Zooplankton assemblages (Copepoda and Cladocera) in a cascade of reservoirs of a large tropical river (SE Brazil)

The construction of reservoirs for the production of electricity is one of the major human interferences on large tropical rivers. This study analyzes the structure of the microcrustacean assemblages (Copepoda and Cladocera) in a cascade of 8 reservoirs in the Paranapanema River. Samples were obtained during 8 campaigns through a vertical haul (from bottom to surface) with a net with 50 μm of mesh size in 19 stations distributed along the watershed (ca. 700 km). The 3 main tributaries were sampled downstream, just like the mouth zone ot the Paranapanema River into the Paran'a River. Nineteen species of Copepoda and 56 of Cladocera were identified. This high richness confirms the importance of considering the entire watershed for the elaboration of regional inventories. The main species were Notodiaptomus henseni, N. iheringi, Thermocyclops minutus, T. decipiens, Mesocyclops longisetus, M. meridianus and M. ogunnus, among the copepods, and the cladocerans Daphnia gessneri, Ceriodaphnia cornuta rigaudi, C. cornuta cornuta, C. silvestrii, Diaphanosoma spinulosum, D. birgei, D. brevireme, D. fluviatile, Moina minuta, Bosmina hagmanni and Bosminopsis deitersi. The seasonal occurrence of the main species is discussed. A downstream increase in richness (River Continuum Concept) was not observed. The transition zones (riverine to lacustrine) and the zones connected to flooded areas and lagoons have a positive effect on the richness. Comparisons of the diaptomidae composition and dominance between decades indicate an important structural change, probably related to the increase in the trophic conditions. Two different conditions favor the increase in abundance: higher water retention time and also of the trophic conditions. Temporal and longitudinal (intra-reservoir) trends were observed but they could not be generalized. The variation of the relative abundance of the cladoceran families and Thermocyclops species, as well as of the Shannon diversity index, were related to the different trophic and hydrodynamic conditions in the cascade. The analysis of the microcrustacean composition and abundance has allowed the identification of important spatial patterns in the hydrographic watershed, including the effects of damming.La construcción de embalses para la producción de electricidad es una de las principales interferencias humanas en los grandes ríos tropicales. Este estudio analiza la estructura de las asociaciones de microcrustáceos (Copepoda y Cladocera) en una cascada de 8 embalses en el Río Paranapanema. Las muestras fueron obtenidas durante 8 campañas efectuando un arrastre vertical (de fondo a superficie) con una red de 50 μm de apertura de malla, en 19 estaciones distribuidas a lo largo de la cuenca (ca. 700 km). Los tres principales tributarios también fueron muestreados río abajo, así como la zona de desembocadura del río Paranapanema en el río Paraná. Fueron identificadas 19 especies de Copepoda y 56 de Cladocera. Esta alta riqueza confirma la importancia de considerar toda la cuenca para la elaboración de inventarios regionales de la fauna. Entre los Copepodos las principales especies fueron Notodiaptomus henseni, N. iheringi, Thermocyclos minutus, T. decipiens, Mesocyclops longisetus, M. meridianus y M. ogunnus, y entre los Cladoceros Daphnia gessneri, Ceriodaphnia cornuta rigaudi, C. cornuta cornuta, C. silvestrii, Diaphanosoma spinulosum, D. birgei, D. brevireme, D. fluviatile, Moina minuta, Bosmina hagmanni y Bosminopsis deitersi. La ocurrencia estacional de las principales especies es discutida. No fue observado un incremento de la riqueza río abajo (concepto del Continuo Fluvial). Las zonas de transición (riverina a lacustre) y las zonas de conexión con áreas inundadas y lagunas tienen un efecto positivo en la riqueza. La comparación de la composición y dominancia de Diaptomidae entre décadas, indica un importante cambio estructural, probablemente relacionado con el incremento de las condiciones tróficas. Dos diferentes condiciones favorecen el aumento de la abundancia: incremento en el tiempo de retención del agua y también en las condiciones tróficas. Fueron observadas tendencias temporales y longitudinales (intra embalses) aunque las mismas no pueden ser generalizadas. La variación de la abundancia relativa de las familias de Cladocera y de las especies de Thermocyclops, así como el índice de diversidad de Shannon, estuvieron relacionados con las diferentes condiciones tróficas e hidrodinámicas en la cascada. El análisis de la composición y la abundancia de los microcrustáceos ha permitidoidentificar importantes patrones espaciales en la cuenca hidrográfica, incluyendo los efectos de las presas

Coleta do condensado do ar exalado pulmonar para a dosagem de nitrito: Uma adaptação segura e barata

PURPOSE: Standardization of a simple and low cost technique of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) collection to measure nitrite. METHODS: Two devices were mounted in polystyrene boxes filled either with crushed ice/salt crystals or dry ice/crushed ice. Blood samples were stored at -70º C for posterior nitrite dosages by chemiluminescence and the Griess reaction. RESULTS: a) The use of crushed ice/dry ice or salt revealed sufficient EBC room air collection, but was not efficient for patients under ventilation support; b) the method using crushed ice/salt collected greater EBC volumes, but the nitrite concentrations were not proportional to the volume collected; c) The EBC nitrite values were higher in the surgical group using both methods; d) In the surgical group the nasal clip use diminished the EBC nitrite concentrations in both methods. CONCLUSIONS: The exhaled breath condensate (EBC) methodology collection was efficient on room air breathing. Either cooling methods provided successful EBC collections showing that it is possible to diminish costs, and, amongst the two used methods, the one using crushed ice/salt crystals revealed better efficiency compared to the dry ice method.OBJETIVO: Padronizar técnica simples e barata de coleta do condensado do ar exalado pulmonar (CEP) para medir nitrito. MÉTODOS: Dois dispositivos foram montados em caixas de isopor e preenchidos com gelo picado/sal grosso ou gelo picado/gelo seco. Amostras de sangue foram armazenadas a -70º C para dosagem de nitrito por quimiluminescência e pela reação de Griess. RESULTADOS: a) a utilização de gelo picado/gelo seco ou sal foi eficiente para a coleta em respiração espontânea, mas ineficiente durante ventilação mecânica; b) o método gelo picado/sal coletou volumes maiores, sem aumento proporcional do nitrito; c) os valores do nitrito foram mais elevados no grupo cirúrgico utilizando os dois métodos; d) no grupo cirúrgico com clipe nasal ocorreu diminuição do nitrito em ambos os métodos. CONCLUSÕES: A metodologia do condensado do ar exalado pulmonar (CEP) foi eficiente na coleta respirando em ar ambiente. Os dois métodos de congelamento foram eficientes mostrando que é possível diminuir os custos, e, entre os dois métodos utilizados, o uso de gelo picado/sal mostrou melhor eficiência quanto ao volume da coleta do CEP em comparação com o uso de gelo seco

Design of a Pedagogical Model to Foster Ocean Citizenship in Basic Education

Following a design-based research methodology, this investigation develops a pedagogical model to foster ocean citizenship through the application of a design cycle consisting of four phases: (1) preliminary research, (2) planning, (3) action and (4) evaluation. This article presents the results of phases 1 and 2, which define the conceptual foundation of the pedagogical model, and the planning of actions for its implementation in the school environment. The conceptual foundation was established by drawing upon the theoretical principles of a systemic/complex approach to education, along with theoretical-methodological elements compiled from the literature in the field of ocean literacy and ocean citizenship. During the planning phase, six educational activities were defined, to be conducted as part of a citizen science project to monitor the coastal zone. This model was developed with the objective of going beyond theoretical concepts, to offer schools a practical and objective guide for fostering ocean citizenship in basic education.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Leaf morphoanatomy of rheophyte Dyckia distachya Hassler (Bromeliaceae)

This research reports on the leaf morphoanatomy of the rheophyte Dyckia distachya. Plants with young and mature leaves of three populations from the Pelotas River and Uruguay River (SC, Brazil), which were maintained in a greenhouse, were utilized in the study. The leaves of D. distachya have sheaths, and the blades are lanceolate with serrate margins. The leaf epidermis of this species has a thickened cuticular membrane; thickened and lignified cellular walls, except in the outer periclinal; and silica bodies in the lumen. Tetracytic stomata are found within individual depressions that are protected by peltate scales; both the stomata and scales are restricted to the intercostal zones, on the abaxial surface. These features of the epidermis suggest that this species has the ability to conserve water while gas is exchanged during periods when the water level is low. The mesophyll is formed by the following: the hypodermis, which is made of septate fibers (along the adaxial surface and abaxial costal regions) or sclereids (abaxial intercostal regions); hydrenchyma, the widest tissue; chlorenchyma, located adaxially to the collateral vascular bundles; and aerenchyma, which communicate directly with the stomata. The leaf sheath has neither scales nor stomata. Dyckia distachya has both xeromorphic and hydromorphic features, which are associated with survival during periods when the water level is low or is high, respectively.This research reports on the leaf morphoanatomy of the rheophyte Dyckia distachya. Plants with young and mature leaves of three populations from the Pelotas River and Uruguay River (SC, Brazil), which were maintained in a greenhouse, were utilized in the study. The leaves of D. distachya have sheaths, and the blades are lanceolate with serrate margins. The leaf epidermis of this species has a thickened cuticular membrane; thickened and lignified cellular walls, except in the outer periclinal; and silica bodies in the lumen. Tetracytic stomata are found within individual depressions that are protected by peltate scales; both the stomata and scales are restricted to the intercostal zones, on the abaxial surface. These features of the epidermis suggest that this species has the ability to conserve water while gas is exchanged during periods when the water level is low. The mesophyll is formed by the following: the hypodermis, which is made of septate fibers (along the adaxial surface and abaxial costal regions) or sclereids (abaxial intercostal regions); hydrenchyma, the widest tissue; chlorenchyma, located adaxially to the collateral vascular bundles; and aerenchyma, which communicate directly with the stomata. The leaf sheath has neither scales nor stomata. Dyckia distachya has both xeromorphic and hydromorphic features, which are associated with survival during periods when the water level is low or is high, respectively

Oxidative Stress and Modification of Renal Vascular Permeability Are Associated with Acute Kidney Injury during P. berghei ANKA Infection

Malaria associated-acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with 45% of mortality in adult patients hospitalized with severe form of the disease. However, the causes that lead to a framework of malaria-associated AKI are still poorly characterized. Some clinical studies speculate that oxidative stress products, a characteristic of Plasmodium infection, as well as proinflammatory response induced by the parasite are involved in its pathophysiology. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the development of malaria-associated AKI during infection by P. berghei ANKA, with special attention to the role played by the inflammatory response and the involvement of oxidative stress. for that, we took advantage of an experimental model of severe malaria that showed significant changes in the renal pathophysiology to investigate the role of malaria infection in the renal microvascular permeability and tissue injury. Therefore, BALB/c mice were infected with P. berghei ANKA. To assess renal function, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and ratio of proteinuria and creatininuria were evaluated. the products of oxidative stress, as well as cytokine profile were quantified in plasma and renal tissue. the change of renal microvascular permeability, tissue hypoxia and cellular apoptosis were also evaluated. Parasite infection resulted in renal dysfunction. Furthermore, we observed increased expression of adhesion molecule, proinflammatory cytokines and products of oxidative stress, associated with a decrease mRNA expression of HO-1 in kidney tissue of infected mice. the measurement of lipoprotein oxidizability also showed a significant increase in plasma of infected animals. Together, our findings support the idea that products of oxidative stress, as well as the immune response against the parasite are crucial to changes in kidney architecture and microvascular endothelial permeability of BALB/c mice infected with P. berghei ANKA.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)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Med, Disciplina Nefrol, São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Dept Imunol, Lab Imunobiol Transplantes, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Imunol, São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Inst Fis, BR-01498 São Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Triangulo Mineiro, Div Patol, Uberaba, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Inst Ciencias Biomed, Dept Parasitol, BR-05508 São Paulo, BrazilInst Israelita Ensino & Pesquisa Albert Einstein, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Med, Disciplina Nefrol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Imunol, São Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 07/07139-3FAPESP: 10/52180-4FAPESP: 12/02270-2Web of Scienc

The ASTRO-H X-ray Observatory

The joint JAXA/NASA ASTRO-H mission is the sixth in a series of highly successful X-ray missions initiated by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS). ASTRO-H will investigate the physics of the high-energy universe via a suite of four instruments, covering a very wide energy range, from 0.3 keV to 600 keV. These instruments include a high-resolution, high-throughput spectrometer sensitive over 0.3-2 keV with high spectral resolution of Delta E < 7 eV, enabled by a micro-calorimeter array located in the focal plane of thin-foil X-ray optics; hard X-ray imaging spectrometers covering 5-80 keV, located in the focal plane of multilayer-coated, focusing hard X-ray mirrors; a wide-field imaging spectrometer sensitive over 0.4-12 keV, with an X-ray CCD camera in the focal plane of a soft X-ray telescope; and a non-focusing Compton-camera type soft gamma-ray detector, sensitive in the 40-600 keV band. The simultaneous broad bandpass, coupled with high spectral resolution, will enable the pursuit of a wide variety of important science themes.Comment: 22 pages, 17 figures, Proceedings of the SPIE Astronomical Instrumentation "Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2012: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray

Pan-Cancer Analysis of lncRNA Regulation Supports Their Targeting of Cancer Genes in Each Tumor Context

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are commonly dys-regulated in tumors, but only a handful are known toplay pathophysiological roles in cancer. We inferredlncRNAs that dysregulate cancer pathways, onco-genes, and tumor suppressors (cancer genes) bymodeling their effects on the activity of transcriptionfactors, RNA-binding proteins, and microRNAs in5,185 TCGA tumors and 1,019 ENCODE assays.Our predictions included hundreds of candidateonco- and tumor-suppressor lncRNAs (cancerlncRNAs) whose somatic alterations account for thedysregulation of dozens of cancer genes and path-ways in each of 14 tumor contexts. To demonstrateproof of concept, we showed that perturbations tar-geting OIP5-AS1 (an inferred tumor suppressor) andTUG1 and WT1-AS (inferred onco-lncRNAs) dysre-gulated cancer genes and altered proliferation ofbreast and gynecologic cancer cells. Our analysis in-dicates that, although most lncRNAs are dysregu-lated in a tumor-specific manner, some, includingOIP5-AS1, TUG1, NEAT1, MEG3, and TSIX, synergis-tically dysregulate cancer pathways in multiple tumorcontexts

Genomic, Pathway Network, and Immunologic Features Distinguishing Squamous Carcinomas

This integrated, multiplatform PanCancer Atlas study co-mapped and identified distinguishing molecular features of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) from five sites associated with smokin

Spatial Organization and Molecular Correlation of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes Using Deep Learning on Pathology Images

Beyond sample curation and basic pathologic characterization, the digitized H&E-stained images of TCGA samples remain underutilized. To highlight this resource, we present mappings of tumorinfiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) based on H&E images from 13 TCGA tumor types. These TIL maps are derived through computational staining using a convolutional neural network trained to classify patches of images. Affinity propagation revealed local spatial structure in TIL patterns and correlation with overall survival. TIL map structural patterns were grouped using standard histopathological parameters. These patterns are enriched in particular T cell subpopulations derived from molecular measures. TIL densities and spatial structure were differentially enriched among tumor types, immune subtypes, and tumor molecular subtypes, implying that spatial infiltrate state could reflect particular tumor cell aberration states. Obtaining spatial lymphocytic patterns linked to the rich genomic characterization of TCGA samples demonstrates one use for the TCGA image archives with insights into the tumor-immune microenvironment