Biological and molecular characterization of two Anticarsia gemmatalis multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus clones exhibiting contrasting virulence.

Baculovirus natural populations are known to be genetically heterogeneous and such genotypic diversity could have implications in the performance of biocontrol agents. The Anticarsia gemmatalis nucleopolyhedrovirus (AgMNPV) has been widely used to control the velvetbean caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis, in Brazil. In the present work, morphological and molecular analyses as well as the biological activity of AgMNPV genotypes derived from a Brazilian field isolate (AgMNPV-79) were carried out. The existence of genotypic variants in the population was confirmed by DNA restriction analysis. Although difference in virulence was observed among the variants, the most (Ag79-01) and the least (AgL-16) virulent clones do not show any morphological and cytopathological changes when compared to the most studied isolate (AgMNPV-2D). The complete genome analysis of the two viral clones showed the presence of single open reading frames (ORFs) of the pe-38 and he65 genes, which contrasts with the two split ORFs present in the genome of the AgMNPV-2D isolate. The viral clone AgL-16 has many variations in the ie-2 and pe-38 genes, which are transcription regulatory genes responsible for the regulation of viral early gene expression during insect cell infection. Furthermore, other genes showed alterations like the odv-e56, which have an essential role in the maturation and envelopment of the ODVs, and bro-a and bro-b genes which were fused to form a single ORF. For the Ag79-01, although the total number of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) was more prominent in the pe-38 gene, its genome showed very few modifications in comparison to the AgMNPV-2D genome.

The association between extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and ampicillin C (AmpC) beta-lactamase genes with multidrug resistance in Escherichia coli isolates recovered from turkeys in Brazil.

1. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between Escherichia coli isolates recovered from turkeys and the expression of beta-lactamase genes, such as extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and ampicillin class C (AmpC). The phenotype of the resistance profile was examined using the association between amoxicillin and ceftiofur resistance. 2. Results showed that 84% from the turkey isolates harboured 4 or 5 genes associated with the CoIV plasmid. In an antibiogram test, 82% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant, the highest levels of resistance being against erythromycin (99%) and amoxicillin (76.1%). ESBL-positive groups were 31% positive for the ctx-m-2 gene, 6.8% were positive for ctx-m-8 and 70% harboured the tem wild gene. 3. All positive isolates from the AmpC beta-lactamase-positive group harboured the cmy-2 gene. The presence of the cmy-2 gene was associated with both the CTX-group genes and resistance to ceftiofur. 4. There was a high prevalence of avian pathogenic E. coli in suspected cases of colibacillosis in turkeys and a high antimicrobial resistance index. The results highlighted the risk of ceftiofur resistance and the presence of both ESBL and AmpC beta-lactamase E. coli in the turkey production chain.

Relação zinco cobre em dietas de codornas japonesas em postura / Zinc copper ratio of Japanese quails diets posture

Objetivou-se verificar o efeito da suplementação de diferentes relações de zinco orgânico e de cobre inorgânico, bem como comparar os resultados com a dieta controle de codornas japonesas, sobre o desempenho produtivo e a qualidade dos ovos. Foram realizados dois experimentos na área experimental da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo: variando os níveis de zinco orgânico e mantendo os de cobre recomendados e outro variando os níveis de cobre inorgânico. O período experimental foi de 84 dias, divididos em períodos de 21 dias. Foram usadas cinco pré-misturas minerais. Foram analisadas variáveis de desempenho e qualidade dos ovos. Foi observado primeiramente que as variáveis avaliadas não foram afetadas de forma significativa pelas diferentes relações dos minerais, exceto para pesos relativo e absoluto da casca. No segundo ensaio, não houve interação entre os níveis de zinco e de cobre nem entre estes e a dieta controle, para nenhuma das variáveis observadas; quando analisadas as médias individuais, foi observada diferença significativa para taxa de postura, relação ovos comerciais e totais, consumo de ração e na unidade Haugh. Pode-se concluir que a relação de 35mg/kg de zinco orgânico e a de 3,5mg/kg de cobre inorgânico atenderam as necessidades nutricionais dos animais para desempenho e qualidade de ovos.(AU)

The objective of this study was to verify the effect of the supplementation of different organic zinc and inorganic copper ratios and to compare the results with the Japanese quail control diet on the productive performance and egg quality. Two experiments were carried out in the experimental area of the Federal University of Espírito Santo, varying the levels of organic zinc and maintaining the recommended copper and the other varying levels of inorganic copper. The experimental period was 84 days. Five mineral premixes were used. Performance and egg quality variables were analyzed. It was first observed that the evaluated variables were not affected significantly by the different mineral relations, except for relative and absolute weight of the bark. In the second test, there was no interaction between the zinc and copper levels, neither between the control and the control diet, for any of the variables observed, when analyzing the individual means, a significant difference was observed for posture rate, commercial and total eggs ratio, feed intake, and in the Haugh Unit. It can be concluded that the ratio of 35mg/kg organic zinc and 3,5mg/kg of inorganic copper met the nutritional requirements of the animals for performance and egg quality.(AU)

Treinamento de habilidades sociais: avaliação de um programa de desenvolvimento interpessoal profissional para universitários de ciências exatas / Social skills training: evaluation of an interpersonal professional development program for undergraduates of exact Sciences cources

A valorização das relações interpessoais no trabalho tem trazido novas demandas para aformação profissional universitária, especificamente, em relação ao ensino e desenvolvimentode habilidades interpessoais aliadas às habilidades acadêmicas e técnicas. Este estudoavaliou um programa de treinamento de habilidades sociais com universitários de cursos deCiências Exatas. Participaram 35 estudantes, sendo 23 homens e 12 mulheres, distribuídosem três diferentes grupos consecutivos de intervenção. A avaliação do repertório dehabilidades sociais foi realizada com o Inventário de Habilidades sociais (IHS), antes, em umasessão intermediária, imediatamente após o programa e três meses ao término daintervenção. Tanto nas análises de grupo como nas individuais foi possível observaraquisições em habilidades sociais e manutenção delas, especialmente no Escore Total e nassubescalas F1 - Enfrentamento com risco e F4 - Autoexposição a desconhecidos ou situaçõesnovas. Os resultados indicaram eficácia e efetividade de um programa de desenvolvimentoprofissional interpessoal para universitários em transição para o mercado de trabalho esugere novas questões de pesquisa(AU)

Compliance to radiation therapy of head and neck cancer patients and impact on treatment outcome.

AIMS: The aims of the study were to evaluate head and neck cancer (HNC) patient's compliance to the planned radiation therapy (RT) using the department policy established in 2005 at IPOCFG and to estimate the impact on treatment outcome due to failure in receiving RT as prescribed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 359 HNC patients irradiated from 2007 to 2013 were included in this study. Patient cohort was divided into Group 1: patients receiving RT as prescribed and Group 2: patients that interrupted or suspended RT. Group Tox is the subgroup of patients that interrupted RT due to toxicity or intercurrent disease. Number and causes for treatment interruptions were assessed. The cumulative incidence of locoregional control (LRC), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival for Groups 1 and 2 was determined. Cox regression was performed to investigate potential hazard factors and logistic regression was made to determine risk factors related to treatment interruptions. RESULTS: Major causes for treatment interruptions were toxicity plus intercurrent disease (41.7 %) and public holidays (30.1 %). 10.3 % of the patients interrupted 3-9 days. Significant differences in survival distributions of the LRC between Groups 1 and 2, of up to 19 %, were found in the subgroup of patients with N2-3 tumours, for post-operative RT and for concomitant RT. Treatment breaks larger than two days had an almost fourfold increased risk of poorer LRC and DFS. CONCLUSIONS: Twin accelerators and treating on public holidays are effective measures minimizing RT breaks. For HNC, patient compliance is mostly limited by RT side-effects. Efforts to maintain RT biological effective dose in HNC must be always undertaken.

Preliminar results of paleontological salvage at Belo Monte Powerplant construction.

In this paper some preliminary fossil specimens are presented. They represent a collection sampled by Belo Monte's Programa de Salvamento do Patrimônio Paleontológico (PSPP), which includes unprecedented invertebrate fauna and fossil vertebrates from Pitinga, Jatapu, Manacapuru, Maecuru e Alter do Chão formations from Amazonas basin, Brazil. The Belo Monte paleontological salvage was able to recover 495 microfossil samples and 1744 macrofossil samples on 30 months of sampling activities, and it is still ongoing. The macrofossils identified are possible plant remains, ichnofossils, graptolites, brachiopods, molluscs, athropods, Agnatha, palynomorphs (miosphores, acritarchs, algae cysts, fungi spores and unidentified types) and unidentified fossils. However, deep scientific research is not part of the scope of the program, and this collection must be further studied by researchers who visit Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi, where the fossils will be housed. More material will be collected until the end of the program. The collection sampled allows a mosaic composition with the necessary elements to assign, in later papers, taxonomic features which may lead to accurate species identification and palaeoenvironmental interpretations.

Preliminar results of paleontological salvage at Belo Monte Powerplant construction / Resultados preliminares do programa de salvamento paleontológico da construção da Hidrelétrica de Belo Monte

In this paper some preliminary fossil specimens are presented. They represent a collection sampled by Belo Monte’s Programa de Salvamento do Patrimônio Paleontológico (PSPP), which includes unprecedented invertebrate fauna and fossil vertebrates from Pitinga, Jatapu, Manacapuru, Maecuru e Alter do Chão formations from Amazonas basin, Brazil. The Belo Monte paleontological salvage was able to recover 495 microfossil samples and 1744 macrofossil samples on 30 months of sampling activities, and it is still ongoing. The macrofossils identified are possible plant remains, ichnofossils, graptolites, brachiopods, molluscs, athropods, Agnatha, palynomorphs (miosphores, acritarchs, algae cysts, fungi spores and unidentified types) and unidentified fossils. However, deep scientific research is not part of the scope of the program, and this collection must be further studied by researchers who visit Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi, where the fossils will be housed. More material will be collected until the end of the program. The collection sampled allows a mosaic composition with the necessary elements to assign, in later papers, taxonomic features which may lead to accurate species identification and palaeoenvironmental interpretations.

Neste artigo são apresentados de forma preliminar alguns espécimes fósseis representativos do acervo coletado no Programa de Salvamento do Patrimônio Paleontológico (PSPP) da UHE Belo Monte, que inclui fauna vertebrada e invertebrada inédita das formações Pitinga, Jatapu, Manacapuru, Maecuru e Alter do Chão, da bacia do Amazonas, Brasil. No salvamento paleontológico de Belo Monte foi possível recuperar 495 amostras para microfósseis e 1744 amostras com macrofósseis em 30 meses de amostragem, que ainda continua em andamento. Os macrofósseis identificados são possíveis restos de plantas, icnofósseis, graptolitos, braquiópodes, moluscos, artópodes, Agnatha, palinomorfos (miósporos, acritarcas, cistos de alga, esporos de fungo e tipos indeterminados) além de fósseis não identificados. No entanto, pesquisa científica aprofundada não é parte do escopo do programa, e esta coleção deve ser estudada no futuro por pesquisadores pela visita ao Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi, onde os fósseis ficarão depositados. Mais material será coletado até o fim de 2015. A assemblagem coletada permite a composição de mosaico com elementos necessários para a definição, em artigos futuros, características taxonômicas que levarão à identificação precisa de espécies e interpretações paleoambientais.

Commissioning the neutron production of a Linac: development of a simple tool for second cancer risk estimation.

PURPOSE: Knowing the contribution of neutron to collateral effects in treatments is both a complex and a mandatory task. This work aims to present an operative procedure for neutron estimates in any facility using a neutron digital detector. METHODS: The authors' previous work established a linear relationship between the total second cancer risk due to neutrons (TR(n)) and the number of MU of the treatment. Given that the digital detector also presents linearity with MU, its response can be used to determine the TR(n) per unit MU, denoted as m, normally associated to a generic Linac model and radiotherapy facility. Thus, from the number of MU of each patient treatment, the associated risk can be estimated. The feasibility of the procedure was tested by applying it in eight facilities; patients were evaluated as well. RESULTS: From the reading of the detector under selected irradiation conditions, m values were obtained for different machines, ranging from 0.25 × 10(-4)% per MU for an Elekta Axesse at 10 MV to 6.5 × 10(-4)% per MU for a Varian Clinac at 18 MV. Using these values, TR(n) of patients was estimated in each facility and compared to that from the individual evaluation. Differences were within the range of uncertainty of the authors' methodology of equivalent dose and risk estimations. CONCLUSIONS: The procedure presented here allows an easy estimation of the second cancer risk due to neutrons for any patient, given the number of MU of the treatment. It will enable the consideration of this information when selecting the optimal treatment for a patient by its implementation in the treatment planning system.

Radiobiological evaluation of breast cancer radiotherapy accounting for the effects of patient positioning and breathing in dose delivery. A meta analysis.

In breast cancer radiotherapy, significant discrepancies in dose delivery can contribute to underdosage of the tumor or overdosage of normal tissue, which is potentially related to a reduction of local tumor control and an increase of side effects. To study the impact of these factors in breast cancer radiotherapy, a meta analysis of the clinical data reported by Mavroidis et al. (2002) in Acta Oncol (41:471-85), showing the patient setup and breathing uncertainties characterizing three different irradiation techniques, were employed. The uncertainties in dose delivery are simulated based on fifteen breast cancer patients (5 mastectomized, 5 resected with negative node involvement (R-) and 5 resected with positive node involvement (R1)), who were treated by three different irradiation techniques, respectively. The positioning and breathing effects were taken into consideration in the determination of the real dose distributions delivered to the CTV and lung in each patient. The combined frequency distributions of the positioning and breathing distributions were obtained by convolution. For each patient the effectiveness of the dose distribution applied is calculated by the Poisson and relative seriality models and a set of parameters that describe the dose-response relations of the target and lung. The three representative radiation techniques are compared based on radiobiological measures by using the complication-free tumor control probability, P(+) and the biologically effective uniform dose, (BEUD)concepts. For the Mastectomy case, the average P(+) values of the planned and delivered dose distributions are 93.8% for a (BEUD)(CTV) of 51.8 Gy and 85.0% for a (BEUD)(CTV) of 50.3 Gy, respectively. The respective total control probabilities, P(B) values are 94.8% and 92.5%, whereas the corresponding total complication probabilities, P(1) values are 0.9% and 7.4%. For the R- case, the average P(+) values are 89.4% for a (BEUD)(CTV) of 48.9 Gy and 88.6% for a (BEUD)(CTV) of 49.2 Gy and 85.5% for a (BEUD)(CTV) of 49.1 Gy, respectively. The respective PB values are 90.2% and 90.1%, whereas the corresponding P(+) values are 4.1% and 4.6%. The combined effects of positioning uncertainties and breathing can introduce a significant deviation between the planned and delivered dose distributions in lung in breast cancer radiotherapy. The positioning and breathing uncertainties do not affect much the dose distribution to the CTV. The simulated delivered dose distributions show larger lung complication probabilities than the treatment plans. This means that in clinical practice the true expected complications are underestimated. Radiation pneumonitis of Grade 1-2 is more frequent and any radiotherapy optimization should use this as a more clinically relevant endpoint.

Evaluation of an Epson flatbed scanner to read Gafchromic EBT films for radiation dosimetry.

Gafchromic EBT (EBT) films are becoming increasingly popular due to their advantageous properties. When flatbed colour scanners are used for film dosimetry, a good quality control of the scanning device is a crucial step for accurate results. The proposal of this work was to fully assess the performance of the scanner Epson Expression 10000XL in order to quantify all parameters and needed corrections to minimize dose uncertainties. A standard step tablet, with 32 steps and optical densities from 0.06 to 3.8, was used to check the scanner linearity. The scanner warming-up effect and reproducibility were evaluated by performing 30 consecutive scans plus 20 scans in 15 min intervals. The scanning colour modes: 24 and 48 bits and scanning resolutions from 50 to 300 dpi were tested. A Wiener filter with different pixels regions was applied with the purpose of reducing the film noise. All scans were made in transmission mode with a constant film orientation. The red colour channel was posteriorly extracted from the images to maximize readout sensitivity. Two EBT films were irradiated, perpendicularly and parallel to beam incidence, with a 6 MV photon beam with doses that ranged from 0.2 to 3 Gy. A polynomial expression was used to convert optical density into dose. Dose uncertainty was quantified applying error propagation analysis. A correction for the non-uniform response of the scanner was determined using five films irradiated with a uniform dose. The scanner response was linear until an optical density of approximately 1 which corresponds to doses higher than those of clinical interest for EBT films. The scanner signal stabilized after seven readings. Scanner reproducibility around 0.2% was obtained either with the scanner warm or cold. However, reproducibility was significantly reduced when comparing images digitized with the scanner at different temperatures. Neither the colour depth mode, the scanning resolution, the multiscan option nor the Wiener filter had a significant effect on the shape of the calibration curve. However, a reduction in dose uncertainty was possible by selecting appropriate reading parameters. These are a 48 bit colour depth, a 75 dpi resolution and repeating the scan four times. Finally, the two dimensional Wiener filter applied to a 3 x 3 pixel region to the red component of the image reduced the experimental scan uncertainty to about 0.5% for doses higher than 0.5 Gy. Total scan uncertainty was less than 2% for a perpendicular calibration and reduced to less than 1% for a parallel calibration. A dose over-estimation of around 5% for clinical doses may be made if the image acquired is not corrected for the non-uniform response of the scanner. A protocol to read EBT films using the Epson Expression 10000XL scanner was established for IMRT verification. The contribution for the overall uncertainty in film dosimetry coming from the scanning process was estimated to be around 0.5% for doses higher than 0.5 Gy when reading parameters are optimized. Total scan uncertainty achieved is about 2% when using a perpendicular calibration. It can further be reduced if a parallel calibration is used.

Assessing the difference between planned and delivered intensity-modulated radiotherapy dose distributions based on radiobiological measures.

AIMS: Because of the highly conformal distributions that can be obtained with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), any discrepancy between the intended and delivered distributions would probably affect the clinical outcome. Consequently, there is a need for a measure that would quantify those differences in terms of a change in the expected clinical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate such a measure, cancer of the cervix was used, where the bladder and rectum are proximal and partially overlapping with the internal target volume. A solid phantom simulating the pelvic anatomy was fabricated and a treatment plan was developed to deliver the prescribed dose to the phantom. The phantom was then irradiated with films positioned in several transverse planes. The racetrack microtron at 50 MV was used in the treatment planning and delivery processes. The dose distribution delivered was analysed based on the film measurements and compared against the treatment plan. The differences in the measurements were evaluated using both physical and biological criteria. Whereas the physical comparison of dose distributions can assess the geometric accuracy of delivery, it does not reflect the clinical effect of any measured dose discrepancies. RESULTS: It is shown how small inaccuracies in delivered dose can affect the treatment outcome in terms of complication-free tumour cure. CONCLUSIONS: With highly conformal IMRT, the accuracy of the patient set-up and treatment delivery are critical for the success of the treatment. A method is proposed to evaluate the precision of the delivered plan based on changes in complication and control rates as they relate to uncertainties in dose delivery.