Modelling fungus dispersal scenarios using cellular automata

This study focused on representing spatio-temporal patterns of fungal dispersal using cellular automata. Square lattices were used, with each site representing a host for a hypothetical fungus population. Four possible host states were allowed: resistant, permissive, latent or infectious. In this model, the probability of infection for each of the healthy states (permissive or resistant) in a time step was determined as a function of the host's susceptibility, seasonality, and the number of infectious sites and the distance between them. It was also assumed that infected sites become infectious after a pre-specified latency period, and that recovery is not possible. Several scenarios were simulated to understand the contribution of the model's parameters and the spatial structure on the dynamic behaviour of the modelling system. The model showed good capability for representing the spatio-temporal pattern of fungus dispersal over planar surfaces. With a specific problem in mind, the model can be easily modified and used to describe field behaviour, which can contribute to the conservation and development of management strategies for both natural and agricultural systems. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.

Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for treatment of hyperproliferative skin diseases - a review

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Influenza among the elderly in the Americas: A consensus statement

Influenza exacts a heavy burden on the elderly, a segment of the population that is estimated to experience rapid growth in the near future. In the past decade most developed and several developing countries have recommended influenza vaccination for those > 65 years of age. The World Health Organization (WHO) set a goal of 75% influenza vaccination coverage among the elderly by 2010, but it was not achieved. In 2011, the Technical Advisory Group at the Pan American Health Organization, Regional Office of WHO for the Americas, reiterated the influenza vaccine recommendation for older adults. Relatively little information has been compiled on the immunological aspect of aging or on reducing its impact, information particularly relevant for clinicians and gerontologist with firsthand experience confronting its effects. To fill this data gap, in 2012 the Americas Health Foundation (Washington, D.C., United States) and the nonprofit, Fighting Infectious Diseases in Emerging Countries (Miami, Florida, United States), convened a panel of Latin American clinicians and gerontologists with expertise in influenza to discuss key issues and develop a consensus statement. The major recommendations were to improve influenza surveillance throughout Latin America so that its impact can be quantified; and to conduct laboratory confirmation of influenza for all patients who have flu-like symptoms and are frail, immunosuppressed, have comorbidities, are respiratory compromised, or have been admitted to a hospital. The panel also noted that: since evidence for antivirals in the elderly is unclear, their use should be handled on a case-by-case basis; despite decreased immunological response, influenza vaccination in older adults is still crucial; indirect immunization strategies should be encouraged; and traditional infection control measures are essential in long-term care facilities.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates

The present work reports on the synthesis, biological assaying and docking studies of a series of 12 aryl thiosemicarbazones, which were planned to act over two main enzymes, cruzain and trypanothione reductase. These enzymes are used as targets of trypanocidal activity in Chagas disease control with a minimal mutagenic profile. Three p-nitroaromatic thiosemicarbazones showed high activity against Trypanosoma cruzi in in vitro assays (IC50 < 57 μM), and no mutagenic profile was observed in micronucleous tests. Although the in vitro inhibition test showed that 10-μM doses of eight compounds inhibited cruzain activity, no correlation was found between cruzain inhibition and trypanocidal activity. © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Stocking density of Nile tilapia in cages placed in a hydroelectric reservoir

The Brazilian government has been encouraging fish farming in cages in federal water bodies, including hydroelectric reservoirs. Despite the government support, it is a new activity and the production model still needs some adjustment to reduce the production costs and achieve sustainability. The aims of this study were to determine the appropriate stocking density of Nile tilapia in cages in a hydroelectric reservoir and to evaluate to what extent fish size selection could improve their uniformity. Twelve cages (6m3) were placed at the Fish Farmers' Cooperative of Santa Fé do Sul and Region, Ilha Solteira reservoir, São Paulo, Brazil (20°12'10″S, 50°58'31.15″W). In stage I (initial fish weight, 78g), four stocking densities were tested: D1-800, D2-2000, D3-2500 and D4-3000 fish/cage, with three replicates. At the end of this stage (average fish weight, 255g), the fish were selected into three sizes, except for D1. In stage II, four stocking densities were tested, designed to obtain the following final production: D1-100kg/m3 (800 non-selected fish/cage), D2-80kg/m3 (600 fish/cage), D3-100kg/m3 (800 fish/cage) and D4-120kg/m3 (900 fish/cage). The trial ended when the fish weighed 800g. By reducing the initial stocking density from 2500 to 800 tilapia juveniles per cage, there was no need for selection. The growth performance was higher, the feed conversion rate was better and the time taken to reach harvesting was shorter. Consequently, the production cost reduced and the operating profit increased. Using the lowest initial stocking density, the risk of disease outbreak was also lower, and there was no need to use drugs for disease control since the mortality rate and occurrences of disease and deformity decreased and the dissolved oxygen level inside the cages was higher. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Controle de mofo-cinzento (amphobotrys ricini) da mamoneira (ricinus communis l.) por métodos químico, biológico e com óleos essenciais

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Interação patógeno-hospedeiro no patossistema capim limão-ferrugem das folhas e avaliação de ingredientes ativos naturais no controle da doença

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Caracterização antigênica e genotípica de isolados do vírus rábico, de quirópteros da cidade de Botucatu-SP e região

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Influência de adjuvantes de calda no depósito e deriva em aplicações aéreas e terrestres

Pós-graduação em Agronomia (Energia na Agricultura) - FCA

Prática de atividade física e qualidade de vida de pacientes com osteoporose e osteopenia

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Desenvolvimento de metodologia high-throughput para estudo populacional do mosquito Aedes aegypti e comparação de dados de genes mitocondriais

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Predição computacional de promotores em Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Efeitos fisiológicos de fungicidas no desenvolvimento de plantas de melão rendilhado, cultivadas em ambiente protegido

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Efeito de atmosfera modificada no controle de podridões pós-colheita e na qualidade de caqui cv. Fuyu

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Fungigação por irrigação localizada e pulverização convencional, para controle do mofo cinzento (Botrytis cinerea Pers.: Fr.) em plantas de lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinn.)

Pós-graduação em Agronomia (Irrigação e Drenagem) - FCA