scholarly journals Frugivory and seed dispersal by birds in Cereus jamacaru DC. ssp. jamacaru (Cactaceae) in the Caatinga of Northeastern Brazil

2014 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
VGN Gomes ◽  
ZGM Quirino ◽  
HFP Araujo
Keyword(s):  
Digestive Tract ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Germination Process ◽  
Mean Germination Time ◽  
Dispersal Agents ◽  
Viable Seeds

Studies of the dispersal modes of plants aid our understanding of the dynamics of resource and its availability for dispersal agents. The present work sought to characterize the fruiting patterns of the native Caatinga (dryland) cactus Cereus jamacaru, identify its principal dispersers, and evaluate the effects of seed passage through digestive tract of dispersers on its germination. Cereus jamacaru present an annual fruiting pattern and fruiting peaks occurred during June/2009 and February/2010. A total of 135 visits by nine species of resident Caatinga bird species were recorded. The most frequent visiting bird species were Paroaria dominicana and Euphonia chlorotica. Length of bird visits varied from 15 seconds to 4 minutes and seeds removed by birds travelled 10.6 ± 11.2 m until dispersers make the first landing perch, in some cases more than 40 meters away. Germination tests show birds had a high quantity of viable seeds of C. jamacaru in its feces. Seeds that passed through the digestive tract of birds showed a similar germinability of the seeds of the control group. However, the seeds dispersed by birds showed lowest mean germination time related to the control group seeds. This study highlights the potential role of birds as seed dispersers of C. jamacaru, swallowing the whole seeds and defecating intact seeds, accelerating the germination process and transporting seeds away from the mother plant.

scholarly journals Nutritional role of amniotic fluid: clues from infants with congenital obstruction of the digestive tract

2018 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. F199-F201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nigel J Hall ◽  
Melanie Drewett ◽  
David Burge
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Digestive Tract ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Term Infants ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
And Gender

AimsTo investigate the role played by amniotic fluid in late fetal nutrition by analysis of infants born with digestive tract atresia.MethodsBirth weight (BW), gestational age and gender of infants born with oesophageal (OA), duodenal (DA), jejunal (JA) and ileal atresia (IA) were recorded and BW Z-scores compared. Infants with incomplete obstruction (stenosis), chromosomal or syndromic conditions and multiple congenital malformations were excluded. Term infants admitted with suspected postnatal intestinal obstruction in whom no congenital malformation was found were used as a control group.ResultsA total of 584 infants were identified comprising 148 OA, 60 DA, 26 JA and 57 IA with 293 in the control group. Infants with OA and DA had statistically significantly lower BW Z-score than controls. However, BW Z-score for infants with more distal atresia (JA and IA) was similar to controls. When compared with infants with OA, BW Z-score for infants with more distal atresia was higher than that for OA. BW Z-score in infants with OA was significantly lower in those born at term compared with those born preterm (mean±SD −0.92±1.0 vs −0.48±0.87; p=0.01) with a significant negative correlation between BW Z-score and increasing gestational age (R2=0.12; p<0.0001). This effect of gestational age was not seen in other atresias.ConclusionThese observations support the concept that reduced enteral absorption of amniotic fluid due to high digestive tract obstruction in utero reduces fetal growth. The effect is greater when the obstruction is more proximal and with advancing gestation.

scholarly journals Sheep gut passage and survival of Mediterranean shrub seeds

2005 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Manzano ◽  
Juan E. Malo ◽  
Begoña Peco
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
Central Spain ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Retama Sphaerocarpa ◽  
Gut Passage ◽  
Lavandula Stoechas ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Ecological Importance ◽  
Viable Seeds

Although viable seeds of Mediterranean dry-fruited shrubs are found in herbivore dung, the ecological importance of this observation is still not well understood. We analysed seed retrieval percentages, defecation time and germinability after sheep gut passage for the five most common shrub species of an area in central Spain (Retama sphaerocarpa, Cytisus scoparius, Halimium umbellatum subsp. viscosum, Cistus ladanifer and Lavandula stoechas subsp. pedunculata). Five ewes were fed seeds, and their dung was collected regularly during the following week. Seeds were hand-sorted from dung subsamples and tested for germinability. The defecated seeds were clustered in time, with a majority retrieved in the 24–40 h period, although over 1% of the seeds were retained in the gut for more than 72 h. Data suggested a possible link between seed size and retrieval, with medium-sized seeds less damaged (16–23%) than larger and smaller seeds (10–12%), although only a small number of species were studied. Germination results showed an increased percentage of germination after gut passage for H. umbellatum (x2 test, P<0.05) and a marginally significant difference for C. scoparius (P<0.1). Soft-seeded L. stoechas did not germinate after gut passage. The results indicate a potential role of herbivore endozoochory for the long-distance dispersal of dry-fruited shrubs and their potential colonization of distant sites.

scholarly journals Complement activation products in acute heart failure: Potential role in pathophysiology, responses to treatment and impacts on long-term survival

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 348-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marten Trendelenburg ◽  
Fabio Stallone ◽  
Kateryna Pershyna ◽  
Timo Eisenhut ◽  
Raphael Twerenbold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Acute Heart Failure ◽  
Complement Activation ◽  
Subgroup Analysis ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Activation Products

Background: Previous studies have indicated a correlation between heart failure, inflammation and poorer outcome. However, the pathogenesis and role of inflammation in acute heart failure (AHF) is incompletely studied and understood. The aim of our study was to explore the potential role of innate immunity – quantified by complement activation products (CAPs) – in pathophysiology, responses to treatment and impacts on long-term survival in AHF. Methods: In a prospective study enrolling 179 unselected patients with AHF, plasma concentrations of C4d, C3a and sC5b-9 were measured in a blinded fashion on the first day of hospitalisation and prior to discharge. The final diagnosis, including the AHF phenotype, was adjudicated by two independent cardiologists. Long-term follow-up was obtained. Findings in AHF were compared to that obtained in 75 healthy blood donors (control group). Results: Overall, concentrations of all three CAPs were significantly higher in patients with AHF than in healthy controls (all p < 0.001). In an age-adjusted subgroup analysis, significant differences could be confirmed for concentrations of C4d and sC5b-9, and these parameters further increased after 6 days of in-hospital treatment ( p < 0.001). In contrast, C3a levels in AHF patients did not differ from those of the control group in the age-adjusted subgroup analysis and remained constant during hospitalisation. Concentrations of C4d, C3a and sC5b-9 were significantly higher when AHF was triggered by an infection as compared to other triggers ( p < 0.001). In addition, CAP levels significantly correlated with each other ( r = 0.64–0.76), but did not predict death within 2 years. Conclusions: Activation of complement with increased plasma levels of C4d and sC5b-9 at admission and increasing levels during AHF treatment seems to be associated with AHF, particularly when AHF was triggered by an infection. However, CAPs do not have a prognostic value in AHF.

scholarly journals TheCCR5Δ32Polymorphism in Brazilian Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Pezzute Lopes ◽  
Magnun Nueldo Nunes Santos ◽  
Eliel Wagner Faber ◽  
Marcos André Cavalcanti Bezerra ◽  
Betânia Lucena Domingues Hatzlhofer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sickle Cell Disease ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Selective Advantage ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cell Disease ◽  
Specific Pcr

Background. Previous studies on the role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease (SCD) suggested that theCCR5Δ32allele, which is responsible for the production of truncated C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5), could confer a selective advantage on patients with SCD because it leads to a less efficient Th1 response. We determined the frequency of theCCR5Δ32polymorphism in 795 Afro-Brazilian SCD patients followed up at the Pernambuco Hematology and Hemotherapy Center, in Northeastern Brazil, divided into a pediatric group (3 months–17 years,n=483) and an adult group (18–70 years,n=312). The adult patients were also compared to a healthy control group (blood donors, 18–61 years,n=247).Methods. TheCCR5/CCR5Δ32polymorphism was determined by allele-specific PCR.Results. No homozygous patient for theCCR5Δ32allele was detected. The frequency of heterozygotes in the study population (patients and controls) was 5.8%, in the total SCD patients 5.1%, in the children 5.4%, in the adults with SCD 4.8%, and in the adult controls 8.1%. These differences did not reach statistical significance.Conclusions. Our findings failed to demonstrate an important role of theCCR5Δ32allele in the population sample studied here.

scholarly journals Populações Celulares Periféricas (CD4+, CD8+ e CD19+) em Indivíduos Dislipidémicos

2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 676
Author(s):  
Jose Pereira de Moura ◽  
Manuel Santos Rosa ◽  
Vera Alves ◽  
Anabela Mota Pinto ◽  
Victor Rodrigues ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
Inflammatory Cells ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cd4 Cells ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
The Past ◽  
Markers Of Inflammation ◽  
The People ◽  
Risk Predictors

Introduction: The past decade has witnessed an increasing recognition that inflammatory mechanisms play a central role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and its complications. Recently, attention was focused on the potential role of plasma markers of inflammation as risk predictors among those at risk for cardiovascular events. Of these potential markers, C-reactive protein (CRP), IL6, metalloproteinases, ICAM, VCAM and other molecules, have been extensively studied. On the other hand, to our knowledge, there are only a few studies on the role of inflammatory cells, like T and B lymphocytes in the atherosclerosis.Material and Methods: By Flow Cytrometry analysis we have determined on dyslipidemic people and on a control group, the percentage of some peripheral inflammatory cells, like CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+, CD56+, CD56CD8+, DN, CD25+, CD26+, CD25CD3+, CD26CD3+, CD25CD26CD3+, CCR5+, CCR5CD3+, CCR5CD4+, HLADR+, HLADRCD4+, HLADRCD8h+, HLADRCD8low+, HLADRCD8+, CD95+, CD95CD95L+, CD3CD95+, CD3CD95L+, CD62L+, CD3CD62L+, CD69+, CD69CD3+ e CD69CD4+.Results: In the present study we have particularly studied the percentage of CD4+, CD8+ and CD19+ cells. The CD4+ cells have been significantly reduced in the people with dyslipidemia.Discussion: We do not know the peripheral numbers of the subtype Th1 and Th2, neither the percentage of CD4+CD25+ cells (regulatory T cells). We have not find any differences on the percentage from the CD8+ and CD19+ cells.Conclusions: In spite of the identified limitations resulting from the small-sized samples, it was possible to show a reduction of some molecules after application of acetylsalicylic acid.

scholarly journals Macrophyte rafts as dispersal vectors for fishes and amphibians in the Lower Solimões River, Central Amazon

2003 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Schiesari ◽  
Jansen Zuanon ◽  
Claudia Azevedo-Ramos ◽  
Marcelo Garcia ◽  
Marcelo Gordo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Large Rivers ◽  
Central Amazon ◽  
Dispersal Vectors ◽  
Dispersal Agents ◽  
Solimões River

Large rivers have played a prominent role in biogeographic theory for their potential to act as barriers for the dispersal of terrestrial organisms,and therefore be involved in the generation of species diversity (Brown & Lomolino 1998). In this paper, we document the potential role of macrophyte rafts as a mechanism by which Amazonian rivers could act as dispersal agents rather than barriers, transferring organisms across banks and possibly across very large distances. These vectors could therefore act against speciation and towards homogenization of the local biota.

scholarly journals FIRST ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF BIRDS OF JICARÓN AND JICARITA: THE SOUTHERNMOST ISLANDS OF THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

Tecnociencia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-149
Author(s):  
Pedro Luis Castillo-Caballero ◽  
Claudio M. Monteza-Moreno ◽  
Oscar Johnson ◽  
George R. Angehr
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Migratory Species ◽  
Land Bridge ◽  
Isthmus Of Panama ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Annotated Checklist ◽  
North And South America ◽  
North And South

The Isthmus of Panama, the narrowest land bridge between North and South America, is surrounded by a large number of islands (>1500) relatively close to the mainland. However, despite the potential role Panamanian islands have for the conservation of bird species, most avian surveys are conducted on the mainland. The islands of Jicarón and Jicarita, located in Coiba National Park, are of particular interest because these are the southernmost islands in the Republic of Panama. Additionally, previous avian surveys were restricted to Coiba Island, the largest of the park, leaving the avifauna in the rest of the islands poorly known. Here, we provide the first annotated checklist of birds for the islands of Jicarón and Jicarita, where we documented 115 and 53 species, respectively. Of these 23 species represent new records for the park. Further, we documented 10 endemic subspecies and 29 migratory species, of which 7 are warblers. The most frequently observed species were Brown-backed Dove (Leptotila plumbeiceps battyi), Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl) and Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola). We highlight some species of interest and discuss the potential role of these islands for conservation.

scholarly journals Serum-to-urine renalase ratio and its differences between healthy adults and chronic kidney disease patients

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Maria Serwin ◽  
Magda Wiśniewska ◽  
Elżbieta Cecerska-Heryć ◽  
Krzysztof Safranow ◽  
Edyta Skwirczyńska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Circulatory System ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Serum And Urine

Abstract Background Renalase is a flavoprotein involved in pathomechanisms of chronic kidney disease and heart and circulatory system disorders. Secretion and way of action of this protein are still discussed. Aim of our study was to initially estimate the balance between serum and urine renalase in healthy adults and to compare obtained ratio to chronic kidney disease patients. Methods Our study involved 28 healthy volunteers and 62 patients with diagnosed chronic kidney disease in stages I to IV. Concentration of renalase in blood serum and urine was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (Uscn Life Science, Wuhan, China). We analyzed serum-to-urine renalase proportion in both groups and evaluated the differences using Mann Whitney U-test. Results Renalase serum-to-urine ratio was significantly higher in chronic kidney disease patients in comparison with control group (1.146 and 0.177, respectively; p<0.05). Also renalase serum-to-urine/mg creatinine ratio was higher in CKD patients than in healthy subjects (0.863 and 0.176, respectively; p<0.05). In both groups, no correlation between renalase concentration or serum-to-urine ratio, and eGFR, was found. Conclusions Renalase is involved in chronic kidney disease pathomechanism and is highly secreted and cumulated in blood of subjects with chronic kidney disease, what is accompanied by reduction of urinary renalase excretion. This may occur due to the potential role of renalase as a cytokine, preventing further kidney, and probably heart, dysfunction or injury. Chronic kidney disease causes higher expression of renalase, but its balance between serum and urine depends on more factors and conditions, involved in CKD pathomechanism.

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