Expression profiles of growth-related genes in two Nile tilapia strains and their crossbred provide insights into introgressive breeding effects.

The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a prominent farmed fish in aquaculture worldwide. Crossbreeding has recently been carried out between the Red-Stirling and the wt Chitralada strains of Nile tilapia, producing a heterotic hybrid (7/8 Chitralada and 1/8 Red-Stirling) that combines the superior growth performance of the Chitralada with the reddish coloration of the Red-Stirling strain. While classical selective breeding and crossbreeding strategies are well known, the molecular mechanisms underlying the phenotypic expression of economically advantageous traits in tilapia remain largely unknown. Molecular investigations have shown that variable expression of growth hormone (gh), insulin-like growth factors (igf1 and 2) and somatolactin (smtla) - components of the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor (GH/IGF) axis - and myostatin (mstn) genes can affect traits of economic relevance in farmed animals. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the gene expression signature among Chitralada, Red-Stirling and their backcross hybrid in order to gain insights into the effects of introgressive breeding in modulation of the GH/IGF axis. Gene expression analyses in distinct tissues showed that most genes of the GH/IGF axis were up-regulated and mstn was down-regulated in backcross animals in comparison with Red-Stirling and Chitralada animals. These gene expression profiles revealed that backcross animals displayed a distinctive expression signature, which attests to the effectiveness of the introgressive breeding technique. Our findings also suggest that the GH/IGF axis and mstn genes might be candidate markers for fish performance and prove useful within genetic improvement programs aimed at the production of superior-quality tilapia strains using introgressive breeding.

Foldable cones as a framework for nonrigid origami.

The study of origami-based mechanical metamaterials usually focuses on the kinematics of deployable structures made of an assembly of rigid flat plates connected by hinges. When the elastic response of each panel is taken into account, novel behaviors take place, as in the case of foldable cones (f-cones): circular sheets decorated by radial creases around which they can fold. These structures exhibit bistability, in the sense that they can snap through from one metastable configuration to another. In this work, we study the elastic behavior of isometric f-cones for any deflection and crease mechanics, which introduce nonlinear corrections to a linear model studied previously. Furthermore, we test the inextensibility hypothesis by means of a continuous numerical model that includes both the extended nature of the creases, stretching and bending deformations of the panels. The results show that this phase-field-like model could become an efficient numerical tool for the study of realistic origami structures.

Von Hippel-Lindau disease: a single gene, several hereditary tumors.

The Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the predisposition for multiple tumors caused by germline mutations in the tumor suppressor gene VHL. This disease is associated with a high morbidity and mortality and presents a variable expression, with different phenotypes from family to family, affecting different organs during the lifetime. The main manifestations of VHL are hemangioblastomas of the central nervous system and retina, renal carcinomas and cysts, bilateral pheochromocytomas, cystic and solid tumors of the pancreas, cystadenomas of the epididymis, and endolymphatic sac tumors. The discovery of any of the syndrome components should raise suspicion of this disease and other stigmas must then be investigated. Due to the complexities associated with management of the various VHL manifestation, the diagnosis and the follow-up of this syndrome is a challenge in the clinical practice and a multidisciplinary approach is needed. The particular relevance to endocrinologists is the detection of pheochromocytomas in 35% and islet cell tumors in 17% of VHL patients, which can be associated with hypertension, hypoglycemia, cardiac arrhythmias, and carcinoid syndrome. The purpose of this review is to define the Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome addressing its clinical aspects and classification, the importance of genetic counseling and to propose a protocol for clinical follow-up.

Genetic parameters for carcass traits and body weight using a Bayesian approach in the Canchim cattle.

Correlation between genetic parameters and factors such as backfat thickness (BFT), rib eye area (REA), and body weight (BW) were estimated for Canchim beef cattle raised in natural pastures of Brazil. Data from 1648 animals were analyzed using multi-trait (BFT, REA, and BW) animal models by the Bayesian approach. This model included the effects of contemporary group, age, and individual heterozygosity as covariates. In addition, direct additive genetic and random residual effects were also analyzed. Heritability estimated for BFT (0.16), REA (0.50), and BW (0.44) indicated their potential for genetic improvements and response to selection processes. Furthermore, genetic correlations between BW and the remaining traits were high (P > 0.50), suggesting that selection for BW could improve REA and BFT. On the other hand, genetic correlation between BFT and REA was low (P = 0.39 ± 0.17), and included considerable variations, suggesting that these traits can be jointly included as selection criteria without influencing each other. We found that REA and BFT responded to the selection processes, as measured by ultrasound. Therefore, selection for yearling weight results in changes in REA and BFT.

Variability of Colletotrichum spp in common bean.

The Colletotrichum genus presents large genetic variability, as demonstrated by the occurrence of several pathogenic races and phenotypic traits. The objective of this study was to characterize 22 strains of C. lindemuthianum and Colletotrichum spp recovered from anthracnose lesions and bean scab, and to verify the relationship between species of the Colletotrichum genus, which inhabit anthracnose and scab lesions. Colony morphology, conidium size, the presence of septa, germination, sporulation, and mycelium growth rates, were analyzed in addition to the presence of mating-type genes, IRAP markers, and pathogenicity. Strains of Colletotrichum spp presented wide variation for all evaluated traits, indicating the presence of different species. Pathogenicity tests verified that the severity of the disease caused by strains of Colletotrichum spp must be evaluated 17 days after inoculation. Molecular analysis showed that only the C. lindemuthianum strains were grouped by the IRAP markers. For the physiological traits, we observed that C. lindemuthianum mycelium growth is slower than that of Colletotrichum spp strains. The information generated in this study confirms variability in the evaluated species of Colletotrichum and may direct future basic and applied studies aiming to control these diseases in common bean.

Evaluation of the genetic diversity of microsatellite markers among four strains of Oreochromis niloticus.

Different strains of Nile tilapia can be found worldwide. To successfully use them in breeding programs, they must be genetically characterized. In this study, four strains of Nile tilapia - UFLA, GIFT, Chitralada and Red-Stirling - were genetically characterized using 10 noncoding microsatellite loci and two microsatellites located in the promoter and first intron of the growth hormone gene (GH). The two microsatellites in the GH gene were identified at positions -693 to -679 in the promoter [motif (ATTCT)8 ] and in intron 1 at positions +140 to +168 [motif (CTGT)7 ]. Genetic diversity was measured as mean numbers of alleles and expected heterozygosity, which were 4 and 0.60 (GIFT), 3.5 and 0.71 (UFLA), 4.5 and 0.57 (Chitralada) and 2.5 and 0.42 (Red-Stirling) respectively. Genetic differentiation was estimated both separately and in combination for noncoding and GH microsatellites markers using Jost's DEST index. The UFLA and GIFT strains were the least genetically divergent (DEST  = 0.10), and Chitralada and Red-Stirling were the most (DEST  = 0.58). The UFLA strain was genetically characterized for the first time and, because of its unique origin and genetic distinctness, may prove to be an important resource for genetic improvement of Nile tilapia. This study shows that polymorphisms found in coding gene regions might be useful for assessing genetic differentiation among strains.

Lewis histo-blood group system phenotyping and genotyping reveal divergence in the association of Le(a-b-) phenotype and type 1 diabetes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The red blood cell Le(a-b-) phenotype was proposed as risk factor for type 1 diabetes, but contradictory results were published elsewhere. This study re-examined the potential association between Lewis histo-blood group system and type 1 diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients and controls of both sexes, Caucasians and non-Caucasians, matched by sex, geographical origin and ethnicity were evaluated. The red blood cell Lewis phenotypes were identified by gel column agglutination and also inferred from the FUT2 and FUT3 genotyping. RESULTS: The Le(a-b-) phenotype was prevalent in patients with type 1 diabetes, and the Le(a-b+) phenotype was prevalent in controls when both were determined by gel columns agglutination. No differences were observed in the frequencies of the Le(a-b-) phenotype inferred from the FUT2 and FUT3 genotyping between patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: The Lewis red blood cell phenotyping and genotyping reveal divergence in the association of Le(a-b-) phenotype and type 1 diabetes.

Developing a conceptual framework of urban health observatories toward integrating research and evidence into urban policy for health and health equity.

Detailed information on health linked to geographic, sociodemographic, and environmental data are required by city governments to monitor health and the determinants of health. These data are critical for guiding local interventions, resource allocation, and planning decisions, yet they are too often non-existent or scattered. This study aimed to develop a conceptual framework of Urban Health Observatories (UHOs) as an institutional mechanism which can help synthesize evidence and incorporate it into urban policy-making for health and health equity. A survey of a select group of existent UHOs was conducted using an instrument based on an a priori conceptual framework of key structural and functional characteristics of UHOs. A purposive sample of seven UHOs was surveyed, including four governmental, two non-governmental, and one university-based observatory, each from a different country. Descriptive and framework analysis methods were used to analyze the data and to refine the conceptual framework in light of the empirical data. The UHOs were often a product of unique historical circumstances. They were relatively autonomous and capable of developing their own locally sensitive agenda. They often had strong networks for accessing data and were able to synthesize them at the urban level as well as disaggregate them into smaller units. Some UHOs were identified as not only assessing but also responding to local needs. The findings from this study were integrated into a conceptual framework which illustrates how UHOs can play a vital role in monitoring trends in health determinants, outcomes, and equity; optimizing an intersectoral urban information system; incorporating research on health into urban policies and systems; and providing technical guidance on research and evidence-based policy making. In order to be most effective, UHOs should be an integral part of the urban governance system, where multiple sectors of government, the civil society, and businesses can participate in taking the right actions to promote health equity.

First isolation and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii from bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera).

There are currently no reports on the isolation and molecular examination of Toxoplasma gondii from bats. Here, we report the isolation and genotypic characterisation of two T. gondii isolates from bats. A total of 369 bats from different municipalities in São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil, were captured and euthanised, and collected tissues (heart and pectoral muscle) were processed for each bat or in pools of two or three bats and bioassayed in mice (a total of 283 bioassays). Eleven PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism) markers were used to genotype positive samples: SAG1, SAG2 (5'-3'SAG2 and alt. SAG2), SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, L358, c22-8, c29-2, PK1, CS3 and Apico. The parasite was isolated from two bats from São Paulo city: an insectivorous bat, the velvety free-tailed bat Molossus molossus, and a hematophagous bat, the common vampire bat Desmodus rotundus. Isolates were designated TgBatBr1 and TgBatBr2, respectively. The genotype of the isolate from M. molossus (TgBatBr1) has been previously described in an isolate from a capybara from São Paulo state, and the genotype from the D. rotundus isolate (TgBatBr2) has already been identified in isolates from cats, chickens, capybaras, sheep, a rodent and a common rabbit from different Brazilian states, suggesting that this may be a common T. gondii lineage circulating in some Brazilian regions. Isolation of T. gondii from a hematophagous species is striking. This study reveals that bats can share the same isolates that are found in domesticated and wild terrestrial animals. This is the first report of the isolation and genotyping of T. gondii in chiropterans.

Rendimento de coentro (Coriandrum sativum L. ) em sistema de adubação verde com a planta jitirana (Merremia aegyptia L. ) / Yield of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L. ) in a system of green manure with the plant scarlet starglory (Merremia aegyptia L.)

O coentro é a hortaliça mais utilizada como condimento na região de Mossoró-RN. Um experimento foi conduzido na Fazenda Experimental Rafael Fernandes da Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, no período de maio a junho de 2010, com o objetivo de avaliar o rendimento de coentro sob diferentes quantidades da planta trepadeira jitirana, incorporada ao solo como adubo verde. O delineamento experimental usado foi o de blocos completos casualizados com sete tratamentos e três repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram da incorporação de sete quantidades de jitirana (3,0; 6,0; 9,0; 12,0; 15,0; 18,0 e 21,0 t ha-1 de matéria seca de jitirana). A cultivar de coentro plantado foi a Verdão. As características avaliadas foram: altura e número de hastes por planta, rendimento e massa seca da parte aérea. O melhor desempenho agronômico do coentro foi observado na quantidade de 21,0 t ha-1 de jitirana. Para cada tonelada de jitirana incorporada ao solo observa-se um rendimento de coentro de 395 kg ha-1.

The ciliandro is the vegetable more used as seasoning in the area at Mossoró-RN. An experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm Rafael Fernandes of the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA in the period from may to june 2010, with the objective of evaluating the coriander yield in under different amounts of plant clambering scarlet starglory, incorporated into the soil. The experimental design was randomized complete blocks with eight treatments and three replicates. The treatments were combinations of eight amounts of scarlet starglory (3.0; 6.0; 9.0; 12.0; 15.0; 18.0 and 21.0 t ha-1 dry matter). The coriander cultivar planted was Verdão. The characteristics evaluated in the coriander were: plant height and number of stalks per plant, yield and dry matter mass of shoots. The best agroconomic performance lettuce was observed in the amount of 21,0 t ha-1 scarlet starglory. For each fresh or dry scarlet starglory ton incorporated into the soil, it was observed a mean yield of coriander mass of 395 kg ha-1.

Programmed buckling by controlled lateral swelling in a thin elastic sheet.

Recent experiments have imposed controlled swelling patterns on thin polymer films, which subsequently buckle into three-dimensional shapes. We develop a solution to the design problem suggested by such systems, namely, if and how one can generate particular three-dimensional shapes from thin elastic sheets by mere imposition of a two-dimensional pattern of locally isotropic growth. Not every shape is possible. Several types of obstruction can arise, some of which depend on the sheet thickness. We provide some examples using the axisymmetric form of the problem, which is analytically tractable.

Isolation of Histoplasma capsulatum from bats in the urban area of São Paulo State, Brazil.

The presence of bats in caves, attics, ceilings, and roofs is important epidemiologically as they can increase the chance of human acquisition of pathogens, including Histoplasma capsulatum. Brazilian urban areas contain many species of bats, especially insectivorous bats, that are attracted by a wide range of readily available food and shelter. From August 2003 to December 2008, we analysed 2427 bats in the São Paulo State region. Homogenates of the livers and spleens of the bats were plated on specific medium to identify animals infected with H. capsulatum. The fungus was isolated from 87 bats (3·6%). The infected bats were identified as Molossus molossus (74), Nyctinomops macrotis (10), Tadarida brasiliensis (1), Molossus rufus (1) and Eumops glaucinus (1), all insectivorous species. The data presented are a relevant contribution to the epidemiology of H. capsulatum in densely populated urban areas such as in São Paulo State, especially since histoplasmosis is not included in the mandatory disease notification system.

Modeling distribution of phoneutria bahiensis (Araneae: Ctenidae) An endemic and threatened spider from Brazil

Phoneutria bahiensis Simó & Brescovit, 2001 is a large ctenid spider inhabiting the states of Bahia and Espírito Santo, Brazil. Considering that it is probably endemic, this species was included in the Brazilian red book of threatened species. Here, we predict the distribution range of P. bahiensis using 19 bioclimatic variables in the model design. The most septentrional record for this spider was indicated for northern Bahia. The model predicts that the distribution range covers the Atlantic Forest from the state of Paraíba to Rio de Janeiro, with the best suitable area in the Atlantic Forest of the state of Bahia. The bioclimatic variable with the best contribution to the model was precipitation in the driest quarter. Based on collected data, the species inhabits Ombrophilous Forests and Restinga vegetation, two ecosystems of the Atlantic Forest biome. In the best-predicted area of distribution, eleven Conservation Units were included.

Macrophage suppression following phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils is mediated by the S100A9 calcium-binding protein.

The clearance of apoptotic cells by phagocytes is a fundamental process during tissue remodeling and resolution of inflammation. In turn, the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells generates signals that suppress pro-inflammatory activation of macrophages. These events occur during the resolution phase of inflammation and therefore the malfunctioning of this process may lead to inflammation-related tissue damage. Here, we demonstrate that the calcium-binding protein S100A9, normally abundant in the cytoplasm of neutrophils and also released by apoptotic neutrophils, is involved in the suppression of macrophages after the uptake of apoptotic neutrophils. Both, spontaneous and induced production of inflammatory species (nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide and TNF-alpha) as well as the phagocytic activity were inhibited when macrophages were in presence of apoptotic neutrophils, conditioned medium from neutrophil cultures or a peptide corresponding to the C-terminal region of S100A9 protein. On the other hand, macrophages kept in the conditioned medium of neutrophils that was previously depleted of S100A9 were shown to resume the activated status. Finally, we demonstrate that the calcium-binding property of S100A9 might play a role in the suppression process, since the stimulation of intracellular calcium release with ionomycin significantly reversed the effects of the uptake of apoptotic neutrophils in macrophages. In conclusion, we propose that S100A9 is a novel component of the regulatory mechanisms of inflammation, acting side-by-side with other suppressor factors generated upon ingestion of apoptotic cells.

Environmental education in the Upper Paraná River floodplain, municipality of Porto Rico (Paraná State), Brazil.

Since 2003, researchers, faculty, graduate and undergraduate students from the State University of Maringá have been working alongside teachers from the state and local schools in the municipality of Porto Rico (Paraná State), located on the banks of the Paraná River. Their objective is to outline actions and strategies with the purpose of building methodological paths to insert environmental education into the school curriculum. Based on the action-research methodology, the group has developed the following programs: a) the Continuing Education Program in Environmental Education; b) the Development of Interdisciplinary Projects; c) the Insertion of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs); and d) the Production of Teaching Materials. The evaluations of the programs indicate that teachers have been able to gradually build a theoretical and methodological basis for environmental education while simultaneously growing into the role of teacher-researchers as they create the conditions to investigate their pedagogical practices, reflect upon them, share experiences, innovate, and make the teaching-learning process more significant. Allied to the advances in educational practices and with the aid of ICTs, the activities developed in the classroom, in the field and in the lab--all of which involve natural and cultural aspects of the region--have contributed to teachers' and students' better understanding of the ecological, cultural, social and economic value of the floodplain, and consequently, of the importance of preservation and management in order to maintain local biodiversity.

Environmental education in the Upper Paraná River floodplain, municipality of Porto Rico (Paraná State), Brazil / Educação ambiental na planície alagável do Alto Rio Paraná, Porto Rico - PR, Brasil

Since 2003, researchers, faculty, graduate and undergraduate students from the State University of Maringá have been working alongside teachers from the state and local schools in the municipality of Porto Rico (Paraná State), located on the banks of the Paraná River. Their objective is to outline actions and strategies with the purpose of building methodological paths to insert environmental education into the school curriculum. Based on the action-research methodology, the group has developed the following programs: a) the Continuing Education Program in Environmental Education; b) the Development of Interdisciplinary Projects; c) the Insertion of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs); and d) the Production of Teaching Materials. The evaluations of the programs indicate that teachers have been able to gradually build a theoretical and methodological basis for environmental education while simultaneously growing into the role of teacher-researchers as they create the conditions to investigate their pedagogical practices, reflect upon them, share experiences, innovate, and make the teaching-learning process more significant. Allied to the advances in educational practices and with the aid of ICTs, the activities developed in the classroom, in the field and in the lab - all of which involve natural and cultural aspects of the region - have contributed to teachers' and students' better understanding of the ecological, cultural, social and economic value of the floodplain, and consequently, of the importance of preservation and management in order to maintain local biodiversity.

Desde 2003, pesquisadores, professores, pós-graduandos e graduandos da Universidade Estadual de Maringá vêm trabalhando em conjunto com os professores das escolas, estadual e municipal, do município de Porto Rico - PR, localizado às margens do Rio Paraná, com o objetivo de delinear ações e estratégias, no sentido de construir caminhos metodológicos para a inserção da educação ambiental no currículo escolar. Com base na metodologia da pesquisa- ação, o grupo vem desenvolvendo alguns programas: a) Programa de Educação Continuada em Educação Ambiental; b) Desenvolvimento de Projetos Interdisciplinares; c) Inserção de Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (TICs); d) Produção de Material Didático. As avaliações dos programas indicam que, gradativamente, os professores têm construído uma base teórica e metodológica da educação ambiental e, ao mesmo tempo, tem desenvolvido uma postura de professor-pesquisador, ao criar condições de investigação de sua prática pedagógica, de refletir sobre a mesma, de trocar experiências, de inovar, de tornar o processo de ensino-aprendizagem mais significativo. Aliado ao aprimoramento das práticas educacionais, e com o apoio das TICs, as atividades desenvolvidas, em sala de aula, campo e laboratório, abordando aspectos naturais e culturais da região, têm contribuído para que professores e alunos compreendam melhor o valor ecológico, cultural, social e econômico da planície e, consequentemente, da importância da conservação e manejo da mesma para a manutenção da biodiversidade local.

Emissões de queimadas em ecossistemas da América do Sul / Emissões de queimadas em ecossistemas da América do Sul

As queimadas que ocorrem majoritariamente em áreas tropicais do planeta, são fontes importantes de poluentes para a atmosfera. Na América do Sul, durante os meses de inverno, uma área, principalmente de ecossistemas de cerrado e floresta, da ordem de 40 mil km² é queimada anualmente. Estas queimadas ocorrem primariamente nas regiões Amazônica e do Brasil Central, porém, através do transporte atmosférico de suas emissões resulta uma distribuição espacial de fumaça sobre uma extensa área, ao redor de 4-5 milhões de km², em muito superior a área onde estão concentradas as queimadas. Durante a combustão de biomassa são emitidos para a atmosfera gases poluentes e partículas de aerossol que interagem eficientemente com a radiação solar e afetam os processos de microfísica e dinâmica de formação de nuvens e a qualidade do ar. Os efeitos destas emissões excedem, portanto, a escala local e afetam regionalmente a composição e propriedades físicas e químicas da atmosfera na América do Sul e áreas oceânicas vizinhas, com potencial impacto em escala global.

Smoking rain clouds over the Amazon.

Heavy smoke from forest fires in the Amazon was observed to reduce cloud droplet size and so delay the onset of precipitation from 1.5 kilometers above cloud base in pristine clouds to more than 5 kilometers in polluted clouds and more than 7 kilometers in pyro-clouds. Suppression of low-level rainout and aerosol washout allows transport of water and smoke to upper levels, where the clouds appear "smoking" as they detrain much of the pollution. Elevating the onset of precipitation allows invigoration of the updrafts, causing intense thunderstorms, large hail, and greater likelihood for overshooting cloud tops into the stratosphere. There, detrained pollutants and water vapor would have profound radiative impacts on the climate system. The invigorated storms release the latent heat higher in the atmosphere. This should substantially affect the regional and global circulation systems. Together, these processes affect the water cycle, the pollution burden of the atmosphere, and the dynamics of atmospheric circulation.