Impact of diseases and pests on premature fruit drop in sweet orange orchards in São Paulo state citrus belt, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Despite technical improvements in the citrus chain and leadership in orange production achieved in the past decades, premature fruit drop remains a major component of crop loss in São Paulo state citrus belt, the largest sweet orange production area in the world. The present study aimed to determine, during five consecutive seasons, the impact of the diseases and pests on premature fruit drop in the orange belt. RESULTS: Fruit drop due to the main diseases and pests averaged approximately 11.0%, which corresponded to approximately 63% of the annual fruit drop. The average fruit drop rate due to fruit borer and fruit flies combined was 4.0%, Huanglongbing (HLB) 3.3%, black spot 2.6%, leprosis 1.0% and citrus canker 0.3%. The average amount of fruit drop (million 40.8 kg boxes) and value of crop losses (million US$ dollars), in five seasons, were 12.7 and 66.2 for fruit borer/fruit flies, 11.0 and 57.9 for HLB, 8.1 and 42.2 for black spot, 3.1 and 15.6 for leprosis, and 0.9 and 4.9 for citrus canker, respectively. CONCLUSION: Fruit borer and fruit flies (combined), HLB, black spot, leprosis and citrus canker are, in this order, the main diseases and pests in the orange belt of São Paulo state. All of these causes significantly increased the overall fruit drop rate in the evaluated seasons. The results will contribute to the development of the Brazilian citrus industry, while showing to other citrus-growing regions the potential that diseases and pests have to jeopardize production. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Delayed cardiac tamponade after catheter ablation therapy due to a Valsalva manoeuvre.

A 23-year-old man, diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and who had undergone several catheter ablations, presented 2 months after the most recent ablation with cardiac tamponade following physical exertion. Emergency surgery revealed a perforation between the inferior vena cava and the right atrium. This perforation was repaired with a bovine pericardium patch. To our knowledge, this is the first case of delayed cardiac tamponade after catheter ablation due to a Valsalva manoeuvre (such as weightlifting) in a patient with a normal international normalized ratio and normal platelet count.

Validation of the sampling methodology for Opsiphanes invirae caterpillars on oil palm plantations in the Brazilian Amazon / Validação da metodologia de amostragem para lagartas de Opsiphanes invirae em plantios de palma de óleo na Amazônia brasileira

ABSTRACT: This study validated the use of leaf 17 on the sampling of Opsiphanes invirae Hübner (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) through the quantification of caterpillar abundance on the different spirals leaves, in comparison to leaf 17, and, on the apical, intermediate and basal leaf regions. This study was performed in the state of Pará, between March-2014 and March-2015. Results confirmed that leaf 17 is the most adequate method for monitoring this defoliator pest.

RESUMO: Esta pesquisa validou a utilização da folha 17, nas amostragens de Opsiphanes invirae Hübner )Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), através da quantificação da abundância de lagartas nas diferentes folhas que compõem os espirais em comparação com a folha 17, e, em diferentes regiões da folha (apical, intermediária e basal). O estudo foi realizado no Pará entre março de 2014 e março de 2015. Os resultados confirmam que a folha 17 é a mais adequada para ser utilizada no monitoramento desse desfolhador.

Compatibility of Metarhizium anisopliae with liposoluble photoprotectants and protective effect evaluation against solar radiation / Compatibilidade de Metarhizium anisopliae com fotoprotetores lipossolúveis e avaliação do efeito protetor contra a radiação solar

The aim of this study was to analyze the compatibility of the Metarhizium anisopliae JAB 68 isolate with liposoluble photoprotectants and the photoprotection conferred to its conidia. The fungus was cultivated in a medium with the photoprotectants Neo Heliopan® BB, Neo Heliopan® E 1000, Eusolex® 6007 and Neo Heliopan® AV in various concentrations. Vegetative growth, sporulation and germination were assessed to determine compatibility. Then, conidia were suspended in oil containing the compatible photoprotectants, in their respective concentrations, and exposed to 0-7 hours of light from a solar simulator operating at 1,000 W m-2. Neo Heliopan BB® and Neo Heliopan® E 1000 were compatible with M. anisopliae at 2% and 1%, respectively. Eusolex® 6007 and Neo Heliopan® AV were compatible up to 8% a 7%, respectively. Conidia exposed to radiation from the solar simulator, with photoprotectant-free oil as its carrier, presented germination of 78.12% after five hours. When adding any photoprotectant to the conidia oily suspension, the germination percentage was always higher than that obtained in the control. Neo Heliopan® BB at 1 and 2% and Neo Heliopan® AV at 0.5% increased the germination. After 7 hours of exposure the germination percentages were 93.77, 94.55 and 98.82%, respectively. Eusolex® 6007 was not as efficient as previous products, but in the same exposure period was able to protect the conidia (88.60% germination) when used at a 1% concentration. Adding photoprotectants in oily formulations of M. anisopliae protects against the harmful effects of UV radiation contributing to the fungus efficiency in the field.

O objetivo desse trabalho foi analisar a compatibilidade do isolado JAB 68 de Metarhizium anisopliae com fotoprotetores lipossolúveis e a fotoproteção conferida aos seus conídios. O fungo foi cultivado em meio contendo os fotoprotetores Neo Heliopan® BB, Neo Heliopan® E 1000, Eusolex® 6007, Neo Heliopan® AV em várias concentrações. O crescimento vegetativo, a esporulação e a germinação foram avaliados para determinar a compatibilidade. Conídios foram suspensos em óleo contendo os fotoprotetores compatíveis, em suas respectivas concentrações, e submetidos por 0 a 7 horas à luz de um simulador solar na potência de 1.000W m-2. Neo Heliopan BB® e Neo Heliopan® E 1000 foram compatíveis com M. anisopliae à 2% e 1%, respectivamente. Eusolex® 6007 e Neo Heliopan® AV foram compatíveis até 8% e 7%, respectivamente. Conídios de M. anisopliae expostos à radiação do simulador solar, tendo óleo isento de fotoprotetor como veículo, apresentaram germinação de 78,12% após cinco horas. Adicionando-se qualquer fotoprotetor à suspensão oleosa de conídios a porcentagem de germinação foi sempre maior que a obtida no controle. Neo Heliopan® BB a 1 e 2% e Neo Heliopan® AV a 0,5% incrementaram a germinação. Após 7 horas de exposição as porcentagens de germinação foram de 93,77, 94,55 e 98,82%, respectivamente. Eusolex® 6007 não foi tão eficiente quanto os produtos anteriores, mas no mesmo período de exposição foi capaz de proteger os conídios (88,60% de germinação) quando usado na concentração de 1%. A adição de fotoprotetores em formulações oleosas de M. anisopliae confere proteção aos raios UV, contribuindo com a eficiência do fungo no campo.

Seasonal distribution of aliphatic hydrocarbons in the Vaza Barris Estuarine System, Sergipe, Brazil.

The seasonal assessment of anthropogenic activities in the Vaza Barris estuarine river system, located in the Sergipe state, northeastern Brazil, was performed using the aliphatic hydrocarbon distribution. The aliphatic hydrocarbon and isoprenoid (Pristane and Phytane) concentrations ranged between 0.19 µg g(-1) and 8.5 µg g(-1) of dry weight. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test, with significance level set at p<0.05, and no seasonality distribution change was observed. The Carbon Preference Index (CPI), associated with n-alkanes/n-C16, Low Molecular Weight/High Molecular Weight ratio (LMW/HMW) and Terrigenous to Aquatic Ratio (TAR) suggested biogenic input of aliphatic hydrocarbons for most samples, with significant contribution of higher plants.

Efficacy of essential oil of Piper aduncum against nymphs and adults of Diaphorina citri.

BACKGROUND: Insecticide application is the main way to control Diaphorina citri. However, it causes environmental contamination, has a negative impact on beneficial organisms and leads to psyllid resistance. The essential oil of Piper aduncum has low toxicity towards the environment and contains dillapiol, which has proven to be effective against several crop pests. Here, we studied its efficacy against nymphs and adults of D. citri under laboratory conditions. Oils with three concentrations of dillapiol (69.3, 79.9 and 85.4%) at 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0% dilutions plus 0.025% adjuvant were tested. RESULTS: All treatments caused 90-100% mortality in nymphs. Topical treatments with oil containing 79.9 and 85.4% dillapiol at 0.75% and 1% dilutions were effective (mortality ≥80%) in adults. However, the essential oil showed no residual activity against adults (mortality ≤30%). CONCLUSIONS: Dillapiol-rich oil is a promising compound for D. citri control. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sensibilidade de isolados de fungos entomopatogênicos às radiações solar, ultravioleta e à temperatura / Sensibility of isolates of entomopathogenic fungi to solar radiation, ultraviolet rays and temperature

Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a sensibilidade de isolados dos fungos Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok. e Beauveria bassiana (Bals). Vuill. ao efeito das radiações solar e ultravioleta e da temperatura. Conídios dos isolados foram expostos, por vários períodos, aos raios de um simulador solar em diversas irradiâncias e a uma lâmpada de raios ultravioleta germicida. Os conídios do isolado de M. anisopliae foram também expostos às temperaturas de 19,5; 24,2 e 31,0ºC, e os do isolado de B. bassiana a 19,4; 20,8 e 28,3ºC, e 18,7; 23,8 e 30,9ºC. Avaliou-se a germinação de conídios pelo teste de viabilidade. Os isolados dos fungos se mostraram bastantes sensíveis aos raios do simulador solar e aos raios ultravioleta. A germinação de ambos sofreu significativa redução a partir de 30 minutos de exposição à radiação do simulador solar. O efeito mais severo foi evidenciado pelo isolado de B. bassiana, com grande redução da germinação dos conídios em todas as irradiâncias testadas. A sensibilidade à radiação ultravioleta também foi grande, pois ocorreu acentuada redução da germinação dos conídios do isolado de M. anisopliae (38,2%) e de B. bassiana (65%) já aos 30 segundos de exposição. A temperatura afetou a viabilidade de ambos os fungos. Temperaturas entre 23,8 e 31ºC favoreceram a germinação dos conídios, enquanto temperaturas próximas de 20ºC dificultaram a germinação.(AU)

This study aimed to access the sensibility of isolates of the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok. and Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. to the effect of solar and ultraviolet radiation and temperature. Conidia were exposed for various periods to the rays from a solar simulator at various irradiances, and to light germicidal ultraviolet rays. Conidia of the isolate of M. anisopliae were also exposed to temperatures of 19.5, 24.2 and 31.0ºC and the isolate of B. bassiana to 19.4, 20.8 and 28.3ºC, and also to 18.7, 23.8 and 30.9ºC. The germination of conidia was evaluated by the viability test. The fungal isolates showed to be very sensitive to the solar simulator and ultraviolet rays. Germination of both was significantly decreased starting from 30 minutes of exposure to the rays of the solar simulator. The most severe effect was evidenced by the isolate of B. bassiana with great reduction in conidia germination in all the tested irradiances. Sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation was also great, showing a marked reduction in the germination of M. anisopliae (38.2%) and B. bassiana (65%) conidia after 30 seconds of exposure. The temperature affected the viability of both fungi. Temperatures ranging of 23.8 to 31ºC favor the germination of conidia while temperatures around 20ºC constrained germination.(AU)

Quality of aged shoulder from lambs fed with different oldman saltbush hay levels (Atriplex nummularia) / Qualidade da paleta maturada de cordeiros alimentados com diferentes níveis de feno de erva-sal (Atriplex nummularia)

This study assessed the effects of different levels of oldman saltbush hay and ageing time on the physical characteristics of Santa Inês lamb meat. Sixty shoulders from 32 male lambs fed with 30, 40, 50 or 60% oldman saltbush hay for 60 days were vacuum-packaged and stored in a refrigerator at 0 ± 1°C for 0, 7 or 14 days of ageing. The shear force, cooking loss and water holding capacity were 3.06kgf cm-2, 37.28% and 76.71%, respectively, and there were no significant changed by studied factors (P>0.05).

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o efeito da inclusão de diferentes níveis de feno de erva-sal e tempo de maturação sobre as características físicas da carne de cordeiros Santa Inês. Sessenta paletas apartir de 32 cordeiros machos, alimentados com 30, 40, 50 e 60% de feno de erva-sal por 60 dias foram embaladas a vácuo e mantidas sob refrigeração a 0±1oC por 0, 7 e 14 dias de maturação. A força de cisalhamento, perda por cocção e capacidade de retenção de água não foram influenciados (P>0,05) pelos fatores estudados, apresentando valores médios de 3,06kgf cm-2, 37,28% e 76,71%, respectivamente.

Influência da fotopolimerização e termociclagem na adesão de compósitos ortodônticos / Influence of photopolymerization and thermocycling on the adhesion of orthodontic composites

Neste trabalho avaliou-se a influência de choques térmicos e fatores relacionados à fotopolimerização na adesão de acessórios ortodônticos ao dente. Para tanto, foram utilizados três compósitos adesivos comerciais. Foram utilizadas duas fontes de luz LED para polimerização dos compósitos com diferentes tempos de exposição à irradiação. As amostras foram divididas em dois grupos, sendo um deles sujeito à termociclagem. A adesão dos compósitos foi avaliada através da resistência ao cisalhamento. Entre os compósitos estudados, Fill Magic e Transbond mostraram o mais baixo e a mais alta resistência ao cisalhamento, respectivamente. A fonte de luz com maior densidade de potência promoveu a maior resistência ao cisalhamento. A resistência ao cisalhamento dos compósitos Fill Magic e Ortho Lite foi influenciada pela termociclagem.

This study evaluated the influence of thermal shock, and factors related to photopolymerization on the adhesion of orthodontic accessories to teeth. Three light-cured composite adhesives were used. Two LED light sources were used to cure the adhesive composites at different times of the light irradiation. The samples were divided into two groups, with one group subjected to thermocycling. The adhesion of the composites was evaluated through shear bond strength. Fill Magic and Transbond showed the lowest and highest shear bond strength, respectively. The light-curing unit with higher power density promoted greater shear bond strength. The shear bond strength of the Fill Magic and Ortho Lite adhesives was influenced by thermocycling.

Nitrogen and potassium concentrations in the nutrients solution for melon plants growing in coconut fiber without drainage.

With the objective of evaluating the effects of N and K concentrations for melon plants, an experiment was carried out from July 1, 2011 to January 3, 2012 in Muzambinho city, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The "Bonus no. 2" was cultivated at the spacing of 1.1 × 0.4. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme with four N concentrations (8, 12, 16, and 20 mmol L(-1)) and four K concentrations (4, 6, 8, and 10 mmol L(-1)). The experimental plot constituted of eight plants. It was observed that the leaf levels of N and K, of N-NO3 and of K, and the electrical conductivity (CE) of the substrate increased with the increment of N and K in the nutrients' solution. Substratum pH, in general, was reduced with increments in N concentration and increased with increasing K concentrations in the nutrients' solution. Leaf area increased with increments in N concentration in the nutrients solution. Fertigation with solutions stronger in N (20 mmol L(-1)) and K (10 mmol L(-1)) resulted in higher masses for the first (968 g) and the second (951 g) fruits and crop yield (4,425 gm(-2)).

Estimation of spontaneous blinking main sequence in normal subjects and patients with Graves' upper eyelid retraction.

PURPOSE: We quantified the main sequence of spontaneous blinks in normal subjects and Graves' disease patients with upper eyelid retraction using a nonlinear and two linear models, and examined the variability of the main sequence estimated with standard linear regression for 10-minute periods of time. METHODS: A total of 20 normal subjects and 12 patients had their spontaneous blinking measured with the magnetic search coil technique when watching a video during one hour. The main sequence was estimated with a power-law function, and with standard and trough the origin linear regressions. Repeated measurements ANOVA was used to test the mean sequence stability of 10-minute bins measured with standard linear regression. RESULTS: In 95% of the sample the correlation coefficients of the main sequence ranged from 0.60 to 0.94. Homoscedasticity of the peak velocity was not verified in 20% of the subjects and 25% of the patients. The power-law function provided the best main sequence fitting for subjects and patients. The mean sequence of 10-minute bins measured with standard linear regression did not differ from the one-hour period value. For the entire period of observation and the slope obtained by standard linear regression, the main sequence of the patients was reduced significantly compared to the normal subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Standard linear regression is a valid and stable approximation for estimating the main sequence of spontaneous blinking. However, the basic assumptions of the linear regression model should be examined on an individual basis. The maximum velocity of large blinks is slower in Graves' disease patients than in normal subjects.

Avaliação das indicações de ceratoplastia penetrante no interior paulista / Evaluation of penetrating keratoplasty indications in inner part of the São Paulo state

OBJETIVO: Determinar os diagnósticos clínicos corneanos na indicação da Ceratoplastia Penetrante (CP) de pacientes inscritos no Banco de Olhos do Hospital de Base de São José do Rio Preto, correlacionando-os com outras variáveis, como a faixa etária, sexo e situação sócioeconômica. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se análise retrospectiva de 1085 fichas de inscrição de pacientes submetidos à Ceratoplastia Penetrante, no Hospital de Base de São José do Rio Preto, no período de 2000 a 2009. Os diagnósticos para indicação das cirurgias foram posteriormente correlacionados com a faixa etária, o sexo e o nível socioeconômico dos pacientes, por meio do teste do Qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: Do total de Ceratoplastias Penetrantes, 57,4% foram realizadas em pacientes do sexo masculino, e a média de idade encontrada foi de 52,3 anos (DP=21,42). Verificou-se que em 90,8% dos casos a cirurgia ocorreu por meio do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), enquanto nos demais (9,2%) os pacientes possuíam convênio ou custearam todo o procedimento. A indicação mais frequentemente encontrada foi o leucoma (23%), o qual ocorreu em 14% das CPs realizadas em homens e em 9% das ocorridas em mulheres. Em relação às CPs com este diagnóstico, 40% ocorreram em pacientes com idade superior a 60 anos, com porcentagem decrescendo com as faixas etárias mais jovens, e 94,4% efetuaram-se através do SUS, enquanto que apenas 5,6% dos casos se encaixaram no quesito convênio/particular. CONCLUSÃO: A principal indicação à Ceratoplastia Penetrante encontrada foi o leucoma, o qual predominou em homens, nas idades acima de 60 anos, em pacientes do SUS.

OBJECTIVE: To determinate the corneal diagnoses of patients underwent Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK) in the university hospital of São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, and their relation to age group, gender and socioeconomic factors. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 1085 registration forms of patients underwent Penetrating Keratoplasty in the university hospital of São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, from 2000 to 2009. The surgical indications were then correlated to age group, gender and socioeconomic factors, by chi-square test. RESULTS: Fifty-seven percent of all Penetrating Keratoplasties were performed in male patients, and the mean age was 52.3 years. Most surgeries (90.8%) occurred by means of public health care (SUS). The main diagnosis was leukoma (23%), representing 14% of the indications for PK in males and 9% in females. Leukoma was also the diagnosis in 40% of PK performed in patients older than 60 years and in 94.4% of these surgeries in public health care users. CONCLUSION: The main indication for Penetrating Keratoplasty was leukoma, predominating in males, ages above 60 years and in public health care users.

Faixas de suficiência para a cultura do algodão no centro-oeste do Brasil: I. macronutrientes / Sufficiency range for cotton cropped in Brazil midwest: I. macronutrients

A cultura do algodoeiro possui informações para a diagnose foliar estabelecidas para o Brasil, entretanto, esses valores de referência foram obtidos em sistemas produtivos distintos dos atualmente praticados no país, necessitando atualização destas referências. O trabalho objetivou estabelecer faixas de suficiência para macronutrientes na cultura do algodoeiro por meio do método da chance matemática. O trabalho foi realizado no período de 2000 a 2003 nos municípios de Costa Rica (MS), Diamantino e Sapezal (MT), totalizando 152 amostras de tecido vegetal (folha completa na quinta posição da haste principal, coletada no início do florescimento) e produtividade (em kg ha-1 de algodão em caroço) de lavouras comerciais de algodão. Foram determinados os teores de macronutrientes (N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S) e os dados foram submetidos ao método da chance matemática, utilizando-se de produtividades diferentes (4.000 e 4.500kg ha-1) para o cálculo das faixas de suficiência na população estudada. A utilização de produtividades diferentes para o cálculo da chance matemática (4.000 e 4.500kg ha-1), na população estudada, não apresenta diferença entre as faixas de suficiência para os macronutrientes. As faixas encontradas para os macronutrientes com o método da chance matemática foram, em g kg-1, de 33-45; 3,8-5,3; 15-21; 20-36; 4,0-7,2 e 2,8-8,6 para N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S, respectivamente. Os resultados obtidos não diferem de outros trabalhos, mas podem ser utilizados para uma região em específico.

The cotton growth occupies about 1.1 million hectares in Brazil and the midwest, especially the state of Mato Grosso, is the largest producer in the country. This work aimed to establish the sufficiency ranges for macronutrients in cotton crops by the method of mathematical chance. The work was carried out from 2000 to 2003 in the cities of Costa Rica (MS), Diamantino and Sapezal (MT), totaling 152 samples of plant tissue and yield. The chance mathematics method was adequate for to establish cotton macronutrients references values, can be to help parameters were the conventional research cannot to prove in the small time space. The use of different yields for the calculation of mathematical chance (4,000 and 4,500kg ha-1) in the population studied, no difference between the sufficiency ranges for macronutrients. The macronutrients sufficiency range was, in the mg kg-1, 33-45; 3,8-5,3; 15-21; 20-36; 4,0-7,2 e 2,8-8,6 for N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S, respectly. The indicated range, however to similar with the recommendations published, they demonstrate improvement about to obtainment of increases productivities.

Faixa de suficiência para a cultura do algodão no centro-oeste do Brasil: II. micronutrientes / Sufficiency range for cotton cropped in Brazil midwest: II. micronutrients

Com o objetivo de estabelecer a faixa de suficiência dos micronutrientes para o algodoeiro, foi utilizado o método da chance matemática para dados de monitoramento nutricional de três localidades produtoras de algodão no cerrado brasileiro, avaliando 152 áreas. O método da chance matemática foi adequado para estabelecer padrões de referência nutricional no algodoeiro, podendo subsidiar parâmetros que a pesquisa convencional não alcançaria em curto espaço de tempo. As faixas encontradas para os micronutrientes com o método da chance matemática tendo como referência a produtividade de 4000kg ha-1 foram, em mg kg-1, de 41-89; 4-14; 90-230; 23-110 e 25-50 para B, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn, respectivamente, enquanto para a produtividade de 4500kg ha-1 foram, em mg kg-1, de 53-83; 4-12; 110-440; 40-60 e 25-50 para B, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn, respectivamente. As faixas indicadas, embora semelhantes às recomendações existentes, demonstram aperfeiçoamento para obtenção de altas produtividades. As limitações do método poderão ser atenuadas com a ampliação do sistema de monitoramento nutricional nas lavouras de algodoeiro.

For to establish the micronutrients sufficiency range for the cotton, was used the method of mathematical chance for nutritional monitory data of three cotton growth locations in the Midwest of the Brazil, evaluating 152 areas. The method of mathematical chance was adequate for to establish cotton micronutrients references values, can be to help parameters were the conventional research cannot to prove in the short time. The micronutrients sufficiency range for productivity of 4000kg ha-1 were, in the mg kg-1, 41-89; 4-14; 90-230; 23-100; 25-50, and for 4500kg ha-1 was 53-83; 4-12; 110-440; 40-60 e 25-50 for B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn, respectively. The sufficiency ranges indicated was similar to the existing official recommendations, however, is indicated the approach for to supply the specifics of the systems. The limitations of the method can be minimized with the expansion of the nutritional monitoring system in the cotton crops.

Dinâmica populacional de ovos e lagartas e parasitismo de ovos de curuquerê-do-algodoeiro por Trichogramma pretiosum em cultivares convencionais e transgênica de algodoeiro / Population dynamics and track of eggs and egg parasitism of cotton leafworm byTrichogramma pretiosum cultivars in transgenic and conventional cotton

A introdução de novas cultivares de algodoeiro na região Centro-Oeste do Brasil resultou em significativo aumento de produtividade, porém a utilização de técnicas inadequadas de cultivo trouxe muitos problemas a campo, como a maior incidência de pragas, doenças e plantas infestantes. Com o objetivo de estudar a dinâmica populacional de ovos e lagartas e o parasitismo natural de ovos de curuquerê-do-algodoeiro por Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), em diferentes estágios fenológicos de cultivares convencionais e transgênica (Bollgard I) de algodoeiro, foi realizado um experimento no período de dezembro de 2007 a abril de 2008 em Ipameri, Goiás, Brasil. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos pelas cultivares de algodoeiro convencionais DeltaOPAL, FMX 966, FMX 993, FMX 910 e a transgênica NuOPAL. Alabama argillacea Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) ovipositou em todas as cultivares, não se observando diferença em relação à preferência para oviposição. Em relação ao número médio de ovos de A. argillacea parasitados por T. pretiosum, também não houve diferenças entre as cultivares. Nas cultivares convencionais, lagartas pequenas, médias e grandes ocorreram a partir dos 34 dias após a emergência das plantas até o final do ciclo, enquanto na cultivar transgênica foram encontradas apenas lagartas pequenas. A cultivar NuOPAL controla lagartas de curuquerê-doalgodoeiro desde os primeiros estádios larvais, ou seja, ainda pequenas, e não interfere no parasitismo de ovos por T. pretiosum em relação as demais cultivares.

The introduction of new cotton cultivars in the Midwest region of Brazil resulted in a significant increase in productivity, but the use of inappropriate farming techniques brought many problems to field, as the higher incidence of pests, diseases and weeds. The aim of this work was to study the population dynamics of eggs and larvae of cotton leafworm and natural egg parasitism of the pest by Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) at different phenological stages of conventional and transgenic cultivars (Bollgard I) of cotton was carried out this experiment from December 2007 to April 2008 in Ipameri, Góias State, Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized blocks with five trataments and four replications. The treatments consisting of the conventional cotton cultivars DeltaOPAL, FMX 966, FMX 993, FMX 910 and the cultivar transgenic NuOPAL. Allabama argillacea Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) oviposited on all cultivars, not presented differences in relation to oviposition preference. Compared to the average number of eggs of A. argillacea parasitized by T. pretiosum, there were no differences between cultivars. In conventional cultivars, small, medium and large larvae occurred from 34 days after plant emergence until the end of the cycle, while in the transgenic cultivar were found only small caterpillars. Cultivar NuOPAL control cotton leafworm since the first larval stage, and does not interfere in egg parasitism by T. pretiosum compared with other cultivars.

Effect of Metarhizium anisopliae fungus on off-host Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus from tick-infested pasture under cattle grazing in Brazil.

This work aimed to assess the effect of the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae on off-host Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus from tick-infested Brachiaria decumbens pasture undergoing cattle grazing. For this purpose a naturally tick-infested Brachiaria decumbens pasture of 60 m × 100 m with twelve grazing Holstein Friesian-Nelore (Bos indicus) cross breed bovines was sprayed 12 times, 21 days apart with an aqueous conidial suspension of the E9 isolate of M. anisopliae fungus. Control pasture was treated with conidial suspension vehicle only. Efficacy of treatment was evaluated by tick larvae counts on the pasture and that of engorged female ticks on grazing cattle. Fungus persistence on grass stems as well as soil pasture was assessed after each spray. Efficacy of fungus against ticks was also measured by an in vitro immersion test. Whereas in vitro test showed a clear pathogenic effect of the fungus on ticks, no pathogenic effect over R. (B.) microplus ticks was detected in the field trial by spraying pasture with fungal suspension. Fungus from the suspension could be recovered from both the grass stem as well as the soil of sprayed pasture, even though the numbers obtained varied distinctly and could only be recovered shortly after spray. Pasture environments with exposure to sun and rain, seem to be very detrimental to the fungus, thus suspensions which provide fungus with protection or more resistant isolates to these should be looked for. In order to achieve high fungal efficacy against tick under field conditions, accurate laboratory assays, optimization of application strategy and knowledge of interactions between fungal strains and environmental factors are warranted.

Spontaneous interblink time distributions in patients with Graves' orbitopathy and normal subjects.

PURPOSE: To determine the shape of spontaneous interblink time interval distributions obtained in a long observation period in normal subjects and patients with Graves' orbitopathy. METHODS: The magnetic search coil technique was used to register the spontaneous blinking activity during 1 hour of video observation of two groups of 10 subjects each (normal controls aged 27-61 years, mean ± SD = 46.0 ± 13.6; patients with Graves' orbitopathy aged 33-61 years, mean ± SD = 46.7 ± 8.9). The spontaneous blink rate of each subject was calculated for the entire period of observation and for 56 five-minute bins. Histograms of the interblink time interval were plotted for each measurement of blink rate. RESULTS: Neither the overall mean blink rate (controls, 19.8 ± 4.9; Graves', 17.6 ± 5.4) nor the interblink time (controls, 5.2 ± 3.1, Graves', 7.9 ± 3.5) differed between the two groups. There was a large variation of both measurements when the 5-minute bins were considered. The interblink time distribution of all subjects was highly positively skewed when the 1-hour period was measured. A significant number of the 5-minute bin distributions deviated from the overall pattern and became symmetric. CONCLUSIONS: The normal blinking process is characterized by highly positively skewed interblink time distributions. This result means that most blinks have a short time interval, and occasionally a small number of blinks have long time intervals. The different patterns of distribution described in the early literature probably represent artifacts because of the small samples analyzed.

Estudo do grau de conversão de resinas compostas fotoativadas por espectroscopia FTIR / Study of the conversion degree of photo-cured resin composites by FTIR spectroscopy

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o grau de conversão de três resinas compostas fotoativadas (Fill Magic, TPH Spectrum e Te-Econom). Cento e vinte amostras foram preparadas, as quais foram irradiadas por 20 e 40s usando quatro fontes diferentes (duas halógenas e duas à base de LED). O grau de conversão foi avaliado a partir de dados de absorção no infravermelho próximo obtidos em um espectrofotômetro infravermelho. Os resultados mostram que o grau de conversão aumenta com o tempo de irradiação somente quando as resinas foram irradiadas com fontes de luz com densidade de potência menor do que 233 mW/cm2. Todas as três resinas alcançaram o nível de conversão tipicamente observado em resinas fotoativadas comerciais.

Modeling upper eyelid kinematics during spontaneous and reflex blinks.

To test a mathematical model for measuring blinking kinematics. Spontaneous and reflex blinks of 23 healthy subjects were recorded with two different temporal resolutions. A magnetic search coil was used to record 77 blinks sampled at 200 Hz and 2 kHz in 13 subjects. A video system with low temporal resolution (30 Hz) was employed to register 60 blinks of 10 other subjects. The experimental data points were fitted with a model that assumes that the upper eyelid movement can be divided into two parts: an impulsive accelerated motion followed by a damped harmonic oscillation. All spontaneous and reflex blinks, including those recorded with low resolution, were well fitted by the model with a median coefficient of determination of 0.990. No significant difference was observed when the parameters of the blinks were estimated with the under-damped or critically damped solutions of the harmonic oscillator. On the other hand, the over-damped solution was not applicable to fit any movement. There was good agreement between the model and numerical estimation of the amplitude but not of maximum velocity. Spontaneous and reflex blinks can be mathematically described as consisting of two different phases. The down-phase is mainly an accelerated movement followed by a short time that represents the initial part of the damped harmonic oscillation. The latter is entirely responsible for the up-phase of the movement. Depending on the instantaneous characteristics of each movement, the under-damped or critically damped oscillation is better suited to describe the second phase of the blink.

[Frequency of retinopathy of prematurity in newborns at the Clinical Hospital, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo]. / Frequência de retinopatia da prematuridade em recém-nascidos no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo.

PURPOSE: To determine the frequency of retinopathy of prematurity at the Clinical Hospital of Ribeirão Preto Medical School (HCFMRP-USP) and verify the association of retinopathy of prematurity with known risk factors. METHODS: Prospective analysis of 70 patients born in the HCFMRP-USP, weighing less than 1,500 grams, in a period of 1 year. The patients were divided into 2 groups (Retinopathy of prematurity and Normal) to verify the association of retinopathy of prematurity and known risk factors. Significance level of 5% was used. RESULTS: The frequency of retinopathy of prematurity was 35.71% among the study population. The studied risk factors significantly related to the development of the disease were: weight (p=0.001), gestational age (p=0.001), score SNAPPE II (p=0.008), use of oxygen by intubation (p=0.019) and continuous positive airway pressure (p=0.0017), multiple blood transfusions (p=0.01), and the use of diuretics (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: The frequency of retinopathy of prematurity was 35.71% and several risk factors have been identified in newborns in the HCFMRP-USP, being evidenced that the more preterm, the more severe retinopathy of prematurity is likely to be.