Combining abilities for agronomic traits and marker-assisted selection for Potato virus X and Potato virus Y resistance.

Disease-resistant potato cultivars with good tuber appearance and desirable agronomic traits are essential for meeting the demands of producers and the market. Attaining these cultivars is the focus of potato breeding programs whose aim is to benefit the productive chain. The purpose of this study was to estimate combining abilities and evaluate potato clones based on tuber appearance, yield, and resistance to the PVY and PVX viruses. Crosses between four commercial cultivars of potato with good tuber appearance were performed, using eight clones with proven resistance to PVY and PVX from the breeding program of UFLA. The clones obtained were evaluated for agronomic traits, tuber appearance, and the presence of both Ryadg and Rx1 alleles, which confer extreme resistance to the PVY and PVX viruses, respectively. The independent culling level method was used to select genotypes of commercial interest, as well as to estimate the combining abilities of the parents. We identified clones carrying the Ryadg and Rx1 alleles with agronomic traits suitable for the fresh market and for processing. The BRS Ana cultivar and CMA-399 and CMA-385 clones showed positive effects on general combining ability (GCA) for tuber yield, while the Monalisa cultivar showed positive effects on GCA for general tuber appearance.

Selection of inbred maize (Zea mays L.) progenies by topcrosses conducted in contrasting environments.

The aim of this study was to identify inbred progenies of S0:1 maize (Zea mays L.) plants that were efficient at a low level of technology and responsive at a high level of technology through the use of topcrosses. Two contrasting environments were created using two levels of base fertilization and topdressing, so that the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were applied four times higher in one environment than in the other. We used S0:1 progenies derived from commercial hybrids in topcrosses with two testers (an elite line from the flint heterotic group and an elite line from the dent heterotic group). The progenies and three controls were evaluated in an augmented block design in Nossa Senhora das Dores, SE, Brazil in the 2010 crop season. The average grain yield in the high-technological level was 21.44% greater than that in the low-technological level. There were no changes in progeny behavior in the two technological levels for grain yield. The testers did not differ in the average grain yield of the progenies at the two technological levels. Therefore, it is possible to select progenies derived from commercial hybrids that have an efficient response to fertilization.

Evaluation of progenies from the fifth reciprocal recurrent selection cycle in maize.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of 119 full sib progenies of the fifth cycle of reciprocal recurrent selection (RRS) derived from of Universidade Federal de Lavras maize breeding program. The experiment was carried out in an 11 x 11 triple lattice design at two locations (Lavras, Lambari). The plots consisted of two rows of 3 m, with four plants per 1 m and 0.60 meters of spacing between lines. The grain yield was obtained as kg/plot through weighing of husked ears. The contrast between progenies and controls was not significant, indicating there were no significant differences among the average grain yields of the progenies and controls. When considering the joint analysis, heritability was 64.2%; however, this estimate did not differ from the values estimated for each location separately. Estimates of genetic and phenotypic variance among progenies ranged from 0.21 to 0.28 and 0.30 to 0.47, respectively. Estimates of selection gain, for 10% selection intensity, indicated gains of 16% in the joint analysis of the two locations. The progenies of the fifth cycle of RRS had high average grain yield, associated with high variability. In comparison to the average grain yields exhibited by the controls, it was concluded that the progenies have the potential to be commercially exploited.

Population genetic structure of Attalea vitrivir Zona (Arecaceae) in fragmented areas of southeast Brazil.

Attalea vitrivir Zona (synonym Orbignya oleifera) is one of the six species of Arecaceae known as "babassu". This species is used to make cosmetics, food, and detergents due to the high concentration of oil in the seeds. It is found only in fragmented areas of southern Bahia State and northern Minas Gerais State, southeast Brazil, and this fragmentation has affected both its ecological and genetic characteristics. We evaluated the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of A. vitrivir in six areas of two different regions at the extremes of its geographical range, in order to gain a better understanding of the factors that affect the distribution and partitioning of its diversity. Nine inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers amplified 74 polymorphic bands, resulting in large diversity values (Shannon diversity index, 0.37-0.47; intrapopulation genetic diversity, 0.25-0.34). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed considerable differentiation between sampling sites (30.03%) and regions (12.08%), although most of the diversity was observed within sampling sites (69%). Further differentiation between sampling sites was noted more in the northern region than in the southern region, highlighting the genetic connectivity between the sampling sites within Rio Pandeiros Environmental Protection Area (southern region). The identification of two distinct genetic clusters (K = 2) corresponded to the northern and southern regions, and corroborated the AMOVA results. We suggest that the northern area, outside Rio Pandeiros Environmental Protection Area, must be included in future management plans for this species.

The use of medicinal plants by an indigenous Pataxó community in NE Brazil / O uso de plantas medicinais por uma comunidade indígena Pataxó no NE do Brasil

We identified and classified 48 medicinal plants used by the Pataxó Indians in south Bahia, Brazil. The location is an ecologically threatened area designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The aim of this paper is to document phytotherapeutic practices in the indigenous community of Mata Medonha. We conducted interviews with the 25 families present at the area. Of the 48 medicinal species identified, only 14 (29%) had been examined for mechanism of action or isolation of biochemical compounds, according to bibliographic research. The plants were deposited at the Alexandre Leal Costa Herbarium of the Federal University of Bahia. We gathered information about the preparation and uses of the plants. The species are used for a variety of maladies, including flu, congestion, bronchitis and headaches, pain, snake bites, and some were only used for women's disorders. The Pataxó ethnopharmacological knowledge is under pressure from the economic outmigration of the community and threats to the biodiversity from logging, mining, and tourism. The plants studied here include important drug candidates. Additional research on the molecular aspects of the species cited should be performed.

Foram identificadas e classificadas 48 plantas medicinais usadas por Índios Pataxós no sul da Bahia. A região é área de risco ecológico designada pela UNESCO como Sítio do Patrimônio Mundial. O objetivo deste estudo foi de documentar as práticas fitoterápicas na comunidade indígena da Mata Medonha. Foram conduzidas entrevistas com as 25 famílias presentes no local. Dentre as 48 espécies identificadas, apenas 14 (29%) foram avaliadas quanto ao mecanismo de ação ou isolamento de compostos químicos, de acordo com levantamento bibliográfico. As plantas foram depositadas no Herbário Alexandre Leal Costa da Universidade Federal da Bahia. Foram registradas informações sobre o preparo e uso das plantas citadas. As espécies são usadas para uma variedade de doenças incluindo gripe, congestão, bronquite, dores em geral, picadas de cobra e algumas apenas para doenças femininas. O conhecimento etnofarmacológico Pataxó está sobre pressão pelas migrações para fora da comuindade e ameaças à biodiversidade por desmatamento, mineração e turismo. As plantas estudadas incluem importantes candidatos a fármacos. Pesquisas adicionais sobre os aspectos moleculares devem ser realizadas.

Genetic diversity of Annona crassiflora (Annonaceae) in northern Minas Gerais State.

Genetic diversity analyses of tropical tree species are relevant to landscape management, plant genetic resource inventory, and biological conservation of threatened species. Annona crassiflora is an endangered fruit tree native to the Cerrado biome that is threatened by reduction of natural populations and fruit extraction. We examined the intra- and interpopulational genetic diversity of this species in the northern region of Minas Gerais State. Seventy-two individuals from four natural populations were genotyped using RAPD markers. We found moderate genetic diversity among populations, with Shannon's I index varying between 0.31 and 0.44, and Nei's genetic diversity (H(E)) for the population set equal to 0.31. AMOVA indicated a greater genetic variation within (77.38%) rather than among populations (22.62%), tending towards isolation by distance (Mantel's r = 0.914; P = 0.089). Nei's genetic identity estimates among populations revealed a hierarchical pattern of genetic similarity of form [(CA1, CA2), MC], [(GM)], corroborating the high genetic differentiation between spatially isolated populations.

Utilizaçäo da tomografia computadorizada (CT) em trauma maxilofacial / The use of computed tomography (CT) in maxillofacial trauma

O trabalho tem por objetivo mostrar pacientes com trauma maxilofacial com uso da tomografia computadorizada (CT) de alta resoluçäo com o sistema Sytec 2000i da General Eletric (G.E.). Foram avaliados diversos pacientes com história de trauma maxilofacial no Centro de Tomografia Computadorizada de Piracicaba em plantöes de urgências que ocorriam diariamente no período noturno. Vimos que o auxílio no diagnóstico de fraturas ósseas e lesöes intracranianas através da CT extremamente valioso e fidedigno

Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity (SEMDJL): a Brazilian case.

This is a report on a Brazilian patient with spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity (SEMDJL; MIM 271640), a rare autosomal recessive skeletal dysplasia characterized by dwarfism, articular hypermobility, progressive intractable spinal malalignment, a typical facies and a propensity to joint dislocation and subluxation. The condition has been described only in 20 children of Afrikaans-speaking parents in South Africa. This is the first report of a non-Afrikaans patient with this genetic entity.

[Comparison between HDL and LDL cholesterol as risk factors for carotid atherosclerosis]. / Comparação das frações HDL e LDL colesterol como fatores de risco para a aterosclerose carotídea.

In order to find out whether there exists a relationship between HDL and LDL serum levels and atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid artery (CA), a prospective study was carried out involving 125 patients. They were aleatorily included, of both sexes and age between 45-75 years old. HDL and LDL serum levels were measured as well CA ultrasonographic mode B investigated. It was verified that the number of patients having atherosclerotic plaques in CA was inversely proportional to the HDL levels. We came up with the same ratio when the HDL levels were compared to the number of patients having CA stenosis. These results were statistically significant (x2 = 6.57 and x2 = 9.24 respectively; critical x2 = 5.99 to alpha = 5%). A direct ratio was also found out in the relationship between the presence of atherosclerotic plaques in the CA and the LDL serum levels (greater in patients with plaques). However no relationship between LDL levels and the occurrence or not of CA stenosis in patients having plaques was demonstrated. The results were not statistically significant (x2 = 0.97 and x2 = 0.41, respectively, critical x2 = 5.99 to alpha = 5%). The obtained results seem to be at least in part in agreement with literature findings. Statistically significative results in the comparison of HDL and LDL levels with the grade of stenosis of the CA were not found out (x2 = 11.78 and x2 = 4.03, respectively; critical x2 = 12.59 to alpha = 5%).

[Use of papain in visceral infections]. / Uso de papaína em infecções de vísceras.

This research was carried out at the University Hospital of the University of São Paulo and deals with the experiment of papain utilization for visceral irrigation in patients with severe infection. It was observed that seventy two hours after treatment, there was a considerable reduction of purulent secretion, and that the medium time of cicatrization of all lesions was thirty days.

[Cerebral infarction and edema: prognostico-evolutional evaluation by neurologic signs]. / Infarto cerebral e edema: avaliação prognóstico-evolutiva por sinais neurológicos.

The prospective study in question involves 92 patients with cerebral infarction (CI). The follow-up was carried out for 10 days with daily evaluation, and the patients were graded for the different indicators usually researched in such cases. The observations were analysed by comparing the individual indicator averages, taken over all the patients, with the global mean of all the observed values. The analysis shows that the result of the "consciousness" exam alone is the best clinical parameter to ascertain the evolution of the patient after CI.

[Evaluation of glycerol in the treatment of cerebral infarction]. / Avaliação do glicerol no tratamento de infarto cerebral.

A prospective study was undertaken concerning patients with cerebral ischemia for evaluation of glycerol treatment. This medication acts on edema produced by cerebral ischemia; the edema being the main factor that worsens patients with cerebral ischemia. 187 patients were studied specifically for cerebral edema. They were randomly divided into two groups: the first group of 92 patients did not receive anti-edema treatment; the second group of 95 patients was divided into sub-groups according to age and severity of neurological involvement. The use of glycerol was found to be beneficial in all groups treated.

Visceral larva migrans: a seroepidemiological survey in five municipalities of São Paulo state, Brazil.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), employing antigens from Toxocara canis larvae and the absortion of suspected sera with Ascaris lumbricoides extracts was used in a seroepidemiological study performed in five municipalities of São Paulo State, Brazil (São Paulo, Campinas, Santos, Marília and Presidente Prudente) in order to determine the frequency of antibodies to Toxocara. In 2,025 blood samples collected, 806 proceeded from male subjects and 1,219 from females; 483 samples were collected from subjects under 15 years of age and the remaining 1,542 from subjects aged 15 years or over. Among the 2,025 sera investigated, 3.60% had antibodies to Toxocara at significant levels. A moderate predominance of infection with Toxocara among male subjects (3.72%) was observed, although the difference was not statistically significant when this rate was compared with that for female (3.28%). Related to age, a higher frequency of positive results was detected among subjects under 15 years (6.41%) against the older group (2.53%). A trend of more elevated rates of infection was observed in municipalities with high demographic densities (São Paulo, Campinas and Santos). Nevertheless, such findings only appeared to be statistically significant in subjects younger than 15 years.

Fatores maternos e fetais associados ao nascimento de prematuros com 1.000 gramas ou menos. / Maternal and fetal factores associated with the birth of premature of 1,000g or less

O perfil das gestantes de baixo nivel socio-economico em nossa pesquisa, que deram a luz prematuros com 1.000 g ou menos, tem as seguintes caracteristicas: - nao eram primigestas; - tinham idade media de 26,6 anos; - nao fizeram seguimento pre-natal; - apresentaram alguma complicacao gestacional.Nao foi verificada nenhuma influencia da cor, estado civil e ocorrencia de abortos anteriores. O parto foi normal em 83,82% dos casos e a apresentacao cefalica em 77,94% das vezes. O bebe nasceu gravemente deprimido em 67,69% dos casos e com idade gestacional entre 22 e 30 semanas em 58,82% das vezes, sendo que 50,9% foram adequados para a idade gestacional e os demais; pequenos para a idade gestacional.As mortes neonatais ocorreram em 75% dos casos ate o 10o. dia de vida. Nos achados de necropsia predominaram: imaturidade cerebral e renal, atelectasia pulmonar congestao visceral generalizada e as sufusoes hemorragicas multiplas. Houve baixas-incidencias de persistencia do canal arterial e de membrana hialina

The Rete ovarii and follicle formation in marmosets (Callithrix jacchus and Callithrix penicillata).

The Rete ovarii in young marmosets shows a strong reactivity for a certain number of enzymes (LDH; NADH2-TR; NADPH2-TR; G-6-PDH; 6-PGDH; alpha-GPDH; beta-OHBDH and nonspecific esterase). The granulosa cells of the cortical innermost placed follicles have the same enzymatic reactivity. The germinal epithelium results negative to the mentioned group of enzymes at this phase of the development. The Rete ovarii must play an important rôle in the granulosa cells differentiation.

The skin of the palms and soles of the marmosets (Callithrix jacchus and Callithrix penicillata).

The structure and histochemistry of the palmar and plantar skin were studied in four adult male marmosets (two Callithrix jacchus and two Callithrix penicillata). In this skin there exist well-developed epidermal ridges, to which are attached one or two ducts of sweat glands. A thick stratum corneum can be seen in the epidermis, while a distinct stratum lucidum cannot be isolated from the other layers. The stratum granulosum is constituted by one or three layers of cells containing keratohyalin granules. Melanin granulations are mainly concentrated in the basal cells of the epidermal ridges. Dendritic melanocytes and amelanotic melanocytes containing alkaline phosphatase are found among the epidermal cells. Glycogen, UDPG-GT and phosphorylases are mainly present in the middle and lower Malpighian cells of the epidermal ridges. Alkaline phosphatase, ATPase, alanyl amino-peptidase and leucine aminopeptidase were absent in the epidermal cells. SDH, cytochrome oxidase, MAO and a certain number of NAD-dependent dehydrogenases (LDH, ADH, MDH, alpha-GPDH, beta-OHBDH and GDH) showed a stronger reactivity in the basal cells and Malpighian layer. The NADP-dependent enzymes (G-6-PDH, 6-PGDH, cis-aconistase and ICDH) were more reactive in the upper Malpighian layer and stratum granulosum. The stratum corneum showed some acid phosphatase and nonspecific esterase reactivity. The collagenous fibers intertwined with a small number of very thin elastic ones and a larger amount of reticular fibers run almost parallel to the epidermal ridges in the papillary body. In the reticular dermis some fibers are disposed transversely to the epidermal ridges. Meissner corpuscles reactive to butyrylcholinesterase, acetylcholinesterase, nonspecific esterase and G-6-PA are disposed at regular intervals and frequently at each side of the epidermal ridges. Pacinian corpuscles were found only in the hypodermis. The eccrine sweat glands contain glycogen, UDPG-GT and phosphorylase in their secretory, ductal and myoepithelial cells. The secretory part shows a uniform reactivity for every dehydrogenase because it contains only one type of cells (clear cells). The intraepidermal segment of the ducts shows a stronger reactivity to nonspecific esterase and NADP-dependent dehydrogenases than the epithelial cells around it.