Bothrops jararacussu snake venom decreases CD1d, CD83, and CD86 expression on bone marrow-derived dendritic cells.

This study was designed to characterize mice bone marrow (BM) and bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDC) and to compare the surface markers expression and inflammatory cytokine liberation in response to LPS and Bothrops jararacussu venom (BjV) stimulation. Typical morphology was observed in BM and BMDCs from the 4th up to the 8th day of culture using recombinant mouse GM-CSF and IL-4. A high basal level of MHC-II, CD1d, CD83, CD11c, CD80, and low CD86 was expressed by BM cells. After stimulation with GM-CSF/IL-4 for BMDCs differentiation, the BM cells differentiated into BMDCs presented MHC-II, CD1d, CD83, CD11c, CD86, and CD80 expression on the 4th - 8th day accompanied with high levels of TNF-α liberated. The difference between the surface markers' expression was observed in this time course in which CD1d, CD11c, and CD80 remained in high levels of expression, while MHC-II and CD83 showed moderate expression during the differentiation period. Also, cytokines liberation was monitored over the period of the BMDCs culture, and on the 6th day, low levels of IL-6 and IL-1ß were found, while high levels of TNF-α on the 4th and 8th days, both of which contributed to the maturity of the BMDCs. Maturation of DCs with LPS showed significant upregulation of surface markers (MHC-II, CD1d, CD83, CD86, CD80) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α) liberation. On the other hand, BjV induced a decrease in CD1d, CD11c, CD83, and CD86 expression in mature BMDCs which was not observed when LPS was used to stimulate BMDCs which probably induces impairment in T-cell activation.

First record of the parasitoid wasp Lymeon sp. (Ichneumonidae: Cryptinae) associated with spider eggs-sac of Araneus vincibilis (Araneae: Araneidae) in Northeastern Brazil / Primeiro registro da vespa parasitóide Lymeon sp. (Ichneumonidae: Cryptinae) associada ao ovissaco da aranha Araneus vincibilis (Araneae: Araneidae) no Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Lymeon Förster, 1869 is a very large genus of the Cryptinae (Ichneumonidae) with predominantly Neotropical distribution where females attack small cocoons of various groups of insects and spider eggs-sac. In the present study, we report the first record the interaction between the parasitoid wasp Lymeon sp. (Ichneumonidae), with eggs-sac of spider Araneus vincibilis (Araneidae) in Northeastern Brazil. We observed that although the female of A. vincibilis cares for the eggs that were attacked by Lymeon sp, the wasp larva consumed about 80% of spider eggs, indicating that both maternal care and the physical barrier offered by the eggs-sac may not provide absolute defense against predators.

Resumo Lymeon Förster, 1869 é um grande gênero de Cryptinae (Ichneumonidae) com distribuição predominantemente neotropical, onde fêmeas atacam pequenos casulos de vários grupos de insetos e ovissacos de aranha. No presente estudo, relatamos o primeiro registro da interação entre a vespa parasitoide Lymeon sp. (Ichneumonidae), com o ovissaco da aranha Araneus vincibilis (Araneidae) no Nordeste do Brasil. Observamos que, embora a fêmea de A. vincibilis cuide dos ovos que foram atacados por Lymeon sp, a larva da vespa consumiu cerca de 80% dos ovos da aranha, indicando que tanto o cuidado maternal quanto a barreira física oferecida pelo ovissaco não podem fornecer defesa absoluta contra predadores.

First record of the parasitoid wasp Lymeon sp. (Ichneumonidae: Cryptinae) associated with spider eggs-sac of Araneus vincibilis (Araneae: Araneidae) in Northeastern Brazil.

Lymeon Förster, 1869 is a very large genus of the Cryptinae (Ichneumonidae) with predominantly Neotropical distribution where females attack small cocoons of various groups of insects and spider eggs-sac. In the present study, we report the first record the interaction between the parasitoid wasp Lymeon sp. (Ichneumonidae), with eggs-sac of spider Araneus vincibilis (Araneidae) in Northeastern Brazil. We observed that although the female of A. vincibilis cares for the eggs that were attacked by Lymeon sp, the wasp larva consumed about 80% of spider eggs, indicating that both maternal care and the physical barrier offered by the eggs-sac may not provide absolute defense against predators.

Amino Acid-Functionalized Polyelectrolyte Films as Bioactive Surfaces for Cell Adhesion.

Surfaces were prepared with polyelectrolyte derivatives of poly(styrene- alt-maleic anhydride) (PSMA) functionalized with amino acids of different hydropathy indices, with the aim of evaluating the effect of the chemical functionality of polyelectrolytes on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell adhesion. Functionalizing PSMA derivatives with l-glutamine, l-methionine, and l-tyrosine yielded PSMA-Gln, PSMA-Met, and PSMA-Tyr polyelectrolytes, respectively. We first studied the adsorption behavior of PSMA functionalized with amino acids on silicon wafer surfaces modified with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane at pH 4.0 and 7.0 and at low and high ionic strengths. The highest rate of polyelectrolyte adsorption was at pH 4.0 and high ionic strength and was higher with the glutamine and tyrosine films. The advance contact angles (θA) of the polyelectrolyte surfaces showed a moderate effect of ionic strength and pH on polyelectrolyte film wettability, with PSMA-Tyr being slightly more hydrophobic. Atomic force microscopy images of the polyelectrolyte surfaces showed two types of morphology: the well-defined globular nanostructure of PSMA-Met and PSMA-Tyr and densely packed nanofibrous-like structure of PSMA-Gln. The highest level of ionic strength caused a slight decrease in the size of the nanostructure that formed the surface domains, which was reflected in the degree of surface roughness. Cell adhesion assays with the polyelectrolyte film showed that SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells cultured on PSMA-Met present a well-extended morphology characterized by a stellate shape, with five or more actin-rich thin processes, whereas SH-SY5Y cells that were seeded on PSMA-Gln and PSMA-Tyr have a round morphology, with fewer and shorter processes. These results indicate that it is possible to modulate the surface characteristics of polyelectrolyte films based on their chemical functionality and environmental parameters such as pH and ionic strength in order to evaluate their effect on cell adhesion. Thus, surfaces prepared from polyelectrolytes functionalized with amino acids are an attractive and simple platform for cell adhesion, which can be used in developing biomaterials with modulated surface properties.

Cerebral and cardiac congenital malformations in neonatal West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus).

Strandings of live new-born West Indian manatees (WIMs; Trichechus manatus) are one of the main challenges for the conservation of this species in Brazil, particularly in the northeastern states. Congenital malformations (CMs) are rare in sirenians. We identified CMs in two of 19 stranded WIMs that were rescued, rehabilitated and subjected to complete pathological examinations in Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte States between 1992 and 2017. In case 1, dilation of the cerebral lateral and fourth ventricles with abundant cerebrospinal fluid (internal hydrocephalus), was diagnosed. Furthermore, this animal developed necrotizing enterocolitis associated with pneumatosis intestinalis and aspiration pneumonia late during rehabilitation. Cardiac malformations in case 2 included: right ventricle hypoplasia with marked stenosis of the tricuspid outflow, high ventricular septal defect, segmental pulmonary artery aneurysm, mitral valve haemocyst and left ventricular hypertrophy. Herein, we provide the first description of a neural tube defect, specifically a developmental internal hydrocephalus, and multiple cardiac congenital anomalies, together with their respective clinicopathological features in manatees. Although the aetiology of the CMs remains unknown in these cases, a genetic basis is plausible given the low genetic variability in this population. These cases add to the body of knowledge on health and disease aspects of manatees and may provide scientific basis for future medical and conservation efforts on neonatal WIMs.

Polyphenols from guaraná after in vitro digestion: Evaluation of bioacessibility and inhibition of activity of carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes.

Guaraná (Paullinia cupana) is a typical product from Amazon biota that exerts antioxidant capacity due to the presence of phenolic compounds, such as catechin, epicatechin and proanthocyanidins. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential inhibitory activity of guaraná extracts, after digestion in vitro, on carbohydrates-metabolism enzymes and to assess the bioacessibility of guaraná polyphenols. The guaraná samples before and after enzymatic digestion, were compared for total phenolic content and phenolic profile. Furthermore, we investigated the uptake of polyphenols from guarana, using Caco-2 cells, and the effect of digested guaraná on carbohydrate metabolism enzymes. The amount of total phenolic compounds extracted from guaraná decreased after digestion in vitro, and native phenolics were not identified after cell permeation. On the other hand, polyphenols from guaraná were able to inhibit α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. In conclusion, guaraná can be considered as a dietary source with anti-hyperglycemic potential.

Influência da vacinação materna na transferência de imunidade passiva contra as viroses respiratórias dos bovinos / Influence of maternal vaccination for the passive immune transfer against bovine respiratory viruses

O objetivo deste estudo longitudinal foi avaliar a influência da vacinação materna na transferência de anticorpos (ACs) contra as viroses respiratórias em bezerros. Para tanto, vacas e bezerros foram distribuídos em dois grupos conforme a realização (VAC, n=6) ou não (NVAC, n=4) da vacinação no pré-parto. Amostras sanguíneas foram obtidas após a parição (D0); em seguida, apenas os bezerros foram acompanhados até D180. ACs séricos foram determinados pela vírus-neutralização (VN) contra BVDV, BoHV-1, BRSV e BPI3-V. Vacas VAC apresentaram diferenças para ACs contra BoHV-1 (P=0,01) em D0. As frequências (%) de bezerros soropositivos para BoHV-1 foram maiores em VAC do D2 ao D120; para BRSV em D4, D8, D10 e D150 (P≤0,08); medianas de ACs contra BoHV-1 em VAC do D2 ao D120 (P=0,08). A vacinação das vacas no pré-parto foi fundamental para a transferência e a duração de ACs contra BoHV-1 e BRSV, porém o protocolo adotado não foi eficiente para o aumento de ACs para BVDV e BPI3-V. A eficácia parcial da vacinação materna não inviabiliza a sua recomendação devido à importância do Herpesvírus e do BRSV na DRB, porém estratégias para a melhoria nas respostas imunes contra as demais viroses devem ser estabelecidas.(AU)

The aim of this longitudinal research was to evaluate the influence of maternal vaccination for the passive immune transfer of antibodies (Abs) against respiratory viruses in calves. Therefore, cows and calves sourced from two groups according to having received (VAC, n=6) or not (NVAC, n=4) of vaccination at pre-partum period. Blood samples of cows and calves harvested after parturition (D0), and then only calves followed until the age of 180 days. Abs performed by virus neutralization (VN) against BVDV, BoHV-1, BRSV and BPI3-V. VAC cows presented differences for Abs against BoHV-1 (P=0.01) in D0. Frequencies (%) of seropositive VAC calves for BoHV-1 were higher in D2 to D120; to BRSV D4, D8, D10 and D150 (P≤0.08); higher medians of Abs against BoHV-1 in VAC at D2 up to D120 (P=0.08). Partial efficacy of vaccination of cows does not impair its recommendation due to the importance of Herpesvirus and BRSV in BRD, but strategies for improvement in immune responses against other viruses should be established.(AU)

Imunidade celular em vacas Holandesas soropositivas para o Vírus da Leucose Bovina (BLV) durante o período de transição / Cellular immunity in Holstein cows seropositive for Bovine Leukosis Virus (BLV) during the transition period

Esta pesquisa avaliou a dinâmica dos leucócitos e das subpopulações de linfócitos em vacas Holandesas soropositivas para o BLV no período de transição. Amostras de sangue (n=72) provenientes de 12 vacas foram coletadas entre as semanas -2 e +3 para a realização do leucograma, imunofenotipagem, dosagem de cortisol e haptoglobina (Hp). O perfil leucocitário foi caracterizado por leucocitose, neutrofilia, monocitose e eosinopenia próximo ao parto. Linfocitose e elevada proporção de linfócitos B CD21+ foram achados constantes entre as semanas -2 e +3; assim, as vacas foram testadas e confirmadas soropositivas para o BLV. Os valores das subpopulações de linfócitos T apresentaram-se baixos durante o período de transição, observando-se dois picos máximos que coincidiram com as elevações nas concentrações de cortisol no parto (2,11µg/dL) e semana +3 (1,97µg/dL). Hp apresentou aumento crescente de -2 (166µg/mL) a +3 (576µg/mL), provavelmente associada à elevada taxa de infecções uterinas observadas nas semanas +2 e +3. As vacas soropositivas para o BLV apresentaram leucograma de estresse próximo ao parto, exceto para linfócitos. A linfocitose e as elevadas proporções de células B CD21+, associadas com as baixas proporções de células T, podem ser indicativo de imunossupressão e predisposição aos processos inflamatórios no período pós-parto.(AU)

This research evaluated the dynamics of leukocytes and lymphocytes subsets in seropositive Holstein cows for BLV during the transition period. Blood samples (n=72) from 12 cows were harvested from week -2 up to week +3 to perform leukogram, immunophenotyping, cortisol and haptoglobin (Hp). Leukocytes pattern was characterized by leukocytosis, neutrophilia, monocytosis and eosinopenia around calving. Lymphocytosis and high proportions of B cells CD21+ were a constant finding between week -2 and +3, thus cows were tested and confirmed seropositive for BLV. The values of T lymphocytes subsets were low during the transition period, observing two peaks that coincided with high levels of cortisol at delivery (2.11µg/dL) and week +3 (1.97µg/dL). Hp had gradual increase from week -2 (166µg/mL) until week +3 (576g/mL) probably due to high rate of uterine infection detected between week +2 and +3. The seropositive cows for BLV presented stress leukogram around delivery, except for lymphocytes. Lymphocytosis and the high proportions of B cells, associated with the low proportions of T lymphocytes, can be indicative of immunosuppression and predisposition to the inflammatory process observed in the post-partum period.(AU)

Maize hybrid stability in environments under water restriction using mixed models and factor analysis.

In several crops, the water deficit is perhaps the main limiting factor in the search for high yields. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phenotypic stability of maize hybrids in environments with and without water restriction using the analytical factor (AF) approach. We evaluated 171 maize hybrids in 14 environments, divided into environments with (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, and A7) and without (A8, A9, A10, A11, A12, A13, and A14) water restriction, over a period of 7 years. Each year, 36 hybrids were evaluated. A square lattice design (6 x 6) was used, with common treatments between years. The characteristics of grain yield (GY), male flowering (MF) and female flowering (FF), plant height (PH), and ear height (EH) were evaluated. Phenotypic adaptability and stability of the hybrids were also verified. Hybrids G66, G99, G86, and G26 were the most stable and showed potential for use in environments with and without water restriction. The AF models showed to be useful for evaluating hybrids over many years, allowing selection of better hybrids with adaptability, specific and general stability, and correlation of hybrids with their production components, in addition to allowing identification of mega-environments that permit stability in the response of the adapted hybrids.

First record of the parasitoid wasp Lymeon sp. (Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) associated with spider eggs-sac of Araneus vincibilis (Araneae: Araneidae) in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract Lymeon Förster, 1869 is a very large genus of the Cryptinae (Ichneumonidae) with predominantly Neotropical distribution where females attack small cocoons of various groups of insects and spider eggs-sac. In the present study, we report the first record the interaction between the parasitoid wasp Lymeon sp. (Ichneumonidae), with eggs-sac of spider Araneus vincibilis (Araneidae) in Northeastern Brazil. We observed that although the female of A. vincibilis cares for the eggs that were attacked by Lymeon sp, the wasp larva consumed about 80% of spider eggs, indicating that both maternal care and the physical barrier offered by the eggs-sac may not provide absolute defense against predators.

Resumo Lymeon Förster, 1869 é um grande gênero de Cryptinae (Ichneumonidae) com distribuição predominantemente neotropical, onde fêmeas atacam pequenos casulos de vários grupos de insetos e ovissacos de aranha. No presente estudo, relatamos o primeiro registro da interação entre a vespa parasitoide Lymeon sp. (Ichneumonidae), com o ovissaco da aranha Araneus vincibilis (Araneidae) no Nordeste do Brasil. Observamos que, embora a fêmea de A. vincibilis cuide dos ovos que foram atacados por Lymeon sp, a larva da vespa consumiu cerca de 80% dos ovos da aranha, indicando que tanto o cuidado maternal quanto a barreira física oferecida pelo ovissaco não podem fornecer defesa absoluta contra predadores.

Bayesian GGE biplot models applied to maize multi-environments trials.

The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and the genotype main effects and genotype x environment interaction (GGE) models stand out among the linear-bilinear models used in genotype x environment interaction studies. Despite the advantages of their use to describe genotype x environment (AMMI) or genotype and genotype x environment (GGE) interactions, these methods have known limitations that are inherent to fixed effects models, including difficulty in treating variance heterogeneity and missing data. Traditional biplots include no measure of uncertainty regarding the principal components. The present study aimed to apply the Bayesian approach to GGE biplot models and assess the implications for selecting stable and adapted genotypes. Our results demonstrated that the Bayesian approach applied to GGE models with non-informative priors was consistent with the traditional GGE biplot analysis, although the credible region incorporated into the biplot enabled distinguishing, based on probability, the performance of genotypes, and their relationships with the environments in the biplot. Those regions also enabled the identification of groups of genotypes and environments with similar effects in terms of adaptability and stability. The relative position of genotypes and environments in biplots is highly affected by the experimental accuracy. Thus, incorporation of uncertainty in biplots is a key tool for breeders to make decisions regarding stability selection and adaptability and the definition of mega-environments.

Perfil sérico proteico de vacas Holandesas no período de transição / Serum protein profile of Holstein cows during the transition period

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar, de forma longitudinal, o perfil sérico proteico de 13 vacas Holandesas durante o período de transição. Amostras de sangue (n=78) foram coletadas semanalmente, da segunda semana pré-parto (M-2) até a terceira semana pós-parto (M3), para determinação do perfil sérico proteico, por meio de teste bioquímico (proteínas séricas totais - PT) e eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida SDS-PAGE, para as outras proteínas analisadas. Os valores de PT diminuíram de forma gradativa (P=0,000) de M-2 (6,4g/dL) a M0 (6,2g/dL), aumentando nos momentos subsequentes (M3=7,3g/dL). As concentrações da IgG de cadeia pesada (M-2=919,4; M-1=1074,5mg/dL) e de cadeia leve (M-2=393,9; M-1=466,7mg/dL) foram menores no pré-parto em relação ao pós-parto (M1=1283,3; M2=1374,2 e M3=1630,3 mg/dL para IgG pesada e M1=463,4; M2=573,7; M3=651,8mg/dL para IgG leve). Para a IgA, houve diminuição nos valores (P=0,001), de M-2 (51,9mg/dL) a M1 (34,0mg/dL), e aumento em M2 (45,4g/dL) e M3 (62,6g/dL). Os valores de haptoglobina (Hp) e ceruloplasmina (Cp) aumentaram (P=0,000) de M-2 (Hp=16,6mg/dL; Cp=8,6mg/dL) a M3 (Hp=60,9mg/dL; Cp=127,1mg/dL). A albumina apresentou ligeiras variações durante o período de transição (P=0,000), enquanto a transferrina sérica (P=0,101) e a glicoproteína ácida (P=0,105) foram estáveis. O escore de condição corporal (ECC) também foi analisado durante o período de transição, verificando-se diferença (P=0,003) entre M-2 (ECC=4,0) e M1 (ECC=3,0). Foi relatada ainda a ocorrência de distocias (4/13), retenção de placenta (1/13) e hipocalcemia (1/13) no dia da parição (M0) e infecções uterinas (5/13) e cetose (1/13) ocorridas no pós-parto. Concluiu-se, portanto, que houve aumento nas concentrações séricas de Hp e Cp e diminuição nos valores de imunoglobulina e transferrina em vacas Holandesas no período de transição, relacionados às doenças ocorridas nesse período e ao elevado ECC, promovendo modificações metabólicas e imunossupressão.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate longitudinally the serum protein profile of 13 Holstein cows during the transition period. Blood samples (n=78) were taken weekly, from the second week before parturition (M-2) to the third week after parturition (M3) for determination of serum protein profile by biochemical tests (total serum protein - PT) and SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, for the other proteins analyzed. PT values decreased gradually (P = 0.000) from M-2 (6.4g/dL) to M0 (6.2g/dL), increasing in subsequent moments (M3 = 7.3g/dL). The concentrations of the heavy chain (M-2=919.4; M-1=1074.5mg/dL) and the light chain of IgG (M-2=393.9; M-1=466.7mg/dL) were lower in pre-calving compared to post calving (M1= 1,283.3; M2=1,374.2 and M3=1,630.3 mg/dL for the heavy chain, and M1=463.4; M2=573.7 and M3=651,8 mg/dL for the light chain of IgG). For IgA there was a decrease in the values (P=0.001), from M-2 (51.9mg/dL) to M1 (34.0mg/dL), and increase in M2 (45,4g/dL) and M3 (62,6g/dL). The values of haptoglobin (Hp) and ceruloplasmin (Cp) increased (P=0,000) from M-2 (Hp=16.6mg/dL; Cp=8.6 mg/dL) to M3 (Hp=60.9mg/dL; Cp=127.1mg/dl). Albumin showed slight variations during the transition period (P=0.000), while the serum transferrin (P=0.101) and acid glycoprotein (P=0.105) were stable. Body condition score (BCS) was also analyzed during the transition period, checking the difference (P=0.003) between M-2 (ECC= 4.0) and M1 (ECC=3.0). It was also reported the occurrence of dystocia (4/13), retained placenta (1/13) and hypocalcemia (1/13) on the day of calving (M0) and uterine infections (5/13) and ketosis (1/13) occurring in the post calving. In conclusion, there was an increase in serum Hp and Cp, and a decrease in the immunoglobulins and transferrin amounts in Holstein cows during the transition period, related to diseases occurring during this period and the high BCS, promoting metabolic changes and immunosuppression.(AU)

Factor analysis using mixed models of multi-environment trials with different levels of unbalancing.

This study aimed to analyze the robustness of mixed models for the study of genotype-environment interactions (G x E). Simulated unbalancing of real data was used to determine if the method could predict missing genotypes and select stable genotypes. Data from multi-environment trials containing 55 maize hybrids, collected during the 2005-2006 harvest season, were used in this study. Analyses were performed in two steps: the variance components were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood, using the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm, and factor analysis (FA) was used to calculate the factor scores and relative position of each genotype in the biplot. Random unbalancing of the data was performed by removing 10, 30, and 50% of the plots; the scores were then re-estimated using the FA model. It was observed that 10, 30, and 50% unbalancing exhibited mean correlation values of 0.7, 0.6, and 0.56, respectively. Overall, the genotypes classified as stable in the biplot had smaller prediction error sum of squares (PRESS) value and prediction amplitude of ellipses. Therefore, our results revealed the applicability of the PRESS statistic to evaluate the performance of stable genotypes in the biplot. This result was confirmed by the sizes of the prediction ellipses, which were smaller for the stable genotypes. Therefore, mixed models can confidently be used to evaluate stability in plant breeding programs, even with highly unbalanced data.

Androecia in two Clusia species: development, structure and resin secretion.

Clusia fluminensis and C. lanceolata are dioecious shrubs having resiniferous flowers with strongly distinct androecia. The aim of this study was to investigate the development and anatomy of their androecia and the ultrastructure, histochemistry and secretory process of their androecium resin glands, examining whether the cellular aspects of resin secretion differed between these two morphologically distinct androecia. Stamens differ, being free in C. fluminensis and clustered in a synandrium in C. lanceolata. Staminode sterility is due to the undifferentiated nature of the anthers in C. lanceolata and degeneration of meiocytes and anther indehiscence in C. fluminensis. Resin is produced in subepidermal cavities and canals with wide lumens. In the secretory stage, epithelial cells present sinuous walls, voluminous nuclei, polymorphic plastids associated with periplastidial reticulum, mitochondria, oil bodies, multivesicular bodies, endoplasmic reticulum and dictyosomes. The resin is released through rupture points on the distal surface of stamens and staminodes, associated with disrupted cavities and canals. Our results show morphological diversity associated with functional similarity. Also, a secretion pattern shared by the two species includes initiation of the secretory process in young floral buds, compartmentalisation of the secretion in pre-anthesis buds and release of secretions at anthesis. Cellular aspects of resin secretion in these species are quite similar, as are the chemical identities of the main components of the floral resins of the genus.

Efficiency of fungus-impregnated black cloths combined with imidacloprid for the control of adult Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).

UNLABELLED: Entomopathogenic fungi are potential candidates for use in integrated vector management. However, efficient delivery systems for these fungi need to be investigated. It is known that adult mosquitoes are attracted to dark surfaces, and therefore, black cotton cloths impregnated with Metarhizium anisopliae alone or in combination with the insecticide imidacloprid (IMI) were tested under laboratory conditions. Black cloths impregnated with fungus were also tested in large-cage trials under natural extradomicile conditions. Blood-fed Rockefeller and wild-type strain Aedes aegypti had higher levels of survival when compared with sucrose-fed counterparts following exposure to fungus-impregnated cloths. However, when blood-fed A. aegypti were exposed to a combination of M. anisopliae + IMI, the survival rates were statistically equal to those of sucrose-fed females. Large-cage trials showed significant decreases in A. aegypti survival following a minimum 12 h exposure of the mosquitoes to fungus-impregnated cloths. Increased exposure times results in further reductions in survival. The synergism between M. anisopliae and IMI resulted in reduced survival rates independent of feeding regime under laboratory conditions. Fungus-impregnated cloths tested under simulated field conditions, considered to be unfavourable for fungal infection, resulted in significant reductions in adult A. aegypti survival. We are currently testing the combined use of fungi and insecticides against blood-fed insects under simulated field conditions. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The use of fungus-impregnated cotton cloths is a promising point source application method for the control of adult Aedes aegypti, and this strategy could be incorporated into an integrated vector management programme aiming to reduce the incidence of dengue fever.

Tecnetium-99m as alternative to produce somatostatin-labeled derivatives: comparative biodistribution evaluation with 111In-DTPA-octreotide.

Synthetic somatostatin (SST) analogues have been used in the preparation of receptor-specific radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic and therapy of neuroendocrine tumors. This work studied the labeling conditions with (99m)Tc and biological distribution in Swiss mice of two SST analogs (HYNIC-Tyr(3)-Octreotide and HYNIC-Tyr(3)-Octreotate) and compared the biodistribution pattern with (111)In-DTPA-Octreotide. Biological distribution studies were performed after injection of radiopharmaceuticals on Swiss mice. Labeling procedures resulted on high radiochemical yield for all three preparations and the labeled products presented high in vitro stability. Biological distribution studies evidenced similar general biodistribution of (99m)Tc-labeled peptides when compared with indium-labeled peptide with fast blood clearance and elimination by urinary tract. Kidneys uptake of (99m)Tc-HYNIC-TATE are similar to (111)In-DTPA-Octreotide, and both are significantly higher than (99m)Tc-HYNIC-OCT. All labeled peptides presented similar uptake on liver, but the retention in time at intestines, particularly at large intestine, was more expressive for (111)In-labeled peptide. The %ID of (99m)Tc-HYNIC-OCT and (99m)Tc-HYNIC-TATE in organs with high density of SST receptors like pancreas and adrenals were significant and similar to obtained for (111)In-DTPA-Octreotide, confirming the affinity of these radiopharmaceuticals for the receptors.

Acid phosphatase activity during the interaction of the nematophagous fungus Duddingtonia flagrans with the nematode Panagrellus sp.

The use of Duddingtonia flagrans, a nematode-trapping fungus, has been investigated as a biological control method against free living larvae of gastrointestinal nematodes of livestock animals. This fungus captures and infects the nematode by cuticle penetration, immobilization and digestion of the internal contents. It has been suggested that this sequence of events occurs by a combination of physical and enzymatical activities. This report characterizes the acid phosphatase activity during the interaction of D. flagrans with the free-living nematode Panagrellus sp. The optimum pH for the hydrolysis of the acid phosphatase substrate p-nitrophenyl phosphate was 2.2, 2.8 and 5.4 from D. flagrans alone and 2.2 and 5.4 for Panagrellus sp alone, fungus-nematode interaction in liquid medium and fungus-nematode interaction in solid medium. Different acid phosphatase activity bands were detected by SDS-PAGE. Maximum acid phosphatase activity of the fungus or nematode alone and of the fungus-nematode interaction occurred within 70min of incubation in the presence of the substrate 4-methylumbelliferyl phosphate. The activity of this enzyme was significantly higher for the fungus-nematode interaction when compared to the organisms alone, indicating a synergistic response. Furthermore, structures appeared in the hyphae after 30min, nematodes were observed adhered after 40min and many were captured by the typical fungus traps after 70min of interaction. The participation of acid phosphatase activity and its importance during the interaction of the fungus with the nematode were discussed.

A comparative study of 131I and 177Lu labeled somatostatin analogues for therapy of neuroendocrine tumours.

This work analysed the influence of the chelating group and radioligand on somatostatin analogues in vivo and in vitro properties. The presence of DOTA in the radioiodinated peptide produced a labeled analogue with similar blood kinetics and biodistribution to (177)Lu-DOTATATE and with lower abdominal uptake than (131)I-TATE. In addition, (131)I-DOTATATE showed significative tumour uptake, despite not so persistent after 24h. (131)I-DOTATATE can represent a cost-effective alternative to lutetium labeled peptide for neuroendocrine tumours therapy.

Effects of entomopathogenic bacterium Photorhabdus temperata infection on the digestive enzymes of Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) larvae.

This study investigated the effects of Photorhabdus temperata infection on the activities of digestive enzymes of the sugarcane stalk borer Diatraea saccharalis. Non-infected D. saccharalis larvae present a major alpha-amylase, several proteinases, three sucrose hydrolases and two alpha-glucosidases in their midgut. Analysis of these hydrolases by electrophoresis and "in gel" assays showed that the activities of all enzymes decreased following infection, with an initial decline observed 12 h after infection. The activities of alpha-glucosidases decreased by 50% twelve hours after infection, whereas, at this time, the alpha-galactosidase activities decreased by 70%. Interestingly, the animals died 48 h after infection, but approximately 5% of all the enzymes tested remained active in the midgut following host death. At this time, most of the cultivable native intestinal bacteria had died.

Levantamento do perfil medicamentoso e frequência de associações entre o Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L) e ácido acetilsalicílico, em usuários atendidos pela FarmaUSCS de São Caetano do Sul / Drug profile and frequency of association between ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L) and acetylsalicylic acid among users attended by a faculty pharmacy (USCS) in São Caetano city (SP, Brazil)

O presente estudo teve por objetivo, verificar o perfilmedicamentoso bem como a frequência de associação entre Gingko biloba e ácido acetilsalicílico (AAS)em indivíduos atendidos pela Farmácia Escola da Universidade Municipal de São Caetano do Sul (USCS). Verificou-se através dos resultados obtidos que 62,75% dos usuários são do sexo feminino, estão entre 60 e 70 anos de idade, com indicação do uso deste fitoterápico para circulação, fazendo uso há mais de três meses e administrando diariamente a dose de 80mg. Dos entrevistados, 13,73% fazem associação deste fitoterápico com AAS, desconhecendo os riscos das possíveis interações entre estes dois medicamentos, pois o uso concomitante de Ginkgo e AAS, por aumentara inibição da agregação plaquetária, pode ocasionar hemorragias.