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.

Candida species contamination of preservation fluid-outcome of renal transplantation in 6 patients.

BACKGROUND: Fungal infections are a rare but important cause of morbidity and mortality in kidney transplantation. Fungal contamination of the kidney preservation fluid may, sometimes, be the cause of these infections. However, the clinical consequences of fungal contamination of this fluid are not completely understood and literature on this topic is controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of preservation fluid contamination by fungi and its clinical consequences. METHODS: From June 2010 to September 2011, a prospective cohort analysis was conducted at our center, enrolling all patients who received a renal allograft and whose perfusion fluid was analyzed for microbiology sterility. Patients with perfusion fluids positive for fungi were further studied: the patients' status was assessed during regular visits and data were recorded, including clinical characteristics, infections, graft function, immunosuppressive regimen and outcomes. RESULTS: Microbiologic, cultures of 70 kidney perfusion fluids using specific mycologic media, obtained from 74 cadaveric renal transplants (4 fluids were unsuitable for analysis), were evaluated. Six samples were positive for yeasts (8.6%), with 4 isolates of Candida albicans and 2 isolates of Candida glabrata. Four patients had no evidence of fungal infection during the follow-up period (median 321 days); conversely, 2 patients developed severe mycotic vascular complications leading to transplantectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Perfusion fluid contamination by fungi is an elusive situation that can lead either to an unremarkable clinical course or to graft loss life-threatening situations. Routine culture of kidney perfusion fluid is critical for prompt diagnosis and early implementation of appropriate treatment.

Blood supply in the tongue of Nellore Bos indicus (Linnaeus, 1758).

Aspects of the vascularization of the tongue of Nellore Bos indicus (Linnaeus, 1758) were evaluated through the vascular injection technique (with latex-type Neoprene 450, Du Pont do Brasil S.A. and Sulvinil coloring, Glassurit), fixed in formaldehyde at 7% and dissected with magnifying glass. The material was collected at Goiás Carnes Freezer Warehouse in Goiania, Goias. It was found that the deep lingual artery penetrated the lower lateral region of the prominence of the dorsal area of the tongue, advancing rostrally between the hyoid bone and the hypoglossal muscle. In the intravisceral initial third, the artery represents the deep, sinuous continuation branch of the lingual artery, in which path the sublingual artery was stressed in the ventral plan. Then, the artery deepened in the interior of the hypoglossal muscles and genioglossal, supplying dorsal branches (from three to nine) for the lingual torus; from one to five dorsal collateral branches for the lingual cavity; and one or two ventral collateral branches. At the lingual apex, the artery undergoes bifurcation supplying collateral, dorsal and ventral branches with anastomoses between the parallel vessels in the same antimere and between branches of lower caliber hierarchy between opposite antemeres. The large presence of microvessels indicates a significant blood supply to the organ. These results, in comparison with those found in literature, suggest a peculiar vascular pattern for this cattle breed of Indian origin.