Population Dynamics of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Berry Crops in Southern Brazil.

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) is an invasive species originating in Southeast Asia and considered a severe pest in berry crops in several countries of the Northern Hemisphere and Europe. In South America, the species was first detected in 2013. The objective of the study was to monitor the seasonal activity of D. suzukii in commercial crops of blackberry, strawberry guava, surinam cherry, blueberry, and strawberry during two consecutive harvests and in three properties in the Southern region of Brazil during the 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 harvests, with the aid of traps baited with apple cider vinegar. The highest population peaks were observed during late spring to mid-fall in all areas and plant species studied. It was verified that temperature is the factor that most influenced the seasonal activity of D. suzukii in the field, promoting low catches of the species during winter. However, even during periods of low temperatures (winter period), the presence of D. suzukii in the crops was verified, demonstrating the species' ability to stay in place from year to year, surviving in alternative hosts such as Eriobotrya japonica, a common species in the region. The information on the time of the highest occurrence of the pest in different hosts presented in this study provides the basis for decision-making in relation to the management of D. suzukii, to avoid further economic damage.

Strategies for Establishing a Rearing Technique for the Fruit Fly Parasitoid: Doryctobracon brasiliensis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).

Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is the most important pest in South American orchards. When control measures are not adopted, this pest can cause losses of up to 100%. Doryctobracon brasiliensis (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a larval-pupal endoparasitoid that can be used as a native biological control agent against A. fraterculus. This study aimed to develop a rearing technique for D. brasiliensis in larvae of A. fraterculus. Trials were carried out to: 1) determine the optimal instar for parasitism, 2) define the exposure time of larvae to parasitoids, 3) determine the density requirements of A. fraterculus larvae offered to each parasitoid, and 4) evaluate the effect of diet on adults of D. brasiliensis. In all trials, we evaluated the number of offspring, parasitism rate, and sex ratio. Moreover, in the experiment to investigate the effects of diet, we determined the longevity of males and females. In both choice and nonchoice parasitism tests, the parasitoids preferred third-instar larvae of A. fraterculus over second- and first-instar larvae. An exposure time of 12 h of A. fraterculus larvae produced larger numbers of parasitoids and higher parasitism rates. The density of 15 larvae of A. fraterculus to each female of D. brasiliensis produced a larger number of offspring. A supply of honey solution (20 and 50%) to the parasitoids yielded the highest number offspring and resulted in greater longevity. Our findings can be used to support the development of a mass rearing protocol for D. brasiliensis.

Temperature dependence of the nonlinear optical response of smectic liquid crystals containing gold nanorods.

The present study is devoted to the investigation of the nonlinear optical properties of a smectic liquid crystal doped with gold nanorods. Using the Z-scan technique, we investigate the changes in the optical birefringence of a homeotropic sample upon laser exposure, considering the configurations of normal and oblique incidence. Our results reveal that the birefringence variations may be governed by distinct physical mechanisms, depending on the relative angle between the far-field director and the wave vector of the excitation laser beam. In particular, we observe that the position dependence of the far-field transmittance exhibits different behaviors as the incidence angle is changed, indicating that distortions in the beam wavefront may be associated with the thermal lens phenomenon or an optically induced reorientation of the nematic director. The temperature dependence of the nonlinear refractive and absorptive coefficients is investigated close to the smectic-A-nematic phase transition. A detailed analysis of the interplay between smectic order and plasmon resonance is performed, thus unveiling the capability of plasmonic liquid crystal to be used in optical devices.

Three-dimensional scaffolds of fetal decellularized hearts exhibit enhanced potential to support cardiac cells in comparison to the adult.

A main challenge in cardiac tissue engineering is the limited data on microenvironmental cues that sustain survival, proliferation and functional proficiency of cardiac cells. The aim of our study was to evaluate the potential of fetal (E18) and adult myocardial extracellular matrix (ECM) to support cardiac cells. Acellular three-dimensional (3D) bioscaffolds were obtained by parallel decellularization of fetal- and adult-heart explants thereby ensuring reliable comparison. Acellular scaffolds retained main constituents of the cardiac ECM including distinctive biochemical and structural meshwork features of the native equivalents. In vitro, fetal and adult ECM-matrices supported 3D culture of heart-derived Sca-1(+) progenitors and of neonatal cardiomyocytes, which migrated toward the center of the scaffold and displayed elongated morphology and excellent viability. At the culture end-point, more Sca-1(+) cells and cardiomyocytes were found adhered and inside fetal bioscaffolds, compared to the adult. Higher repopulation yields of Sca-1(+) cells on fetal ECM relied on ß1-integrin independent mitogenic signals. Sca-1(+) cells on fetal bioscaffolds showed a gene expression profile that anticipates the synthesis of a permissive microenvironment for cardiomyogenesis. Our findings demonstrate the superior potential of the 3D fetal microenvironment to support and instruct cardiac cells. This knowledge should be integrated in the design of next-generation biomimetic materials for heart repair.

Thermo-optical properties and nonlinear optical response of smectic liquid crystals containing gold nanoparticles.

The present work is devoted to the study of the thermo-optical and nonlinear optical properties of smectic samples containing gold nanoparticles with different shapes. By using the time-resolved Z-scan technique, we determine the effects of nanoparticle addition on the critical behavior of the thermal diffusivity and thermo-optical coefficient at the vicinity of the smectic-A-nematic phase transition. Our results reveal that introduction of gold nanoparticles affects the temperature dependence of thermo-optical parameters, due to the local distortions in the orientational order and heat generation provided by guest particles during the laser exposure. Further, we show that a nonlinear optical response may take place at temperatures where the smectic order is well established. We provide a detailed discussion of the effects associated with the introduction gold nanoparticles on the mechanisms behind the thermal transport and optical nonlinearity in liquid-crystal samples.

Effect of constant temperatures on the biology, life table, and thermal requirements of Aganaspis pelleranoi (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), a parasitoid of Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Aganaspis pelleranoi (Brèthes, 1924) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) is a koinobiont endoparasitoid of larvae of species of the genus Anastrepha and of Ceratitis capitata. It is a candidate for use as a biological control agent, as under field conditions, it may reach a parasitism rate of 62%. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different constant temperatures on biological parameters of A. pelleranoi when parasitizing the larva of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Tephritidae), as well as to determine its thermal requirements. The study was conducted in environmental chambers at 18, 20, 22, 25, 28, and 30 ± 1°C; 70 ± 10% relative humidity; and a 12-h photophase. Females maintained at 18 and 20°C produced more progeny than females at other temperatures tested. The longevity of males and females was inversely proportional to temperature, ranging from 49.1 to 3.73 d for females and from 32.1 to 3.8 d for males at temperatures of 18-30°C, respectively. The duration of the biological cycle (egg-to-adult) was influenced by temperature, and ranged from 69.1 d at 18°C to 30 d at 25°C. No preimaginal development of A. pelleranoi occurred at 28 and 30°C. The relationship between temperature and the demographic parameters of A. pelleranoi showed a linear effect over the temperature range of 18-25°C. The lower temperature threshold and thermal constant were 11.69°C and 391.70 degree days, respectively.

Renal- and calcium-dependent vascular effects of Polybia paulista wasp venom

In the present study, the effects of Polybia paulista venom (PPV) on renal and vascular tissues were investigated. Isolated kidneys perfused with PPV (1 and 3 ìg/mL) had increased perfusion pressure, renal vascular resistance, urinary flow, and glomerular filtration rate; and reduced sodium tubular transport. Histological evaluation demonstrated deposits of proteins in Bowman's space and tubular lumen, and focal areas of necrosis. The venom promoted a cytotoxic effect on Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. A significant increase in lactic dehydrogenase levels was observed in response to venom exposure. In isolated mesenteric vascular beds, pressure and vascular resistance augmented in a dose-dependent manner. PPV increased the contractility of aortic rings maintained under basal tension. This contractile response was inhibited when preparations were maintained in Ca2+-free medium. Likewise, verapamil, a voltage-gated calcium channel blocker, also inhibited the contractile response. In this study, phentolamine, a blocker of á-adrenergic receptor blocker, significantly reduced the contractile effect of PPV in the aortic ring. In conclusion, PPV produced nephrotoxicity, which suggests a direct effect on necrotic cellular death in renal tubule cells. The vascular contractile effect of PPV appears to involve calcium influx through voltage-gated calcium channels via adrenergic regulation.

Intraocular pressure and ropivacaine in peribulbar block: a comparative study with bupivacaine.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the effects on intraocular pressure (IOP) of ropivacaine and bupivacaine in peribulbar block. METHODS: The study involved 40 patients with ASA physical status I, II or III undergoing cataract surgery under peribulbar block. Patients were allocated to two groups according to the local anesthetic used: Group R (n=20), 1.0% ropivacaine and Group B (n=20) 0.75% bupivacaine, both associated with 50 IU. ml-1 hyaluronidase, in peribulbar double injection technique. IOP was measured at four time points: 0=before block (control); 1=1 min after block; 2=5 min after block; 3=15 min after block. RESULTS: Mean values of IOP (mm Hg) after block were significantly lower in Group R in comparison to Group B: time point 1=13.4+/-3.2 vs 20.8+/-4.7; time point 2=10.9+/-3.7 vs 14.4+/-3.8; time point 3=7.7+/-4.0 vs 10.5+/-3.1. The variation of IOP was different in each group. In Group R, the mean values obtained at the three time points after block were significantly lower than the control; in Group B, the mean value of IOP rose significantly 1 min after block and was lower than control only at time point 3. CONCLUSIONS: Ropivacaine 1.0% associated with hyaluronidase in peribulbar block is better than 0.75% bupivacaine under the same standard conditions for lowering IOP in intraocular surgery. This effect is probably due to relaxation of the extraocular muscles after the block with both anesthetics, and possibly to a smaller intraocular blood volume due to vasoconstriction in the case of ropivacaine.

Ropivacaine in peribulbar block: a comparative study with bupivacaine.

BACKGROUND: Ropivacaine is a new local anesthetic with alleged lower systemic toxicity and slightly lower potency as compared with bupivacaine. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ropivacaine in peribulbar block, as compared with that of bupivacaine. METHODS: Eighty patients aged 45-92 years with physical status ASA I, II, or III were randomized to Group R (n=40) or Group B (n=40). Group R received 8.0 ml of 1.0% ropivacaine and Group B received 8.0 ml of 0.75% bupivacaine, both solutions with 50 IU/ml hyaluronidase, to induce peribulbar block according to the double-injection technique. Decreased ocular motility was the only criterion of successful block. RESULTS: The percentage of patients with decreased ocular motility showing successful block was higher in Group R 1 and 5 min after injection. A score indicating successful peribulbar block was found in all patients 10 min after injection. While no patient complained of a burning sensation during ropivacaine injection, 22.5% of the patients given bupivacaine reported this symptom. CONCLUSION: Both local anesthetics were effective in inducing peribulbar block for intraocular surgery. A tendency was noted to a faster onset of peribulbar block with ropivacaine; nevertheless, both drugs had a high degree of success for this block.

From association to alert--a revised approach to international signal analysis.

From the inception of the WHO international drug monitoring programme, the main aim has been to detect signals of adverse reaction problems as early as possible. The Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC), is now in a better position to fulfil this mission. Using the latest technology, new tools have been developed which allow for rapid, robust and comprehensive data mining of the WHO database. Based on retrospective time scans made during the pilot phase the current threshold used is the 97.5% confidence level of difference from the generality of the database. To maximize the capacity for picking up signals, we intend to extend today's panel of expert consultants, as well as doing our own review. The new system includes an enhanced follow-up list of signals, a 're-signalling' procedure and a cumulative historical file of all drug-ADR associations. Already we produce some 50 signals per year, cisapride and tachycardia being an example of a controversial signal only recently accepted. With the addition of new tools for follow-up of important signals such as complex variable data mining techniques, and the combination of WHO ADR data with sales and prescription figures from the IMS, we will be able to provide more information that should benefit regulators, producers, prescribers, and most importantly, the users of medicines.

[Extra-lobar pulmonary sequestration with broncho-esophageal fistula]. / Sequestro pulmonar extra-lobar com fístula bronco-esofágica.

We describe a case of extra-lobar pulmonary sequestration with broncho-esophageal fistula in a newborn male who presented respiratory distress, cyanosis and feeding difficulties. The diagnosis was made with a swallowed contrast examination, nuclear magnetic resonance, digital subtraction angiography and confirmed by gross and histologic examination. The work of a multidisciplinary team was essential for an early diagnosis and the correct and effective treatment of this Cuncommon condition.

Synthesis and evaluation of a series of novel 2-[(4-chlorophenoxy)methyl]benzimidazoles as selective neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor antagonists.

A series of novel benzimidazoles (BI) derived from the indole 2 was synthesized and evaluated as selective neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y1 receptor antagonists with the aim of developing antiobesity drugs. In our SAR approach, the (4-chlorophenoxy)methyl group at C-2 was kept constant and a series of BIs substituted with various piperidinylalkyl groups at N-1 was synthesized to identify the optimal spacing and orientation of the piperidine ring nitrogen relative to the benzimidazole. The 3-(3-piperidinyl)propyl in 33 was found to maximize affinity for the Y1 receptor. Because of the critical importance of Arg33 and Arg35 of NPY binding to the Y1 receptor, the incorporation of an additional aminoalkyl functionality to the structure of 33 was explored. Methyl substitution was used to probe where substitution on the aromatic ring was best tolerated. In this fashion, the C-4 was chosen for the substitution of the second aminoalkyl functionality. Synthesis of such compounds with a phenoxy tether using the 4-hydroxybenzimidazole 11 was pursued because of their relative ease of synthesis. Functionalization of the hydroxy group of 45 with a series of piperidinylalkyl groups provided the dibasic benzimidazoles 55-62. Among them, BI 56 demonstrated a Ki of 0.0017 microM, which was 400-fold more potent than 33. To evaluate if there was a stereoselective effect on affinity for these BIs, the four constituent stereoisomers (69-72) of the BI 60 were prepared using the S- and R-isomers of bromide 17. Antagonist activity of these BIs was confirmed by measuring the ability of selected compounds to reverse NPY-induced forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP. The high selectivity of several BI antagonists for the Y1 versus Y2, Y4, and Y5 receptors was also shown.

[The pharmacovigilance system in Portugal (its establishment and development)]. / O sistema de farmacovigilância em Portugal (sua criação e desenvolvimento).

The safety profile of a drug is not a static concept. It progresses and can change on the basis of scientific data gathered before and after it is marketed. Therefore, it is now considered fundamental that all countries have the capacity to continuously monitor the safety of medicines authorized for sale. Based on the resulting and appropriate data, this allows them to alter the previously authorized conditions for use of a given drug as a public health safeguard. This paper describes how a pharmacovigilance system is being developed in Portugal in the 1990s. The system is being implemented based on our national characteristics and positions within the European Union. The article includes some results from the initial implementation of these methods. Many similarities allow one to extrapolate some of the procedures from one country to another. When we began we borrowed and adapted extensively from experiences already tested by others.

Malignant melanoma of soft tissue. A report of three cases with diagnosis by fine needle aspiration cytology.

A correlated cytologic and histologic study of three cases of malignant melanoma of soft tissue (MMST) is presented. The patients' ages ranged from 21 to 36 years. Two were females and one, male. In two cases fine needle aspiration cytology was done to document local recurrence or metastatic disease and in one to establish a primary diagnosis. The cytologic findings were similar in all cases. The smears were composed of noncohesive tumor cells with monotonous, uniform nuclei, prominent nucleoli and plentiful, light blue cytoplasm. Immunohistochemical studies performed in all cases demonstrated staining positive for S-100 protein. Electron microscopy from two cases showed premelanosomes and melanosomes. These results demonstrate that a precise diagnosis of MMST can be rendered on material obtained by aspiration cytology.

Antihypertensive effects of tertatolol. A comparative study versus atenolol.

The purpose of this study was to compare the antihypertensive efficacy and tolerance of tertatolol and atenolol. Sixty-one ambulatory patients with uncomplicated mild to moderate hypertension (diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between 95 and 120 mm Hg) received, following a randomized allocation, either 5 mg tertatolol (T) (n = 30) or 100 mg atenolol (A) (n = 31) in single daily dose. After a one-month single-blind placebo run-in period, the two drugs were administered double-blind over a 3 month period. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate were measured before, and after the first and third months. Electrocardiographic and biological data were collected respectively before and at the third month. At each consultation, patients were asked to report any side effects. Atenolol and tertatolol were similar in controlling BP: the decrease in supine systolic blood pressure (SBP) reached 24.2 mm Hg (P less than .001) in group T and 21.7 mm Hg in group A (P less than .001), and the decrease in DBP reached 16.6 mm Hg in group T (P less than .001) and 16.8 mm Hg in group A (P less than .001). Supine heart rate (HR) fell by 15.5 beats/min and 14.8 beats/min in the T and A groups, respectively (P less than .001). At the end of the trial, blood pressure control (DBP less than or equal to 90 mm Hg) was obtained in 80% and 70% of the patients in the T and A groups, respectively. The clinical tolerance of both drugs was satisfactory with 8 slight and transient complaints in T group, and 14 complaints with one treatment-related withdrawal at the second month in A group. Electrocardiographic and biochemical variations were not significantly different in the two groups. We conclude that the antihypertensive efficacy of 5 mg tertatolol is comparable to that of 100 mg atenolol, with a similar clinical and biochemical tolerance.

Efeito da morfina peridural sobre a pressäo nas vias biliares / Effect of eipdural morphine on common bile duct pressure

Em 15 pacientes submetidos a cirurgias eletivas de vias biliares sob anestesia geral, com tiopental, fentanil, óxido nitroso, isoflurano, foi medida a pressäo no ducto biliar comum antes e 10 min após a injeçäo peridural de 50 µg.kg elevado a menos 1 de morfina diluída em 10 ml de soluçäo salina (grupo I, n=10), ou 10 ml de soluçäo salina (grupo II, n=5). No grupo I a média dos valores de pressäo após a injeçäo (17,25 ñ 4,14 cm H2O), significativamente maior (p < 0,05) que a média dos valores iniciais (12,05 ñ 3,12 cm H2O). No grupo II (controle), näo houve diferença entre as médias dos valores de pressäo antes e após a injeçäo peridural da soluçäo salina. Em quatro pacientes do grupo I, a manometria foi repetida 60 minutos após a injeçäo peridural, persistindo o aumento da pressäo nas vias biliares. Säo feitas consideraçöes sobre a farmacocinética da morfina peridural, correlacionando-as com os resultados

Hipnose com etomidato em infusäo contínua durante analgesia peridural / Hypnosis with etomidate with continuous infusion during epidural analgesia

Foi utilizado o etomidato em infusäo venosa contínua para obtençäo de hipnose durante bloqueio peridural lombar, em 20 pacientes submetidas a cirurgias ginecológicas, com média de idade 39,8 + ou - 9,8 anos e média de peso 65,8 + ou - 15,7 kg. Utilizou-se para o bloqueio soluçäo de bupivacaína a 0,5% com adrenalina, doses variáveis entre 100 e 150 mg do anestésico local. Estabelecido o bloqueio, administrou-se por via venosa etomidato 0,15 mg.kg-1 precedido por fentamil 100 microng. Instalou-se em seguida infusäo venosa contínua de soluçäo a 0,01% de etomidato em salina fisiológica, com velocidade adequada para manter a hipnose. Foram monitorizados PAS, PAD, FC f, VT. A média da velocidade de infusäo foi 8,4 + ou - 2,1 microng.kg-1.min-1 e o tempo decorrido entre a interrupçäo da infusäo e o retorno da consciência foi 30 + ou - 7,5s. Em 35% dos casos houve queda da pressäo arterial de magnitude igual ou superior a 40% do valor inicial, facilmente controlada com infusäo de líquidos e pequenas doses de vasopressor. Nenhuma paciente desenvolveu apnéia; houve queda significativa de VT sem alteraçäo de f em algumas fases da observaçäo, sem repercussäo clínica. Näo houve indícios de efeitos cumulativos. Conclui-se que o método merece ser considerado, especialmente naqueles casos em que se deseja despertar rápido ao término da cirurgia

Experiência clínica com morfina por via espinhal: estudo retrospectivo / Clinical experience with morphine by spinal way: a retrospective study

Foi conduzido um estudo retrospectivo sobre a experiência clínica com morfina por via espinhal num período de dois anos. De 1 de janeiro de 1981 a 31 dezembro de 1982, 296 pacientes receberam morfina por via peridural e 88 por via intratecal, totalizando 384 casos. As doses variaram entre 2,0 e 5,0 mg pela via peridural e entre 0,25 e 0,50 mg pela via intratecal. Em 36 pacientes (9,3%) foram administradas mais de uma dose através de cateter peridural; nos demais administrou-se dose única. Ocorreu depressäo ventilatória (revertida por nalorfina) em um paciente tratado com morfina peridural (0,33%) e em nenhum tratado com morfina intratecal. Ocorreu prurido em 24 pacientes que receberam morfina peridural (8,10%) e em nenhum dos que receberam morfina intratecal. Registrou-se retençäo urinária em 20 dos pacientes tratados com morfina peridural (6,75%) e em 12 dos tratados com morfina intratecal (13 60%). Chama-se a atençäo para a necessidade de vigilância contínua após a injeçäo, tendo em vista ser imprevisível o paciente que apresentará depressäo ventilatória tardia, a complicaçäo mais temível do método

Analgesia peridural para laminectomias: apresentacao de tecnica. / Epidural analgesia in laminectomy: report of a technic

Os autores apresentam os resultados obtidos com uma tecnica anestesica que associa analgesia peridural e hipnose por tiopental/oxido nitroso, em quarenta pacientes submetidos a laminectomia lombares. Sao discutidos os fatores que levam a diminuicao do sangramento operatorio em cirurgias da coluna vertebral. Com base nesses fatores, os seguintes cuidados foram adotados para complementar a tecnica: posicionamento adequado do paciente, mantendo-se o abdomen livre de compressao; relaxamento da musculatura abdominal durante todo o procedimento, adotando-se ventilacao controlada. Observou-se queda da pressao arterial superior a 20% do vaso controle, em 45% dos pacientes, apos uma hora de cirurgia; em nenhum caso ocorreu hipertensao arterial nessa ocasiao. O sangramento operatorio medio foi de 380 ml e em apenas dois casos foi necessario administrar sangue de Banco. A tecnica proporcionou analgesia residual por, no minimo, quatro horas apos o termino da cirurgia, em 52,5% dos pacientes. As condicoes de recuperacao pos-anestesica foram consideradas bastante satisfatorias