Seasonal variation in photosynthetic rates and satellite-based GPP estimation over mangrove forest.

In view of increasing anthropogenic influences and global changes, quantification of carbon assimilation through photosynthesis has gained tremendous significance. Precise estimation of Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) is essential for several ecosystem models and is typically done using coarser scale satellite data. The mangrove ecosystem, which offers significant protection to the coastal environment, is one of the critical habitats from a global change point of view. Light use efficiency (LUE) was measured using diurnal in situ photosynthetic rate observations for 13 dominant mangrove species for 3 seasons at each of the three mangrove dominant test-sites situated along the east and west coast of India. Variations in photosynthetic rates among these species were studied for 3 seasons that indicated varying responses of mangrove ecosystem at each site. Among all species, Rhizophora mucronata and Sonneratia apetala indicated higher values at two of the test-sites. IRS Resourcesat-2 LISS-IV datasets were used for the estimation of GPP. Mean GPP for all the sites varied from 1.2 to 7.7 g C m-2 day-1 with maximum value of 14.4 g C m-2 day-1. Mean values of GPP varied across the sites, based on its maximum LUE values and available photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). The results provide GPP values at much better spatial resolution for a threatened habitat like mangroves that typically survive in a narrow habitat along the coasts.

Factors Associated with HIV Status Disclosure in HIV-Infected Sub-Saharan Migrants Living in France and Successfully Treated with Antiretroviral Therapy: Results from the ANRS-VIHVO Study.

To estimate rates and identify correlates of HIV disclosure in migrants from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) successfully treated, a sub-analysis was conducted in HIV-1 native SSA migrants, living in France with undetectable viral load on antiretroviral, included in the VIHVO adherence study. Logistic regression models assessed factors associated with HIV disclosure. Among 246 individuals (40 % male, median age 41), 79 % of those in a steady heterosexual partnership (n = 167) had disclosed their status to their partner, 55 % of the total 246 to a relative, and 33 % to (an)other person(s). Disclosure to one's steady partner was associated with a follow-up duration since HIV diagnosis of more than 5 years, a higher literacy level, a better social context and marital status. Women were more likely to disclose their HIV status to relatives. Interventions targeting this population should be provided to improve disclosure which in turn ensures better social support, testing of the partner and lower rates of undiagnosed HIV.

Lack of effect of doxycycline on trough concentrations of protease inhibitors or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors in HIV-infected patients.

BACKGROUND: Many HIV-treated patients travel to malaria-infected zones, but very few data are available on potential interactions between antiretroviral and antimalarial drugs. METHOD: We performed a pharmacokinetic study on the interaction of doxycycline (100 mg/d) on 2 protease inhibitors (PIs), atazanavir and lopinavir, and 2 non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), efavirenz and nevirapine, given at usual daily doses in HIV-infected migrants native from sub-Saharan Africa included in the VIHVO ANRS-study before travelling to a sub-Saharan country. Antiretroviral trough plasma concentrations were measured at enrollment visit during the month preceding the travel before doxycycline introduction and on the week following the patients' return to France when they had been taking doxycycline for at least 15 days. Impact of doxycycline on antiretroviral concentrations was tested either with antiretroviral drugs separately or within the therapeutic classes (PI or NNRTI) in patients with an HIV RNA level <50 copies/mL at both visits and with good declared adherence. The Two One-Sided Test that was adapted to the Wilcoxon test was used to evidence the lack of interaction. Sixty-five patients receiving regimens containing atazanavir (n = 1), ritonavir-boosted atazanavir (n = 14), ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (n = 23), efavirenz (n = 17), nevirapine (n = 10) were included. RESULTS: Lack of pharmacokinetic interaction was statistically significant when tested by therapeutic class (PI, P = .02; NNRTI, P = .005) and was not demonstrated for each antiretroviral when tested separately. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to assess the interaction of doxycycline on PI and NNRTI. This lack of pharmacokinetic interaction supports the choice of doxycycline as the antimalarial drug in patients treated with PI or NNRTI.