Segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis can detect differences between the affected and non-affected limbs in individuals with hip osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the bioelectrical impedance parameters of the lower limbs of individuals with hip osteoarthritis and healthy individuals. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: The study was carried out at the Hip Surgery Outpatient Clinic. PARTICIPANTS: The volunteers had to be between 45 and 70 years of age, of both sexes, with a clinical and radiological diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis for at least three years, unilateral involvement, or a significant complaint in one hip. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Fifty-four individuals were recruited for the study, 31 individuals with hip osteoarthritis (OA group) and 29 healthy individuals for the control group (C group). Demographic and anthropometric data were collected and then the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, WOMAC, Harris Hip Score, and bioimpedance assessment were applied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Electrical bioimpedance parameters. Phase angle (PhA), impedance, reactance, and muscle mass. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in phase angle (PhA), impedance, and muscle mass at 50 kHz frequency on the side affected by OA when compared to the contralateral side. In the OA group, there was a significant decrease in phase angle (PhA) -0.54 (-0.85 to -0.23) and muscle mass - 0.29 (-0.40 to -0,19), as well as an increase in impedance at the 50 kHz frequency on the side affected by OA when compared to contralateral side 21.71 (13.69 to 29.74). In the C group, there was no difference between the dominant and non-dominant sides (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The segmental electrical bioimpedance equipment can detect differences between limbs affected and unaffected by hip osteoarthritis.

The action of clove (Syzygium aromaticum ) and thyme ( Thymus vulgaris) essential oils in the control of Acanthhoscelides obtectus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in laboratory.

The objective of this study was to assess the efficiency of essential oils of cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) on the control of Acanthoscelides obtectus in laboratory conditions. The extraction of the oils was executed by the hydro-distillation method in a Clevenger device, for 4 hours and the design used was completely randomized, with five replications, in a 10x8 factorial arrangement (dozes and exposition time) with ten concentrations (20; 10; 5; 2.5; 1.75; 0.75; 0.5; 0.25 and 0.0% and Tween® 5.0%). Each replication was comprised by 10 unsexed insects of A. obtectus. The variables evaluated are as follows: control efficiency and CL50 through the Proc Probit analysis. The evaluations were carried out in 1, 2, 3, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after the treatment. The results demonstrate that the essential oils of cloves and thyme caused 100% of mortality after 48 and 72 hours, respectively, in the 20% concentration. The Cl50 was estimated at 30.46 µL mL-1 for the oil of cloves and 24.93 µL mL-1 for the oil of thyme. The use of essential oils of cloves and thyme represent a viable alternative for use in storehouses for the integrated management of A. obtectus.

Expansion of the area of occurrence of the genus Anochetus Mayr 1861 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

The study was carried out on an agroecological property located in Cologne São Manoel, 8th district of Pelotas, RS, Brazil. Anochetus neglectus Emery, 1894 was collected in an area of peach orchard that has been under an agroecological system for 18 years. This record expands the area of ​​occurrence and distribution of this rare species in the Neotropical Region.

The use of toxic baits for the suppression of Mediterranean fruit fly in mango orchards.

Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) is an insect of major economic importance in the mango orchards of the submedium of the São Francisco River Valley, the main area of mango production and exportation in Brazil. To provide alternatives for the management of C. capitata, toxic baits based on alpha-cypermethrin (Gelsura®) and spinosad (Success® 0.02 CB) were evaluated in three commercial mango experiments during two consecutive harvests: 2016/2017 (experiment 1 - area 1) and 2017/2018 (experiment 2 -area 2 and experiment 3 - area 3). According to the results, there was a large reduction in the infestation of C. capitata after five sequential applications of the alpha-cypermethrin (6 g.ha-1) and spinosad (0.38 g.ha-1) toxic baits performed at seven-day intervals during mango fruit ripening in all experiments and years (harvest) evaluated. Compared with the untreated plots, the plots with alpha-cypermethrin and spinosad applications showed a significant reduction in the damage induced (fallen fruits and/or on trees) by C. capitata. The management of C. capitata in mango orchards can include the use of the toxic bait based on alpha-cypermethrin, which represents an alternative to rotate with spinosad toxic bait in the São Francisco River Valley.

Study of the Counter Cation Effects on the Supramolecular Structure and Electronic Properties of a Dianionic Oxamate-Based {NiII2} Helicate.

Herein, we describe the synthesis, crystal structure, and electronic properties of {[K2(dmso)(H2O)5][Ni2(H2mpba)3]·dmso·2H2O}n (1) and [Ni(H2O)6][Ni2(H2mpba)3]·3CH3OH·4H2O (2) [dmso = dimethyl sulfoxide; CH3OH = methanol; and H4mpba = 1,3-phenylenebis(oxamic acid)] bearing the [Ni2(H2mpba)3]2- helicate, hereafter referred to as {NiII2}. SHAPE software calculations indicate that the coordination geometry of all the NiII atoms in 1 and 2 is a distorted octahedron (Oh) whereas the coordination environments for K1 and K2 atoms in 1 are Snub disphenoid J84 (D2d) and distorted octahedron (Oh), respectively. The {NiII2} helicate in 1 is connected by K+ counter cations yielding a 2D coordination network with sql topology. In contrast to 1, the electroneutrality of the triple-stranded [Ni2(H2mpba)3] 2- dinuclear motif in 2 is achieved by a [Ni(H2O)6]2+ complex cation, where the three neighboring {NiII2} units interact in a supramolecular fashion through four R22(10) homosynthons yielding a 2D array. Voltammetric measurements reveal that both compounds are redox active (with the NiII/NiI pair being mediated by OH- ions) but with differences in formal potentials that reflect changes in the energy levels of molecular orbitals. The NiII ions from the helicate and the counter-ion (complex cation) in 2 can be reversibly reduced, resulting in the highest faradaic current intensities. The redox reactions in 1 also occur in an alkaline medium but at higher formal potentials. The connection of the helicate with the K+ counter cation has an impact on the energy levels of the molecular orbitals; this experimental behavior was further supported by X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) experiments and computational calculations.

Osteopontin: another piece in the systemic lupus erythematosus immunopathology puzzle.

Osteopontin (OPN) is a phosphoglycoprotein involved in bone remodelling, wound healing, cell adhesion, tissue remodelling, and immune response that is distributed widely in normal adult tissues. OPN biological activity is regulated by thrombin and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) cleavage, where the full-length (OPN-FL) protein and the cleaved OPN-N are associated with autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). OPN overexpression has been associated with a predisposition to SLE and bad prognosis since OPN could mediate a sustained polyclonal B cell activation that besides to intracellular OPN (iOPN) form, promote the T follicular helper (TFH) cells and enhance anti-nuclear antibody production. Currently, the role of OPN in lupus nephritis (LN) has been reported and extensively studied; however, no data are available about the potential mechanism of OPN in neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE). In this review, we highlighted the contribution of OPN and iOPN in LN and NPSLE immunopathology.

Sequential sampling plan for Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) in guava orchards.

This study aimed to elaborate a sequential sampling plan for C. capitata in commercial orchards of guava. 90 McPhail traps were randomly installed in three guava orchards in a transverse direction for 23 weeks. The data were submitted to sequential probability ratio test. Adopted the average of 0.3 C. capitata for the level of security and 0.7 for the control action. In this sequential sampling plan was defined the average number of 0.40 adults of C. capitata for each trap McPhail (sample). The sequential plan generated is unprecedented and will contribute to the rapid and safe decision making in the control of C. capitata population in guava farming.

Insecticide-mediated effects on mating success and reproductive output of Drosophila suzukii.

Exposure to sublethal concentrations can have adverse effects on certain individuals, but, can also favor survival and reproduction of others. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of exposing Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) adults to LC50 of spinetoram and lambda-cyhalothrin and field rate of thiamethoxam on their mating, reproductive output and longevity. The LC50 for lambda-cyhalothrin and for spinetoram were 7.83 and 32.91 ng a.i./cm2, respectively. Thiamethoxam, in the concentrations tested, was not toxic to D. suzukii, therefore, we use the recommended concentration for strawberry, 231.25 ng a.i./cm2, in the sublethal tests. Insects exposed to LC50 of lambda-cyhalothrin were more likely to mate, but presented shorter copula. Sublethal exposure to thiamethoxam lead to an increase in total fecundity. Among the insecticides tested, spinetoram presented the least expressive effects. Longevity was not affected by any of the tested insecticides. Results presented in this study are relevant to D. suzukii management since the stimulatory effects shown on this pest species can collaborate to outbreaks and insecticide resistance.

Impact of gamma radiation dose on sterility and quality parameters of Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a major fruit pest, which is basicaly controlled using insecticides, which represents a risk to beneficial arthropods, human health and food contamination. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a potential alternative tool for the management of this pest, however, only conflicting data is found regarding the optimal dose to achieve sterility. Thus, this study evaluated the effect of gamma radiation doses (0, 40, 50, 60 and 70 Gy) on male and female reproductive sterility, gonads morphometry, emergence, flight ability, and longevity under nutritional stress of A. fraterculus. Full female sterility was achieved at 50 Gy, while full male sterility was achieved at 70 Gy. Both ovarian and testicular sizes were affected by irradiation, while no influence was observed on the quality parameters evaluated. Our results suggest that 70 Gy applied 48 h before adult emergence can be used to sterilize A. fraterculus in a SIT programme.

What is the influence of agroecological and conventional crops under ant assemblages?

The objective of the study was to compare the richness and diversity of ant assemblages in an agroecological system under peach orchard, conventional system under peach orchard cultivation and native vegetation in rural properties located in a Pampa Biome. The study was conducted in four samplings in 2017: 1st and 09th March (summer); 24th and 31st July (winter); and four samplings in 2018: 23rd and 30th January (summer); 31st July and 07th August (winter). Pitfall traps were used. The assemblages were characterized and compared using richness, number of occurrences of ants, Shannon diversity (H'), equitability, rarefaction analysis and Chao 1. The association of the species with the samples was evaluated by a Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The agroecological system had the highest number of occurrences, while the conventional orchard the lowest number. Richness and abundance were greatest during the summer. The conventional peach orchard obtained the lowest H' for both seasons when compared to the agroecological orchard and native vegetation. The PCA explained 77.40% of the occurrence of ants in the environments and in the seasons. The results found demonstrated that conservationist systems tend to harbor greater wealth and diversity of ant assemblages, as well as occurring in native áreas.

Presence of anti-TIF-1γ, anti-Ro52, anti-SSA/Ro60 and anti-Su/Ago2 antibodies in breast cancer: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The presence of myositis-specific antibodies (MSA), was recently reported in healthy individuals, cancer patients without myopathy and paraneoplastic rheumatic syndromes. We sought to analyze the frequency of MSA, myositis-associated antibodies (MAA) and autoantibodies related to systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD) in breast cancer patients. METHODS: One hundred fifty-two breast cancer patients were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Clinical information was collected, and autoantibodies tested by immunoprecipitation of an 35S-methionine-labeled K562 cell extract, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot when indicated. All statistical tests were performed using the software statistical package for the social science (SPSS) ver. 19.0 (IBM Inc., NYSE, USA). RESULTS: Autoantibodies associated with SARD: anti-52 kD ribonucleoprotein/tripartite motif-containing 21 (anti-Ro52/TRIM21) was found in 5.9% (9/152), anti-Sjögren syndrome-related antigen A/60 kD ribonucleoprotein antibody (anti-SSA/Ro60) in 3.9% (6/152) and anti-Su antigen/Argonaute 2 antibody (anti-Su/Ago2) in 2.6% (4/152). Meanwhile, anti-transcription intermediary factor-1γ (anti-TIF-1γ, p155/140) antibody was positive in 2 cases and anti-polymyositis/scleroderma antibody was detected in one case. As a whole, 14.47% (22/152) of breast cancer patients showed autoantibodies associated with SARD. These specific autoantibodies were not associated with the presence of rheumatic diseases except one rheumatoid arthritis patient positive for anti-Ro52/TRIM21. CONCLUSIONS: Autoantibodies to TIF-1γ were found in two patients with breast cancer without dermatomyositis (DM). More common specificities were autoantibodies anti-SSA/Ro60, anti-Ro52/TRIM21 and anti-Su/Ago2. More studies are needed in order to establish the biological meaning of the presence of SARD-associated autoantibodies in breast cancer.

Influence of wing bands and behavior of Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) by the presence of Megafreya sutrix (Araneae: Salticidae).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of wing bands and the behavior of Anastrepha fraterculus in the presence of Megafreya sutrix. The first experiment used specimens of M. sutrix (n = 40), 20 males and 20 females of A. fraterculus and Musca domestica. The second experiment used 20 individuals of M. sutrix (10 males and 10 females) and 120 of A. fraterculus (20 males and 20 females) for each treatment. Marks were made on the wings of the flies: a group with painted wing bands (n = 40) with their wings fully painted; another with highlighted wing bands (n = 40) and normal bands (n = 40). Recordings were made for 15 min or until the fly was preyed upon. The analyses were performed through observation of the recordings and Chi-square test with Yates correction for continuity. The values found for predation of A. fraterculus were significant when compared to M. domestica when evaluating the predation factor, showing that, A. fraterculus is less predated than M. domestica. It was found that the wing patterns did not influence the predatory behavior of M. sutrix.

Evaluation of food baits to capture Drosophila suzukii in the southern of Brazil.

Drosophila suzukii is one of the main pests of small fruits in the world. An effective monitoring is fundamental to detect the presence of the fly and to predict the infestation of fruits in new areas. We evaluated the food baits Ceratrap®, Torula®, Biofruit®, Suzukii Trap®, apple cider vinegar, and a homemade mixture comprising wine, vinegar and molasses (WVM) for D. suzukii attractiveness, and if reproductive stage affects females attraction and capture in the different baits. Bait selectivity of non-target insects was assessed. The preference of adults between ripe blackberry fruit and the food baits was also evaluated. Adults showed a higher attraction (61.97% of the captured insects) to the WVM mixture than to Ceratrap® (1.32%), Torula® (0.52%), Biofruit® (13.15%), Suzukii Trap® (17.6%), and apple vinegar (5.4%). Considering the attractiveness to D. suzukii, Suzukii Trap® and apple vinegar were the most selective to non-target insects. In general, reproductively immature females showed a preference for Biofruit®, apple vinegar, and WVM, whereas mature females did not show bait preferences. Adults preferred ripe blackberry fruit over the WVM mixture. Understanding the field behavior of D. suzukii is of foremost importance to estimate insect population density and outline pest management strategies.

Spatial distribution and control levels of Anastrepha spp. (Diptera: Tephritidae) in guava orchards.

This study aimed to know the patterns of spatial distribution of Anastrepha spp. and establish a criterion for determining the appropriate time for pest control. For this, 90 McPhail traps were used as Sampling Units (SU) divided into three commercial orchards of Novo Milênio guava with a total area of 14 ha. Traps were interspersed between the rows of plants, systematically in the orchards, hung and baited with 5% hydrolyzed corn protein with weekly collections. We caught 8,170 Anastrepha spp. in 840 SU. The mean infestation index was compared to the three types of distribution: random, uniform, aggregate, and fit by the theoretical frequency distributions of Poisson, negative binomial and positive binomial. The populations of Anastrepha presented aggregate distribution according to the mean variance method (I), tested by distance from randomness. The economic damage risk potential of Anastrepha spp. was associated with the aggregate distribution behavior. The most appropriate moment for the use of control techniques is when reaching 20 flies by the negative binomial. On the other hand, number of fruit fly adults per trap per day (FTD), underestimates population index, which will allow population growth, leading to risk of crop production loss.

Epithelial membrane antigen and DOG1 expression in minor salivary gland tumours.

Epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and DOG1 are used as marker of epithelial cells, particularly the luminal cells, of salivary gland tumours. The aim of this study was to compare the EMA and DOG1 expression in tumours of minor salivary glands. Cases of pleomorphic adenoma (PA), basal cell adenoma (BCA), canalicular adenoma (CA), adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) and epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) were submitted to immunohistochemistry for EMA and DOG1. In PA and BCA, EMA and DOG1 were observed in luminal cells, while in CA the tumour cells were negative for both proteins. The EMA and DOG1 pattern expression detected in EMC was similar to that one observed in benign tumours. In ACC, both myoepithelial e epithelial expressed EMA and DOG-1. PAC tumour cells were only positive for DOG1, whereas MEC were only positive for EMA. In conclusion, EMA and DOG1 expression in benign salivary gland tumours was similar to normal salivary gland tissue and can be used as good marker of tumoral cells derived from intercalated ducts or its progenitor cells, while in malignant salivary gland tumours EMA expression is, however, better used as an indicator of aggressive behavior than a marker of luminal cells.

Sequential sampling plan for fruit fly species of the Genus Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae) in guava orchards.

This study aimed to elaborate a sequential sampling plan for Anastrepha species in commercial orchards of guava Psidium guajava Novo Milênio cultivar. Samplings were carried out in three orchards in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. Fruit flies were sampled for 23 weeks. Data were subjected to the sequential probability ratio test. We adopted the mean of 0.3 Anastrepha individuals for the safety level and 0.7 for the control level and the observed frequency was adjusted to the negative binomial expected frequency (Bn) for the equation of the line. The condition of adopting a control method recommended by S1 = 6.5554 + 0.5362n was observed in the upper line. In turn, the lower line, which does not require the use of a control method, is defined by So = -2.8229 + 0.5362n. The sequential sampling plan predicted the expected maximum number of 37 sampling units to decide whether or not to use control method(s). This sequential plan was defined with mean number of 0.54 adults for each McPhail trap unit (sample). The sequential plan generated is unprecedented and will contribute to the rapid and safe decision making in the control of Anastrepha species of economic importance in guava farming.

Population suppression of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) on table grapes using toxic baits.

To provide alternatives to the use of spraying synthetic insecticides in C. capitata management, was evaluated the effect of "attract and kill" toxic baits on population suppression of C. capitata in three commercial areas producing table grapes. Toxic baits of Gelsura™ (4.5 L ha-1) and Success™ 0.02 CB (4.0 L ha-1) resulted in lower population levels of C. capitata adults in monitoring traps after five sequential applications at weekly intervals during the maturation period of the grapes when compared with control plots with or without insecticidal spray. In addition, plots with Gelsura™ and Success™ 0.02 CB applications showed a significant reduction in damage (%) by C. capitata on grape berries and grape bunches when compared with control plots without or with insecticidal spray. However, when compared with a plot treated by conventional management with sprays of etofenprox (Safety™, 100 g c.p. (commercial product) 100 L-1) and applications of spinosad (Success™ 0.02 CB toxic bait) with a brush, only Gelsura™ (4.5 L ha-1) showed a lower level of damage of grape berries and grape bunches. Toxic baits Gelsura™ (4.5 L ha-1) and Success™ 0.02 CB (4.0 L ha-1) are promising alternatives for the population suppression of C. capitata on table grapes.

Richness and structure of ant assemblies (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Atlantic forest in southern Brazil.

Ant diversity is influenced by the structural complexity of the environment. Ants are thus an ecologically important group due to their potential to serve as indicators of environmental quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate ant diversity in areas with different land use histories and thus, within different stages of regeneration in the Permanent Preservation Area of the Foz do Chapecó Hydroelectric Plant reservoir. Ant assemblies among sample sites were compared using rarefaction analysis, and estimated richness, frequency of occurrence, and relative abundance were calculated. Associations between species and sample sites were evaluated using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). We identified 55 species in total from 24 genera, distributed among seven subfamilies. Eight species had positive associations with sample sites. Estimates indicated that ant richness may be up to 21.4% greater than that observed. This study presents an inventory of species capable of colonizing environments undergoing natural regeneration processes, and aids our understanding of ecological recovery dynamics in protected areas near hydroelectric plant reservoirs southern Brazil.

A 2- to 7-Year Follow-Up of a Modular Iliac Screw Cup in Major Acetabular Defects: Clinical, Radiographic and Survivorship Analysis With Comparison to the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate acetabular bone stock is a major issue in total hip arthroplasty, and several treatment options are available. Stemmed cups have been used in this scenario with variable results. A novel modular polyaxial uncemented iliac screw cup (HERM-BS-Sansone cup-Citieffe s.r.l., Calderara di Reno, Bologna, Italy) has been recently introduced to overcome the drawbacks of stemmed cups. In this retrospective study, we report the results of this cup in patients with large acetabular bone defects at 2- to 7-year follow-up. METHODS: We evaluated a consecutive series of 121 hips (118 revisions and 3 complex primary arthroplasties) treated with this novel cup at a mean follow-up of 46 months. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed with implant revision for any reason as a primary end point. Further survival analysis was performed excluding septic failures. Clinical outcome was assessed with the Harris Hip Score. RESULTS: There had been 7 reoperations: 1 for aseptic loosening, 5 for deep infection, and 1 for recurrent dislocation. In 5 cases, the cup was removed; estimated survival rate at 5-year follow-up with implant removal for any reason was 95.6% (95% confidence interval = 91-99), and 98.3% (95% CI = 96-100) excluding those failed for infection. Mean Harris Hip Score at latest follow-up was 77 points (range, 44-95; standard deviation = 11.9). CONCLUSION: The present findings show the short-term efficacy of the iliac screw cup with respect to implant survival. A longer follow-up and a larger number of patients are necessary to confirm the encouraging preliminary results.

Biology of Anastrepha grandis (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Different Cucurbits.

Anastrepha grandis (Macquart) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the main pests of cucurbits in Brazil. Losses occur due to the damage caused to the fruits and the embargo on exports, as A. grandis is considered a quarantine pest in countries that import Brazilian cucurbits. This study aimed to evaluate the development of A. grandis in hosts of the Cucurbitaceae family. The hosts used were stem squash (Cucurbita pepo L.), squash (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne), chayote [Sechium edule (Jacq.) Swartz], mini watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai], Spanish melon (Cucumis melo L.), hybrid squash "Tetsukabuto" (C. moschata×Cucurbita maxima Duchesne), and salad cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). We evaluated the viability and duration of egg-to-pupa period, pupal weight, sex ratio, and average number of pupae per fruit under controlled conditions of temperature, relative humidity, and photophase. The preoviposition and oviposition periods, fecundity, fertility, and longevity of females were determined for adults. Hosts of the genus Cucurbita provided a better development of A. grandis in comparison with other hosts, and presented a greater number of insects on fruit as well as higher infestation rate. Fecundity and longevity were also higher for females that developed in hosts of the genus Cucurbita, although values of these biological parameters varied between stem squash, squash, hybrid squash "Tetsukabuto."