Analyzing Children's Weight Growth Variations and Associated Factors in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam: Using Fractional Polynomial Mixed-Effects Model.

Background: Children's growth is increasingly considered a key mediator of later life outcomes. When examining weight growth, the correlation between repeated observations on the same subject must be regarded as well-modelled. This study aimed to analyze children's weight growth variations and associated factors in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam using a fractional polynomial mixed-effects model. Methods: This study used longitudinal data from the Young Lives Cohort Study conducted from 2002 to 2016 in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam. The study included 7,140 children of 1 to 15 years old A fractional polynomial mixed-effects model was used to analyze the data. Results: Ethiopian, Peruvian, and Vietnamese children had significantly higher average body weights than children in India (1.426, P<0.001; 1.992, P<0.001; 1.334, P<0.001, respectively). Girl children's average body weight was significantly 0.15 times less than that of boys (-0.148; P=0.027). The average weight of rural children was significantly 0.671 times less than that of urban children (0.671, P<0.001). Children from Peru and Vietnam had higher rates of weight change than those from India. However, the rate of weight change was lower in Ethiopian children than in Indian children. Children from urban areas had a significantly higher rate of weight gain than those from rural areas. Conclusion: Country, sex, residence, parental education, household size, wealth, good drinking water, and reliable power affected children's longitudinal weight growth. Therefore, WHO and the nation's health ministry should monitor children's weight growth status and these associated factors to plan future action.

Effects of Submerged Macrophytes on Demography and Filtration Rates of Daphnia and Simocephalus (Crustacea: Cladocera).

Macrophytes and cladocerans represent the main antagonistic groups that regulate phytoplankton biomass; however, the mechanism behind this interaction is unclear. In laboratory conditions, we separately evaluated the effects of three submerged macrophytes (Ceratophyllum demersum, Myriophyllum aquaticum, and Stuckenia pectinata), as well as their exudates, and plant-associated microbiota (POM < 25 µm) + exudates on the population growth of Daphnia cf. pulex and Simocephalus cf. mixtus. Living Ceratophyllum, exudates, and POM < 25 µm + exudates exhibited the most robust positive effects on Simocephalus density and the rate of population increase (r). Subsequently, we examined the effects of Ceratophyllum on the filtration and feeding rates of Simocephalus and Daphnia, revealing significant (p < 0.001) promotion of filtration and feeding in Simocephalus but not in Daphnia. To elucidate the specific effects of this macrophyte on Simocephalus demography, we assessed selected life table variables across the same treatments. The treatments involving exudates and living Ceratophyllum resulted in approximately 40% longer survivorship and significantly (p < 0.01) enhanced fecundity. Our findings indicate that exudates from submerged macrophytes positively influence Simocephalus demography by increasing filtration rates, survivorship, and fecundity. This synergy suggests a substantial impact on phytoplankton abundance.

Deciphering Trends in Cancer Mortality: A Comprehensive Analysis of Brazilian Data From 1979 to 2021 With Emphasis on Breast and Prostate Cancers.

Background: This study examined cancer mortality trends in Brazil from 1979 to 2021, emphasizing breast and prostate cancers. Methods: Utilizing data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, it analyzed cancer deaths nationally and regionally, highlighting gender-specific and regional disparities. Results: The research finds that cancer death rates have been growing at an average of 12% per year, contrasting with the population growth rate of 2.2%. This trend is more pronounced in the southern and southeastern regions of Brazil. A comparison of cancer mortality rates between Brazil, the USA, and China reveals that while the Brazilian and Chinese rates exhibit slower growth, the US rate shows a continuous decline since the 1990s. Conclusions: The study adopts a novel approach by focusing on growth rates and employing polynomial interpolation, revealing a deceleration in cancer death growth over the last 15 years across all malignant neoplasms. The study also contextualizes these findings within Brazil's cancer control policies, tracing the evolution of preventive measures and treatment advancements. It highlights the significant role of the National Cancer Institute and the Unified Health System in implementing effective strategies. The decreasing trend in cancer mortality rates in Brazil, despite population growth, illustrates the effectiveness of comprehensive cancer control and prevention measures, underlining their importance in public health policy.

Effects of temperature up-shift and UV-A radiation on fatty acids content and expression of desaturase genes in cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa: stress tolerance and acclimation responses.

Temperature up-shift and UV-A radiation effects on growth, lipid damage, fatty acid (FA) composition and expression of desaturase genes desA and desB were investigated in the cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa. Although UV-A damaging effect has been well documented, reports on the interactive effects of UV radiation exposure and warming on cyanobacteria are scarce. Temperature and UV-A doses were selected based on the physiological responses previously obtained by studies with the same M. aeruginosa strain used in this study. Cells pre-grown at 26 °C were incubated at the same temperature or 29 °C and exposed to UV-A + PAR and only PAR for 9 days. Growth rate was significantly affected by UV-A radiation independently of the temperature throughout the experiment. High temperature produced lipid damage significantly higher throughout the experiment, decreasing at day 9 as compared to 26 °C. In addition, the cells grown at 29 °C under UV-A displayed a decrease in polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) levels, with ω3 PUFA being mostly affected at the end of exposure. Previously, we reported that UV-A-induced lipid damage affects differentially ω3 and ω6 PUFAs. We report that UV-A radiation leads to an upregulation of desA, possibly due to lipid damage. In addition, the temperature up-shift upregulates desA and desB regardless of the radiation. The lack of lipid damage for UV-A on ω3 could explain the lack of transcription induction of desB. The significant ω6 decrease at 26 °C in cells exposed to UV-A could be due to the lack of upregulation of desA.

The distinct cell physiology of Bradyrhizobium at the population and cellular level.

The α-Proteobacteria belonging to Bradyrhizobium genus are microorganisms of extreme slow growth. Despite their extended use as inoculants in soybean production, their physiology remains poorly characterized. In this work, we produced quantitative data on four different isolates: B. diazoefficens USDA110, B. diazoefficiens USDA122, B. japonicum E109 and B. japonicum USDA6 which are representative of specific genomic profiles. Notably, we found conserved physiological traits conserved in all the studied isolates: (i) the lag and initial exponential growth phases display cell aggregation; (ii) the increase in specific nutrient concentration such as yeast extract and gluconate hinders growth; (iii) cell size does not correlate with culture age; and (iv) cell cycle presents polar growth. Meanwhile, fitness, cell size and in vitro growth widely vary across isolates correlating to ribosomal RNA operon number. In summary, this study provides novel empirical data that enriches the comprehension of the Bradyrhizobium (slow) growth dynamics and cell cycle.

Effects of culture conditions on the growth of the benthic dinoflagellates Ostreopsis cf. ovata, Prorocentrum lima and Coolia malayensis (Dinophyceae): A global review.

Benthic dinoflagellates produce potent toxins that may negatively affect humans and the marine biota. Understanding the factors that stimulate their growth is important for management strategies and to reduce their potential negative impacts. Laboratory cultures have been extensively used to study microalgae physiology and characterize life cycles, nutrition, growth rates, among other processes. A systematic review of the literature on the growth parameters of the benthic dinoflagellates Ostreopsis cf. ovata, Prorocentrum lima species complex and Coolia malayensis obtained in laboratory cultures of strains isolated from all over the world was performed. The effects of temperature, light intensity, photoperiod, salinity and culture media on the growth rate of these species were evaluated using multiple regressions and a model selection approach, based on the Akaike Information Criteria (AIC). The potential effects of the initial culture abundance and the media volume used on the growth of the species were also assessed. Data from 50 articles (25 for O. cf. ovata, 21 for P. lima and 6 for C. malayensis), resulting in 399 growth parameter values (growth rate, doubling time and maximum yield) were compiled in a database. The genetic clades of O. cf. ovata and P. lima species complex were also noted. Growth rate was the most frequently reported growth parameter for the three species, and 127 values were retrieved for O. cf. ovata, 90 for P. lima and 56 for C. malayensis. Temperature was the factor that best explained the growth response of P. lima and C. malayensis, whereas for O. cf. ovata, temperature and salinity were equally important. Light intensity and photoperiod were included among the six best models for the studied species but presented a weaker effect on growth. Given the observed and future projected climate change, increasing ocean temperature will promote the growth of these species, likely leading to an expansion of their impacts on ecosystems and human health. The use of common garden experiments using multiple strains from different geographic domains, particularly addressing underrepresented lineages is recommended, as they will provide more balanced insight regarding the species physiological responses to environmental drivers.

Metabolic Responses of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells to Survive under Stressful Conditions Associated with Tumor Microenvironment.

Solid tumors frequently present a heterogeneous tumor microenvironment. Because tumors have the potential to proliferate quickly, the consequence is a reduction in the nutrients, a reduction in the pH (<6.8), and a hypoxic environment. Although it is often assumed that tumor clones show a similar growth rate with little variations in nutrient consumption, the present study shows how growth-specific rate (µ), the specific rates of glucose, lactate, and glutamine consumption (qS), and the specific rates of lactate and glutamate production (qP) of 2D-cultured lung tumor cells are affected by changes in their environment. We determined in lung tumor cells (A427, A549, Calu-1, and SKMES-1) the above mentioned kinetic parameters during the exponential phase under different culture conditions, varying the predominant carbon source, pH, and oxygen tension. MCF-7 cells, a breast tumor cell line that can consume lactate, and non-transformed fibroblast cells (MRC-5) were included as controls. We also analyzed how cell-cycle progression and the amino acid transporter CD98 expression were affected. Our results show that: (1) In glucose presence, µ increased, but qS Glucose and qP Lactate decreased when tumor cells were cultured under acidosis as opposed to neutral conditions; (2) most lung cancer cell lines consumed lactate under normoxia or hypoxia; (3) although qS Glutamine diminished under hypoxia or acidosis, it slightly increased in lactate presence, a finding that was associated with CD98 upregulation; and (4) under acidosis, G0/G1 arrest was induced in A427 cancer cells, although this phenomenon was significantly increased when glucose was changed by lactate as the predominant carbon-source. Hence, our results provide an understanding of metabolic responses that tumor cells develop to survive under stressful conditions, providing clues for developing promising opportunities to improve traditional cancer therapies.

A review of age estimation methods in non-avian reptiles by growth marks in hard tissues.

Age and growth-related data are basic biological parameters, essential in population ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. There is a growing body of published information on reptile demography derived from sclerochronology, a technique based on counting the growth layers deposited in bones (skeletochronology) and other hard body structures. Since the data are not always easily available, we compiled the existing published data, described the current status of knowledge, synthetized the conclusions of disparate studies, and identified patterns of research and information gaps, prioritizing the needs for future research. Our database includes the results of 468 published studies covering 236 reptile species from 41 families. These represent less than 2% of the total number of known extant species. Turtles and crocodiles are proportionally better studied, while snakes are the least examined group. The distribution of the research does not reflect conservation needs; we found an important geographic bias, with an overrepresentation of Northern temperate species. Only 23% of the studies checked the assumption of periodicity of growth marks deposition, and the method was found to be reliable or adequate in 79% of the cases. Overall, the data obtained through sclerochronology can be considered robust, especially if validation methods are employed, since the general goal is to characterize population parameters, trends, and dynamics, rather than determining the exact age of any specimen in particular.

Species traits related to the invasion of woody plants in Patagonian deciduous forests.

The comparison of ecological, phenological, morphological and developmental traits between exotic invasive species and coexisting native species contributes to understand the driving mechanisms of successful invasions. This study aimed to examine which of these traits are related to the invasion of woody plants in the understory of deciduous North Patagonian forests of Argentina. We compared the phenology, shoot growth rate, number of leaves, biomass allocation, leaf herbivory, and recruitment type of two exotic deciduous trees, Crataegus monogyna and Sorbus aucuparia, with those of four coexisting native woody species (one deciduous, one semi-deciduous, and two evergreen species). Spring shoot growth took place several weeks earlier in both exotic species and in the deciduous native species than in the other native species; growth rates were higher in the exotics. Compared to coexisting native species, both exotic species developed shoots that were as long as or longer, had lower biomass allocation to leaves and higher allocation to roots, suffered lower leaf damage by herbivores and exhibited higher seed than vegetative recruitment. This study supports the idea that a combination of phenological, growth rate and mass allocation traits allow exotic species to preempt resources, thus favouring invasion processes.

Glyphosate hormesis induced by treatment via seed stimulates the growth and biomass accumulation in soybean seedlings.

Glyphosate hormesis, identified as a potential means to enhance crop yields, encounters practical constraints because it is typically assessed through foliar applications. The expression and extend of hormesis in this approach are influenced by unpredictable environmental conditions, highlighting the need to explore alternative glyphosate application methods, such as seed treatment. This study aimed to assess glyphosate hormesis on growth rates and biomass accumulation in seedlings soybean cultivars. Two dose-response experiments [doses from 0 to 2880 g acid equivalent (ae) ha-1], one via foliar and one via seed, were conducted on three soybean cultivars [one non-glyphosate-resistant (NGR) and two glyphosate-resistant (GR, one RR and one RR2)]. In a subsequent experiment, three safe glyphosate doses (0, 90 and 180 g ae ha-1) applied via seed were evaluated on four soybean cultivars (two RR and two RR2). For foliar applications, the range of glyphosate doses increasing growth rates and dry biomass by 12-28 % were 5.6-45 g ae ha-1 for the NGR cultivar, of 45-720 g ae ha-1 for RR and of 11.25-180 g ae ha-1 for RR2. In the seed treatment, biomass increases of 16-60 % occurred at 45-180 g ae ha-1 for the NGR and RR cultivars, and 90-360 g ae ha-1 for RR2. Glyphosate doses of 90 and 180 g ae ha-1, applied via seeds, provided greater growth and biomass accumulation for the RR and RR2 soybean cultivars. Both foliar and seed applications of glyphosate increased growth and biomass accumulation in soybean cultivars, with seed treatments showing greater and more consistent enhancements. These findings propose practical and viable alternative for harnessing glyphosate hormesis to facilitate the early development of soybeans and potentially enhance crop yield.

Nutritional plans and ambient temperature on the growth curves of Japanese quails / Planos nutricionais e temperatura ambiente nas curvas de crescimento de codornas japonesas

This study estimated the growth of body, carcass, primal cuts, edible offal, and feathers of Japanese quail reared in two thermal environments, receiving three nutritional plans, from one to 39 days of age. A total of 576 one-day-old female chicks (Coturnix japonica) with an average initial weight of 7.51±0.75g/bird were evaluated in a completely randomized design with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement (three nutritional plans × two temperatures). The animals were housed in two climatic chambers, at 25 ºC and 35 ºC, using 12 replications with eight birds per experimental unit. Nutritional plans (NP) were as follows: NP1: one diet from 1-21days and another from 22-39 days; NP2: one diet from 1-14 days and another from 15-39 days; and NP3: a single diet from 1-39 days. The growth curves and growth rates of body, carcass, primal cuts, feathers, and edible offal were evaluated using the Gompertz mathematical model. Quail fed NP3 showed higher growth curves and rates for body, carcass, drumstick +thigh, and feather. There was an effect on maturity rate, which was lowest in quail housed at 35 ºC. Among the animals kept at 25 ºC, the group fed NP3 exhibited the highest growth rate and breast weight. The nutritional plan consisting of a single diet offered from 1 to 39 days, formulated based on the tables for Japanese and European quail, is the most suitable for estimating the growth curves (Gompertz model) of Japanese quail housed at 25 ºC or 35 ºC.

Objetivou-se estimar o crescimento corporal, carcaça, cortes nobres, vísceras comestíveis e penas de codornas japonesas criadas em dois ambientes térmicos e alimentadas com três planos nutricionais de um a 39 dias. Foram utilizadas 576 pintainhas (Coturnix japônica), fêmeas, com um dia de idade, com peso médio inicial 7,51 ± 0,75g/ave, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 3 × 2 (três planos nutricionais x duas temperaturas), alojadas em duas câmaras climáticas de 25º e 35 ºC, com 12 repetições e oito aves por unidade experimental. Os planos nutricionais foram: plano nutricional um (PN1) - uma dieta de 1-21 dias e uma dieta de 22-39 dias; plano nutricional dois (PN2) - uma dieta de 1-14 dias e uma dieta de 15-39 dias; e plano nutricional três (PN3) - dieta única de 1-39 dias. Foram avaliadas as curvas e taxas de crescimento corporal, carcaça, cortes nobres, penas e vísceras comestíveis, através do modelo matemático de Gompertz. Codornas alimentadas com PN3 apresentaram maiores curvas e taxas de crescimento corporal, de carcaça, coxa + sobrecoxa e penas. Houve efeito para taxa de maturidade, sendo inferior para codornas alojadas em 35 ºC. Nas aves mantidas em 25 ºC, observou-se maior taxa de crescimento e peso de peito nas codornas alimentadas com PN3. O plano nutricional composto por uma única dieta ofertada durante o período de um a 39 dias, formulado com base nas recomendações das tabelas para codornas japonesas e europeias, é o mais indicado para estimar curvas de crescimento no modelo de Gompertz de codornas japonesas alojadas em 25 ºC ou 35 ºC.

Bee Assemblage in the Southern Chihuahuan Desert: The Role of Season, Year, and Trap Color in Abundance.

Recognizing how populations fluctuate over time is a crucial factor in determining the environmental elements affecting population persistence. However, the limited information on wild bee populations complicates the estimation of the impact of anthropogenic threats leading to changes in population size. To address this, we conducted a study capturing and monitoring nine species of wild bees through monthly samplings over four years. Tray traps were placed in permanent plots, and capture records were used to determine population size (N) and density (D). A generalized linear model (GLM) was employed to determine how the use of traps affected bee species captures. The families Apidae and Halictidae represented the most captures. Apis mellifera, the Lasioglossum (Dialictus spp.) complex, and Macrotera sinaloana exhibited the largest number of captures and highest population density. Most species (77.7%) showed a tendency to remain constant over the years and to have a higher number of captures in the spring months. Moreover, yellow traps were the most effective in capturing bee individuals. We suggest that the availability of essential resources and the reduction in environmental stressors positively affected the capture of wild bee populations.

Crecimiento diamétrico de Guarea guidonia (L.) estimado con modelos no lineales. bosque seco tropical en el norte de Tolima. Colombia. / Estimate diametric growth of Guarea guidonia (L.), with non-linear matematics models. natural dray forest in Tolima north. Colombia.

Introducción: Con el cómputo de modelos matemáticos es posible estimar el tiempo que toma una especie en conseguir un crecimiento máximo o asintótico. En este cálculo, el diámetro de un árbol, a la altura del pecho (D.A.P.), es una variable cómoda de medir durante largo tiempo. La diferencia entre cierto periodo de tiempo determinará incrementos que luego serán utilizados para el cálculo del crecimiento. El proceso se enriquece cuando se miden varios árboles de diferentes clases diamétricas. Objetivo. Calcular el crecimiento asintótico de Guarea guidonia (L.), con base en el Incremento Corriente Anual (ICA) de los D.A.P medidos en doce árboles, durante catorce años. Materiales y métodos. Los árboles se encuentran en una parcela permanente de investigación dentro de la reserva "Vallecita" en el municipio de Alvarado, al norte del departamento de Tolima, Colombia. Los modelos matemáticos no lineales utilizados fueron los de Von Bertalanffy, Gompertz y Logístico. Los perfiles obtenidos con las ecuaciones fueron comparados por medio del estadístico R2 de regresiones lineales. Resultados: Se obtuvo que G. guidonia presenta un ICA máximo de 0.58 cm/año y el promedio general fue de 0.51 cm/año. Por los modelos de Von Bertalanffy y Gompertz, se estima que, desde un diámetro base de 10 cm, G. guidonia tardaría 89 años en llegar a un diámetro de 50 cm., y que, con el modelo Logístico, alcanzaría el mismo diámetro en 83 años. Al comparar los tres perfiles del crecimiento diamétrico acumulado de la especie se encontró que entre ellos no se presentan diferencias estadísticas significativas. En general, se tiene que, comparado con otras especies como Anacardium excelsum (Kunt), la G. guidonia presenta un crecimiento diamétrico lento. Conclusión. G. guidonia es una especie que requiere de planes de manejo que propendan por la conservación y el óptimo desarrollo de esta especie.

Introduction: Through the calculation of mathematical models, it is possible to estimate the time it takes for a species to reach maximum or asymptotic growth. In this calculation, the diameter of a tree, at breast height (DBH), is a convenient variable to measure over a long period of time. The difference between a given period of time will determine the increments that will later be used to calculate growth. The process is enriched when several trees of different diameter classes are measured. Objective. To calculate the asymptotic growth of Guarea guidonia (L.), from the Annual Running Annual Growth (ACA) of the DBH, measured in twelve trees, during fourteen years. Materials and methods. The trees are located in a permanent research plot within the "Vallecita" reserve in the municipality of Alvarado, in the north of the department of Tolima, Colombia. The nonlinear mathematical models used were those of Von Bertalanffy, Gompertz and Logistic. The profiles obtained with the equations were compared using the R2 statistic of linear regressions. Results: G. guidonia had a maximum ACA of 0.58 cm/year and the average was 0.51 cm/year. Using the Von Bertalanffy and Gompertz models, it is estimated that, from a base diameter of 10 cm, G. guidonia would take 89 years to reach a diameter of 50 cm, and that, with the Logistic model, it would reach the same diameter in 83 years. Comparing the three growth profiles, it is estimated that, from a base diameter of 10 cm, G. guidonia would take 89 years to reach a diameter of 50 cm. and that, with the logistic model, it would reach the same diameter in 83 years. When comparing the three cumulative growth profiles of the diameter of the species, it was observed that there were no significant statistics. In general, compared to other species such as Anacardium excelsum (Kunth), G. guidonia has a slow diametric growth. Conclusion. G. guidonia is a species that requires management plans for the conservation and optimal development of this species.

Photoprotective and antigenotoxic properties of Cutibacterium acnes ecotypes native to terrestrial subsurface habitats.

Actinobacteria are known to produce a variety of secondary metabolites with skin-protective properties. This study aimed to investigate the photoprotective and antigenotoxic properties against UVB of extracts obtained from Cutibacterium acnes strains. Bacterial growth was measured spectrophotometrically and the constant maximum growth rate (µ) value to each strain, were calculated. In vitro photoprotection efficacy was evaluated using in vitro indices such as sun protection factor (SPFespectrophotometric) and critical wavelength (λc). UVB-antigenotoxicity was also evaluated using the SOS Chromotest. Correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between SPFespectrophotometric and extract concentration and the %GI estimates. Among the studied strains, one showed low (6.0 ≤ SPFespectrophotometric ≤ 14.9) and eight showed media (15.0 ≤ SPFespectrophotometric ≤ 29.9) UVB photoprotection efficacy. All of them resulted in broad-spectrum (UVA-UVB) photoprotection (λc > 370 nm). In total, two C. acnes ecotypes with different growth rates were evidenced, but the protective metabolites in the extracts were produced without the influence of growth rate. Photoprotective efficacy depended on the extract concentration and was correlated with antigenotoxicity. We demonstrated that C. acnes extracts can be used as sunscreen ingredients that reduce UVB-induced genotoxicity.

Dynamics of Growth in Purebred Pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) and Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), and Their Reciprocal Hybrids, under Varied Feeding Programs: Insights from Nonlinear Models.

We evaluated the growth performance of pacu and tambaqui and their reciprocal hybrids (tambacu and paqui) under different feeding programs. We raised 30 individuals from each species and their respective crosses, distributing them into three replicate cages with 10 individuals each. Throughout the 5-month experimental period, the fish were weighed six times while exposed to diverse feeding regimens involving three commercial diets with varying combinations of crude protein (CP) levels: 24%, 28%, and 32%. Growth curves were adjusted using nonlinear models. The evaluation period was insufficient for adjusting the logistic model for the tambaqui and paqui treatments with the highest initial protein intake. Pure pacu had a higher (p < 0.05) growth rate (k = 0.0185) than in the tambacu hybrid (k = 0.0134) and proved to have an early performance since animals from this group reached their weight at inflection faster. Despite growing more slowly, tambacu reached a higher (p < 0.05) final weight (A = 1137.12) than in the pacu (A = 889.12). Among the feeding programs, animals that received less CP showed greater growth potential; however, longer evaluation is important to verify if the initial CP intake has no significant positive effect on fish growth.

Model-Based Analysis of Lactuca sativa Root Growth under the Action of Herbicides in Milli-Channel Arrays with In Situ Imaging.

Extracting practical information from the large amounts of data gathered during the live imaging analysis of plant organs is a challenging issue. The present work investigates the use of the logistic growth model to analyze experimental data from root elongation assays performed in milli-fluidic devices with in situ imaging. Lactuca sativa was used as a bioindicator and was subjected to wide concentration ranges of four different herbicides: 2,4-D, atrazine, glyphosate, and paraquat. The model parameters were directly connected to standard indicators of toxicity and plant development, such as the LD50 and the absolute growth rate, respectively. In addition, it was found that realistic predictions of the maximum root length can be achieved about 60 h before the bioassay end point, which could significantly shorten the turnaround time. The combination of milli-fluidic devices, real-time imaging, and model-based data analysis becomes a powerful tool for environmental studies and ecotoxicity testing.

Palaeobiological inferences of "rauisuchians" Fasolasuchus tenax (Los Colorados Fm., Argentina) and Prestosuchus chiniquensis (Santa Maria Super sequence, Brazil) from the Middle-Upper Triassic of South America based on microstructural analyses.

"Rauisuchia" is a non-monophyletic group of quadrupedal and carnivorous pseudosuchians that inhabited the entire world during the Middle-Upper Triassic period (Anisian/Ladinian-Rhaetian). In South America, "rauisuchians" reached the largest sizes among continental carnivores. Despite their important ecological role, some aspects of their palaeobiology have been poorly examined. Here, we study appendicular bones, dorsal ribs and osteoderms of two genera, the Argentinean Fasolasuchus tenax (PVL 3850, holotype) and the Brazilian Prestosuchus chiniquensis (SNSB-BSPG AS XXV) respectively. The femur of F. tenax is formed by laminar fibrolamellar bone, which is composed of non-fully monorefringent woven-fibred matrix and primary osteons; the dorsal rib has a Haversian bone composition with an external fundamental system recorded and the osteoderm is formed by well-organised parallel-fibred bone. The femur, humerus and fibula of P. chiniquensis are mostly composed of strongly arranged parallel-fibred bone and a laminar vascularisation. The minimal ages obtained correspond to 9 years for F. tenax (based on the maximum number of growth marks in the osteoderm) and 4 years for P. chiniquensis (obtained from the highest count of growth marks in the femur and in the humerus). F. tenax attained somatic and skeletal maturity, while P. chiniquensis was near to reaching skeletal and sexual maturity, but it was somatically immature. The overall rapid growth rate and the high and uniform vascularisation seems to imply that these features are common in most of "rauisuchians", except in P. chiniquensis.

Effects of chlorine and peroxyacetic acid wash treatments on growth kinetics of Salmonella in fresh-cut lettuce.

Fresh-cut produces are often consumed uncooked, thus proper sanitation is essential for preventing cross contamination. The reduction and subsequent growth of Salmonella enterica sv Thompson were studied in pre-cut iceberg lettuce washed with simulated wash water (SWW), sodium hypochlorite (SH, free chlorine 25 mg/L), and peroxyacetic acid (PAA, 80 mg/L) and stored for 9 days under modified atmosphere at 9, 13, and 18 °C. Differences in reduction between SH and PAA were non-existent. Overall, visual quality, dehydration, leaf edge and superficial browning and aroma during storage at 9 °C were similar among treatments, but negative effects increased with temperature. These results demonstrated that PAA can be used as an effective alternative to chlorine for the disinfection of Salmonella spp. in fresh-cut lettuce. The growth of Salmonella enterica sv Thompson was successfully described with the Baranyi and Roberts growth model in the studied storage temperature range, and after treatment with SWW, chlorine, and PAA. Subsequently, predictive secondary models were used to describe the relationship between growth rates and temperature based on the models' family described by Belehrádek. Interestingly, the exposure to disinfectants biased growth kinetics of Salmonella during storage. Below 12 °C, growth rates in lettuce treated with disinfectant (0.010-0.011 log CFU/h at 9 °C) were lower than those in lettuce washed with water (0.016 log CFU/h at 9 °C); whereas at higher temperatures, the effect was the opposite. Thus, in this case, the growth rate values registered at 18 °C for lettuce treated with disinfectant were 0.048-0.054 log CFU/h compared to a value of 0.038 log CFU/h for lettuce treated with only water. The data and models developed in this study will be crucial to describing the wash-related dynamics of Salmonella in a risk assessment framework applied to fresh-cut produce, providing more complete and accurate risk estimates.

Management of roe deer population (Capreolus capreolus L. ) in Serbia / Gestão da população de cabrito-montês (Capreolus capreolus L. ) na Sérvia

The research was conducted during the 2018/19 hunting year at three hunting grounds: "Barajevska reka" - "Takovo" and "Jadar". The average density of Roe deer in hunting grounds varied from 48.67 to 74 individuals per 1,000 ha of hunting-productive area. However, when observing the number of individuals per 1,000 ha of total hunting area, the density varies from 16.07 individuals to 34.72 individuals. The determined gender ratio at the hunting ground "Jadar" was (M: F = 1: 0.93). At the hunting ground "Takovo", the gender ratio was (M: F = 1: 1.22), while at the hunting ground "Barajevska reka" the ratio was (M: F = 1: 1.59). The average fertility of Roe deer was 1.67 embryos per individual, or 1.75 embryos per pregnant female. Depending on the study area, the real growth varied from 0.54 to 0.73 fawns per female. Loss in Roe deer are caused mostly by biotic factors. The determined average age of shot individuals varied depending on the hunting ground from 3.53 to 5.24 years. The current state of Roe deer populations in Serbia varies between analyzed hunting grounds, but the overall situation is quite unsatisfactory, especially in terms of density, gender ratio and age structure of culled individuals.

A pesquisa foi realizada durante o ano de caça de 2018/19 nos três locais de caça: "Barajevska reka" - "Takovo" e "Jadar". A densidade média de cabrito-montês em áreas de caça variou de 48,67 a 74 indivíduos por 1.000 ha de área produtiva de caça. Entretanto, ao observar o número de indivíduos por 1.000 ha de área total de caça, a densidade varia de 16,07 indivíduos a 34,72 indivíduos. A razão de gênero determinada no terreno de caça "Jadar" foi (M: F = 1: 0,93). No terreno de caça "Takovo", a proporção de gêneros era (M: F = 1: 1,22), enquanto no terreno de caça "Barajevska reka" (M: F = 1: 1,59). A fertilidade média do cervo Roe era de 1,67 embriões por indivíduo, ou 1,75 embriões por fêmea grávida. Dependendo da área de estudo, o crescimento real variou de 0,54 a 0,73 fulvos por fêmea. As perdas em cabrito-montês são causadas principalmente por fatores bióticos. A idade média determinada dos indivíduos abatidos variou de 3,53 a 5,24 anos, dependendo do terreno de caça. O estado atual das populações de cabrito-montês na Sérvia varia entre os locais de caça analisados, mas a situação geral é bastante insatisfatória, especialmente em termos de densidade, proporção de gênero e estrutura etária dos indivíduos abatidos.

Spatio-temporal variation in the growth of coral fragments of opportunity in the Eastern Tropical Pacific: implications for coral reef restoration

Introduction: Coral-reef communities are considered one of the most biodiverse, but also most threatened, marine ecosystems, and the accelerating loss of habitat over the past decades warrants active intervention. Objective: The present study demonstrates the successful implementation of a low-impact restoration technique in three Central Mexican Pacific degraded coral communities, using a protocol based on natural fragmentation (''fragments of opportunity") of the branching coral Pocillopora spp., considered the most abundant and primary carbonate-producing coral species of the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Methods: The restoration program was implemented in two offshore and one inshore coraline areas. The relationships between seawater temperature and coral survival, growth, and attachment rate were assessed over one year, with 183 fragments monitored each month. Results: The mean coral growth rate was 3.3 ± 0.1 mm mo-1, with annual growth rates in length and width of 39.9 ± 14.2 and 36.5 ± 19.5 mm yr-1, respectively. Self-attachment efficiency was 78 % and the survival rate was high (84 %). The growth rate differed significantly among reefs. Conclusions: Upon monitoring directly fragmented corals over a year, growth rates were deemed high enough to merit active restoration in the region. However, our data show that structural and abiotic differences and seasonal variability must be considered overall in successful long-term coral community restoration initiatives in the eastern Pacific region.

Introducción: Las comunidades de arrecifes de coral se consideran uno de los ecosistemas marinos con mayor biodiversidad, pero también los más amenazados, y la pérdida acelerada de hábitat en las últimas décadas justifica la implementación de una intervención activa. Objetivo: El presente estudio demuestra la implementación exitosa de una técnica de restauración de bajo impacto basada en la fragmentación natural (''fragmentos de oportunidad") del coral ramificado Pocillopora spp., la cual es la especie coralina más abundante y principal productora de carbonato del Pacífico Oriental Tropical. Métodos: El programa de restauración se implementó en dos sitios lejos de la costa y un sitio cercano a la costa, con comunidades coralinas degradadas. Las relaciones entre la temperatura del agua de mar y la supervivencia, el crecimiento y la tasa de adhesión de los corales se evaluaron durante un año con 183 fragmentos monitoreados cada mes. Resultados: La tasa media de crecimiento coralino fue de 3.3 ± 0.1 mm mo-1, con tasas de crecimiento anual en largo y ancho de 39.9 ± 14.2 y 36.5 ± 19.5 mm año-1, respectivamente. La eficiencia de la auto-adherencia fue del 78 % y la tasa de supervivencia fue alta (84 %). La tasa de crecimiento difirió significativamente entre los arrecifes. Conclusiones: Al monitorear directamente los corales fragmentados durante un año, las tasas de crecimiento se consideraron lo suficientemente altas como para merecer una restauración activa en la región. Sin embargo, nuestros datos muestran que las diferencias estructurales y abióticas y la variabilidad estacional deben considerarse en general en las iniciativas exitosas de restauración de comunidades de coral a largo plazo en la región del Pacífico oriental.