Short-term variability of copepod abundance in Jurumirim Reservoir, São Paulo, Brazil
short term variability, Copepod, Calanoida, Cyclopoida, Tropical reservoir
Short-term variability in composition and abundance of copepod populations were studied during the dry (winter) and rainy (summer) seasons, at the dam region of Jurumirim Reservoir, São Paulo, Brazil. An intensive sampling program was carried out during 30 days in each period of the year. Samples and measurements were taken every other day at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 m depths. The relationship between variability of the populations and some environmental factors was analyzed. The main species were: Argyrodiaptomus furcatus (Sars), Notodiaptomus iheringi (Wright), Mesocyclops longisetus (Thiébaud), Thermocyclops decipiens (Fischer), and T. minutus (Lowndes). Thermocyclops minutus was the most abundant species in dry season and its abundance varied significantly between sampling days. A large increase in abundance of calanoids occurred during the rainy season. This increase was correlated with higher temperature values. At that time, Notodiaptomus iheringi was dominant. This species showed significant short-term variations in abundance in both dry and rainy seasons. Significant variation in density of populations within the same sampling period might result from either the dispersion pattern of the populations or continuous substitution of the water masses. Significant correlation was observed between copepod abundance and temperature, especially for species of calanoids and there was also some correlations between densities of particular species of copepods and some phytoplankton taxa, mainly during the dry season. As for vertical distribution, most organisms were found between the surface and 15 m deep. During the rainy season, there was some evidence of the occurrence of spatial segregation between species of cyclopoids and calanoids, with the cyclopoids in a deeper position within the water column.
PANARELLI E. A., NOGUEIRA M. G., HENRY R.
Biology (General), Science, Botany, Zoology
Identification of Cis-Acting Elements on Positive-Strand Subgenomic mRNA Required for the Synthesis of Negative-Strand Counterpart in Bovine Coronavirus
coronavirus, cis-acting element, subgenomic mRNA, negative-strand RNA synthesis
It has been demonstrated that, in addition to genomic RNA, sgmRNA is able to serve as a template for the synthesis of the negative-strand [(−)-strand] complement. However, the cis-acting elements on the positive-strand [(+)-strand] sgmRNA required for (−)-strand sgmRNA synthesis have not yet been systematically identified. In this study, we employed real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to analyze the cis-acting elements on bovine coronavirus (BCoV) sgmRNA 7 required for the synthesis of its (−)-strand counterpart by deletion mutagenesis. The major findings are as follows. (1) Deletion of the 5'-terminal leader sequence on sgmRNA 7 decreased the synthesis of the (−)-strand sgmRNA complement. (2) Deletions of the 3' untranslated region (UTR) bulged stem-loop showed no effect on (−)-strand sgmRNA synthesis; however, deletion of the 3' UTR pseudoknot decreased the yield of (−)-strand sgmRNA. (3) Nucleotides positioned from −15 to −34 of the sgmRNA 7 3'-terminal region are required for efficient (−)-strand sgmRNA synthesis. (4) Nucleotide species at the 3'-most position (−1) of sgmRNA 7 is correlated to the efficiency of (−)-strand sgmRNA synthesis. These results together suggest, in principle, that the 5'- and 3'-terminal sequences on sgmRNA 7 harbor cis-acting elements are critical for efficient (−)-strand sgmRNA synthesis in BCoV.
Graveoline Analogs Exhibiting Selective Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activity as Potential Lead Compounds for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
graveoline analogs, Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholine esterase (BuChE), structure–function relationships (SARs), mechanism
This study designed and synthesized a series of new graveoline analogs on the basis of the structural characteristics of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) dual-site inhibitors. The activity of these analogs was also evaluated. Results showed that the synthesized graveoline analogs displayed stronger inhibitory activity against AChE and higher selectivity than butyrylcholine esterase (BuChE) (Selectivity Index from 45 to 486). When the two sites in the graveoline parent ring substituting phenyl and amino terminal had six chemical bonds (n = 3) and the terminal amino was piperidine, compound 5c showed the best activity. Furthermore, the mechanism of action and binding mode were explored by enzyme kinetic simulation, molecular docking, and thioflavin T-based fluorometric assay. Cytotoxicity assay showed that the low concentration of the analogs did not affect the viability of the neurocyte SH-SY5Y.
The Non-Hemostatic Aspects of Transfused Platelets
platelets, transfusion, CD40L, serious adverse reaction, inflammation, Innate Immunity
Platelets transfusion is a safe process, but during or after the process, the recipient may experience an adverse reaction and occasionally a serious adverse reaction (SAR). In this review, we focus on the inflammatory potential of platelet components (PCs) and their involvement in SARs. Recent evidence has highlighted a central role for platelets in the host inflammatory and immune responses. Blood platelets are involved in inflammation and various other aspects of innate immunity through the release of a plethora of immunomodulatory cytokines, chemokines, and associated molecules, collectively termed biological response modifiers that behave like ligands for endothelial and leukocyte receptors and for platelets themselves. The involvement of PCs in SARs—particularly on a critically ill patient’s context—could be related, at least in part, to the inflammatory functions of platelets, acquired during storage lesions. Moreover, we focus on causal link between platelet activation and immune-mediated disorders (transfusion-associated immunomodulation, platelets, polyanions, and bacterial defense and alloimmunization). This is linked to the platelets’ propensity to be activated even in the absence of deliberate stimuli and to the occurrence of time-dependent storage lesions.
Caroline Sut, Sofiane Tariket, Cécile Aubron, Chaker Aloui, Hind Hamzeh-Cognasse, Philippe Berthelot, Sandrine Laradi, Andreas Greinacher, Olivier Garraud, Fabrice Cognasse
Identification and Characterization of Three Novel Small Interference RNAs That Effectively Down-Regulate the Isolated Nucleocapsid Gene Expression of SARS Coronavirus
siRNA, SARS-CoV, nucleocapsid gene, RT-PCR, EGFP
Nucleocapsid (N) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is a major pathological determinant in the host that may cause host cell apoptosis, upregulate the proinflammatory cytokine production, and block innate immune responses. Therefore, N gene has long been thought an ideal target for the design of small interference RNA (siRNA). siRNA is a class of small non-coding RNAs with a size of 21-25nt that functions post-transcriptionally to block targeted gene expression. In this study, we analyzed the N gene coding sequences derived from 16 different isolates, and found that nucleotide deletions and substitutions are mainly located at the first 440nt sequence. Combining previous reports and the above sequence information, we create three novel siRNAs that specifically target the conserved and unexploited regions in the N gene. We show that these siRNAs could effectively and specifically block the isolated N gene expression in mammal cells. Furthermore, we provide evidence to show that N gene can effectively up-regulate M gene mediated interferon b (IFNb) production, while blocking N gene expression by specific siRNA significantly reduces IFNb gene expression. Our data indicate that the inhibitory effect of siRNA on the isolated N gene expression might be influenced by the sequence context around the targeted sites.
Yingli Cao, Li Liu, Shu-Hui Wang, Yun Zhang, Fan Yang, Rong Guo, Ying Wang
MERS may not be SARS; but India is still vulnerable
APLIKASI Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) UNTUK PENENTUAN STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN SUBAK The Application of an Analytical Hierarcy Process (AHP) for Determining Subak Development Strategy
Subak is a customary law community that has the characteristics of socio­religious­agriculture, which represents far­ mers’ associations that manage an irrigation system in paddy fields. One characteristics of the subak system is of the Tri Hita Karana (THK) concept based community management system. Recently, due to development of tourism sector, some problems occur i.e. : (i) decreasing agricultural land area, (ii) declining youth’s interest in farming system caused by the prospect of an employment opportunities in tourism sector is more promising than a farmer, and (iii) others inter­ est contained to water beyond agriculture sector.The purpose of this study were to identified the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities , and challenges faced by subak; find some alternative strategy to subak development solution; and find a solution strategy as an effort to support the development and sustainability of subak.In this research, the determination of an appropriate alternative strategy is done step by step. First, made a SWOT matrix, then based on the SWOT matrix, composed some of alternative strategies, and later is selection of alternative solution strategies that are considered most appropriate, are conducted using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). In this study, AHP resolved by Criterium Decision Plus program version 3.0.The assessment using the AHP results that subak development as agroecotourism zone is the alternative strategy with higher value (0.471) compare to either massal tourism zone (0.157) or agricultural field zone (0.372). Through the de­velopment of subak as an agroecotourism zone, this alternative can support the sustainability of subak system amongBali tourism development, which is a synergy between tourism and agriculture. ABSTRAK Subak merupakan suatu masyarakat hukum adat yang memiliki karakteristik sosio­agraris­religius, yang merupakan perkumpulan petani yang mengelola air irigasi di lahan sawah. Satu keistimewaan dari sistem subak adalah bahwa pengelolaan subak berazaskan pada konsep Tri Hita Karana (THK). Namun seiring dengan berkembangnya pariwisata, terjadi fenomena antara lain : (i) berkurangnya lahan sawah akibat alih fungsi lahan; (ii) minat generasi muda menjadi petani semakin menurun karena prospek kesempatan kerja di bidang pariwisata lebih menjanjikan daripada menjadi petani, dan (iii) terdapat kepentingan lain terhadap air di luar sektor pertanian.Tujuan penelitian ini adalah : mengidentifikasi kekuatan, kelemahan, peluang dan tantangan yang dihadapi subak; me­ netapkan beberapa alternatif strategi untuk solusi pengembangan subak; dan menetapkan strategi solusi terpilih untuk pengembangan dan keberlanjutan sistem subak ditengah pesatnya perkembangan pariwisata Bali.Pada penelitian ini, penentuan alternatif strategi yang sesuai dilakukan secara bertahap. Tahap pertama dengan cara membuat Matriks SWOT. Tahap berikutnya, berdasarkan Matriks SWOT tersebut, disusun berbagai alternatif strategi. Selanjutnya, pemilihan alternatif strategi solusi yang dianggap paling sesuai, dilakukan menggunakan Analitical Hi­ erarchy Process (AHP) yang diselesaikan dengan program Criterium Decision Plus Versi 3.0.Penilaian menggunakan AHP diperoleh hasil bahwa pengembangan subak sebagai daerah agroekowisata merupakan pilihan alternatif strategi yang mempunyai nilai (value) paling besar (0,471) dibandingkan dengan alternatif pengem­ bangan sebagai daerah wisata massal (0,157) maupun sebagai daerah pertanian (0,372). Dengan pengembangan subak sebagai daerah agroekowisata diharapkan dapat mendukung keberlanjutan sistem subak ditengah perkembangan pari­ wisata Bali, yang merupakan sinergi antara pariwisata dan pertanian.
Sumiyati Sumiyati, Lilik Sutiarso, I Wayan Windia, Putu Sudira
Agriculture (General), Technology (General)
Reversible transient lesion of the corpus callosum secondary to meningoencephalitis
Reversible transient splenial lesion, meningoencephalitis, MERS, MRI, CVA
A 40-year-old male, presented with right-sided weakness, ataxia, expressive dysphasia and was treated for cerebrovascular accident (CVA). However, he became increasingly confused, disorientated and reported worsening headache along with fevers, photophobia and neck stiffness. On further history, the patient’s family reported the patient as being more confused and incoherent rather than having true ataxia and expressive dysphasia. CSF results were consistent with viral meningoencephalitis and MRI revealed a crescent shaped splenial lesion. He was treated empirically with ceftriaxone and acyclovir. On follow up, he remained symptom free and MRI showed regression of the splenial lesion. Reversible transient splenial lesions of the corpus callosum secondary to viral meningoencephalitis are rarely encountered. This case highlights the importance of exploring different aetiologies of splenial lesions to avoid misdiagnoses with more commonly seen conditions such as CVA.
Síndrome respiratória aguda grave causada por influenza A (subtipo H1N1) Severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by the influenza A (H1N1) virus
vírus da influenza A subtipo H1N1, Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave, assistência ao paciente, Influenza A virus, H1N1 subtype, severe acute respiratory syndrome, patient care
Frente à pandemia causada por um novo vírus, influenza A (H1N1), descrevemos o caso de um paciente de 56 anos com síndrome respiratória aguda grave causada por influenza A (H1N1) sem fatores de risco importantes. Os resultados dos exames laboratoriais e de imagem (radiografia e TC de tórax) são apresentados aqui. O paciente teve boa evolução e recebeu alta hospitalar em 14 dias.In view of the pandemic caused by a new virus, influenza A (H1N1), we report the case of a 56-year-old patient without relevant risk factors and with severe acute respiratory syndrome resulting from infection with this virus. We present the results of laboratory tests and the imaging findings (chest X-ray and CT scans). The evolution was favorable, and the patient was discharged after 14 days.
Sandra Aparecida Ribeiro, Graziela Sgreccia Brasileiro, Luciana Novaes Campello Soleiman, Cristiano Cruz Silva, Cláudio Shoki Kavaguti
Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia
Viral Respiratory Tract Infection During the First Postoperative Year Is a Risk Factor for Chronic Rejection After Lung Transplantation
Background. Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) is the major limiting factor for long-term survival in lung transplant recipients. Viral respiratory tract infection (VRTI) has been previously associated with CLAD development. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of VRTI during the first year after lung transplantation in relation to CLAD development. Method. Ninety-eight patients undergoing lung transplantation were prospectively enrolled between 2009 and 2012. They were monitored for infections with predefined intervals and on extra visits during the first year, the total follow-up period ranged between 5 and 8 years. Nasopharyngeal swab and bronchoalveolar lavage samples were analyzed using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction panel for respiratory pathogens. Data regarding clinical characteristics and infectious events were recorded. Results. Viral respiratory tract infection during the first year was identified as a risk factor for long-term CLAD development (P = 0.041, hazard ratio 1.94 [1.03-3.66]) in a time-dependent multivariate Cox regression analysis. We also found that coronavirus in particular was associated with increased risk for CLAD development. Other identified risk factors were acute rejection and cyclosporine treatment. Conclusions. This study suggests that VRTI during the first year after lung transplantation is associated with long-term CLAD development and that coronavirus infections in particular might be a risk factor.
Jesper Magnusson, MD, Johan Westin, Lars-Magnus Andersson, Magnus Lindh, Robin Brittain-Long, Rickard Nordén, Gerdt C. Riise