Growth parameters and mortality rate of the Scomber japonicus peruanus (Jordán & Hubb, 1925) along the Peruvian coast, South Pacific

The growth parameters and the mortality rates of the Scomber japonicus peruanus (Chub mackerel) were studied based on monthly data of frequency of fork length classes obtained from commercial landings off the Peruvian coast from 1996 to 1998. The asymptotic body length and growth rate values obtained by the ELEFAN I (Electronic Length Frequency Analysis) ranged from 40.20 cm to 42.20 cm and from 0.38 to 0.39, respectively. The oscillation amplitude was 0.60; the Winter point values varied from 0.50 to 0.60 and the performance index from 2.79 to 2.84. The total mortality rate of the Chub mackerel obtained by the linearized catch curve oscillated between 1.68 and 3.35. The rate of fishing mortality varied from 1.16 to 2.78 and the exploitation rate from 0.68 to 0.84. The annual rate of natural mortality estimated by the Pauly's method ranged from 0.52 to 0.53. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the longevity of the Chub mackerel was slightly over seven years.

Differences in lung function, growth parameters and frequency of hospital admissions between adolescents with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes and controls

As survival of patients with CF increases,glucose intolerance and cystic fibrosisrelated diabetes (CFRD),ar e increasingly recognised common complications. CFRD may be preceded by a pre-diabetic state. Using markers identified as being associated with CFRD may improve targeted screening. Aim: To identify features consistently predicting CFRD in paediatric patients. Patients diagnosed with CFRD between January 1997–January 2002 were compared with age and sex matched controls. Clinical,micr obiological, and hospitalisation data was collected at time of CFRD diagnosis,and at six monthly intervals for 3 yr prior to diagnosis. Eight patients with CFRD were identified,mean age 13.7 yr (S.D. 3.49) at time of diagnosis. Control patients underwent OGTT to ensure normal glucose tolerance. Patients with CFRD had a lower FEV1 up to 12 months prior to diagnosis however, this was only significant at diagnosis. There was no difference in weight and height z scores between the 2 groups; however,the decrease in weight and height z scores in the CFRD group over 3 yr prior to diagnosis was significant. Mean number of days in hospital and admissions per patient significantly increased in the CFRD group,6 months prior to diagnosis. No other significant differences were observed between the 2 groups. Conclusions: This study has shown a difference in lung function,gr owth parameters and frequency of hospital admissions between patients with CFRD and controls. These differences may be utilised as tools for targeted screening in the paediatricyadolescent population. Further larger scale studies are required to improve guidelines for targeted screening in this population.

Age and growth parameters of cachara Pseudoplastystoma reticulatum (Siluriformes, Pimelodidae) from the Cuiabá River, Brazil

Age and growth parameters of cachara Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889) (Siluriformes, Pimelodidae) (males and females) were estimated through the analysis of growth rings in spines of pectoral fins. Fish were collected from January to December 2007, in the area directly influenced by the Aproveitamento Múltiplo de Manso (APM Manso) and in the Cuiabá River (upper parts of the Pantanal). The maximum number of growth rings was seven for males, and eight, for females. The analysis of temporal variations in mean marginal increment showed that rings found in the spines were formed annually, in December. Growth rings were associated to spawning (in the study region from November to March) of the species. The growth curve in length was obtained by the von Bertalanffy model adjusted by the Ford-Walford transformation. The equations are: Ls = 72.7*[1-e-0.44(t+1.5974)] for males, and Ls = 84.5*[1-e-0.33(t+2.0943)] for females. The equations that describe the growth curve in weight are: Wt = 4991.61*[1-e-0.44 (t+1.5974] 2.70 for males and Wt = 7503.17*[1-e-0.33 (t+2.0943] 2.99 for females.

Comprehensive analysis of proteins secreted by dermatophytes in a protein medium which to some extent mimic "in vivo" growth parameters

RESUME : Les dermatophytes sont les agents infectieux les plus fréquents responsables de la plupart des mycoses superficielles chez les humains et chez les animaux. Ces infections, dermatophytoses, également appelées tineas ou teignes, sont fréquentes et causent des problèmes de santé publique au niveau mondial. La capacité d'envahir et de progresser au sein des structures kératinisées est probablement liée à la sécrétion de différentes enzymes kératinolytiques, qui sont considérées comme la principale caractéristique liée à la pathogénicité de ces champignons. L'objectif de ma thèse a été premièrement de progresser dans l'identification et la caractérisation des nouvelles protéines sécrétées, afin de mieux comprendre a) la capacité globale des dermatophytes à envahir les structures kératinisées, et b) les différences dans la virulence et la spécificité d'hôte que présentent les espèces étudiées .Pour progresser dans l'identification et la caractérisation de ces nouvelles protéines, les secretomes de six espèces de dermatophytes (Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton violaceum, Trichophyton soudanense, Trichophyton equinum, Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii et Trichophyton tonsurans) ont été étudiés. Bien qu'il y ait un niveau globalement élevé de similitude entre les protéases sécrétées, les différentes espèces de dermatophytes sécrètent des profiles protéiques distincts lorsqu'elles sont cultivées dans les mêmes conditions de culture, et donc une signature spécifique a pu être associé à chaque espèce. Ces profiles ont été un outil avantageux pour identifier et cartographier les protéines orthologues aux six espèces et ont aussi permit la discrimination d'espèces très proches comme T. tonsurans et T. equinum qui ne peuvent pas être différenciées par l'ADN ribosomal. Ce travail également présente ce que l'on croit être la première identification global des protéines sécrétées par les dermatophytes dans des conditions de culture que incitent l'activité protéolytique extracellulaire. Ce catalogue de protéines, comprenant des endo- and exo- proteases, autres hydrolases, oxydoreductases et des protéines avec fonction inconnue, représente probablement le spectre d'enzymes qui permettent la dégradation des tissus kératinisés en composés qui peuvent être assimilés par le champignon. Les résultats suggèrent qu'un changement écologique pourrait être associé à une expression différentielle des gènes codant les protéines sécrétées, en particulier, les protéases, plutôt qu'à des divergences génétiques au niveau des gènes codant les protéines orthologues. Une sécrétion différentielle des protéines par les dermatophytes pourrait également être responsable de la variabilité inflammatoire qui causent ces agents infectieux chez les différents hôtes. Par conséquent, les protéines identifiées ici sont également importantes pour faire la lumière sur la réponse immunitaire de l'hôte au cours du processus infectieux. SUMMARY : Dermatophytes are the most common infectious agents responsible for superficial mycosis in humans and animals. Dermatophytoses, also called tineas or ringworm, are frequent and cause public health problems worldwide. The secretion of different keratinolytic enzymes is believed to be a key pathogenicity-related characteristic of these fungi. The aim of this work was first to progress in the identification and characterization of novel secreted proteins, in order to better understand a) the overall capability of dermatophytes to invade keratinised structures, and b) differences in virulence and host-specificity of the investigated species. To progress in the identification and characterization of novel proteins, the secretomes from Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton violaceum, Trichophyton soudanense, Trichophyton equinum, Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii and Trichophyton tonsurans were studied. Although there is a high global level of similarity among the secreted proteases, different dermatophyte species produce distinct patterns of proteins when grown in the same culture medium, and so a specific signature could be associated to each species. These patterns were useful to identify and map orthologous proteins among the six species, as well as to discriminate the closely related species T. tonsurans and T. equinum, which cannot be differentiated by ribosomal DNA. This work also presents the first in-depth identification of the major proteins secreted by dermatophytes growing under conditions promoting extracellular proteolytic activity. This catalogue of proteins, which include several endo- and exo- proteases, other hydrolases, oxydoreductases, and proteins of unknown function, probably represents the spectrum of enzymes that allow the degradation of keratinized tissues into compounds which can be assimilated by the fungus. The results suggest that ecological switching could be related to a differential expression of genes encoding secreted proteins, particularly, proteases, rather than genetic divergences of the genes encoding orthologous proteins. Differential secretion of proteins by Dermatophyte species could also be responsible for the variable inflammation caused by the infectious agent within the host. Therefore, the proteins here identified are also important to shed light into the immune response of the host during the infection process.

NON-DESTRUCTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE ROOT SYSTEM AND TREE GROWTH PARAMETERS

ABSTRACT The productivity of Eucalyptus at plantations is increasing and has undergone a variety of research studies. Most research is dealing with simple dendrometric variables like the DBH (diameter at breast height) and tree height, or more complex variables including crown parameters or variables concerning photosynthesis. The root systems, however, have not been well analyzed yet. The objective of the study was to analyze the root system with a non-destructive method and to evaluate possible correlations with dendrometric variables of the tree (DBH, height, crown expansion). A small experimental plantation with 39 even-aged, 6-year-old trees of Eucalyptus grandis x urophylla has been investigated within this study. The results of the study show the highest correlation of the root areas with the crown expansion. In general, the root area shows a significantly bigger expansion in the eucalypt plantation than the tree crown, with a more homogeneous development.

Growth parameters and nutrient content in four multipurpose tree species with potential characteristics for agroforestry systems in a Cerrado region in Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil

In order to evaluate growth characteristics, adaptability, biomass production, nutrient recycling, nutrient distribution and the ability to regenerate degraded land, a trial using four multipurpose tree species (Leucaena leucocephala, Leucaena diversifolia, Acacia melanoxylon and Mimosa scabrella) was undertaken over two years in a distrophic red yellow latosol (oxisol) following a randomized block experimental design with four replications. At the age of two years, A. melanoxylon and L. diversifolia were the tallest species (5.25 and 4.97 m, respectively) and A. melanoxylon and M. scabrella had the largest diameters at 20 cm from tree base. Mimosa scabrella and A. melanoxylon had the highest dry matter production and quantity of nutrients in the above ground biomass. In all species, the highest nutrient contents were found in the leaves, followed by branches and stems. From all species, the highest Nutrient Utilization Efficiency Indexes were obtained for sulphur, phosphorous, and magnesium; L. diversifolia was the most efficient for nitrogen, potassium, calcium, sulphur, and manganese, while A. melanoxylon was the most efficient for phosphorus, magnesium, boron, iron, and zinc. Litter production levels over a three month period were as follows: M. scabrella > A. melanoxylon > L. diversifolia > L. leucocephala. Litter nutrient content was higher in M. scabrella than in the other species.

Growth parameters and mortality rate of the Scomber japonicus peruanus (Jordan & Hubb, 1925) along the Peruvian coast, South Pacific

The growth parameters and the mortality rates of the Scomber japonicus peruanus (Chub mackerel) were studied based on monthly data of frequency of fork length classes obtained from commercial landings off the Peruvian coast from 1996 to 1998. The asymptotic body length and growth rate values obtained by the ELEFAN I (Electronic Length Frequency Analysis) ranged from 40.20 cm to 42.20 cm and from 0.38 to 0.39, respectively. The oscillation amplitude was 0.60; the Winter point values varied from 0.50 to 0.60 and the performance index from 2.79 to 2.84. The total mortality rate of the Chub mackerel obtained by the linearized catch curve oscillated between 1.68 and 3.35. The rate of fishing mortality varied from 1.16 to 2.78 and the exploitation rate from 0.68 to 0.84. The annual rate of natural mortality estimated by the Pauly`s method ranged from 0.52 to 0.53. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the longevity of the Chub mackerel was slightly over seven years.

Kinetic and growth parameters of Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis cultivated in tubular photobioreactor under different cell circulation systems

Arthrospira platensis was cultivated in tubular photobioreactor in order to evaluate growth and biomass production at variable photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD?=?60, 120, and 240?mu mol photons m-2?s-1) and employing three different systems for cell circulation, specifically an airlift, a motor-driven pumping and a pressurized system. The influence of these two independents variables on the maximum cell concentration (Xm), cell productivity (Px), nitrogen-to-cell conversion factor (YX/N), photosynthetic efficiency (PE), and biomass composition (total lipids and proteins), taken as responses, was evaluated by analysis of variance. The statistical analysis revealed that the best combination of responses' mean values (Xm?=?4,055?mg?L-1, Px?=?406?mg?L-1?day-1, YX/N?=?5.07?mg?mg-1, total lipids?=?8.94%, total proteins?=?30.3%, PE?=?2.04%) was obtained at PPFD?=?120?mu mol photons m-2?s-1; therefore, this light intensity should be considered as the most well-suited for A. platensis cultivation in this photobioreactor configuration. The airlift system did not exert any significant positive statistical influence on the responses, which suggests that this traditional cell circulation system could successfully be substituted by the others tested in this work. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:444450. (c) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Experimental arthritis: effect on growth parameters and total skeletal calcium

Aim of the study was to investigate the possible mechanisms leading to stunted growth and osteoporosis in experimental arthritis. Fourty-two female rats of 7-8 weeks of age were randomly assigned to three groups of 14 animals each: (a) controls; (b) adjuvant-inoculated (AA); and (c) adjuvant-inoculated rats receiving 10 mg cyclosporin A (CsA) orally for 30 days. Biological parameters studied were: hindpaw swelling; vertebral length progression expressed as Delta increments between days 1 and 30 as a parameter of skeletal growth, and estimation of total skeletal mineral content by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (n=10 each group) on day 30. Endocrine parameters measured were pulsatile release of growth hormone (rGH) on day 30 following jugular cannulation and measurement of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) in pooled plasma from rGH profiles. Results can be summarized as follows: Untreated AA rats exhibited local signs of inflammation in comparison with controls (hindpaw diameter 8.1-8.9 mm vs. 5.3-5.6 mm in controls). Treatment with CsA normalized this parameter (4.9-5.6 mm). Vertebral growth was significantly retarded in AA rats in comparison with controls (214+/-32 vs. 473+/-33 microm; p<0.001). Administration of CsA normalized vertebral size increment with a clear tendency to overgrowth (523+/-43 microm, n.s.). There was also a marked reduction in total skeletal mineral content in diseased (AA) rats as compared to controls (5.8+/-0.1 vs. 7.5+/-0.1g [OH-apatite]; p<0.001), and a moderate but significant increment above controls in the group receiving CsA (8.0+/-0.1 vs. 7.5+/-0.1g [OH-appatite]; p<0.04). Integrated rGH profiles exhibited a significant fall in arthritic rats and were completely restored to normal under CsA treatment. A trend toward higher rGH values was observed in the latter group (2908+/-554 in AA vs. 8317+/-1492 ng/ml/240 min in controls; p<0.001, and 10940+/-222 ng/ml/240 min, n.s. in the CsA group). There was a good correlation between skeletal growth and rGH pulsatility (r=0.81; p<0.001). IGF-1 followed a similar pattern (630+/-44 in AA vs. 752+/-30 ng/ml in controls; p<0.04, and 769+/-59 ng/ml in the CsA group, n.s. vs. controls). Thus, a clear tendency to skeletal overgrowth following treatment was observed in agreement with the hormonal data. It can therefore be concluded that, in experimental arthritis, attenuated GH-spiking and reduced circulating IGF-1 appear to be causally related to growth retardation, probably mimicking signs and symptoms observed in juvenile arthritis. Therapy with CsA is followed by normalization of hormonal and biological parameters accompanied by a catch up phenomenon in skeletal growth which is also observed clinically in juvenile arthritis. Generalized osteopenia is a prominent feature seemingly connected with the growth abnormalities as they parallel each other during the evolution of the disease and respond equally to therapy.

LONGITUDINAL GROWTH PARAMETERS AND THEIR ECOLOGICAL DETERMINANTS (SEASONALITY)

The growth patterns of weight from birth through the first twelve months of life among rural Taiwanese infants were investigated with the following objectives: (i) compare each of the parameters of the Count model estimated for infants who were nutritionally at risk with those for a reference population from the United States; and (ii) within the Taiwanese infants, account for the variance in the growth patterns in the first and second six months of life on the basis of selected ecological factors.^ The significance between group differences were observed in the patterns of the weight growth in both linear growth and in the timing and the direction of velocity changes. A significant decline in growth velocity was observed among Taiwanese infants at about the fourth month of life. The decline is in keeping with a recent proposal made by J. C. Waterlow regarding the timing of change in growth velocity among nutritionally at risk populations in developing countries. The growth course of a nutritionally at risk infant during the first three months is apparently protected by the nurturance of the mother and innate biological properties of the infant.^ A highly significant portion of the growth variance in the second six months of life was accounted for by exogenous factors and biological factors related to the infant. Conversely, none of the growth variance in the first six months of life was accounted for by predictor variables. The most potent determinant of growth in the second six months of life was seasonality which represents a multiple environmental event.^ The model parameters estimated from the Count model represent different aspect of physical growth; yet the correlation coefficients between parameters b and c are high (r > .80). Clearly, the biological interpretation of the model parameters requires analysis of the whole function in the specific context of a given age period. ^

Fruit yield and growth parameters of several Carica papaya L. genotypes in a temperate climate

The aim of this work was to evaluate changes in growth and productivity parameters of different precocious hybrids and a naturalized variety of papaya under both greenhouse and field cultivation in a temperate climate (the center of the province of Santa Fe, Argentina). In view of the aforesaid, the purpose of our research was to identify further genotypes better suited for the cultivation of this species in temperate climates and demonstrate the need for the use of semi-controlled systems to make possible the cultivation of these promising genotypes in middle latitudes. The average yield was 291% higher in greenhouse than in the field. The average productivity for hybrid genotypes compared with the naturalized variety more than doubled in both environments. Considering behavior in height, leaf area index and yield parameters, hybrids H2 (principally), and H4 showed a great adaptation for use in semi-forced systems. The use of greenhouse and short stature papaya hybrids allows its feasible and surely profitable cultivation in non- tropical climates.

Age and growth parameters of skates of the genus Bathyraja obtained between 2003-2005 along the Argentine continental shelf

In the last 20 years directed shark and ray fishery has increased alarmingly everywhere in the world. For most species though, no data on growth rate, mortality, fecundity and other life history aspects exist as of now and management of the fishery is therefore insufficient. Also there still exist methodological difficulties in the age determination of elasmobranchs fishes, a fact which complicates the investigation of growth parameters. This study tried to identify the best ageing methods and estimate growth parameters for ten skate species of the genus Bathyraja, all occurring in the southwest Atlantic in depths of 50m and more. 720 samples were collected on board of argentine research vessels in between 2003 and 2005. Crystal violet and a new staining method using potassium permanganate, both applied on sagittal sections of vertebral centra, proved to be most effective in enhancing the banding pattern in most of the species. Thorns were also tested and readings were consistent with the ones made on vertebral sections. Growth parameters could be derived for six species and for the other four estimates could be made. Growth rate as well as infinite length varied between species, with those attaining bigger sizes having lower growth rates. No latitudinal differences in growth rate could be detected but a comparison with samples from other studies showed that total lengths were always reported to be higher around the Malvinas Islands.