Genetic diversity in soybean genotypes using phenotypic characters and enzymatic markers.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of soybean cultivars by adopting phenotypic traits and enzymatic markers, the relative contribution of agronomic traits to diversity, as well as diversity between the level of technology used in soybean cultivars and genetic breeding programs in which cultivars were inserted. The experiments were conducted on the field at the Center for Scientific and Technological Development in crop-livestock production and the Electrophoresis Laboratory of Lavras Federal University. The agronomic traits adopted were grain yield, plant height, first legume insertion, plant lodging, the mass of one thousand seeds, and days for complete maturation, in which the Euclidean distance, grouped by Tocher and UPGMA criteria, was obtained. After electrophorese gels for enzymatic systems, dehydrogenase alcohol, esterase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase were performed. The genetic similarity estimative was also obtained between genotypes by the Jaccard coefficient with subsequent grouping by the UPGMA method. The formation of two groups was shown using phenotypic characters in the genetic diversity study and individually discriminating the cultivar 97R73 RR. The character with the greatest contribution to the genetic divergence was grain yield with contribution higher than 90.0%. To obtain six different groups, individually discriminating the cultivars CG 8166 RR, FPS Jupiter RR, and BRS MG 780 RR, enzymatic markers were used. Cultivars carrying the RR technology presented more divergence than conventional cultivars and IPRO cultivars.

Estimates of genetics and phenotypics parameters for the yield and quality of soybean seeds.

Estimating genotype x environment (GxE) parameters for quality and yield in soybean seed grown in different environments in Minas Gerais State was the goal of this study, as well as to evaluate interaction effects of GxE for soybean seeds yield and quality. Seeds were produced in three locations in Minas Gerais State (Lavras, Inconfidentes, and Patos de Minas) in 2013/14 and 2014/15 seasons. Field experiments were conducted in randomized blocks in a factorial 17 x 6 (GxE), and three replications. Seed yield and quality were evaluated for germination in substrates paper and sand, seedling emergence, speed emergency index, mechanical damage by sodium hypochlorite, electrical conductivity, speed aging, vigor and viability of seeds by tetrazolium test in laboratory using completely randomized design. Quadratic component genotypic, GXE variance component, genotype determination coefficient, genetic variation coefficient and environmental variation coefficient were estimated using the Genes software. Percentage analysis of genotypes contribution, environments and genotype x environment interaction were conducted by sites combination two by two and three sites combination, using the R software. Considering genotypes selection of broad adaptation, TMG 1179 RR, CD 2737 RR, and CD 237 RR associated better yield performance at high physical and physiological potential of seed. Environmental effect was more expressive for most of the characters related to soybean seed quality. GxE interaction effects were expressive though genotypes did not present coincidental behavior in different environments.

Geometry applied to breeding common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris).

The primary components of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) grain yield (W) are the number of pods (X), the number of grains per pod (Y), and the weight of the grains (Z). In 1964, Grafius suggested using geometry in plant breeding; W corresponds to the volume of a parallelepiped with three axes, X, Y, and Z. Because the cube is the largest parallelepiped by volume, maximum yield is obtained when the relative contributions of X, Y, and Z are the same. We evaluated individual plants of a 'Talismã' x 'L.59583' cross in two sowing periods. The sum of squares of deviations from the ideal plant (GI), i.e., the plant in which the X, Y, and Z contributions were the same, was estimated. Mean and variance genetic components, and genetic and phenotypic correlations between the characteristics were also estimated. Good concordance was observed in the magnitude and direction of the genetic and phenotypic correlation estimates of the paired characteristics. However, a low GI heritability (h(2)r = 6.7%) indicated that success due to selection should be small. Ninety-four progenies of 'Pérola' x 'ESAL 686' crosses were also evaluated, where X, Y, Z, and W were obtained and GI was estimated. The h(2) estimate was higher, but still low (h(2) = 39.0%). Therefore, the selection of individuals to obtain plants in which the X, Y, and Z products tend to the cube is unfeasible, because the sums of X, Y, and Z vary between individuals. In addition, the GI h2 value was low.

The scavenger receptor MARCO is involved in Leishmania major infection by CBA/J macrophages.

CBA/J mice are resistant to Leishmania major infection but are permissive to L. amazonensis infection. In addition, CBA/J macrophages control L. major but not L. amazonensis infection in vitro. Phagocytosis by macrophages is known to determine the outcome of Leishmania infection. Pattern recognition receptors (PRR) adorning antigen presenting cell surfaces are known to coordinate the link between innate and adaptive immunity. The macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) is a PRR that is preferably expressed by macrophages and is capable of binding Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. No research on the role of MARCO in Leishmania-macrophage interactions has been reported. Here, we demonstrate, for the first time, that MARCO expression by CBA/J macrophages is increased in response to both in vitro and in vivo L. major infections, but not to L. amazonensis infection. In addition, a specific anti-MARCO monoclonal antibody reduced L. major infection of macrophages by 30%-40% in vitro. The draining lymph nodes of anti-MARCO-treated mice displayed a reduced presence of immunolabelled parasite and parasite antigens, as well as a reduced inflammatory response. These results support the hypothesis that MARCO has a role in macrophage infection by L. major in vitro as well as in vivo.

Diagnosis and management of hyperprolactinemia: results of a Brazilian multicenter study with 1234 patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical and laboratorial features of 1234 patients with different etiologies of hyperprolactinemia, as well as the response of 388 patients with prolactinomas to dopamine agonists. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: A total of 1234 hyperprolactinemic patients from 10 Brazilian endocrine centers were enrolled in this retrospective study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: PRL measurement, thyroid function tests, and screening for macroprolactin were conducted. RESULTS: Patients were subdivided as follows: 56.2% had prolactinomas, 14.5% drug-induced hyperprolactinemia, 9.3% macroprolactinemia, 6.6% non-functioning pituitary adenomas, 6.3% primary hypothyroidism, 3.6% idiopathic hyperprolactinemia, and 3.2% acromegaly. Clinical manifestations were similar irrespective of the etiology of the hyperprolactinemia. The highest PRL levels were observed in patients with prolactinomas but there was a great overlap in PRL values between all groups. However, PRL>500 ng/ml allowed a clear distinction between prolactinomas and the other etiologies. Cabergoline (CAB) was more effective than bromocriptine (BCR) in normalizing PRL levels (81.9% vs 67.1%, p<0.0001) and in inducing significant tumor shrinkage and complete disappearance of tumor mass. Drug resistance was observed in 10% of patients treated with CAB and in 18.4% of those that used BCR (p=0.0006). Side-effects and intolerance were also more common in BCR treated patients. CONCLUSION: Prolactinomas, drug induced hyperprolactinemia, and macroprolactinemia were the 3 most common causes of hyperprolactinemia. Although PRL levels could not reliably define the etiology of hyperprolactinemia, PRL values >500 ng/ml were exclusively seen in patients with prolactinomas. CAB was significantly more effective than BCR in terms of prolactin normalization, tumor shrinkage, and tolerability.

Chronic exposure to the fungicide maneb may produce symptoms and signs of CNS manganese intoxication.

Manganese (Mn) poisoning, a well-known hazard in miners and industrial workers, shares many features with Parkinson's disease. Two young agricultural workers with a parkinsonian syndrome, who mentioned exposure to the fungicide maneb (manganese ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamate), led us to investigate a new possible source of Mn intoxication. Fifty male rural workers with occupational exposure to maneb were compared with 19 rural workers without fungicide exposure. We noted significantly higher prevalence of plastic rigidity with cogwheel phenomenon, headache, fatigue, nervousness, memory complaints, and sleepiness in the exposed group. In addition, we saw other neurologic signs, such as postural tremor, cerebellar signs, and bradykinesia, although without statistical significance. The data suggest that occupational exposure to pesticides containing Mn is a possible source of Mn intoxication of the CNS.

Comparison of the effects of lab chow and casein diets based on body and brain development of rats.

1. In order to study the effects of protein quantity and quality on development, Wistar rats were submitted to four different diets during lactation and post-lactation periods. Three isocaloric diets were utilized with 6% (M), 16% (W16) and 20% (W20) of protein (casein), and the fourth diet (C) consisted of a commercial lab chow containing 22% protein. 2. During the lactation and post-lactation periods the body weights of dams and pups were recorded weekly. On the 49th day of age (21 days of suckling and 28 days of ad libitum chow), all animals were sacrificed and the brains removed and weighed. 3. Dams from all groups increased food intake during the lactation period, but dams of the M group consumed a lower amount of diet as compared with other groups. Only the body weight of M dams was affected by diet during the lactation period, but the body weight of pups from the M and C groups was lower than in the other two groups. At 49 days of age C and M pups showed a significantly lower brain weight compared with W16 and W20 pups. 4. Thus, a commercial lab chow diet does not promote normal body and brain development as compared with balanced diets containing 16 or 20% protein. These results emphasize the need for further studies in order to evaluate other biological and behavioral parameters that might be altered by a lab chow diet.

5-benzylidene pyrrolones. IV--Synthesis and antifungal activity of some 5-benzylidene derivatives of 1,2-dimethyl-3-carbethoxy-pyrrol-4-one.

In order to investigate the antifungal activity of pyrrolones, the synthesis of derivatives of 5-benzylidene-1,2,-dimethyl-3-carbethoxy-pyrrol-4-one was achieved by a one-step reaction. The condensation reaction was applied to the above-mentioned heterocycle and seven substituted benzaldehydes were obtained providing the entitled compounds, of which six are original. They have preferential E configuration. Antifugal data against Neurospora crassa in comparison with ketoconazole showed that many of the compounds exhibit interesting antifungal activity.

Muscle biopsy correlated with electromyography. Study of 100 cases.

To find what the correlation is and verify if it is possible to avoid extensive electromyographic examination, studying only one muscle, 100 patients with neuromuscular disorders (58 primary myopathies, 32 neurogenic disorders and 10 myotonic dystrophies) were submitted to quantified electromyography (EMG) and muscle biopsy (MB) with fresh-frozen section plus histochemistry in the same muscle, but on the opposite side. The EMG was abnormal in 98% and MB in 93% of the cases. EMG and MB had a concordance of 84.3% in the neurogenic disorders and 84.77% in the primary myopathies. A correlation of 80% was obtained between all MB and EMG (including the cases of myotonic dystrophies), regarding the origin of the pathogenic process (p less than 0.01). The EMG had 5% inconsistencies and the MB 11%, with respect to the pathogenic process. When the myotonic dystrophy was separated from the primary myopathies and from the denervation disorders, a complete concordance was found in all MB and had only 3.4% inconsistencies in the denervation disorders and 3.1% in the primary myopathies.

Correlation between specific histological and electromyographic findings in neuromuscular disorders.

An attempt was made to find a correlation between specific electromyography (EMG) abnormalities with histological findings in muscle biopsies (MB) in 100 patients with neuromuscular disorders. Quantified EMG and MB with histochemistry was made in the same muscle, but on the opposite side, within a period of 3 weeks. The isolated findings of EMG and MB were analysed with a computer through a chi-square test. A statistical relation (p less than 0.01) was found between the isolated findings of MB and EMG in only 6.99% (39 in 558 attempts) of the abnormalities expected to occur in myopathy and denervation. Also was found 2.51% (14 in 558 attempts) of inconsistences with the current literature.

[Intracerebral abscess: clinical treatment. Experience with a case]. / Abscesso intracerebral: tratamento clínico. Experiência com um caso.

A case of brain abscess treated non surgically is reported. Complete clinical and radiological resolution is demonstrated. The authors conclude that in selected patients conservative management of focal intracerebral infection may obviate the need for surgical intervention.

[Hypertensive intracerebral hematomas: apropos of 50 cases]. / Hematomas intracerebrais hipertensivos: a propósito de 50 casos.

Fifty cases of supratentorial intracerebral hematomas associated with hypertension are analyzed. The best treatment of the intracerebral hematomas is not settled. The authors reviewed and analyzed the literature and they suggest that the small hematomas should be managed conservatively as well as those patients in deep coma. The subcortical hematomas usually improve with surgical removal. In the deep ganglionic type the initial treatment is clinical. If no improvement occurs the hematoma should be removed with microsurgery technique.

[Preditive clinical factors for epileptic seizures after ischemic stroke]. / Estudo de fatores clínicos preditivos para crises epilépticas após acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico.

Preditive clinical factors for epileptic seizures after ischemic stroke. Clinical features of 35 patients with ischemic stroke who developed epilepsy (Group 1) were compared with those of 35 patients with ischemic stroke without epilepsy (Group 2). The age of the patients did not differ between the groups. There were more men than women and more white than other races in both groups. Diabetes melitus, hypertension, transient ischemic attack, previous stroke, migraine, Chagas disease, cerebral embolism of cardiac origin and use of oral contraceptive did not differ between the groups. Smokers and alcohol users were more frequent in Group 1 (p < 0.05). Most patients of Group 1 presented with hemiparesis; none presented cerebellar or brainstem involvement. Perhaps strokes in smokers have some different aspects, that let them more epileptogenic than in non smokers.

[Basilar ectasia and stroke: clinical aspects of 21 cases]. / Ectasia da artéria basilar e acidente vascular cerebral. Aspectos clínicos de 21 casos.

Ectasia of the basilar artery (EB) occurs when its diameter is greater than normal along all or part of its course, and/or when it is abnormally tortuous. EB may cause cranial nerve dysfunction, ischemic stroke or subarachnoid hemorrhage, pseudotumor or hydrocephalus. We tried to describe cases of stroke associated with EB, analyze its frequency, clinical aspects, and the mechanisms involved in different forms of its presentation. We found 21 patients with stroke and EB. The association between EB and stroke was more prevalent in males over the age of fifty. Main symptoms were hemiparesia, cranial nerves dysfunction, and cerebellar ataxia. Cerebral infarcts associated with EB were due to different mechanisms: arterial thrombosis, artery-to-artery embolism, mass effect with angulation and obstruction of the vertebral and basilar branches.

[Basilar ectasia and stroke: imaging features in 21 cases]. / Ectasia da artéria basilar e acidente vascular cerebral. Estudo por imagem em 21 casos.

Ectasia of the basilar artery (EB) may cause different clinical manifestations, and its analysis by imaging methods is fundamental. We tried to analyse radiological aspects in 21 patients with stroke and EB. In all of them, diagnosis could be done by computed tomography. However, magnetic resonance was the most complete diagnostic method for the evaluation of the relationship between EB an surrounding structures.

Electroencephalogram base rhythm in AIDS patients.

We studied the EEG of 73 patients diagnosed with HIV infection, with or without secondary complications. Sixty-eight belonged to CDC (Center for Disease Control) group IV and 38 presented signs or symptoms of encephalic neurological impairment. Rhythms constituting base activity were alpha (65.75%), beta (13.70%), theta (12.33%), and delta (8.22%). The alpha rhythm presented two modes: slow (8 to 9 Hz) in 25/48 or 52.08% of the cases and not-slow (> 9 to 13 Hz) in 23/48 or 47.92% of the cases. The alpha slow-mode has been observed in about 10 to 15% of the normal population, with the 8 Hz frequency being found in only 1% of the normal adult population, which suggests that in some manner HIV is implicated in the slowing-down of the EEG base rhythm in AIDS patients. The patients from CDC group IV with encephalic neurological involvement presented a base rhythm significantly lower than those with non-encephalic involvement or the absence of neurological impairment.

The action of prolyl-leucyl-glycinamide (PLG) on the nigrostriatal pathway of the rat.

In order to study the nigrostriatal pathway, we obtained the rotatory behavior model in male Wistar rats by electrolytic lesion of the left lateral hypothalamic region. Animals thus lesioned displayed rotations toward the same side of lesion when apomorphine was administered, a result in disagreement with what has been obtained in the model with 6-hydroxydopamine lesion. The administration of PLG alone was not followed by rotatory behavior but when the compound was administered in low doses (0.25 to 1mg/kg) simultaneously with apomorphine to animals previously submitted to REM sleep deprivation, a significant increase in the number of rotations was observed in comparison with controls and groups receiving higher doses of PLG. These results indicate that PLG may act as a modulator on dopamine receptors in the striatum.

[Mitochondrial myopathy: report of 12 cases with histochemical study of the skeletal muscle]. / Miopatia mitocondrial. Relato de 12 casos com estudo histoquímico do músculo esquelético.

Twelve patients with histologically defined mitochondrial myopathy are described. There were 9 males and 3 females. The age of onset ranged from birth to 35 years with a median of 14 years. The most common clinical picture was that of ophthalmoplegia, ptosis and muscle weakness found in 10 patients. One presented with exercise intolerance due to muscular aches and pains, and the other besides his muscular weakness had mental retardation and an aggressive behavior. The clinical presentation and differential diagnosis of these patients are discussed.

[Pregnancy, puerperium and cerebrovascular disease]. / Gravidez, puerpério e doença vascular cerebral.

Six patients who presented cerebrovascular disease during puerperium or pregnancy were studied. One of them presented hemorrhagic stroke caused by intracerebral bleeding due to pre-eclampsia. Three patients presented ischemic stroke, they all had positive serologic reactions for Chagas' disease, but only two of them had clinical cardiopathy; one of these patients had anticardiolipin antibody. The other two patients presented cerebral venous thrombosis of sagittal sinus. Both were smokers and one of them used oral contraceptive. We emphasize the importance of clinical investigation to seek for the common causes of cerebrovascular disease in young people, with special attention to Chagas disease in Brazil.

Atypical EEG pattern in children with absence seizures.

We studied four children with diagnosis of absence seizures (generalized primary epilepsy), and with a generalized delta activity on the EEG during clinical attacks provoked by hyperventilation. The lack of ictal generalized spike-and-wave discharges with a frequency of 3 Hz in our patients, makes this an atypical pattern. All children had complete control of their seizures and disappearance of the EEG changes with valproate. We concluded that generalized delta activity observed on EEG during the hyperventilation in children should not always be considered as a normal finding for age, since it could be an ictal event of an absence seizure.