Faunistic inventory of spheciformes wasps at three protected areas in Portugal.

The importance of considering insects in the protection of biodiversity has been recently recognized. However, despite the importance of Spheciformes wasps (Hymenoptera: Ampulicidae, Sphecidae and Crabronidae) in natural ecosystems and their potential as bioindicators, the Spheciformes communities in Portugal (part of the European biodiversity hotspot) have rarely been studied, and data for Portuguese protected areas are scarce. The Spheciformes wasp communities at 3 protected areas in Portugal, Douro International Natural Park, Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, and Paúl do Boquilobo Nature Reserve, were studied in 2000 and 2001. During the study, 134 species of Spheciformes belonging to 3 families, Ampulicidae, Sphecidae, and Crabronidae, were identified. The species collected constituted nearly 1/3 of the species known in the Iberian Peninsula, 42 were new records for Portugal. Additionally, several specimens of 6 potentially new species were collected. Douro International Natural Park had the highest species richness, followed by Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park and Paúl do Boquilobo Nature Reserve. All the protected areas studied had species that were found exclusively at an individual protected area and species that were found to be new records for Portugal. Based on the literature review of the geographic distribution, nidification types, and prey orders, it was found that most species collected had a Euroasiatic or Mediterranean distribution, species with fossorial habits predominated, and the orders/suborders of insects preyed upon by most species were Diptera, Orthoptera, Sternorrhyncha, and Auchenorrhyncha. This study underscores the importance of including the protected areas studied in the conservation of Spheciformes diversity and also suggests that insect diversity should be studied separately, as it does not necessarily follow the same patterns as other, more studied, groups.

Antiangiogenic activity of a bevacizumab-loaded polyurethane device in animal neovascularization models.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the antiangiogenic activity of bevacizumab-loaded polyurethane using two animal models of neovascularization. METHODS: The percentage of blood vessels was evaluated in a chicken chorioallantoic membrane model (n=42) and in the rabbit cornea (n=24) with neovascularization induced by alkali injury. In each model, the animals were randomly divided into the groups treated with the bevacizumab-loaded polyurethane device, phosphate-buffered-saline (negative control) and bevacizumab commercial solution (positive control). Clinical examination, as well as histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation, were performed in the rabbit eyes. Microvascular density in hot spot areas was determined in semi-thin sections of corneal tissue by hematoxylin-eosin staining and factor VIII immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemical analysis was also performed to evaluate VEGF expression. RESULTS: In the evaluated models, the use of bevacizumab (Avastin®) and the bevacizumab-loaded polyurethane device led to similar results with regard to inhibition of neovascularization. In the chorioallantoic membrane model, the bevacizumab-loaded polyurethane device reduced angiogenesis by 50.27% when compared to the negative control group. In the rabbit model of corneal neovascularization, the mean density of vessels/field was reduced by 46.87% on analysis of factor VIII immunohistochemistry photos in the bevacizumab-loaded polyurethane device group as compared to the negative control (PBS) sections. In both models, no significant difference could be identified between the bevacizumab-loaded polyurethane device and the positive control group, leading to similar results with regard to inhibition of neovascularization. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that the bevacizumab-loaded polyurethane device may release bevacizumab and inhibit neovascularization similarly to commercial bevacizumab solution in the short-term.

A possible mechanism for anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of alpha- and beta-amyrin from Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl.) March.

In the present study, we examined the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of the mixture of alpha- and beta-amyrin (AMY), pentacyclic triterpenes isolated from the stem bark resin of Protium heptaphyllum. These effects of AMY were demonstrated by the open-field, elevated-plus-maze, rota rod, forced swimming, and pentobarbital-induced sleeping time tests, in mice. In the open-field test, AMY at the doses of 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg, after intraperitoneal or oral administrations, significantly decreased the number of crossings, grooming, and rearing. All these effects were reversed by the pre-treatment with flumazenil (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.), similarly to those observed with diazepam used as a positive standard. In the elevated-plus-maze test, AMY increased the time of permanence and the number of entrances in the open arms. On the contrary, the time of permanence and the number of entrances in the closed arms were decreased. All these effects were also completely reversed by flumazenil, an antagonist of benzodiazepine receptors. In the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time test, AMY at the same doses significantly increased the animals sleeping time duration. In the rota rod test, AMY did not alter motor coordination and, thus, was devoid of effects, as related to controls. Since AMY, at the doses of 10 and 25 mg/kg, showed a sedative effect in the open field test, lower doses (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg) were used in the forced swimming test, producing a decrease in the immobility time, similarly to that of imipramine, the positive control. The effect of AMI was greater when it was administered 15 min after imipramine (10 mg/kg). However, the antidepressant AMY effects were not altered by the previous administration of paroxetine, a selective blocker of serotonin uptake. In addition, AMY effects in the forced swimming test were totally blocked by reserpine pretreatment, a drug known to induce depletion of biogenic amines. In conclusion, the present work evidenced sedative and anxiolytic effects of AMY that might involve an action on benzodiazepine-type receptors, and also an antidepressant effect where noradrenergic mechanisms will probably play a role.

Priority areas for anuran conservation using biogeographical data: a comparison of greedy, rarity, and simulated annealing algorithms to define reserve networks in cerrado.

Spatial patterns in biodiversity variation at a regional scale are rarely taken into account when a natural reserve is to be established, despite many available methods for determining them. In this paper, we used dimensions of occurrence of 105 species of Anura (Amphibia) in the cerrado region of central Brazil to create a regional system of potential areas that preserves all regional diversity, using three different algorithms to establish reserve networks: "greedy", rarity, and simulated annealing algorithms. These generated networks based on complementarity with 10, 12, and 8 regions, respectively, widely distributed in the biome, and encompassing various Brazilian states. Although the purpose of these algorithms is to find a small number of regions for which all species are represented at least once, the results showed that 67.6%, 76.2%, and 69.5% of the species were represented in two or more regions in the three networks. Simulated annealing produced the smallest network, but it left out three species (one endemic). On the other hand, while the greedy algorithm produce a smaller solution, the rarity-based algorithm ensured that more species were represented more than once, which can be advantageous because it takes into consideration the high levels of habitat loss in the cerrado. Although usually coarse, these macro-scale approaches can provide overall guidelines for conservation and are useful in determining the focus for more local and effective conservation efforts, which is especially important when dealing with a taxonomic group such as anurans, for which quick and drastic population declines have been reported throughout the world.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of cermet tunnel restorations on primary molars.

Fifty-one restorations of the tunnel type were performed with "cermet" cement on primary molars. The restorations were assessed clinically, radiographically, and by direct examination of the proximal surface 6 months (group I) and 12 months (group II) after placement. The incidence of fractured marginal ridges was found to be 3.8% in group I and 4.2% in group II. All restorations had their occlusal portion intact and were caries-free. Clinically detectable occlusal wear was found in 7.7% of teeth in group I and in 4.2% of teeth in group II. No correlation was found between direct and radiographic assessment of proximal caries. White spots, without carious penetration, were detected on 53.8% of proximal surfaces at 6 months and on 60.0% of proximal surfaces at 12 months.

The sandwich technique, an alternative treatment for tetracycline-stained teeth: a case report.

A patient whose teeth had been severely stained by improper use of tetracycline was treated through a direct system of facial veneering. The technique associates the use of a light-activating glass-ionomer cement with two kinds of light-activating composite resin. Satisfactory esthetics were obtained immediately.

Reattachment of a tooth fragment with a "new" adhesive system: a case report.

A maxillary central incisor fractured, invading the biologic width. The biologic width was surgically restored, and in the same session the fragment was reattached to the tooth remnant with a "new" dentinal adhesive system. Short-term results indicate that esthetics, function, and oral health have been maintained.

Nonvital tooth bleaching: guidelines for the clinician.

The combination of intracoronal and extracoronal bleaching represents a conservative treatment to restore esthetics to darkened or stained nonvital teeth. Notwithstanding the eventual risks and difficulties accompanying such technique, nonvital teeth often can be successfully lightened. This article presents a few guidelines for bleaching nonvital teeth as well as a clinical case to illustrate the indications and clinical protocol for the technique.

[Dilatation of Virchow-Robin spaces in patients with migraine]. / Dilatação dos espaços de Virchow-Robin em pacientes com migrânea.

The Virchow-Robin spaces (VRS) are subpial invaginations making a tubular revestment scabbard that contains a vase between the subarachnoid and subpial spaces. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the only imaging method able for evaluate this anatomic detail. We studied the possible association between dilated VRS and migraine. Seventy patients with ages ranging from 13 to 54 years (mean, 36.5 years), with clinical diagnosis of migraine were studied and compared with a control group, without past of headache, composed by the same number of patients with ages ranged from 14 to 64 years (mean, 42 years). We observed widening of VRS in 28 cases (40%) of the migraine patients. In the control group this feature was demonstrated in only 5 cases (7.1%). Alert for the importance of detecting and recognizing the VRS, as well as, the differentiation from lacunar infarctions and choroid fissure cysts.

[EPI-FLAIR sequence in the evaluation of mesial temporal sclerosis]. / Uso da sequência FLAIR-EPI na análise da esclerose mesial temporal.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate morphological and signal intensity changes in the hippocampus in patients with medically intractable temporal lobe epilepsy. We studied 8 patients with mesial temporal sclerosis using a 1.5 -T MR and the following sequences Spin Eco- SE, Fast Spin Echo- FSE, Fluid Attenuation Inversion Recovery Echo Planar Imaging--FLAIR-EPI. We noticed a sensitive increase signal intensity on FLAIR- EPI sequences, particularly, in coronal images, than on SE and FSE sequences. The STIR sequence showed a cortical hippocampus atrophy in half of the cases, in whom signal abnormalities were present.

[Neurosarcoidosis: case report]. / Neurossarcoidose: relato de caso.

We report a case of sarcoidosis in a 21 years old male with history of headache since he was three years old, with absence of abnormalities in a brain computerized tomography (CT). Brain magnetic resonance (MRI) disclosed a meningeal involvement with intense and homogeneous enhancement of the right fronto-temporal convexity and anterior third of the interhemispheric fissure. The brain MRI is more sensitive than brain CT and is the most appropriate method for the evaluation of meningeal and parenchymatous lesions, as well as monitoring the response to therapy and patients follow up.

[Trans-sphenoidal meningoencephaloventriculocele in an asymptomatic adult: case report]. / Meningoencefaloventriculocele transesfenoidal assintomática em adulto: relato de um caso.

We report a casual finding of a sphenoethmoidal meningoencephaloventriculocele in an adult patient that the tomography finding was misinterpreted as an expansive neoplastic lesion with malignant features. We alert for the rare site of localization of this malformative pathology.

Bleaching options for pulp-calcified teeth: case history reports.

The aim of this article is to review some essential aspects of anterior tooth calcification and its esthetic treatment. Furthermore, three cases including different and successful bleaching strategies are reported.

Hypoplastic enamel treatment in permanent anterior teeth of a child.

In some patients with labial white stains involving the enamel and dentin, bleaching associated with a restorative procedure using composites may be an appropriate treatment alternative. Although bleaching makes the teeth and the stain whiter, the staining is less evident and easier to restore. Restorative procedures using adequate composites may then recover the natural optical properties while also providing appropriate mechanical properties, thereby ensuring the longevity of the treatment. In this article, the clinical case of a 9-year-old patient who reported dissatisfaction with her smile because of the presence of hypoplastic enamel staining at the central superior and inferior incisors is reported. The treatment consisted of a bleaching protocol followed by composite resin restorations using the stratification technique. The final esthetic result demonstrated the possibility of obtaining a natural smile with an adequate color and natural-looking restorations, thereby ensuring the esthetics and the patient's functional satisfaction.

Meat quality of chicken of different crossings in alternative system / Qualidade da carne de frangos de diferentes cruzamentos em sistema alternativo

The purpose was to evaluate the effects of gender and of different genotypes of chickens on the physicochemical parameters and centesimal composition, related to the quality of meat. The design was completely randomized arranged in 5x2 factorial scheme, five genotypes (Índio Gigante - IG; New Hampshire - NHS; Gigante Negra de Jersey - GNJ; poultry from the crossing between the IG and NHS breeds - IG x NHS; and between the IG and GNJ breeds - IG x GNJ) and two genders, with five repetitions and each one represented by three poultry, totaling 150 animals, slaughtered at 105 days. The parameters evaluated on the breast and thigh were: centesimal composition (moisture, ether extract - EE, protein and ash), ultimate pH, color (L*- luminosity, a*- redness, b* -yellowness, C* - chroma index and h* - hue angle), weight loss by cooking (WLC) and shear force (SF). The IG genotype had the highest average of ultimate pH of the breast (6.03). The NHS and IG x NHS genotypes showed, respectively, higher average of L * (58.93) and a* (1.92) of the breast. The IG, IG x NHS and IG x GNJ showed the highest values of b* of the breast (12.53, 13.37 and 12.69, respectively). The IG poultry showed high average of SF of the breast and thigh (4.79 and 5.01kgf, respectively). The IG x NHS and IG x GNJ genotypes showed the lowest ultimate pH values of the thigh (6.13 and 6.02, respectively). The IG x GNJ genotype showed a high average of b* of the thigh (14.94) and the NHS had a high average of WCL (24.65%). The females showed higher averages of EE on the breast and ash on the thigh (1.03 and 1.11%, respectively). The IG x NHS and IG x GNJ poultry showed higher averages of EE of the breast (1.21 and 1.38 %, respectively). The poultry of IG breed and those from the crossing with NHS and GNJ presented meat quality characteristics more desirable by the consumer in relation to physicochemical parameters and centesimal composition, while genders showed no influence on these aspects.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos de sexo e de diferentes genótipos de frangos sobre os parâmetros físico-químicos e a composição centesimal, relacionados à qualidade da carne. O delineamento foi inteiramente ao acaso, disposto em esquema fatorial (5x2), sendo cinco genótipos (Índio Gigante - IG; New Hampshire - NHS; Gigante Negra de Jersey - GNJ; aves oriundas do cruzamento entre as raças IG e NHS - IG x NHS; e entre as raças IG e GNJ - IG x GNJ) e dois sexos, com cinco repetições, sendo cada uma representada por três aves, totalizando 150 animais, abatidos aos 105 dias. Os parâmetros avaliados no peito e na coxa foram: composição centesimal (umidade, extrato etéreo - EE, proteína e cinzas), pH final, cor (L*- luminosidade, a*- teor de vermelho, b*- teor de amarelo, C*- índice de croma e h*- ângulo de tonalidade), perda de peso por cozimento (PPC) e força de cisalhamento (FC). O genótipo IG apresentou a maior média de pH final do peito (6,03). Os genótipos NHS e IG x NHS apresentaram, respectivamente, médias elevadas de L* (58,93) e a* (1,92) do peito. Os IG, IG x NHS e IG x GNJ apresentaram os maiores valores de b* do peito (12,53, 13,37 e 12,69, respectivamente). As aves IG apresentaram médias elevadas de FC do peito e da coxa (4,79 e 5,01Kgf, respectivamente). Os genótipos IG x NHS e IG x GNJ apresentaram os menores valores de pH final da coxa (6,13 e 6,02, respectivamente). O genótipo IG x GNJ apresentou média elevada de b* da coxa (14,94), e o NHS média elevada de PPC (24,65%). As fêmeas apresentaram maiores médias de EE no peito e de cinzas na coxa (1,03 e 1,11%, respectivamente). As aves IG x NHS e IG x GNJ apresentaram maiores médias de EE do peito (1,21 e 1,38%, respectivamente). As aves da raça IG e as oriundas de seu cruzamento com NHS e GNJ apresentaram características de qualidade de carne mais desejáveis pelo consumidor em relação aos parâmetros físico-químicos e de composição centesimal, enquanto o sexo não revelou influência sobre esses aspectos.(AU)

Tooth fragment reattachment: the natural restoration.

The aim of this manuscript was to discuss some important considerations about tooth fragment reattachment and report the success of a clinical case in which a tooth fragment and direct composite resin were used to restore a fractured anterior tooth. Clinical and radiographic examination 12 months after trauma showed good esthetics and periodontal health.

Potential impacts of climate change on biogeochemical functioning of Cerrado ecosystems.

The Cerrado Domain comprises one of the most diverse savannas in the world and is undergoing a rapid loss of habitats due to changes in fire regimes and intense conversion of native areas to agriculture. We reviewed data on the biogeochemical functioning of Cerrado ecosystems and evaluated the potential impacts of regional climate changes. Variation in temperature extremes and in total amount of rainfall and altitude throughout the Cerrado determines marked differences in the composition of species. Cerrado ecosystems are controlled by interactions between water and nutrient availability. In general, nutrient cycles (N, P and base cations) are very conservative, while litter, microbial and plant biomass are important stocks. In terms of C cycling, root systems and especially the soil organic matter are the most important stocks. Typical cerrado ecosystems function as C sinks on an annual basis, although they work as source of C to the atmosphere close to the end of the dry season. Fire is an important factor altering stocks and fluxes of C and nutrients. Predicted changes in temperature, amount and distribution of precipitation vary according to Cerrado sub-regions with more marked changes in the northeastern part of the domain. Higher temperatures, decreases in rainfall with increase in length of the dry season could shift net ecosystem exchanges from C sink to source of C and might intensify burning, reducing nutrient stocks. Interactions between the heterogeneity in the composition and abundance of biological communities throughout the Cerrado Domain and current and future changes in land use make it difficult to project the impacts of future climate scenarios at different temporal and spatial scales and new modeling approaches are needed.

Composition and distribution of Darwinulidae (Crustacea, Ostracoda) in the alluvial valley of the upper Paraná River, Brazil.

The occurrence and abundance of darwinulid ostracods, as well as environmental factors influencing these patterns, were investigated in the alluvial valley of the upper Paraná River. Ostracods were sampled from several substrates, like littoral sediments and pleuston, which included several aquatic macrophytes species, from 31 localities (lentic and lotic) belonging to different riverine systems. Eight darwinulid species were found, representing all genera from this family. Alicenula serricaudata, Vestalenula pagliolii, and Penthesilenula brasiliensis were the most common species. Cluster analysis based on the composition and abundance of darwinulid communities revealed the presence of five associations. Darwinula stevensoni, Vestalenula botocuda, and Penthesilenula aotearoa were almost exclusive to lotic environments. A Mantel multiple test showed that the occurrence and distribution of darwinulid ostracods were significantly related to types of habitat and systems, but not to abiotic variables. It thus seems that the hydrodynamic fluctuations of these environments are probably more important to darwinulid distribution than the limnological characteristics.

[Closing diastemas]. / Fechamento de diastemas.

The authors describe a clinical case of closing upper central incisives diastema, reconstructiva of a conoid upper lateral and the rechaping of an upper canine to a lateral incisive. The material used was composite resin.

[Serologic survey of rubella in the pre-vaccine era in child-care centers, schools and maternity units of Fortaleza] / Inquérito sorológico de rubéola na era pré-vacinação, em creches, escolas e maternidades de Fortaleza.

OBJECTIVES: To identify rubella prevalence in different ages and population groups and rubella susceptibility of pregnant and postpartum women according to age, number of children and spontaneous abortion. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of sero-survey type. Children and students were selected in day-care centers and schools distributed by health districts of Fortaleza. Pregnant and postpartum healthy women were recruited in two large maternity units and three antenatal clinics; individuals previously vaccinated and presenting chronic or acute diseases where excluded. Written consent was obtained from participants or their caretakers. Anti-rubella IgG qualitative detection was performed with an Elisa-sandwich assay. RESULTS: Mean age-specific sero-prevalence rates of 999 samples were: 2 to 5 years= 59% (136/231); 6 to 9 years= 47% (95/204); 10 to 19 years= 56% (243/432) and 20 to 39 years= 80% (106/132). The mean age of 187 pregnant and postpartum women was 23 years (10-39) with a sero-prevalence of 76% (142/187), where 62% sero-positives aged 15 to 19 and 83% aged 26 to 39 years. A higher sero-prevalence was related to womens age (p<0.001), history of spontaneous abortion (p= 0.03), and two or more children (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The high sero-prevalence of rubella in preschool age children reflects the intense viral transmission in child-care centers. The high susceptibility in adolescents (45%), among whom pregnancy is common, emphasizes the need to introduce rubella vaccine early and keep high immunization coverages in youngsters in order to eradicate congenital rubella syndrome. Also, postpartum routine immunization against rubella in this age group is of particular benefit.