Mangrove reforestation: greening or grabbing coastal zones and deltas? Case studies in Senegal§

Besides their important contribution to global biodiversity, mangroves provide many services. Nevertheless, due to an increase of human activities and to climate change, in less than 20 years these ecosystems have lost one fifth of their global surface area. In response to this decrease, mangrove reforestation incentives have spread throughout the world. The scientific and societal legitimacy of reforestation actions still remain in question. Focusing on two case studies, the Saloum Delta and Lower Casamance, Senegal, our methodology was mainly based on the analysis of environmental narratives and discourses between 2009 and 2013, and on reforestation campaigns conducted by NGOs. We highlight the complexity of the system of values associated with the mangroves, as well as the positive and negative interactions between the services. Even although the reforestation campaigns were generally successful in terms of reforested surfaces and international visibility, they were poor in terms of biological and cultural diversities and led to spatial injustice. Moreover, the extensive reforestation with a unique mangrove species, Rhizophora mangle, was perceived as means of ‘green grabbing’, and the simultaneous buying of carbon tax by industrial conglomerates induced disempowerment of the local communities. More integrated research programmes must be developed towards the extensive knowledge of the mangroves.     

A Recombinant Human TGF-β1 Fusion Protein with Collagen-Binding Domain Promotes Migration, Growth, and Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Cells

A continuous source of osteoblasts for normal bone maintenance, as well as remodeling and regeneration during fracture repair, is ensured by the mesenchymal osteoprogenitor stem cells of the bone marrow (BM). The differentiation and maturation of osteoprogenitor cells into osteoblasts are thought to be modulated by transforming growth factors-β (TGF-β1 and TGF-β2) and TGF-β-related bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). To define the responses of mesenchymal osteoprogenitor stem cells to several growth factors (GFs), we cultured Fischer 344 rat BM cells in a collagen gel medium containing 0.5% fetal bovine serum for prolonged periods of time. Under these conditions, survival of BM mesenchymal stem cells was dependent on the addition of GFs. Recombinant hTGF-β1-F2, a fusion protein engineered to contain an auxiliary collagen binding domain, demonstrated the ability to support survival colony formation and growth of the surviving cells, whereas commercial hTGF-β1 did not. Initially, cells were selected from a whole BM cell population and captured inside a collagen network, on the basis of their survival response to added exogenous GFs. After the 10-day selection period, the surviving cells in the rhTGF-β1-F2 test groups proliferated rapidly in response to serum factors (10% FBS), and maximal DNA synthesis levels were observed. Upon the addition of osteoinductive factors, osteogenic differentiation in vitro was evaluated by the induction of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression, the production of osteocalcin (OC), and the formation of mineralized matrix. Concomitant with a down-regulation of cell proliferation, osteoinduction is marked by increased ALP expression and the formation of colonies that are competent for mineralization. During the induction period, when cells organize into nodules and mineralize, the expression of OC was significantly elevated along with the onset of extracellular matrix mineralization. Differentiation of BM mesenchymal stem cells into putative bone cells as shown by increased ALP, OC synthesis, and in vitro mineralization required the presence of specific GFs, as well as dexamethasone (dex) and β-glycerophosphate (β-GP). Although rhTGF-β1-F2-selected cells exhibited the capacity to mineralize, maximal ALP activity and OC synthesis were observed in the presence of rhBMPs. We further report that a novel rhTGF-β1-F2 fusion protein, containing a von Willebrand's factor-derived collagen binding domain combined with a type I collage matrix, is able to capture, amplify, and stimulate the differentiation of a population of cells present in rat BM. When these cells are subsequently implanted in inactivated demineralized bone matrix (iDBM) and/or diffusion chambers into older rats they are able to produce bone and cartilage. The population of progenitor cells captured by rhTGF-β1-F2 is distinct from the committed progenitor cells captured by rhBMPs, which exhibit a considerably more differentiated phenotype.     

Thyroid hormone plasmatic levels in rats treated with serotonin in acute and chronic way

Many experiments show that serotonin (5-HT) controls thyroidal function at hypothalamic level, inhibiting the TRH secretion. The majority of experiments are done in an acute way, consisting of a single serotonin dose injected intraperitoneally (ip) or intracerebroventricularly (ic) with the effect registered after a short time (usually 1 h) as in normal environmental conditions similar to the TSH stimulation test, that consists of transfer of the experimental animals from 30°C to 4°C for 30 min, thus inducing stimulation of the hypothalamus-hypophysis-thyroid axis. The aim of the present research was to study the correlation between 5-HT and the thyroidal function, measuring plasmatic thyroid hormone levels in rats ip treated in chronic (injected daily for 10 days with different doses of 5-HT), and in acute way (after 1 h from a single 2.0 mg/kg bw 5-HT dose) in normal environmental conditions to evidence the serotonin site action activity outside the blood-brain barrier. The results of the chronic experiment show an inhibitory effect of 5-HT, on T3 and T4 plasmatic level, only when it is injected at medium doses (0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg bw for T3, and 0.2 for T4), while the results of the acute experiment do not evidence any modification. These results show that in normal environmental conditions the outside 5-HT site action is active only when the 5-HT is injected chronically at defined doses, probably for a down-regulation phenomenon.     

Brain-based measures of nociception during general anesthesia with remifentanil: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCatheter radiofrequency (RF) ablation for cardiac arrhythmias is a painful procedure. Prior work using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in patients under general anesthesia has indicated that ablation results in activity in pain-related cortical regions, presumably due to inadequate blockade of afferent nociceptors originating within the cardiac system. Having an objective brain-based measure for nociception and analgesia may in the future allow for enhanced analgesic control during surgical procedures. Hence, the primary aim of this study is to demonstrate that the administration of remifentanil, an opioid widely used during surgery, can attenuate the fNIRS cortical responses to cardiac ablation.Methods and findingsWe investigated the effects of continuous remifentanil on cortical hemodynamics during cardiac ablation under anesthesia. In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo (PL)-controlled trial, we examined 32 pediatric patients (mean age of 15.8 years,16 females) undergoing catheter ablation for cardiac arrhythmias at the Cardiology Department of Boston Children’s Hospital from October 2016 to March 2020; 9 received 0.9% NaCl, 12 received low-dose (LD) remifentanil (0.25 mcg/kg/min), and 11 received high-dose (HD) remifentanil (0.5 mcg/kg/min). The hemodynamic changes of primary somatosensory and prefrontal cortices were recorded during surgery using a continuous wave fNIRS system. The primary outcome measures were the changes in oxyhemoglobin concentration (Nadir_HbO, i.e., lowest oxyhemoglobin concentration and Peak_HbO, i.e., peak change and area under the curve) of medial frontopolar cortex (mFPC), lateral prefrontal cortex (lPFC) and primary somatosensory cortex (S1) to ablation in PL versus remifentanil groups. Secondary measures included the fNIRS response to an auditory control condition. The data analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat (ITT) basis. Remifentanil group (dosage subgroups combined) was compared with PL, and a post hoc analysis was performed to identify dose effects. There were no adverse events. The groups were comparable in age, sex, and number of ablations. Results comparing remifentanil versus PL show that PL group exhibit greater Nadir_HbO in inferior mFPC (mean difference (MD) = 1.229, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.334, 2.124, p < 0.001) and superior mFPC (MD = 1.206, 95% CI = 0.303, 2.109, p = 0.001) and greater Peak_HbO in inferior mFPC (MD = −1.138, 95% CI = −2.062, −0.214, p = 0.002) and superior mFPC (MD = −0.999, 95% CI = −1.961, −0.036, p = 0.008) in response to ablation. S1 activation from ablation was greatest in PL, then LD, and HD groups, but failed to reach significance, whereas lPFC activation to ablation was similar in all groups. Ablation versus auditory stimuli resulted in higher Peak_HbO in inferior mFPC (MD = 0.053, 95% CI = 0.004, 0.101, p = 0.004) and superior mFPC (MD = 0.052, 95% CI = 0.013, 0.091, p < 0.001) and higher Nadir_HbO in posterior superior S1 (Pos. SS1; MD = −0.342, 95% CI = −0.680, −0.004, p = 0.007) during ablation of all patients. Remifentanil group had smaller Nadir_HbO in inferior mFPC (MD = 0.098, 95% CI = 0.009, 0.130, p = 0.003) and superior mFPC (MD = 0.096, 95% CI = 0.008, 0.116, p = 0.003) and smaller Peak_HbO in superior mFPC (MD = −0.092, 95% CI = −0.680, −0.004, p = 0.007) during both the stimuli. Study limitations were small sample size, motion from surgery, indirect measure of nociception, and shallow penetration depth of fNIRS only allowing access to superficial cortical layers.ConclusionsWe observed cortical activity related to nociception during cardiac ablation under general anesthesia with remifentanil. It highlights the potential of fNIRS to provide an objective pain measure in unconscious patients, where cortical-based measures may be more accurate than current evaluation methods. Future research may expand on this application to produce a real-time indication of pain that will aid clinicians in providing immediate and adequate pain treatment.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT02703090","term_id":"NCT02703090"}}NCT02703090

In a randomized controlled trial, Keerthana Karunakaran, Barry Kussman, and colleagues study whether remifentanil attenuates pain-related brain activity during cardiac ablation surgery.     

Documento de posicionamiento: evaluación y manejo de la hipoglucemia en el paciente concon diabetes mellitus. Grupo de Trabajo de Diabetes Mellitus de la Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición

ObjectiveTo provide practical recommendations for evaluation and management of hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus.ParticipantsMembers of the Diabetes Mellitus Working Group of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition.MethodsRecommendations were formulated according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system to describe both the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence. A systematic search was made in MEDLINE (PubMed). Papers in English and Spanish with publication date before 15 February 2013 were included. For recommendations about drugs only those approved by the European Medicines Agency were included. After formulation of recommendations, they were discussed by the Working Group.ConclusionsThe document provides evidence-based practical recommendations for evaluation and management of hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus.     

Spatiotemporal variation in phenolic levels in galls of calophyids on Schinus polygama (Anacardiaceae)

Journal of Plant Research - The expression of plant secondary metabolism is strongly controlled by plant both in time and space. Although the variation of secondary metabolites, such as soluble and...     

Primary Somatosensory Cortices Contain Altered Patterns of Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in the Interictal Phase of Migraine

The regulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) is a complex integrated process that is critical for supporting healthy brain function. Studies have demonstrated a high incidence of alterations in CBF in patients suffering from migraine with and without aura during different phases of attacks. However, the CBF data collected interictally has failed to show any distinguishing features or clues as to the underlying pathophysiology of the disease. In this study we used the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique—arterial spin labeling (ASL)—to non-invasively and quantitatively measure regional CBF (rCBF) in a case-controlled study of interictal migraine. We examined both the regional and global CBF differences between the groups, and found a significant increase in rCBF in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) of migraine patients. The CBF values in S1 were positively correlated with the headache attack frequency, but were unrelated to the duration of illness or age of the patients. Additionally, 82% of patients reported skin hypersensitivity (cutaneous allodynia) during migraine, suggesting atypical processing of somatosensory stimuli. Our results demonstrate the presence of a disease-specific functional deficit in a known region of the trigemino-cortical pathway, which may be driven by adaptive or maladaptive functional plasticity. These findings may in part explain the altered sensory experiences reported between migraine attacks.     

Functional Consequences for Apoptosis by Transcription Elongation Regulator 1 (TCERG1)-Mediated Bcl-x and Fas/CD95 Alternative Splicing

Here, we present evidence for a specific role of the splicing-related factor TCERG1 in regulating apoptosis in live cells by modulating the alternative splicing of the apoptotic genes Bcl-x and Fas. We show that TCERG1 modulates Bcl-x alternative splicing during apoptosis and its activity in Bcl-x alternative splicing correlates with the induction of apoptosis, as determined by assessing dead cells, sub-G1-phase cells, annexin-V binding, cell viability, and cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP-1. Furthermore, the effect of TCERG1 on apoptosis involved changes in mitochondrial membrane permeabilization. We also found that depletion of TCERG1 reduces the expression of the activated form of the pro-apoptotic mitochondrial membrane protein Bak, which remains inactive by heterodimerizing with Bcl-x_L, preventing the initial step of cytochrome c release in Bak-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis. In addition, we provide evidence that TCERG1 also participates in the death receptor-mediated apoptosis pathway. Interestingly, TCERG1 also modulates Fas/CD95 alternative splicing. We propose that TCERG1 sensitizes a cell to apoptotic agents, thus promoting apoptosis by regulating the alternative splicing of both the Bcl-x and Fas/CD95 genes. Our findings may provide a new link between the control of alternative splicing and the molecular events leading to apoptosis.     

Does Acacia dealbata express shade tolerance in Mediterranean forest ecosystems of South America?

The distribution of Acacia dealbata Link (Fabaceae) in its non-native range is associated with disturbed areas. However, the possibility that it can penetrate the native forest during the invasion process cannot be ruled out. This statement is supported by the fact that this species has been experimentally established successfully under the canopy of native forest. Nonetheless, it is unknown whether A. dealbata can express shade tolerance traits to help increase its invasive potential. We investigated the shade tolerance of A. dealbata under the canopy of two native forests and one non-native for three consecutive years, as well as its early growth and photosynthetic performance at low light intensities (9, 30, and 70 μmol m⁻²sec⁻¹) under controlled conditions. We found many A. dealbata plants surviving and growing under the canopy of native and non-native forests. The number of plants of this invasive species remained almost constant under the canopy of native forests during the years of study. However, the largest number of A. dealbata plants was found under the canopy of non-native forest. In every case, the distribution pattern varied with a highest density of plants in forest edges decreasing progressively toward the inside. Germination and early growth of A. dealbata were slow but successful at three low light intensities tested under controlled conditions. For all tested light regimes, we observed that in this species, most of the energy was dissipated by photochemical processes, in accordance with the high photosynthetic rates that this plant showed, despite the really low light intensities under which it was grown. Our study reveals that A. dealbata expressed shade tolerance traits under the canopy of native and non-native forests. This behavior is supported by the efficient photosynthetic performance that A. dealbata showed at low light intensities. Therefore, these results suggest that Mediterranean forest ecosystems of South America can become progressively invaded by A. dealbata and provide a basis for estimating the possible impacts that this invasive species can cause in these ecosystems in a timescale.