Nest refuse of Acromyrmex balzani (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) increases the plant vigor in Turnera subulata (Turneraceae) / O substrato de descarte de Acromyrmex balzani (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) aumenta o vigor da planta Turnera subulata (Turneraceae)

Some studies report the positive effect of organic residues from ant nests on soil properties and on the structure of the adjacent plant community in field experiments, but there is a gap about the effect on individual species. The purpose of the present study was to compare the soil nutrient content and the development of Turnera subulata Smith, an ornamental species, in the presence of the nest refuse (basically composed of fragments of grass leaves and the symbiotic fungus) produced by the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex balzani (Emery, 1890) or in control soil through a greenhouse pot experiment. The experiment was carried out with two treatments: control soil and soil with 25% of nest refuse. The plants were kept in 1L pots for 90 days. We evaluated the parameters: plant height, stem diameter, root length, number of leaves, dry weight of the root, dry and fresh aboveground biomass. Additionally, the relative chlorophyll content and leaf nutrients were used as nutritional parameters. As a result, plants that grew in the soil with nest refuse showed significant higher values of all parameters evaluated when compared to the control treatment (p < 0.001). We conclude that this biofertilizer contributed to the production of more vigorous plants, being able to act on the local dynamics of nutrients in the ecosystems where A. balzani occurs. As it is relatively abundant and easy to collect, the refuse of A. balzani has the potential to be used as an alternative substrate in the production of shortlife cycle plants.

Alguns estudos relatam o efeito positivo de resíduos orgânicos de formigueiros nas propriedades do solo e na estrutura da comunidade de plantas adjacentes em experimentos de campo, mas há uma lacuna sobre o efeito em espécies individuais. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o desenvolvimento de Turnera subulata Smith, uma espécie ornamental, na presença do substrato de descarte (SD) de formigueiros produzido pela formiga cortadeira Acromyrmex balzani (Emery, 1890) por meio de experimento em casa de vegetação. O experimento foi conduzido com dois tratamentos: solo controle e solo com 25% de SD. As plantas foram mantidas em vasos de 1L por 90 dias. Foram avaliados os parâmetros: altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, comprimento da raiz, número de folhas, massa seca da raiz, biomassa seca e fresca da parte aérea. Além disso, o conteúdo relativo de clorofila e os nutrientes foliares foram usados como parâmetros fisiológicos. Como resultado, as plantas que cresceram no solo com SD apresentaram valores significativamente maiores de todos os parâmetros avaliados quando comparadas ao tratamento controle (p < 0.001). Concluímos que esse biofertilizante contribuiu para a produção de plantas mais vigorosas, podendo atuar na dinâmica local de nutrientes nos ecossistemas onde A. balzani ocorre. Além disso, por ser relativamente abundante e fácil de coletar, o SD de A. balzani tem potencial para ser utilizado como biofertilizante na produção de plantas de ciclo de vida curta.

Nest refuse of Acromyrmex balzani (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) increases the plant vigor in Turnera subulata (Turneraceae)

Abstract Some studies report the positive effect of organic residues from ant nests on soil properties and on the structure of the adjacent plant community in field experiments, but there is a gap about the effect on individual species. The purpose of the present study was to compare the soil nutrient content and the development of Turnera subulata Smith, an ornamental species, in the presence of the nest refuse (basically composed of fragments of grass leaves and the symbiotic fungus) produced by the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex balzani (Emery, 1890) or in control soil through a greenhouse pot experiment. The experiment was carried out with two treatments: control soil and soil with 25% of nest refuse. The plants were kept in 1L pots for 90 days. We evaluated the parameters: plant height, stem diameter, root length, number of leaves, dry weight of the root, dry and fresh aboveground biomass. Additionally, the relative chlorophyll content and leaf nutrients were used as nutritional parameters. As a result, plants that grew in the soil with nest refuse showed significant higher values of all parameters evaluated when compared to the control treatment (p 0.001). We conclude that this biofertilizer contributed to the production of more vigorous plants, being able to act on the local dynamics of nutrients in the ecosystems where A. balzani occurs. As it is relatively abundant and easy to collect, the refuse of A. balzani has the potential to be used as an alternative substrate in the production of shortlife cycle plants.

Resumo Alguns estudos relatam o efeito positivo de resíduos orgânicos de formigueiros nas propriedades do solo e na estrutura da comunidade de plantas adjacentes em experimentos de campo, mas há uma lacuna sobre o efeito em espécies individuais. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o desenvolvimento de Turnera subulata Smith, uma espécie ornamental, na presença do substrato de descarte (SD) de formigueiros produzido pela formiga cortadeira Acromyrmex balzani (Emery, 1890) por meio de experimento em casa de vegetação. O experimento foi conduzido com dois tratamentos: solo controle e solo com 25% de SD. As plantas foram mantidas em vasos de 1L por 90 dias. Foram avaliados os parâmetros: altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, comprimento da raiz, número de folhas, massa seca da raiz, biomassa seca e fresca da parte aérea. Além disso, o conteúdo relativo de clorofila e os nutrientes foliares foram usados como parâmetros fisiológicos. Como resultado, as plantas que cresceram no solo com SD apresentaram valores significativamente maiores de todos os parâmetros avaliados quando comparadas ao tratamento controle (p 0.001). Concluímos que esse biofertilizante contribuiu para a produção de plantas mais vigorosas, podendo atuar na dinâmica local de nutrientes nos ecossistemas onde A. balzani ocorre. Além disso, por ser relativamente abundante e fácil de coletar, o SD de A. balzani tem potencial para ser utilizado como biofertilizante na produção de plantas de ciclo de vida curta.

Nest refuse of Acromyrmex balzani (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) increases the plant vigor in Turnera subulata (Turneraceae) / O substrato de descarte de Acromyrmex balzani (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) aumenta o vigor da planta Turnera subulata (Turneraceae)

Abstract Some studies report the positive effect of organic residues from ant nests on soil properties and on the structure of the adjacent plant community in field experiments, but there is a gap about the effect on individual species. The purpose of the present study was to compare the soil nutrient content and the development of Turnera subulata Smith, an ornamental species, in the presence of the nest refuse (basically composed of fragments of grass leaves and the symbiotic fungus) produced by the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex balzani (Emery, 1890) or in control soil through a greenhouse pot experiment. The experiment was carried out with two treatments: control soil and soil with 25% of nest refuse. The plants were kept in 1L pots for 90 days. We evaluated the parameters: plant height, stem diameter, root length, number of leaves, dry weight of the root, dry and fresh aboveground biomass. Additionally, the relative chlorophyll content and leaf nutrients were used as nutritional parameters. As a result, plants that grew in the soil with nest refuse showed significant higher values of all parameters evaluated when compared to the control treatment (p < 0.001). We conclude that this biofertilizer contributed to the production of more vigorous plants, being able to act on the local dynamics of nutrients in the ecosystems where A. balzani occurs. As it is relatively abundant and easy to collect, the refuse of A. balzani has the potential to be used as an alternative substrate in the production of shortlife cycle plants.

Resumo Alguns estudos relatam o efeito positivo de resíduos orgânicos de formigueiros nas propriedades do solo e na estrutura da comunidade de plantas adjacentes em experimentos de campo, mas há uma lacuna sobre o efeito em espécies individuais. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o desenvolvimento de Turnera subulata Smith, uma espécie ornamental, na presença do substrato de descarte (SD) de formigueiros produzido pela formiga cortadeira Acromyrmex balzani (Emery, 1890) por meio de experimento em casa de vegetação. O experimento foi conduzido com dois tratamentos: solo controle e solo com 25% de SD. As plantas foram mantidas em vasos de 1L por 90 dias. Foram avaliados os parâmetros: altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, comprimento da raiz, número de folhas, massa seca da raiz, biomassa seca e fresca da parte aérea. Além disso, o conteúdo relativo de clorofila e os nutrientes foliares foram usados como parâmetros fisiológicos. Como resultado, as plantas que cresceram no solo com SD apresentaram valores significativamente maiores de todos os parâmetros avaliados quando comparadas ao tratamento controle (p < 0.001). Concluímos que esse biofertilizante contribuiu para a produção de plantas mais vigorosas, podendo atuar na dinâmica local de nutrientes nos ecossistemas onde A. balzani ocorre. Além disso, por ser relativamente abundante e fácil de coletar, o SD de A. balzani tem potencial para ser utilizado como biofertilizante na produção de plantas de ciclo de vida curta.

Identification of a predominant genotype of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Brazilian indigenous population

After nearly a century of vaccination and six decades of drug therapy, tuberculosis (TB) kills more people annually than any other infectious disease. Substantial challenges to disease eradication remain among vulnerable and underserved populations. The Guarani-Kaiowá people are an indigenous population in Paraguay and the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul. This community, marginalized in Brazilian society, experiences severe poverty. Like other South American indigenous populations, their TB prevalence is high, but the disease has remained largely unstudied in their communities. Herein, Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from local clinics were whole genome sequenced, and a population genetic framework was generated. Phylogenetics show M. tuberculosis isolates in the Guarani-Kaiowá people cluster away from selected reference strains, suggesting divergence. Most cluster in a single group, further characterized as M. tuberculosis sublineage 4.3.3. Closer analysis of SNPs showed numerous variants across the genome, including in drug resistance-associated genes, and with many unique changes fixed in each group. We report that local M. tuberculosis strains have acquired unique polymorphisms in the Guarani-Kaiowá people, and drug resistance characterization is urgently needed to inform public health to ensure proper care and avoid further evolution and spread of drug-resistant TB

New-onset lupus nephritis after male-to-female sex reassignment surgery.

We report an original case of a 27-year-old transgender woman who developed lupus nephritis after male-to-female sex reassignment surgery. The patient had been taking hormones to induce feminization since the age of 18. She was admitted with malar "butterfly" rash, anasarca and hypertension, associated with an increase in serum creatinine (1.7 mg/dl). Renal involvement was characterized by nephritic and nephrotic syndrome. Autoantibody tests were positive for antinuclear antibodies and anti-double-stranded DNA, and complement levels were markedly reduced. Renal biopsy demonstrated diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis and granular immune complexes deposits with a "full-house" pattern at the immunofluorescence level. The induction treatment was realized with corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide and maintenance immunosuppression phase with mycophenolate, obtaining complete remission. We speculated that lupus nephritis was induced by estrogens and antiandrogen therapy and gonadectomy. In the present case, we discuss the role of sex hormones in systemic lupus erythematosus onset and review the cases linked to transgender patients.

Histodifferentiation of oil palm somatic embryo development at low auxin concentration.

Large-scale propagation of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis, Jacq.) is difficult due to its single apical meristem. Thus, obtaining plants is mainly through seed germination, and a long growing period is required before oil production is possible. An alternative to large-scale seedling production is indirect somatic embryogenesis. The aim of this study was to analyze the somatic embryogenesis process in oil palm (E. guineensis Jacq.) with amino acids and low concentrations of auxins. The Tenera hybrid was analyzed by cytochemical and ultrastructural methods and was used to regenerate oil palm plants. First, calli were induced in MS culture media supplemented with 2,4-D and picloram. Two types of calli were obtained, characterized by beige or translucent color. Beige calli had embryogenic characteristics, such as large nuclei with prominent nucleoli, and they were multiplied for 8 months in MM culture (half strength MS, 1 mg L-1 2,4-D, 2 mg L-1 2iP, 1 mg L-1 IBA, 250 mg L-1 citric acid, 10 mg L-1 cysteine, 100 mg L-1 inositol, 1 mg L-1 thiamine, 1 mg L-1 pyridoxine, 1 mg L-1 nicotinic acid, 1 mg L-1 glycine, 200 mg L-1 malt extract, and 100 mg L-1 casein hydrolysate). After multiplication, the MCB culture medium (half strength MS, supplemented with 0.25 mg L-1 NAA, 2 mg L-1 BAP, MM vitamins and 200 mg L-1 malt extract, and 100 mg L-1 casein hydrolysate) was the most efficient for embryo formation, showing meristematic centers with totipotent cells in histochemical analyses. The somatic embryos were developed and germinated in MG medium (half strength MS, 0.45 mg L-1 IAA, 0.25 mg L-1 BAP, and MM vitamins), transplanted into polyethylene tubes containing pine bark substrates, and acclimatized in a greenhouse, achieving a 97% survival rate. The use of picloram for callus induction and somatic embryogenesis is advantageous and multiplication in MM medium is an important step for increasing cell mass. The calli with light beige color and nodular structures have meristematic cells with dense cytoplasm and totipotential features that later give rise to protoderm, procambium, and ground meristem during the globular, cordiform, and torpedo embryogenesis phases. In MCB medium, the concentration of vitamins and amino acids are crucial for somatic embryogenesis.

Iron excess in rice: from phenotypic changes to functional genomics of WRKY transcription factors.

Iron (Fe) is an essential microelement for all living organisms playing important roles in several metabolic reactions. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is commonly cultivated in paddy fields, where Fe goes through a reduction reaction from Fe3+ to Fe2+. Since Fe2+ is more soluble, it can reach toxic levels inside plant cells, constituting an important target for studies. Here we aimed to verify morphological changes of different rice genotypes focusing on deciphering the underlying molecular network induced upon Fe excess treatments with special emphasis on the role of four WRKY transcription factors. The transcriptional response peak of these WRKY transcription factors in rice seedlings occurs at 4 days of exposition to iron excess. OsWRKY55-like, OsWRKY46, OsWRKY64, and OsWRKY113 are up-regulated in BR IRGA 409, an iron-sensitive genotype, while in cultivars Nipponbare (moderately resistant) and EPAGRI 108 (resistant) the expression profiles of these transcription factors show similar behaviors. Here is also shown that some cis-regulatory elements known to be involved in other different stress responses can be linked to conditions of iron excess. Overall, here we support the role of WRKY transcription factors in iron stress tolerance with other important steps toward finding why some rice genotypes are more tolerant than others.

Mieloma múltiplo em cão com apresentação clínica atípica de paralisia facial bilateral: relato de caso / Multiple Myeloma in dog with atypical clinical presentation of bilateral facial paralysis: case report

Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho relatar um caso de mieloma múltiplo (MM) em uma cadela com apresentação clínica atípica de rigidez da musculatura facial. Foram realizados hemogramas seriados, exames bioquímicos, sumário de urina, sorologia para leishmaniose, radiografias de crânio, citologia de medula óssea e eletroforese de proteínas séricas. O infiltrado plasmocitário em medula óssea >20%, a gamopatia monoclonal e as lesões compatíveis com lise óssea, observados no mielograma, eletroforese de proteínas e exame radiográfico, respectivamente, foram determinantes para conclusão diagnóstica de MM. A doença pode ter uma apresentação clínica variável em cães e representar um desafio ao diagnóstico na clínica de animais de companhia, principalmente em áreas endêmicas de doenças infecciosas que se manifestam com apresentações clínicas e laboratoriais semelhantes.(AU)

This paper reports a case of multiple myeloma (MM) in a bitch with atypical clinical presentation of rigidity of the facial muscles. Hemogram, biochemical tests, urinalysis, serology for leishmaniasis, skull radiography, bone marrow cytology and serum protein electrophoresis were performed. The plasma cell infiltration in bone marrow was >20 %, the monoclonal gammopathy and lesions compatible with bone lysis observed in the myelogram, protein electrophoresis and radiographic examination respectively, were decisive for diagnostic conclusion of MM. The disease may have a variable clinical presentation in dogs and pose a challenge for diagnosis in the pet clinic, especially in endemic areas of infectious diseases that present with similar clinical and laboratory presentations.(AU)

Avaliação hematológica e hemogasométrica de potros nascidos de éguas com placentite ascendente / Hematological and hemogasometric evaluation of foals born from mares with ascending placentitis

A placentite é a principal causa de partos prematuros, aborto e nascimento de potros comprometidos, podendo causar hipóxia e septicemia. A hematologia e a gasometria venosa fornecem informações importantes para o monitoramento da saúde de potros nascidos de éguas com placentite. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever os valores hematológicos e hemogasométricos durante as primeiras 24h de vida em potros nascidos de éguas mestiças Crioulas submetidas à indução experimental de placentite, com diferentes graus de maturidade. Foram utilizados 16 potros nascidos de éguas submetidas à indução experimental de placentite, divididos em três grupos de acordo com o grau de maturidade: prematuro (n=8), dismaturo (n=4) e a termo (n=4). Foram realizadas coletas sanguíneas nos momentos 0h, 12h e 24h para realização de hemograma completo e gasometria venosa. No eritrograma, foi observada anemia normocítica normocrômica no grupo prematuro em relação ao grupo dismaturo nas 12h e 24h. O grupo prematuro apresentou menor contagem de leucócitos totais nas 24h em relação ao grupo a termo (P=0,01). Os valores de pH, cHCO3 e SO2 não diferiram entre os grupos, porém os animais prematuros apresentaram acidose respiratória (pH=7,28). A PCO2 nos prematuros foi maior na 0h (P=0,02). Nos três grupos, a PCO2 apresentou uma curva adaptativa com redução dos valores durante as 12h e 24h. Os potros prematuros mostraram menores valores de excesso de base (BE) no nascimento (P=0,02), confirmando o quadro de acidose respiratória. Concluiu-se que as respostas hematológicas e hemogasométricas diferem entre potros com diferentes graus de maturidade. A acidose observada no grupo prematuro ao nascimento, com estabilização e resposta compensatória durante as 12h e 24h, demonstra a necessidade de avaliação hemogasométrica sequencial em potros de risco, o que permite a identificação da resposta clínica ao processo e, assim, auxilia no estabelecimento do tratamento e prognóstico para esses potros.(AU)

The placentitis is a major cause of premature birth, abortion and compromised foal delivery, and may result in hypoxia and sepsis. The blood gas analysis and hematology can provide important information for monitoring the foals born from mares with placentitis, with different degrees of maturity. The aim of this study was to describe the hematological and blood gas values during the first 24 hours of life in foals born from crossbreed mares with experimentally induced placentitis, presenting different degrees of maturity. Sixteen foals, born from mares with experimentally induced ascending placentitis were assigned to three groups according to degree of maturity: premature (n=8), dysmature (n=4), and full-term foals (n=4). Blood samples were collected at birth (0), at 12h and 24h, and hematological evaluation and blood gas variables were measured. In the premature group normocytic normochromic anemia was observed compared to dysmature group at 12h and 24h. The premature group showed lower count of white blood cells at 24h relative to the full-term group (p=0.01). The pH, cHCO3 and SO2 values do not differ among the groups; however the premature group showed respiratory acidosis (pH=7,28). The PCO2 was higher at 0h in the premature foals (p=0.02). In all groups, the PCO2 presented an adaptive curve with reduction between 12h and 24h. The premature foals showed lower base excess (BE) values at birth (p=0.02), confirming the respiratory acidosis in this group. We conclude that the hematological and blood gas response differs between foals with different degrees of maturity. Acidosis in the premature foals at birth, with stabilization and compensation of pH value during the first 12-24h demonstrate the necessity of sequential blood gas analysis in risk foals. This may help identify the clinical response to the process and assist in the establishment of adequate treatment and prognosis for these foals.(AU)

Comparison of different degrees of variability in tidal volume to prevent deterioration of respiratory system elastance in experimental acute lung inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Variable ventilation improves respiratory function, but it is not known whether the amount of variability in tidal volume (VT) can be reduced in recruited lungs without a deterioration of respiratory system elastance. METHODS: Acute lung inflammation was induced by intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide in 35 Wistar rats. Twenty-eight animals were anaesthetized and ventilated in volume-controlled mode. Lungs were recruited by random variation of VT (mean 6 ml kg(-1), coefficient of variation 30%, normal distribution) for 30 min. Animals were randomly assigned to different amounts of VT variability (n=7 for 90 min per group): 30, 15, 7.5, or 0%. Lung function, diffuse alveolar damage, and gene expression of biological markers associated with cell mechanical stress, inflammation, and fibrogenesis were assessed. Seven animals were not ventilated and served as controls for post-mortem analyses. RESULTS: A VT variability of 30%, but not 15, 7.5, or 0%, prevented deterioration of respiratory system elastance [Mean (SD) -7.5 (8.7%), P<0.05; 21.1 (9.6%), P<0.05; 43.3 (25.9), P<0.05; and 41.2 (16.4), P<0.05, respectively]. Diffuse alveolar damage was lower with a VT variability of 30% than with 0% and without ventilation, because of reduced oedema and haemorrhage. A VT variability of 30, 15, or 7.5% reduced the gene expression of amphiregulin, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1, and tumour necrosis factor α compared with a VT variability of 0%. CONCLUSIONS: In this model of acute lung inflammation, a VT variability of 30%, compared with 15 and 7.5%, was necessary to avoid deterioration of respiratory system elastance and was not associated with lung histological damage.

Maturidade de potros nascidos de éguas com placentite / Maturity of foals from the mares with placentitis

Objetivou-se descrever a maturidade neonatal através da resposta clínica, comportamental e hematológica de potros nascidos de éguas com placentite. Participaram do estudo seis potros nascidos de éguas submetidas à indução experimental de placentite ascendente através da infusão intracervical de Streptococcus equi subespécie zooepidemicus e tratadas com Sulfa-trimetoprim e Flunixin meglumine. A formação dos grupos neonatais foi realizada de acordo com o grau de viabilidade e sobrevivência até 60 horas: Grupo Não Sobreviventes (n=2); Grupo Debilitados (n=2); Grupo Saudáveis (n=2). Foi considerado o tempo de gestação, período de intervalo inoculação-parto, avaliação comportamental, clínica e hematológica. O Grupo dos potros Saudáveis apresentou maior tempo de gestação (320±2 dias) e maior intervalo inoculação-parto (20,5±2,5 dias). Os Grupos Não Sobreviventes e Debilitados apresentaram atraso para decúbito esternal e reflexo de sucção. Foi observada bradicardia e hipotermia com 48h de vida no Grupo Não Sobreviventes. Os potros do Grupo Não Sobreviventes e Saudáveis apresentaram leucopenia no nascimento com discretas variações até as 48h. Os potros nascidos de éguas com placentite ascendente e tratadas demonstraram evolução clínica e respostas neonatais distintas. Conclui-se que, quanto maior o tempo de manutenção da gestação após a injúria placentária, melhor será a maturação fetal, o que refletirá em viabilidade e melhor capacidade de resposta neonatal...

The aim of this study was to describe the neonatal maturity through clinical, behavioral and hematologic response of foals born from mares with placentitis. Were used six foals born from mares subjected to experimentally induced ascending placentitis through intracervical infusion of Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus and treated with trimethoprim sulfametoxazole and flunixin meglumine. The neonatal groups were performed according to the viability and survival rate up to 60 hours: No Survivors group (n = 2); Debilitated group (n = 2); Healthy group (n = 2). Gestational length, the period between inoculation and delivery, and behavioral, clinical and hematologic evaluations were considered. The Healthy group showed longer gestation length (320±2 days) and longer inoculation-delivery interval (20.5±2.5 days). No Survivors and Debilitated groups showed delay in sternal recumbency and sucking reflex. Bradycardia and hypothermia was observed at 48 hours of life in No Survivors Group. Foals from No Survivors and Healthy groups showed leukopenia at birth with slight variations until 48h. Foals born from mares with ascending placentitis and treated showed distinct clinical and neonatal responses. It is concluded that the longer the maintenance of gestation after placental injury, better is the fetal maturation, which reflects in better viability and ability to neonatal response...

A data mining system for providing analytical information on brain tumors to public health decision makers.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in economically developed countries and the second leading cause of death in developing countries. Malignant brain neoplasms are among the most devastating and incurable forms of cancer, and their treatment may be excessively complex and costly. Public health decision makers require significant amounts of analytical information to manage public treatment programs for these patients. Data mining, a technology that is used to produce analytically useful information, has been employed successfully with medical data. However, the large-scale adoption of this technique has been limited thus far because it is difficult to use, especially for non-expert users. One way to facilitate data mining by non-expert users is to automate the process. Our aim is to present an automated data mining system that allows public health decision makers to access analytical information regarding brain tumors. The emphasis in this study is the use of ontology in an automated data mining process. The non-experts who tried the system obtained useful information about the treatment of brain tumors. These results suggest that future work should be conducted in this area.

Infecção por cestóides proteocefalídeos em tucunaré Cichla sp. (Osteichthyes: Cichlidae), no Rio Paraná, São Paulo / Proteocephalid cestode infection in tucunaré Cichla sp. (Osteichthyes: Cichlidae) from Paraná River, São Paulo

The occurrence of proteocephalid cestodes in tucunaré Cichla sp., captured monthly, between August 2000 and August 2001, in Paraná River, Presidente Epitácio, SP, was evaluated. From 128 specimens, 71 (55.6 percent) were parasitized by Proteocephalus macrophallus (Diesing, 1850) and/or P. microscopicus (Woodland, 1935). Total mean abundance and intensity were 157.08 and 223.41, respectively. The highest prevalence (90 percent) mean abundance (1,122.4) and intensity indexes (1,247.11) occurred in February 2001, while in September 2000 there were no observed animals infected by cestodes. No relationship between the sex of the host and parasitological indexes was found.

Avaliou-se a ocorrência de cestóides proteocefalídeos em tucunaré Cichla sp., capturados mensalmente, entre agosto de 2000 e agosto de 2001, no rio Paraná, em Presidente Epitácio, SP. Um total de 128 espécimes foram analisados, dos quais 71 (55,6 por cento) estavam parasitados por Proteocephalus macrophallus (Diesing, 1850) e/ou P. microscopicus (Woodland, 1935). A abundância e intensidade média total foram de 157,08 e 223,41, respectivamente. A maior prevalência (90 por cento), juntamente com os maiores índices de abundância (1122,4) e intensidade média (1247,11) ocorreram no mês de fevereiro 2001, enquanto no mês de setembro 2000 não foram observados animais parasitados por cestóides. Não houve relação entre o sexo do hospedeiro e os índices parasitológicos.

Caracterização morfológica dos órgãos internos de reprodução de Spartocera dentiventris (Berg, 1884) (Hemiptera: Coreidae) em diferentes idades / Reproductive organs of Spartocera dentiventris (Berg, 1884) (Hemiptera: Coreidae) at different ages

Nesse estudo foi descrita, mensurada e ilustrada, a genitália interna de machos e fêmeas de Spartocera dentiventris considerando distintas idades. As alterações mais evidentes no sistema reprodutivo foram observadas na largura e no comprimento dos ovários que permitem a distinção entre os estágios imaturo e reprodutivo. As medidas dos órgãos de reprodução de machos não apresentam diferenças significativas nas diferentes idades.

In this work, the internal reproductive organs of Spartocera dentiventris males and females with different ages are described, measured and illustrated. The most significant changes in the reproductive organs were found in the length and width of ovaries, which permit the distinction between immature and reproductive stages. No significant difference was found among the measurements of the reproductive structures of males at the different ages.

Monogenoidea (Dactylogyridae) em tilápias-do-nilo cultivadas sob diferentes densidades de estocagem em tanques-rede / Monogenoidea (Dactylogyridae) in Nile tilapia cultured under different stocking densities in cages

Avaliaram-se a prevalência e a intensidade de infecção por Monogenoidea em tilápias-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) cultivadas sob diferentes densidades de estocagem em tanques-rede de 4m³. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos - densidades (D) de D1=250, D2=300, D3=350 e D4=400 peixes/m³, três repetições por tratamento, utilizando-se 360 peixes capturados e analisados no período de fevereiro a junho de 2003. Os parâmetros físico-químicos da água foram mensalmente monitorados. Observaram-se prevalências de 52,8; 62,5; 69,4; 83,3; 58,3 por cento e intensidade média parasitária de 112,8; 65,7; 274,0; 97,8; 100,2 de Dactylogyrus sp. (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae). Não houve relação da prevalência e intensidade de infecção com a densidade de cultivo, porém foi verificado efeito quadrático (P<0,05) da intensidade parasitária em função do mês. Verificaram-se maior intensidade média de infecção (274) e elevada prevalência (83,3 por cento) nos meses em que a temperatura e a transparência da água oscilaram abaixo dos limites recomendados para o conforto térmico e bem-estar das tilápias.

The prevalence and infection intensity of Monogenoidea in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultivated under different stocking densities in 4m³ cages were evaluated. The experiment was designed in sample random sampling with four treatments - densities (D) of D1=250, D2=300, D3=350, and D4=400 fish/m³- and three repetitions, using 360 fish captured and analyzed during the period from February to June 2003. Physiochemical parameters of the water were monthly monitored. Prevalences of 52.8; 62.5; 69.4; 83.3; and 58.3 percent and parasitic mean intensities of 112.8; 65.7; 274.0; 97.8; and 100.2 Dactylogyrus sp. (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae) were observed. No relationship between the prevalence and infection intensity with the cultivation density was found. However, quadratic effect was verified (P<0.05) related to the parasitic intensity in function of the month. High mean intensity of infection (274) and high prevalence (83.3 percent) were verified in the months in that the temperature and the transparency of the water oscillated below the recommended limits for the thermal comfort and well-being of tilapia.

Seasonal abundance and mortality of Oebalus poecilus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in a hibernation refuge

Oebalus poecilus (Dallas) é praga importante do arroz irrigado no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Este inseto hiberna durante os meses mais frios em refúgios como o folhedo de bambu. Este estudo objetivou elucidar a hibernação de O. poecilus e determinar as causas de mortalidade durante este período. O estudo foi realizado em um bambuzal com cerca de 140 m2, situado em área orizícola, em Eldorado do Sul (30° 02’ S e 51° 23’ W), RS. De junho/2000 à abril/2002, foram realizadas 63 amostragens de folhedo, em intervalos semanais ou quinzenais e o número de percevejos registrado em laboratório. A entrada no refúgio de hibernação (folhedo de bambu) iniciou na primeira semana de março, completando-se no início de maio. O. poecilus abandonou o refúgio da metade de outubro até o final de dezembro. O parasitismo por mosca (taquinídeos) e o fungo Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. foram os principais fatores de mortalidade.

Bronchoscopic palliation of primary lung cancer: single or multimodality therapy?

BACKGROUND: An obstructing primary lung cancer is a challenging disease frequently requiring endobronchial interventional therapy. A variety of interventional modalities, including Nd:YAG laser, stenting, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and endoluminal brachytherapy, are utilized to relieve airway obstruction and bleeding. The aim of this study is to compare the effect on patient survival of bronchoscopic palliation for lung cancer utilizing one interventional modality compared to the use of combination of modalities to relieve the airway problem. METHODS. We reviewed our longitudinal experience with interventional bronchoscopy in 75 patients who underwent 176 procedures for the management of endobronchial lung cancer between 1994 and 2002. Indication for intervention was hemoptysis in 24 patients (32%) and airway obstruction in the remaining. Six patients died within 30 days from the first intervention and were excluded. Forty of the surviving 69 patients (58%) were treated with a single interventional modality (group A). In 29 patients (42%) a multimodality endoscopic treatment was utilized (group B). Single-modality treatment in group A included Nd-YAG laser in 60%, stent in 17%, brachytherapy in 20%, and PDT in 3%. A variety of combinations of the aforementioned modalities were used in group B to enhance airway patency. Patient data were compared with the Student's t-test and chi-square test. Survival analysis and the log rank test were used to compare difference in survival between the two groups. A p-value of 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: There were 46 males and 23 females, with a mean age of 67 years. The tumor was located in the trachea 9%, in the carina in 7%, and primary bronchial in 84%. Two patients had complications due to stent malposition. There was no significant difference between the two groups in relation to age, gender, tumor location, histology, and type of previous cancer therapy. There was a significant improvement in survival for the multimodality group (p = 0.04). The 1- and 3-year cumulative survival rate for groups A and B was 51.3% versus 50% and 2.3% versus 22%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in survival can be seen with diligent airway surveillance after interventional bronchoscopy and liberal use of a variety of endobronchial treatment modalities for airway obstruction or bleeding. Physicians involved in the management of this difficult problem should be versed in the use of all available treatment modalities to enhance therapeutic outcome.

Characterization of the imaginal reproductive diapause of Oebalus poecilus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

The state of development of the internal reproductive organs of male and female Oebalus poecilus (Dallas) as well as the body fat amount in the abdominal cavity during hibernation, of individuals sampled in bamboo litter in Eldorado do Sul (30º02'S and 51º23'W), RS, Brazil was investigated. Females and males showed the abdominal cavity filled with body fat in the beginning of the hibernation phase. The decrease in fat reserve level occurred from August on for males and from October on for females. Ovaries and testis doubled in length and tripled in width from immature to the reproductive phase. Male sexual maturation occurred in the hibernation sites while for females it occurred later on outside of the sites. Reproductive organ immaturity and abdominal body fat hypertrophy characterized the diapause of O. poecilus.