Riboflavin did not provide anti-inflammatory or antioxidant effects in an experimental model of sepsis.

We aimed to evaluate whether the administration of riboflavin to septic animals reduces inflammation, oxidative stress, organ dysfunction, and mortality. C57BL/6 mice, 6-8 weeks old, were allocated to the study group (polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) + antibiotic + iv riboflavin), control (CLP + antibiotic + iv saline), or naïve (non-operated controls). Serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), urea, and creatinine, and markers of inflammation [interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2)], and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured 12 h after the experiment. Animal survival rates were calculated after 7 days. Means between groups were compared using linear regression models adjusted under the Bayesian approach. No significant difference was observed between control and study groups in serum concentrations of IL-6 (95% credible interval) (-0.35 to 0.44), TNF-α (-15.7 to 99.1), KC (-0.13 to 0.05), MIP-2 (-0.84 to 0.06), MDA (-1.25 to 2.53), or ALT (-6.6 to 11.5). Serum concentrations of CK-MB (-145.1 to -30.1), urea (-114.7 to -15.1), and creatinine (-1.14 to -0.01) were higher in the study group. Survival was similar in both groups (P=0.8). Therefore, the use of riboflavin in mice undergoing sepsis induced by CLP did not reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, organ dysfunction, or mortality compared with placebo.

Riboflavin did not provide anti-inflammatory or antioxidant effects in an experimental model of sepsis

We aimed to evaluate whether the administration of riboflavin to septic animals reduces inflammation, oxidative stress, organ dysfunction, and mortality. C57BL/6 mice, 6-8 weeks old, were allocated to the study group (polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) + antibiotic + iv riboflavin), control (CLP + antibiotic + iv saline), or naïve (non-operated controls). Serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), urea, and creatinine, and markers of inflammation [interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2)], and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured 12 h after the experiment. Animal survival rates were calculated after 7 days. Means between groups were compared using linear regression models adjusted under the Bayesian approach. No significant difference was observed between control and study groups in serum concentrations of IL-6 (95% credible interval) (-0.35 to 0.44), TNF-α (-15.7 to 99.1), KC (-0.13 to 0.05), MIP-2 (-0.84 to 0.06), MDA (-1.25 to 2.53), or ALT (-6.6 to 11.5). Serum concentrations of CK-MB (-145.1 to -30.1), urea (-114.7 to -15.1), and creatinine (-1.14 to -0.01) were higher in the study group. Survival was similar in both groups (P=0.8). Therefore, the use of riboflavin in mice undergoing sepsis induced by CLP did not reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, organ dysfunction, or mortality compared with placebo.

Imidacloprid affects the functional response of predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) to strains of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) on Bt cotton.

Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) is one of the most common asopine species in the neotropical region and its occurrence was reported in several countries of South and Central America, as an important biological control agent for many crops. This study was carried out to identify the imidacloprid impacts on the functional response of predator P. nigrispinus fed on Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) strain resistant to lambda-cyhalothrin, on Bt cotton expressing Cry1Ac (Bollgard(®)). Spodoptera frugiperda larvae were used in the following conditions: resistant (1) and susceptible (2) strains to lambda-cyhalothrin fed on Bollgard(®) cotton leaves (DP 404 BG); and resistant (3) and susceptible (4) strains to lambda-cyhalothrin fed on non-genetically modified cotton leaves (cultivar DP4049). The predatory behavior of P. nigrispinus was affected by imidacloprid and the type II asymptotic curve was the one that best described the functional response data. Handling time (T h ) of predator females did not differ among treatments in the presence of imidacloprid. The attack rate did decrease, however, due to an increase in the density of larvae offered. Regardless of the treatment (S. frugiperda strain or cotton cultivar), the predation of P. nigrispinus females on S. frugiperda larvae was significantly lower when exposed to imidacloprid, especially at a density of 16 larvae/predator. The predation behavior of P. nigrispinus on S. frugiperda larvae is affected by the insecticide imidacloprid showing that its applications should be used in cotton crop with caution.

The current state of knowledge of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury based on its study in experimental models.

The present review focuses on the numerous experimental models used to study the complexity of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Although experimental models of hepatic I/R injury represent a compromise between the clinical reality and experimental simplification, the clinical transfer of experimental results is problematic because of anatomical and physiological differences and the inevitable simplification of experimental work. In this review, the strengths and limitations of the various models of hepatic I/R are discussed. Several strategies to protect the liver from I/R injury have been developed in animal models and, some of these, might find their way into clinical practice. We also attempt to highlight the fact that the mechanisms responsible for hepatic I/R injury depend on the experimental model used, and therefore the therapeutic strategies also differ according to the model used. Thus, the choice of model must therefore be adapted to the clinical question being answered.

Assessment of fennel aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and their predators in fennel intercropped with cotton with colored fibers.

The fennel aphid, Hyadaphis foeniculi (Passerini) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a major pest of fennel, Foeniculum vulgare Miller in northeast region of Brazil. We hypothesize that intercropping can be used as an alternative pest management strategy to reduce aphid yield loss in fennel. Thus, we investigated the severity of fennel plant damage in relation to infestation by the fennel aphid and predation by Cycloneda sanguinea (L.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) (spotless lady beetle), green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), and Scymnus spp. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in sole fennel plots and plots of fennel intercropped with cotton with colored fibers. The fennel aphid populations in nontreated plots were significantly larger in sole fennel plots than in intercropped plots. The highest densities of C. sanguinea, green lacewings and Scymnus spp., associated with the suppression of fennel aphid populations was found in fennel in the intercropping systems. Fennel aphids reduced the fennel seed yield by 80% in the sole fennel plots compared with approximately 30% for all intercropping systems. The results obtained in this research are of practical significance for designing appropriate strategies for fennel aphid control in fennel-cotton intercropping systems. In summary, intercropping fennel with cotton with colored fibers apparently promoted biocontrol of fennel aphid in fennel.

Within-plant distribution of cotton aphids, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), in Bt and non-Bt cotton fields.

Knowledge of the vertical and horizontal distribution of Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on genetically modified cotton plants over time could help optimize decision-making in integrated cotton aphid management programs. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the vertical and horizontal distribution of A. gossypii in non-transgenic Bt cotton and transgenic Bt-cotton over time during two cotton seasons by examining plants throughout the seasons. There was no significant interaction between years and cotton cultivar treatments for apterous or alate aphids. Considering year-to-year data, analyses on season-long averages of apterous or alate aphids showed that aphid densities per plant did not differ among years. The number of apterous aphids found per plant for the Bt transgenic cultivar (2427 apterous aphids per plant) was lower than for its isoline (3335 apterous aphids per plant). The number of alate aphids found per plant on the Bt transgenic cultivar (12.28 alate aphids per plant) was lower than for the isoline (140.56 alate aphids per plant). With regard to the vertical distribution of apterous aphids or alate aphids, there were interactions between cotton cultivar, plant age and plant region. We conclude that in comparison to non-Bt cotton (DP 4049), Bt cotton (DP 404 BG (Bollgard)) has significant effects on the vertical, horizontal, spatial and temporal distribution patterns of A. gossypii, showing changes in its distribution behaviour inside the plant as the cotton crop develops. The results of our study are relevant for understanding the vertical and horizontal distribution of A. gossypii on Bt cotton cultivar (DP 404 BG (Bollgard)) and on its isoline (DP 4049), and could be useful in decision-making, implementing controls and determining the timing of population peaks of this insect.

Reproductive performance of Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare and LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) with previously refrigerated pupae of Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae).

The mass rearing of parasitoids represents a fundamental stage for programmes of biological control. The progeny of the parasitoid Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare and LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were evaluated on previously refrigerated pupae of Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae). Forty-eight to 72 hours-old pupae of B. mori were stored at 10 degrees C for five, 10, 15 or 20 days and then exposed to parasitism by P. elaeisis females. This parasitoid showed shorter duration of the life cycle when reared on pupae of B. mori which were previously stored at 10 degrees C during 15 days. P. elaeisis parasitized 100% of the pupae of B. mori after storage at 10 degrees C during all periods with emergence of this parasitoid from 78 to 100% of these pupae. P. elaeisis had a higher number of progeny per pupa of B. mori stored for 15 days at 10 degrees C. Pupae of B. mori can be stored for 15 days at 10 degrees C before being used to rear P. elaeisis.

Reproductive performance of Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare and LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) with previously refrigerated pupae of Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) / Desempenho reprodutivo de Palmistichus elaeisis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) em pupas refrigeradas de Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)

The mass rearing of parasitoids represents a fundamental stage for programmes of biological control. The progeny of the parasitoid Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare and LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were evaluated on previously refrigerated pupae of Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae). Forty-eight to 72 hours-old pupae of B. mori were stored at 10 ºC for five, 10, 15 or 20 days and then exposed to parasitism by P. elaeisis females. This parasitoid showed shorter duration of the life cycle when reared on pupae of B. mori which were previously stored at 10 ºC during 15 days. P. elaeisis parasitized 100 percent of the pupae of B. mori after storage at 10 ºC during all periods with emergence of this parasitoid from 78 to 100 percent of these pupae. P. elaeisis had a higher number of progeny per pupa of B. mori stored for 15 days at 10 ºC. Pupae of B. mori can be stored for 15 days at 10 ºC before being used to rear P. elaeisis.

A criação de parasitoides em larga escala representa uma etapa fundamental para programas de controle biológico. A progênie de Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare and LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) foi avaliada em pupas de Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) armazenadas em baixa temperatura. Pupas de B. mori, com 48 a 72 horas de idade, foram armazenadas a 10 ºC por 5, 10, 15 ou 20 dias e, posteriormente, expostas ao parasitismo por fêmeas de P. elaeisis. A duração do ciclo de vida do parasitoide foi menor em pupas de B. mori armazenadas a 10 ºC durante 15 dias. O parasitismo de P. elaeisis atingiu 100 por cento de pupas de B. mori após armazenamento a 10 ºC em todos os períodos, com emergência de 78 a 100 por cento desse parasitoide. A progênie por pupa de P. elaeisis foi maior quando pupas de B. mori foram armazenadas por 15 dias a 10 ºC. Pupas de B. mori podem ser armazenadas por até 15 dias a 10 ºC e serem utilizadas em criações de P. elaeisis.

Fat body of the zoophytophagous predator Brontocoris tabidus (Het.: Pentatomidae) females: impact of the herbivory and age.

The effect of different diets [Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) pupae; T. molitor pupae and Eucalyptus cloeziana plant; T. molitor and Eucalyptus urophylla plant and T. molitor pupae and guava plant (Psidium guajava)] on the morpho-physiological features of the fat body of Brontocoris tabidus (Signoret) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) females was studied in the field. Adult females of B. tabidus have trophocytes about twofold larger (966.32mum(2)) when fed on E. urophylla and T. molitor than those fed on other diets. The trophocytes of B. tabidus showed similar morphological aspects with the different diets and age of this predator. The histochemical tests indicated a reduced quantity of proteins and carbohydrates in the fat body of B. tabidus females with all diets and age of this predator.

Reproductive performance of Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare and LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) with previously refrigerated pupae of Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)

The mass rearing of parasitoids represents a fundamental stage for programmes of biological control. The progeny of the parasitoid Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare and LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were evaluated on previously refrigerated pupae of Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae). Forty-eight to 72 hours-old pupae of B. mori were stored at 10 ºC for five, 10, 15 or 20 days and then exposed to parasitism by P. elaeisis females. This parasitoid showed shorter duration of the life cycle when reared on pupae of B. mori which were previously stored at 10 ºC during 15 days. P. elaeisis parasitized 100% of the pupae of B. mori after storage at 10 ºC during all periods with emergence of this parasitoid from 78 to 100% of these pupae. P. elaeisis had a higher number of progeny per pupa of B. mori stored for 15 days at 10 ºC. Pupae of B. mori can be stored for 15 days at 10 ºC before being used to rear P. elaeisis.

A criação de parasitoides em larga escala representa uma etapa fundamental para programas de controle biológico. A progênie de Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare and LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) foi avaliada em pupas de Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) armazenadas em baixa temperatura. Pupas de B. mori, com 48 a 72 horas de idade, foram armazenadas a 10 ºC por 5, 10, 15 ou 20 dias e, posteriormente, expostas ao parasitismo por fêmeas de P. elaeisis. A duração do ciclo de vida do parasitoide foi menor em pupas de B. mori armazenadas a 10 ºC durante 15 dias. O parasitismo de P. elaeisis atingiu 100% de pupas de B. mori após armazenamento a 10 ºC em todos os períodos, com emergência de 78 a 100% desse parasitoide. A progênie por pupa de P. elaeisis foi maior quando pupas de B. mori foram armazenadas por 15 dias a 10 ºC. Pupas de B. mori podem ser armazenadas por até 15 dias a 10 ºC e serem utilizadas em criações de P. elaeisis.

Communication between organ donor families and recipients: a definitely controversial subject.

In transplant centers, few topics are more controversial than communication between organ donor families (ODF) and recipients (RE). The Organ Procurement Organizations and transplant centers have felt obliged to protect the confidentiality and interests of ODF and RE. However, some authors have reported favorable effects of contact between ODF and RE. This study sought to investigate the current situation of the communication between ODF and RE from the viewpoint of transplanted patients (n = 50) and waiting transplant patients (n = 50) at a Brazilian University Hospital, ODF (n = 10), physicians from transplant centers (n = 50), as well as the opinion of the general population of a Brazilian city (n = 100). This work was developed as a survey whose questions related to the issue of communication between ODF and RE. The results showed that the majority of transplanted patients (82%) and patients awaiting transplant (60%) wanted to meet ODF to express their gratitude for receiving the organ. Likewise, ODF (67%) wanted to have a meeting with recipients, which allowed them to confirm the benefit of their donation. The general population was also favorable (66%) to ODF and RE communication. In contrast, the physicians (74%) were opposed to the ODF and RE contact. They affirmed that direct contact could lead to serious emotional conflicts or attempts of material involvement. One believes that decisions concerning the contact between ODF and RE would have to be determined by the involved parties. The transplant team could analyze the requests case by case, but ODF and RE must have the right to make the final decision.

Liver transplantation at a university hospital, faculty of the medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo: results for the first 60 recipients.

The purpose of the present article was to present the series operated by a Liver Transplant Group of the interior of the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Sixty patients were transplanted from May 2001 to May 2007. Thirty percent of the patients had alcoholic cirrhosis. 18.3% had C virus-induced cirrhosis, 10% had C virus- and alcohol-induced cirrhosis, 6% had B virus-induced cirrhosis, 13.3% had cryptogenic cirrhosis, 8.3% autoimmune cirrhosis, 13.3% had familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP), and 13.3% had hepatocellular carcinomas. The series was divided by a chronological criterion into two periods: A (n = 42) and B (n = 18) with the latter group operated based upon the Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) criterion. Sixty-nine percent were men. Age ranged from 14 to 66 years. Period A included 12% Child A: 59.2%, Child B; 24%, Child C; and 4.8%, FAP. Period B comprises 22.2% Child A: 11.1%, Child B: 33.3%, Child C: and 33.3%, FAP. MELD scores ranged from 8 to 35 for period A and from 14 to 31 for period B. Intraoperative mortality was 2/42 patients for period A and 0/18 for period B, overall postoperative mortality was 40% including for period A, 35% among Child B and C patients, and 5% among FAP and Child A patients (P < .05) and 16.6% for period B among 11.1% Child B patients and 5.5% FAP patients; 3.3% of patients required retransplantation due to hepatic artery thrombosis. Real postoperative survival was 60% during period A and 83.3% during period B, with an overall survival rate of 67% for the two periods. The present results show levels of postoperative mortality, (especially during period B), and survival rates similar to those reported by several other centers in Brazil.

Utilização de mudas de eucalyptus grandis melhora a criação do predador brontocoris tabidus (het.: pentatomidae) em laboratório

ABSTRACT Generalist predators are important for the biological control of pests by feeding on many insect pests, especially those occurring in larger abundance. For this reason, they can maintain their populations in different ecosystems, even during periods of prey shortage, and they are found in outbreaks of Lepidoptera defoliators in eucalyptus plantations. The longevity and reproductive parameters of the predatorBrontocoris tabidus (Signoret) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) were studied at 26 ± 2° C, 65 ± 10% relative humidity and 12 hours photophase with Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) (T1) pupae or with this prey and seedlings of Eucalyptus grandis (T2). The longevity of males and females of this predator were 27.4 ± 4.4 and 39.6 ± 3.4 days and 27.0 ± 4.6 and 34.5 ± 3.1 days, respectively. Females were always heavier than males, with 141.1 and 104.9 mg only with T. molitor and 148.8 and 108.3 mg with this prey and E. grandis seedlings, respectively. The viability and number of eggs/female and the longevity of B. tabidus had higher values in the treatment with T. molitor pupae and seedlings of E. grandis.

RESUMO Predadores generalistas são importantes para o controle biológico de pragas por se alimentarem de muitas espécies de insetos, especialmente daquelas em maior abundância, e por se manterem em diferentes agroecossistemas, mesmo em períodos de escassez de presa, tendo sido registrados em surtos de Lepidoptera desfolhadores em plantações de eucalipto. Foram estudados a longevidade e os parâmetros reprodutivos do predador Brontocoris tabidus (Signoret) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) a 26 ± 2° C, 65 ± 10% de U.R. e fotofase de 12 horas, alimentado com Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) (T1) ou com esta presa e mudas de Eucalyptus grandis (T2). A longevidade de machos e fêmeas foi de 27,4 ± 4,4 e 39,6 ± 3,4 dias e de 27,0 ± 4,6 e 34,5 ± 3,1 dias, respectivamente. As fêmeas foram sempre mais pesadas que os machos, com 141,1 e 104,9 mg apenas com T. molitor, e 148,8 e 108,3mg com essa presa e mudas de E. grandis, respectivamente. A viabilidade dos ovos, o número de ovos/fêmea e a longevidade de B. tabidus foram maiores no tratamento com essa presa e mudas de E. grandis.

Effect of diet on male reproductive tract of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae).

The morphology and histology of the reproductive tract of males of the predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) fed on different diets were studied. P. nigrispinus was fed on diets of: larvae of Alabama argillacea (Hübner), Tenebrio molitor L., Musca domestica L., and an artificial diet. The male reproductive tract, independent of diet, showed testes with intense red coloration in a compact, circular, or slightly oval structure. The vasa deferentia were similar in color to the testes and formed long filaments, which joined with the yellow-cream colored ejaculatory duct. The morphological characteristics of the male reproductive tract were similar under all diets, except for the artificial one. The histological studies demonstrated that independent of the diet the testes of P. nigrispinus were composed of four to six follicles. The testes with six follicles generally had four developed and two atrophied follicles. The morphological and histological differences of the testes of P. nigrispinus when fed with different prey are presented and discussed.

Effect of diet on male reproductive tract of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

Estudou-se a morfologia e a histologia do órgão reprodutivo de machos do predador Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas), alimentados com diferentes dietas (lagartas de Alabama argillacea (Hübner), larvas de Tenebrio molitor L., larvas de Musca domestica L. e dieta artificial). O órgão reprodutivo dos machos, independentemente da dieta fornecida, apresentou testículos com coloração vermelha intensa, compactos e de aspecto circular ou ligeiramente ovóide. Os canais deferentes apresentaram coloração semelhante a dos testículos e forma de filamentos longos, os quais se conectam a um duto ejaculatório de coloração creme-amarelada. As características morfológicas do órgão reprodutivo dos machos foram similares em todas as dietas, exceto quando alimentados com dieta artificial. Os estudos histológicos demonstraram que, independentemente da dieta, os testículos de P. nigrispinus são compostos por quatro a seis folículos. Os testículos com seis folículos geralmente têm quatro folículos desenvolvidos e dois atrofiados. Este trabalho apresenta e discute as diferenças morfológicas e histológicas dos testículos de P. nigrispinus alimentados com as diferentes dietas.

Estimate of Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) development with nonlinear models

The objective of this work was to evaluate which nonlinear model [Davidson (1942, 1944), Stinner et al. (1974), Sharpe & DeMichele (1977), and Lactin et al. (1995)] best describes the relationship between developmental rates of the different instars and stages of Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and temperature. A. argillacea larvae were fed with cotton leaves (Gossypium hirsutum L., race latifolium Hutch., cultivar CNPA 7H) at constant temperatures of 20, 23, 25, 28, 30, 33, and 35ºC; relative humidity of 60 ± 10 percent; and photoperiod of 14:10 L:D. Low R² values obtained with Davidson (0.0001 to 0.1179) and Stinner et al. (0.0099 to 0.8296) models indicated a poor fit of their data for A. argillacea. However, high R² values of Sharpe & DeMichele (0.9677 to 0.9997) and Lactin et al. (0.9684 to 0.9997) models indicated a better fit for estimating A. argillacea development.

Spectral response for laser enhancement in hepatic regeneration for hepatectomized rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The low intensity laser therapy (LILT) has been widely used in all medical fields due to its therapeutic effects in reparative process, pain relief, and biostimulation. Even though there is a therapeutic window of wavelengths for clinical application, little has been done concerning the frequency spectrum response to biological effects. In this work, we investigate the dependence of different wavelengths irradiation in the enhancement of the tissue regeneration after partial hepatectomy in Wistar rats. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: The proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) labeling index and the respiratory control (oxygen consumption in extracted mitochondria) were the tests used to evaluate the liver regeneration after laser irradiation with different wavelengths. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The results show a correlated spectral response that can be explained based on the combined effect of light penetration on biological tissues and the biomolecular excitation efficiency for each wavelength used.

Estimate of Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) development with nonlinear models.

The objective of this work was to evaluate which nonlinear model [Davidson (1942, 1944), Stinner et al. (1974), Sharpe & DeMichele (1977), and Lactin et al. (1995)] best describes the relationship between developmental rates of the different instars and stages of Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and temperature. A. argillacea larvae were fed with cotton leaves (Gossypium hirsutum L., race latifolium Hutch., cultivar CNPA 7H) at constant temperatures of 20, 23, 25, 28, 30, 33, and 35 masculine C; relative humidity of 60 +/- 10%; and photoperiod of 14:10 L:D. Low R(2) values obtained with Davidson (0.0001 to 0.1179) and Stinner et al. (0.0099 to 0.8296) models indicated a poor fit of their data for A. argillacea. However, high R(2) values of Sharpe & DeMichele (0.9677 to 0.9997) and Lactin et al. (0.9684 to 0.9997) models indicated a better fit for estimating A. argillacea development.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition by lisinopril enhances liver regeneration in rats.

Bradykinin has been reported to act as a growth factor for fibroblasts, mesangial cells and keratinocytes. Recently, we reported that bradykinin augments liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is also a powerful bradykinin-degrading enzyme. We have investigated the effect of ACE inhibition by lisinopril on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. Adult male Wistar rats underwent 70% partial hepatectomy (PH). The animals received lisinopril at a dose of 1 mg kg body weight(-1) day(-1), or saline solution, intraperitoneally, for 5 days before hepatectomy, and daily after surgery. Four to six animals from the lisinopril and saline groups were sacrificed at 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 120 h after PH. Liver regeneration was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen using the PC-10 monoclonal antibody. The value for the lisinopril-treated group was three-fold above the corresponding control at 12 h after PH (P<0.001), remaining elevated at approximately two-fold above control values at 24, 36, 48 (P<0.001), and at 72 h (P<0.01) after PH, but values did not reach statistical difference at 120 h after PH. Plasma ACE activity measured by radioenzymatic assay was significantly higher in the saline group than in the lisinopril-treated group (P<0.001), with 81% ACE inhibition. The present study shows that plasma ACE inhibition enhances liver regeneration after PH in rats. Since it was reported that bradykinin also augments liver regeneration after PH, this may explain the liver growth stimulating effect of ACE inhibitors.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition by lisinopril enhances liver regeneration in rats

Bradykinin has been reported to act as a growth factor for fibroblasts, mesangial cells and keratinocytes. Recently, we reported that bradykinin augments liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is also a powerful bradykinin-degrading enzyme. We have investigated the effect of ACE inhibition by lisinopril on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. Adult male Wistar rats underwent 70 percent partial hepatectomy (PH). The animals received lisinopril at a dose of 1 mg kg body weight-1 day-1, or saline solution, intraperitoneally, for 5 days before hepatectomy, and daily after surgery. Four to six animals from the lisinopril and saline groups were sacrificed at 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 120 h after PH. Liver regeneration was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen using the PC-10 monoclonal antibody. The value for the lisinopril-treated group was three-fold above the corresponding control at 12 h after PH (P<0.001), remaining elevated at approximately two-fold above control values at 24, 36, 48 (P<0.001), and at 72 h (P<0.01) after PH, but values did not reach statistical difference at 120 h after PH. Plasma ACE activity measured by radioenzymatic assay was significantly higher in the saline group than in the lisinopril-treated group (P<0.001), with 81 percent ACE inhibition. The present study shows that plasma ACE inhibition enhances liver regeneration after PH in rats. Since it was reported that bradykinin also augments liver regeneration after PH, this may explain the liver growth stimulating effect of ACE inhibitors