When less is more: does more Na+-cations mean more adsorption sites for toluene in faujasites?

The unique properties of zeolites make them an interesting material to be used in separation processes. The possibility of tailoring some of their characteristics, like the Si/Al ratio, allows optimizing their synthesis for a given task. Concerning the adsorption of toluene by faujasites an understanding of the effect of cations is necessary to foster the elaboration of new materials, which can capture molecules with a high degree of selectivity and sensitivity. Undoubtedly, this knowledge is relevant for a wide range of applications going from the elaboration of technologies for improving the air-quality to diagnostic procedures to prevent health risks. The studies reported here using Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations elucidate the role of Na-cations in the adsorption of toluene by faujasites with different Si/Al ratios. They detail how the location of the cations inhibits or enhances the adsorption. The cations located at site II are shown to be those enhancing the adsorption of toluene on faujasites. Interestingly, the cations located at site III generate a hindrance at high loading. This becomes an impediment for the organization of toluene molecules inside faujasites.

Evolutionary dynamics of autopolyploids in natural populations: the case of Turnera sidoides complex / Dinámica evolutiva de autopoliploides en poblaciones naturales: el caso del complejo Turnera sidoides

ABSTRACT Turnera sidoides (x=7) is one of the few well-studied South American autopolyploid complexes. Since polyploidy has played a prominent role within this complex, ongoing studies in T. sidoides focus on understanding the mechanisms involved in the origin and the establishment of polyploids using integrative approaches. This paper synthesises the results of more than 20 years of research on this topic. Cytogenetics analysis provided evidences for the production of unreduced male and female gametes, supporting the hypothesis of bilateral sexual polyploidization as the mechanism of origin of polyploids in T. sidoides. The finding of viable triploids suggested that unilateral sexual polyploidization could also be an important mechanism for the origin of tetraploids in T. sidoides. The occurrence of plants continuously forming many unreduced gametes would play a key role in the establishment of neopolyploids in natural populations. Also, the higher number of propagules that tetraploids contribute to subsequent generations, the ability to multiply asexually by rhizomes, and the occurrence of occasional cases of self-compatibility and successful illegitimate crosses in polyploids increase the likelihood that a low frequency of neopolyploids can be maintained in natural populations of T. sidoides. In addition, integration of cytogeographic and genetic divergence data together with past niche modelling provided further insights supporting the hypothesis that historical climatic and geomorphological events provided favourable conditions for the establishment of autopolyploids, with the wider distribution of tetraploids of T. sidoides being the result of their range expansion.

RESUMEN Turnera sidoides (x=7) es uno de los pocos complejos autopoliploides sudamericanos bien estudiados. Como la poliploidía ha tenido un papel destacado en el complejo, los estudios en curso en T. sidoides se centraron en la comprensión de los mecanismos implicados en el origen y el establecimiento de los poliploides mediante diferentes enfoques. En este trabajo se sintetizan los resultados de más de 20 años de investigación sobre este tema. El análisis citogenético proporcionó evidencias de la producción de gametos masculinos y femeninos no reducidos, sustentando la hipótesis de la poliploidización sexual bilateral como mecanismo de origen de los poliploides en T. sidoides. Sin embargo, el hallazgo de triploides fértiles sugirió que la poliploidización sexual unilateral también sería un mecanismo importante de origen de tetraploides en T. sidoides. La ocurrencia de plantas que forman continuamente gametos no reducidos desempeñaría un papel clave en el establecimiento de neopoliploides. Además, el mayor número de propágulos que los tetraploides aportan a las siguientes generaciones, la capacidad de multiplicación asexual por rizomas y los casos ocasionales de autocompatibilidad y cruzamientos ilegítimos exitosos aumentarían la probabilidad de que se mantenga una baja frecuencia de neopoliploides en las poblaciones naturales de T. sidoides. Asimismo, la integración de datos citogeográficos y de divergencia genética junto con el modelado de nicho en el pasado aportó información que sustenta la hipótesis de que los eventos climáticos y geomorfológicos históricos proporcionaron las condiciones favorables para el establecimiento y expansión de los tetraploides de T. sidoides.

An in silico model using prognostic genetic factors for ovarian response in controlled ovarian stimulation: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: To study the use of in silica model to better understand and propose new markers of ovarian response to controlled ovarian stimulation before IVF. METHODS: A systematic review and in silica model using bioinformatics. After the selection of 103 papers from a systematic review process, we performed a GRADE qualification of all included papers for evidence-based quality evaluation. We included 57 genes in the silica model using a functional protein network interaction. Moreover, the construction of protein-protein interaction network was done importing these results to Cytoscape. Therefore, a cluster analysis using MCODE was done, which was exported to a plugin BINGO to determine Gene Ontology. A p value of < 0.05 was considered significant, using a Bonferroni correction test. RESULTS: In silica model was robust, presenting an ovulation-related gene network with 87 nodes (genes) and 348 edges (interactions between the genes). Related to the network centralities, the network has a betweenness mean value = 102.54; closeness mean = 0.007; and degree mean = 8.0. Moreover, the gene with a higher betweenness was PTPN1. Genes with the higher closeness were SRD5A1 and HSD17B3, and the gene with the lowest closeness was GDF9. Finally, the gene with a higher degree value was UBB; this gene participates in the regulation of TP53 activity pathway. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review demonstrated that we cannot use any genetic marker before controlled ovarian stimulation for IVF. Moreover, in silica model is a useful tool for understanding and finding new markers for an IVF individualization. PROSPERO: CRD42020197185.

Immunophenotyping, plasticity tests and nanotagging of stem cells derived from adipose tissue of wild rodent agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) / Imunofenotipagem, testes de plasticidade e marcação com nanocristais de céluas-tronco derivadas de tecido adiposo em cutias

There is a growing interest in the study of unspecialized mesenchymal stem cells, for there are still some discussions about their in vitro behavior. Regenerative medicine is a science undergoing improvement which develops treatments as cell therapy using somatic stem cells. In several studies, adipose tissue is presented as a source of multipotent adult cells that has several advantages over other tissue sources. This study aimed to characterize and evaluate the tagging of mesenchymal stem cells from the agoutis adipose tissue (Dasyprocta prymonolopha), with fluorescent intracytoplasmic nanocrystals. Fibroblast cells were observed, plastic adherent, with extended self-renewal, ability to form colonies, multipotency by differentiation into three lineages, population CD90 + and CD45 - expression, which issued high red fluorescence after the tagging with fluorescent nanocrystals by different paths and cryopreserved for future use. It is possible to conclude that mesenchymal stem cells from agouti adipose tissue have biological characteristics and in vitro behavior that demonstrate its potential for use in clinical tests.(AU)

Há um interesse crescente no estudo das células estaminais mesenquimais, não especializadas, pois ainda existem algumas discussões sobre seu comportamento in vitro. A medicina regenerativa é uma ciência em fase de crescimento que desenvolve tratamentos como terapia celular utilizando células estaminais somáticas. Em vários estudos, o tecido adiposo é apresentado como uma fonte de células adultas multipotentes que tem várias vantagens em relação a outras fontes de tecido. Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar e avaliar a marcação de células estaminais mesenquimais do tecido adiposo de cutias (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) com nanocristais intracitoplasmáticos fluorescentes. Observaram-se células fibroblásticas, aderentes ao plástico, com autorrenovação prolongada, capacidade de formar colônias, diferenciação em três linhagens, população CD90 + e expressão CD45, que emitiram alta fluorescência vermelha após a marcação com nanocristais fluorescentes por diferentes vias, e criopreservadas para uso futuro. É possível concluir que as células estaminais mesenquimais do tecido adiposo de cutias têm características biológicas e comportamentos in vitro que demonstram seu potencial para uso em testes clínicos.(AU)

Establishment Probability of Anastrepha grandis and Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Brazilian Semiarid Based on Thermal Requirements.

The quarantine pests, Anastrepha grandis (Macquart) and Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), are economically important for the fruit fly-free area in Brazilian semiarid, an area in which they are not yet present. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the probability of establishment of A. grandis and Z. cucurbitae based on the estimate number of generations in different climatic regions of the Brazilian semiarid. For scenarios of future projections, it was estimated the number of generations with increase of 1°C (low radiative forcing scenario) and 4°C (high radiative forcing scenario) in the air temperature. Finally, we also estimate the quarantine period to eliminate the invading population of cucurbit fruit flies in Brazilian semiarid. For this, the average historical air temperature of 32 semiarid municipalities was used and the biology data of fruit flies (thermal threshold of development and thermal constant) were used. The fruit flies are able to present several generations per year in Brazilian semiarid. Anastrepha grandis can present from 7.99 (Sergipe) to 9.66 (Piauí) generations. The melon fly Z. cucurbitae may present from 31.25 (Sergipe) to 40.66 (Piauí) generations. The estimation of species multiplication is accentuated in any season, with greater amplitude in spring and summer. The municipalities of Piauí, Ceará, and Rio Grande do Norte presented the highest estimates of fruit fly generations. The increase of air temperature in a future scenario may favor the quarantine pests, A. grandis and Z. cucurbitae, in Brazilian semiarid. In conclusion, the species A. grandis and Z. cucurbitae can be established in Brazilian semiarid, with particular concern for the fruit fly-free area.

Conditioned medium of ovine Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells improves growth and reduces ROS generation of isolated secondary follicles after short-term in vitro culture.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the conditioned medium of ovine Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (oWJ-MSCs) on the morphology, growth, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) intracellular levels, active mitochondria, and meiotic resumption of isolated ovine secondary follicles in vitro. The oWJ-MSCs were isolated and the medium where they were cultured was recovered (conditioned medium). Isolated ovine secondary follicles were cultured for 6 days in 1) supplemented α-MEM+ (control); 2) 50% α-MEM+ + 50% conditioned medium (α-MEM + CM group) or 3) conditioned medium only (CM group). The parameters analyzed were morphology, antrum formation, follicle and oocyte growth, ROS and GSH levels, mitochondrial activity and meiotic resumption. The percentage of normal follicles, antrum formation, and fully grown oocytes did not differ (P > 0.05) among treatments. Follicles cultured in α-MEM + CM group had greater (P < 0.05) diameter than other treatments after culture. Moreover, the diameter of the follicles cultured in CM alone was higher (P < 0.05) than in the α-MEM+. In addition, α-MEM + CM and CM treatments increased the growth rate compared to the α-MEM+. Treatments containing conditioned medium (α-MEM + CM or CM) significantly reduced ROS levels compared to the control medium. Moreover, mitochondrial activity was higher in α-MEM+ and α-MEM + CM than in CM alone. All treatments showed oocytes in GV, GVBD and MI. In conclusion, oWJ-MSCs conditioned medium, especially when associated with α-MEM, improves the growth of secondary follicles and reduces ROS generation after short-term culture.

Lactoferrin increases sperm membrane functionality of frozen equine semen.

During cryopreservation, sperm was submitted to an increase in reactive oxygen species generation. This work aimed to improve the quality of frozen equine sperm after the addition of antioxidants lactoferrin (Lf) and catalase (Cat) to a freezing extender. Semen from six stallions was frozen with the extenders: F1) control, INRA 82 freezing extender, F2) F1 + 500 µg/ml Lf and F3) F1 + 200 IU/ml Cat. After thawing, sperm motility parameters, membrane functionality and integrity, and acrosome integrity and spontaneous acrosome-reacted sperm were evaluated with a computer-assisted sperm analysis, a hypoosmotic swelling test and epifluorescent microscopy, respectively. Nitrite, hydroperoxide and iron concentrations of frozen semen were measured with spectrophotometry. The percentage of functional membrane sperm treated with Lf was higher (50.7% ± 11.6%) compared to that of the control (37.6% ± 15.6%), while the iron (61.4 ± 11.6 vs 73.3 ± 13.8 mg/dl) and nitrite concentrations (16.3 ± 7.1 vs 25.9 ± 4.2 µM/µg protein) were lower, respectively (p < .05). Thus, it can be suggested that Lf protect stallion spermatozoon during freezing as it has increased the percentage of sperm with functional membrane and decreased the lipid oxidant agents.

Adverse birth outcomes associated with Zika virus exposure during pregnancy in São José do Rio Preto, Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to report the first 54 cases of pregnant women infected by Zika virus (ZIKV) and their virologic and clinical outcomes, as well as their newborns' outcomes, in 2016, after the emergence of ZIKV in dengue-endemic areas of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: This descriptive study was performed from February to October 2016 on 54 quantitative real-time PCR ZIKV-positive pregnant women identified by the public health authority of São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. The women were followed and had clinical and epidemiologic data collected before and after birth. Adverse outcomes in newborns were analysed and reported. Urine or blood samples from newborns were collected to identify ZIKV infection by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). RESULTS: A total of 216 acute Zika-suspected pregnant women were identified, and 54 had the diagnosis confirmed by RT-PCR. None of the 54 women miscarried. Among the 54 newborns, 15 exhibited adverse outcomes at birth. The highest number of ZIKV infections occurred during the second and third trimesters. No cases of microcephaly were reported, though a broad clinical spectrum of outcomes, including lenticulostriate vasculopathy, subependymal cysts, and auditory and ophthalmologic disorders, were identified. ZIKV RNA was detected in 18 of 51 newborns tested and in eight of 15 newborns with adverse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Although other studies have associated many newborn outcomes to ZIKV infection during pregnancy, these same adverse outcomes were rare or nonexistent in this study. The clinical presentation the newborns we studied was mild compared to other reports, suggesting that there is significant heterogeneity in congenital Zika infection.

Penetration of 0.3% ciprofloxacin, 0.3% ofloxacin, and 0.5% moxifloxacin into the cornea and aqueous humor of enucleated human eyes.

We aimed to quantify the penetration of ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and moxifloxacin into the cornea and aqueous humor of cadaver eyes. A total of 60 enucleated eyes, not eligible for corneal transplantation, were divided into three groups and immersed in commercial solutions of 0.3% ciprofloxacin, 0.3% ofloxacin, or 0.5% moxifloxacin for 10 min. Whole corneas and samples of aqueous humor were then harvested and frozen, and drug concentrations analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The mean corneal concentration of moxifloxacin was twice as high as ofloxacin, and the latter was twice as high as ciprofloxacin. The mean concentration of moxifloxacin in the aqueous humor was four times higher than the other antibiotics, and the mean concentrations of ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin were statistically similar. The amount of drug that penetrated the anterior chamber after a 10-min immersion was far below the safe limit of endothelial toxicity of each preparation. Moxifloxacin demonstrated far superior penetration into the cornea and anterior chamber of cadaver eyes compared to ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin. One should not expect endothelial toxicity with the commercial eye drops of ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and moxifloxacin that reach the anterior chamber through the cornea.

The synthetic peptide PnPP-19 induces peripheral antinociception via activation of NO/cGMP/KATP pathway: Role of eNOS and nNOS.

BACKGROUND: and purpose: The peptide PnPP-19, derived from the spider toxin PnTx2-6 (renamed as δ-CNTX-Pn1c), potentiates erectile function by activating the nitrergic system. Since NO has been studied as an antinociceptive molecule and PnPP-19 is known to induce peripheral antinociception, we intended to evaluate whether PnPP-19 could induce peripheral antinociception through activation of this pathway. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Nociceptive thresholds were measured by paw pressure test. PGE2 (2 µg/paw) was administered intraplantarly together with PnPP-19 and inhibitors/blockers of NOS, guanylyl cyclase and KATP channels. The nitrite concentration was accessed by Griess test. The expression and phosphorylation of eNOS and nNOS were determined by western blot. KEY RESULTS: PnPP-19 (5, 10 and 20 µg/paw) induced peripheral antinociception in rats. Administration of NOS inhibitor (L-NOarg), selective nNOS inhibitor (L-NPA), guanylyl cyclase inhibitor (ODQ) and the blocker of KATP (glibenclamide) partially inhibited the antinociceptive effect of PnPP-19 (10 µg/paw). Tissue nitrite concentration increased after PnPP-19 (10 µg/paw) administration. Expression of eNOS and nNOS remained the same in all tested groups, however the phosphorylation of nNOS Ser852 (inactivation site) increased and phosphorylation of eNOS Ser1177 (activation site) decreased after PGE2 injection. Administration of PnPP-19 reverted this PGE2-induced effect. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The peripheral antinociceptive effect induced by PnPP-19 is resulting from activation of NO-cGMP-KATP pathway. Activation of eNOS and nNOS might be required for such effect. Our results suggest PnPP-19 as a new drug candidate to treat pain and reinforce the importance of nNOS and eNOS activation, as well as endogenous NO release, for induction of peripheral antinociception.

Penetration of 0. 3% ciprofloxacin, 0. 3% ofloxacin, and 0. 5% moxifloxacin into the cornea and aqueous humor of enucleated human eyes

We aimed to quantify the penetration of ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and moxifloxacin into the cornea and aqueous humor of cadaver eyes. A total of 60 enucleated eyes, not eligible for corneal transplantation, were divided into three groups and immersed in commercial solutions of 0.3% ciprofloxacin, 0.3% ofloxacin, or 0.5% moxifloxacin for 10 min. Whole corneas and samples of aqueous humor were then harvested and frozen, and drug concentrations analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The mean corneal concentration of moxifloxacin was twice as high as ofloxacin, and the latter was twice as high as ciprofloxacin. The mean concentration of moxifloxacin in the aqueous humor was four times higher than the other antibiotics, and the mean concentrations of ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin were statistically similar. The amount of drug that penetrated the anterior chamber after a 10-min immersion was far below the safe limit of endothelial toxicity of each preparation. Moxifloxacin demonstrated far superior penetration into the cornea and anterior chamber of cadaver eyes compared to ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin. One should not expect endothelial toxicity with the commercial eye drops of ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and moxifloxacin that reach the anterior chamber through the cornea.

Milk, caseinate and lactoferrin addition to equine semen cooling extenders.

Cooled semen has been used routinely to prolong sperm viability until artificial insemination time. However, spermatozoa are subjected to oxidative stress. The aim of the present work was to investigate the protective and antioxidant effect of the milk proteins lactoferrin (Lf) and caseinate added to equine semen cooling extenders. Semen from six stallions was cooled at 5 °C after resuspension with C1) milk- and glucose-based, C2) 0.6% caseinate, C3) C2 + Lf 200 µg ml-1 , C4) C2 + Lf 500 µg ml-1 and C5) C2 + Lf 1000 µg ml-1 extenders, and kept at 5 °C for 24 h. Sperm motility characteristics and intact membrane rates were not different among the treatments (P > 0.05). As a result of the cooling process, the nitrite concentration increased significantly in the cooled semen (69.6 ± 78.9 µm per ×106 spermatozoa) compared with the fresh semen (8.6 ± 1.9 µm per ×106 spermatozoa). In contrast, the H2 O2 concentrations were lower in the 0.6% caseinate extender (265.9 ± 221.3 µm per ×106 spermatozoa) than in the milk extender (430.9 ± 199.8 µm per ×106 spermatozoa, P < 0.05), showing an antioxidative effect of the caseinate compared with the milk. However, in all groups, hydrogen peroxide concentrations were similar to the undiluted fresh semen (332.8 ± 151.3 µm per ×106 spermatozoa). Caseinate showed to be as efficient as milk to protect equine-cooled spermatozoon.

Brucella spp. in equines slaughtered in the south region of Brazil / Anticorpos contra Brucella spp. em equídeos da região Sul do Brasil abatidos em matadouro-frigorífico

Bacteria of the genus Brucella are widespread in many countries. These microorganisms can infect humans and many wild and domestic animal species. These bacteria have zoonotic potential, and can cause economic and public health problems since they can be transmitted by direct contact with sick animals, through consumption of contaminated milk, raw meat and its derivatives (Soares et al., 2015). Brucellosis is considered a chronic evolving disease, unusual in horses, predominantly caused by Brucella abortus. However, it is not characterized by reproductive disorders in horses, but primarily by abscess in the cervical region, bursa, tendons, and joints. Transmission is likely to occur via ingestion of contaminated water and pastures, especially in areas endemic for bovine brucellosis (Ribeiro et al., 2008). The slaughterhouse is a strategic point for obtaining information about the animal and animal products, edible or not. This study investigated the presence of anti-Brucella spp. immunoglobulins in the serum samples from horses slaughtered in a slaughterhouse in southern Brazil, to estimate the frequency of Brucella spp. antibodies and determine the spatial distribution of the cases.(AU)

Objetivou-se investigar a presença de imunoglobulinas anti-Brucella spp. em amostras de soros sanguíneos de equídeos abatidos em matadouro-frigorífico, sob Serviço de Inspeção Federal, localizado na região Sul do Brasil. Utilizaram-se 767 amostras de sangue de equídeos adultos abatidos no período de abril a maio de 2013. Os animais foram provenientes de 45 municípios dos estados do Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina e Paraná. Para diagnóstico, foram utilizados os testes do antígeno acidificado tamponado (AAT), sendo os resultados positivos confirmados pelos testes de polarização fluorescente (TPF), reação de fixação de complemento (RFC) e 2-mercaptoetanol (2-ME). Foram sororreagentes no AAT 65 (8,47%) animais. Destes, apenas dois (3,07%) foram positivos também na RFC e três (4,62%) animais foram positivos no TPF. Apesar da baixa frequência de animais positivos para Brucella spp., pode-se afirmar que a infecção em equinos está presente na área estudada, o que é demonstrado pela presença de animais sororreatores. No âmbito da saúde animal, pública e ocupacional, sugere-se a atenção a essa doença, visando diminuir o risco de infecção.(AU)

Disseminated tuberculosis presenting as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in an immunocompetent adult patient: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a frequently fatal and likely underdiagnosed disease. It is a rare occurrence in adults and usually secondary to an insult such as viral infections, bacterial infections, autoimmune connective tissue disorders, malignancies and immunocompromised states, in contrast to its childhood counterpart, which is due to a genetic defect but may share some of same genetic etiologies. It is characterized by multisystem inflammation due to unregulated proliferation and infiltration of macrophages and CD8 T cells in the bone marrow, which leads to phagocytosis of red blood cells, platelets, lymphocytes and their precursors. CASE PRESENTATION: A 40-year-old Sri Lankan woman presented with a high-grade fever of 2 weeks' duration and the initial workup, including a thorough clinical examination, and all the investigations, including a septic screen, were normal. On the 18th day of hospital admission, she was found to have yellowish retinal lesions, which were confirmed as choroid tubercles by the consultant eye surgeon. Two days later she became pancytopenic and a bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. She was treated with conventional category-1 antituberculous drugs and an initial 2 weeks with high-dose oral dexamethasone. All the choroid tubercles gradually disappeared and she recovered completely without any complications. CONCLUSIONS: In an adult patient with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, it is pivotal to understand the underlying etiology, as it needs extensive immunosuppression. If this patient had been treated with immunosuppressants without antituberculous medications, it would have been lethal with disseminated or central nervous system tuberculosis. So, in areas where tuberculosis is endemic, if no underlying cause is found, it may be worth considering antituberculous treatment for these patients. Re-evaluation with thorough clinical examination is of utmost importance in any patient with pyrexia of unknown origin as well as in any disease with unusual manifestations.

Threshold Concentration of Limonoids (Azamax) for Preventing Infestation by Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae).

This study identified the threshold concentration of limonoids for the complete inhibition of oviposition of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) in grapes 'Itália.' Choice and no-choice experiments with the insect were performed. The three no-choice bioassays were conducted following a completely randomized design with 18 treatments (three densities of insects [one, two, or three females]×five concentrations of limonoids and control) and 20 replicates. In a free choice bioassay, two fruits per cage (a treatment grape and a control) were provided for ovipositing. Three densities of insects (one, two, or three females) were used, with 15 replicates. Bioassays were conducted at 25±2°C, 60±10% relative humidity, and a photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D) h. The inhibition of oviposition of C. capitata was concentration dependent, with infestation occurring at lower concentrations of azadirachtin (+3-tigloylazadirachtol) and complete inhibition occurring at concentrations at or exceeding 100 ppm azadirachtin (+28.5 ppm of 3-tigloylazadirachtol), maintaining protective effects even at the most densely populated treatment (three females per fruit). When the pest had a free choice of host grapes (treatment vs. control), severe inhibition was observed at concentrations≥50 ppm azadirachtin (+14.3 ppm of 3-tigloylazadirachtol). We conclude that a threshold concentration of 100 ppm azadirachtin (+28.5 ppm of 3-tigloylazadirachtol) is capable of preventing grape infestation. This concentration is likely to provide a reliable level of protection, as the experimental population density of three females per fruit usually does not occur in the field and wild flies usually have more host options.

Degree of conversion and hardness of a silorane-based composite resin: effect of light-curing unit and depth.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of different light-curing units and depths on the degree of conversion (DC) through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Knoop Hardness Number (KHN) of a silorane-based composite resin (Filtek LS, 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA) (LS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: LS specimens mounted in a particular designed matrix were photoactivated by three light-cure units (LCUs) at depths of 2, 3, 4, and 5 mm. The DC was determined in a FTIR spectrometer with an attenuated total reflectance accessory. The KHN was measured in an automatic microhardness tester. The results were analyzed using the Friedman and Spearman statistical tests (α=0.05). RESULTS: There was no effect of LCUs on the DC (p=0.472) or KHN (p=0.174) for all of the studied depths. The highest DC and KHN means were found at 2-mm depth, which were not statistically different from 3-mm depth, but were higher than 4-mm and 5-mm depths (p=0.007). Spearman analysis found a positive linear correlation between the variables KHN and DC (r=0.858, p<0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The LCUs' effect was not verified. Values of DC and KHN for LS decreased with increasing depth. The highest values for both DC and KHN were obtained at depths of 2-3 mm.

Incidência de fungos e germinação de sementes de feijão-caupi (Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp) tratadas com óleo de nim (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) / Incidence of fungi and germination of cowpea seeds (Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp) treated with neem oil (Azadirachta indica A. Juss)

Neste trabalho avaliou-se o efeito do óleo de nim no controle de fungos associados às sementes de feijão caupi e a influência deste produto na germinação de três cultivares (Serrinha, BR 17, e Maranhão). Foram preparadas diluições de 0,5; 1,0; 2,0; 4,0 g dm 3-do óleo de nim em água destilada e testemunha, só com água. Os fungos foram identificados pelo método do papel de filtro e a germinação das sementes foi avaliada considerando as informações das Regras para Análise de Sementes. Foram utilizadas sementes de três cultivares de feijão-caupi: a cultivar Serrinha, proveniente da cidade de Timon-MA, a cultivar Maranhão, da cidade de Viana - MA, e a cultivar BR 17, obtida junto à Embrapa Meio Norte, na cidade de Teresina-PI. O crescimento de Fusarium sp. nas cultivares Maranhão e Serrinha foi reduzido em 52 e 53%, respectivamente e o índice de redução de Aspergillus sp. foi de 14 e 20% nas mesmas cultivares. Em relação aos fungos M. phaseolina e Phoma sp., observa-se que não foram inibidos em nenhuma das três cultivares. No que se refere à germinação das sementes nota-se que na cultivar Maranhão houve aumento no índice da germinação de 13 e 17,5% em relação à testemunha e, na cultivar Serrinha, somente a concentração 0,5% diferiu da testemunha com redução no índice de germinação de 6,49%. Conclui-se que o óleo de nim reduz a incidência de Fusarium sp. e Aspergillus sp. e é indiferente na redução de M. phaseolina e Phoma sp. O índice de germinação aumentou na cultivar Maranhão e diminuiu na cultivar Serrinha.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of neem oil on germination and fungi incidence on the seeds of three cowpea cultivars (Serrinha, BR 17 and Maranhão). Dilutions of 0.5; 1.0; 2.0, 4.0 g dm-3 of neem oil were prepared in water. The fungi incidence was evaluated by the filter paper test, and the germination was evaluated according to the Rules for Seeds Testing ("Regras para Análise de Sementes," in Portuguese). Seeds of three cowpea cultivars were used: Serrinha and Maranhão, from the cities of Timon and Viana, respectively, state of Maranhão, Brazil, and BR 17, from Embrapa Meio Norte (Terezina, state of Piaí, Brazil). The growth of Fusarium sp. on the seed of the Maranhão and Serrinha cultivars was reduced in 52 and 53%, respectively, and the reduction rate of Aspergillus sp. was 14 and 20%, on the same cultivars. However, the neem oil did not inhibit the growth of the fungi Macrophomina phaseolina and Phoma sp. in any of the three cultivars. With regard to the seed germination, an increase of 13 and 17.5% was observed in the Maranhão cultivar compared to control, while for the Serrinha cultivar, only the 0.5% concentration differed from the control, reducing the germination rate by 6.49%. We conclude that the neem oil was effective in controlling Aspergillus sp. and Fusarium sp. On the other hand, it was ineffective against Phoma sp. and M. phaseolina. The germination increased in the Maranhão cultivar and decreased in the Serrinha cultivar.

Neem derivatives are not effective as toxic bait for tephritid fruit flies.

Neem derivatives have been widely touted as replacements for pesticides. A feasible replacement of synthetic insecticides in the management of fruit flies could be to use neem products in baits. This study evaluated the bioactivity of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) derivatives in bait for adults of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). The estimated LCs50 values for A. fraterculus and C. capitata were 7,522 ppm (18.40 ppm of azadirachtin) and 1,368 ppm (3.35 ppm of azadirachtin), respectively, using an aqueous extract of neem seeds in bait after 10 d of experimentation. No significant differences in the mortality of A. fraterculus and C. capitata adults exposed to baits made from different extracts and neem oil were observed after 3 h or 2 or 6 d; differences among the treatments were observed only on the 10th day of the evaluation. We conclude that neem derivatives applied as a bait spray over citrus plants did not demonstrate a toxic effect on A. fraterculus and C. capitata. The reasons for the low efficacy of the neem bait on Tephritid fruit flies are discussed.

Hancornia speciosa Gomes induces hypotensive effect through inhibition of ACE and increase on NO.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The leaves of Hancornia speciosa Gomes are popularly used in Brazil to treat diabetes and hypertension. Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death worldwide and their incidences are increasing in Brazilian population. The present study aimed to investigate the hypotensive effect and the mechanism of action of Hancornia speciosa Gomes. METHODS: A fraction of the ethanolic extract of leaves from Hancornia speciosa (SFH) was obtained and standardized by its content on rutin, bornesitol and quinic acid. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) of normotensive mice was measured by tail plethysmography. SFH was given orally and SBP was monitored for 5h. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor activity of SFH (1mg/kg) or captopril (10mg/kg) was measured by colorimetric methods. Serum nitrite levels were measured by spectrophotometry. RESULTS: SFH induced a dose-dependent hypotensive effect in normotensive mice. The serum activity of ACE and the level of angiotensin II were significantly reduced by SFH and by captopril. Administration of SFH induced a significant increase on plasmatic level of nitrites and the systemic inhibition of nitric oxide synthase by L-NAME (20mg/kg) reduced the hypotensive effect of SFH. CONCLUSIONS: The present work demonstrated that Hancornia speciosa has a potent hypotensive effect in normotensive mice. The inhibition of ACE leading to reduction on angiotensin II and increase on NO levels might account for the hypotensive effect. These results support the use of Hancornia speciosa by traditional medicine as antihypertensive.

Physical therapy assessment tools to evaluate disease progression and phenotype variability in Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy.

Dogs suffering from Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) present symptoms that are similar to human patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Phenotypic variability is common in both cases and correlates with disease progression and response to therapy. Physical therapy assessment tools were used to study disease progression and assess phenotypic variability in dogs with GRMD. At 5 (T0), 9 (T1), 13 (T2) and 17 (T3)months of age, the physical features, joint ranges of motion (ROM), limb and thorax circumferences, weight and creatine kinase (CK) levels were assessed in 11 dogs with GRMD. Alterations of physical features were higher at 13 months, and different disease progression rates were observed. Passive ROM decreased until 1 year old, which was followed by a decline of elbow and tarsal ROM. Limb and thorax circumferences, which were corrected for body weight, decreased significantly between T0 and T3. These measurements can be used to evaluate disease progression in dogs with GRMD and to help discover new therapies for DMD patients.