biodiversidade local para uso econômico e geração de renda

Biodiversity and family agriculture in Joanópolis, São Paulo State, Brazil: economic potential of the local flora

<p></p><p>ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to study the economic potential of the local flora in order to point out or reinforce new productive chains based on biodiversity. The project was carried out with family farmers in the municipality of Joanópolis, in São Paulo State, Brazil. The work consisted of surveying the local flora by means of collections in all the properties benefited by the project and subsequent herborization. The visits were made annually, one in each season The species in the reproductive stage, with flowers and/or fruits, were collected for botanical identification. The collected species were evaluated in relation to their traditional use by the local population and the information obtained was systematized in a table as alternatives for agricultural production. As a result, we have listed more than a hundred possibilities from the local biodiversity for economic use and income generation.</p><p></p

Ethnopharmacology Study of Plants from Atlantic Forest with Leishmanicidal Activity

Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by a protozoan belonging to Leishmania genus. Different clinical outcomes can be observed depending on the parasite species and patient’s health condition. The outcomes can range from single cutaneous lesions to lethal visceral form. The treatment of all forms of leishmaniasis is based on pentavalent antimonials, and, in some cases, the second-line drug, amphotericin B, is used. Beside the toxicity of both classes of drugs, in some areas of the world, parasites are resistant to antimonial. These detrimental features make fundamental the discovery and characterization of new drugs or plant extracts with leishmanicidal effects. Brazil is a well-known country for its biodiversity. Additionally, the common knowledge inherited for generations in small villages makes Brazil a source of new information and resources for the discovery and development of new drugs. Based on ethnopharmacology, elderlies were interviewed about plants they commonly used for skin diseases and infections. Five native plants from Atlantic forest were indicated; EtOH and n-hexane extracts were prepared with the vegetative organs of the plants and assayed against promastigote and amastigote forms of L. (L.) amazonensis. The major molecules of each extract were detected using qualitative nuclear magnetic resonance. Among all tested extracts, the n-hexane extract from the leave of Eugenia uniflora (Myrtaceae), enriched in myricitrin and quercitrin flavonoids, was the most effective against L. (L.) amazonensis amastigotes. This data supports the ethnopharmacology approach as a successful tool for the discovery of new drugs with leishmanicidal effects

The policies and position of the British Council from the outbreak of war to 1950

This thesis is the first detailed study of the British Council and British cultural diplomacy between 1939 and 1950. It attempt's to tell the story of the British Council in that period, of its organisation and relations with Government Departments and of its work overseas. These activities have been placed in the wider context of British foreign policy. The thesis is based mainly on unpublished and largely untapped primary sources, in particular the archives of the British Council and those Foreign Office Departments that dealt with its work. As this is a pioneering work, much background description has been necessary and a chronological framework has been chosen to simplify explanation. The thesis is divided into two parts,the war and the post-war period, and each chapter deals with a specific subject and extends over the timespan of the section it is in. Both parts begin with an analysis of, the Council's development at home and its interaction with Government Departments. (Chapters One and Eight) The first section includes a chapter on the work of the Council's technical divisions which were mostly absorbed by the Central Office of Information after the war. (Chapter Two) The remaining chapters deal with the British Council's work overseas: Chapter Three, with-its work in Europe and the European neutrals after the outbreak of war; Chapter Four, with the Council's activities in its largest area of operation during the war, the Middle East; Chapter Five, with the start of its work in the Commonwealth and Empire; Chapter Six, with operations in Latin America; Chapter Seven, with the reasons for the lack of Council activities in the United States and the Soviet Union and its unusual work in China. Organisational problems have created some anomalies; for example, the Council's work in Turkey is described in Chapter Three and its work in Aden, Cyprus, Palestine and Malta in Chapter Five and not in the Chapter on the Middle East, Chapter Four. In the second part, Chapter Nine in concerned with the Council's return to Europe and its enforced retreat from eastern Europe. Chapter Ten looks at its developing role in the Commonwealth and Empire and Chapter Eleven covers the changes in its work in the Middle East, Latin America, the United States, the Soviet Union and China. Appendices provide additional explanation in the form of organisational charts details of annual expenditure and a list of important British Council figures. The main body of source material used in this thesis was taken from the British Council's own voluminous records, which were deposited recently at the Public Record Office in London, and from the files of the Foreign Office Library Department and Cultural Relations Department. Additional material was found in the papers of the Cabinet Office, the Prime Minister's Office and other Government Departments. Private papers have also been studied and this thesis owes much to the Kindness and cooperation of the Council's former staff in supplying invaluable information