Biology of Glyphepomis dubia Campos & Souza, 2016 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and the parasitoids Telenomus podisi Ashmead, 1893 and Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston, 1858) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) on rice / Biologia de Glyphepomis dubia Campos & Souza, 2016 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) e dos parasitoides Telenomus podisi Ashmead, 1893 e Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston, 1858 (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) em arroz

Abstract The life cycle of stink bug, Glyphepomis dubia and the development of two egg parasitoids (Telenomus podisi and Trissolcus basalis) were studied at the Federal University of Maranhão, at 26 ± 2oC, relative humidity (RH) of 60 ± 10% and 12h photophase. Individuals used in the study were collected from seven rice fields located around the municipality of Arari, Maranhão, Brazil, and maintained in greenhouse and laboratory for the life cycle studies. From egg to adult, G. dubia took 35.2 days to complete the life cycle. The oviposition period was 37 days, with egg masses of about 12 eggs each and viability of 93.1%. Longevity was 53 and 65 days for females and males, respectively. The egg parasitoids Te. podisi and Tr. basalis parasitized and developed in G. dubia eggs; however, the biological characteristics of Tr. basalis were affected. Emergence of the parasitoids was higher for Te. podisi (83.5%) compared to the records for Tr. basalis (50.4%). Therefore, G. dubia may potentially achieve a pest status and Te. podisi is a promising biological control agent for G. dubia management in Brazil due to its higher longevity and better reproductive parameters.

Resumo O ciclo de vida do percevejo, Glyphepomis dubia e a biologia de dois parasitoides de ovos (Telenomus podisi e Trissolcus basalis) foram estudados na Universidade Federal do Maranhão, a 26 ± 2oC, umidade relativa (UR) de 60 ± 10% e fotofase de 12h. Sete indivíduos de G. dubia foram coletados em lavoura de arroz localizada no município de Arari, Maranhão, Brasil e mantidos em casa de vegetação e laboratório para estudos de ciclo de vida. Do ovo ao adulto, G. dubia levou 35.2 dias para completar o ciclo de vida. O período de oviposição foi de 37 dias com massas de ovos com cerca de 12 ovos/massa e viabilidade de 93.1%. A longevidade foi de 53 e 65 dias, respectivamente, para fêmeas e machos. Os parasitoides de ovos, Te. podisi e Tr. basalis parasitaram e se desenvolveram em ovos de G. dubia, no entanto as características biológicas de Tr. basalis foi afetada. A emergência dos parasitoides foi maior para Te. podisi (83.5%) em comparação com o registrado para Tr. basalis (50.4%). Portanto, G. dubia poderá apresentar potencial para atingir o status de praga e Te. podisi é um promissor agente de controle biológico para ser utilizado no manejo de G. dubia no Brasil, pois apresentou maior longevidade e os melhores parâmetros reprodutivos.

Biology of Glyphepomis dubia Campos & Souza, 2016 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and the parasitoids Telenomus podisi Ashmead, 1893 and Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston, 1858) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) on rice / Biologia de Glyphepomis dubia Campos & Souza, 2016 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) e dos parasitoides Telenomus podisi Ashmead, 1893 e Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston, 1858) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) em arroz

The life cycle of stink bug, Glyphepomis dubia and the development of two egg parasitoids (Telenomus podisi and Trissolcus basalis) were studied at the Federal University of Maranhão, at 26 ± 2oC, relative humidity (RH) of 60 ± 10% and 12h photophase. Individuals used in the study were collected from seven rice fields located around the municipality of Arari, Maranhão, Brazil, and maintained in greenhouse and laboratory for the life cycle studies. From egg to adult, G. dubia took 35.2 days to complete the life cycle. The oviposition period was 37 days, with egg masses of about 12 eggs each and viability of 93.1%. Longevity was 53 and 65 days for females and males, respectively. The egg parasitoids Te. podisi and Tr. basalis parasitized and developed in G. dubia eggs; however, the biological characteristics of Tr. basalis were affected. Emergence of the parasitoids was higher for Te. podisi (83.5%) compared to the records for Tr. basalis (50.4%). Therefore, G. dubia may potentially achieve a pest status and Te. podisi is a promising biological control agent for G. dubia management in Brazil due to its higher longevity and better reproductive parameters.

O ciclo de vida do percevejo, Glyphepomis dubia e a biologia de dois parasitoides de ovos (Telenomus podisi e Trissolcus basalis) foram estudados na Universidade Federal do Maranhão, a 26 ± 2oC, umidade relativa (UR) de 60 ± 10% e fotofase de 12h. Sete indivíduos de G. dubia foram coletados em lavoura de arroz localizada no município de Arari, Maranhão, Brasil e mantidos em casa de vegetação e laboratório para estudos de ciclo de vida. Do ovo ao adulto, G. dubia levou 35.2 dias para completar o ciclo de vida. O período de oviposição foi de 37 dias com massas de ovos com cerca de 12 ovos/massa e viabilidade de 93.1%. A longevidade foi de 53 e 65 dias, respectivamente, para fêmeas e machos. Os parasitoides de ovos, Te. podisi e Tr. basalis parasitaram e se desenvolveram em ovos de G. dubia, no entanto as características biológicas de Tr. basalis foi afetada. A emergência dos parasitoides foi maior para Te. podisi (83.5%) em comparação com o registrado para Tr. basalis (50.4%). Portanto, G. dubia poderá apresentar potencial para atingir o status de praga e Te. podisi é um promissor agente de controle biológico para ser utilizado no manejo de G. dubia no Brasil, pois apresentou maior longevidade e os melhores parâmetros reprodutivos.

Biology of Glyphepomis dubia Campos & Souza, 2016 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and the parasitoids Telenomus podisi Ashmead, 1893 and Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston, 1858) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) on rice

Abstract The life cycle of stink bug, Glyphepomis dubia and the development of two egg parasitoids (Telenomus podisi and Trissolcus basalis) were studied at the Federal University of Maranhão, at 26 ± 2oC, relative humidity (RH) of 60 ± 10% and 12h photophase. Individuals used in the study were collected from seven rice fields located around the municipality of Arari, Maranhão, Brazil, and maintained in greenhouse and laboratory for the life cycle studies. From egg to adult, G. dubia took 35.2 days to complete the life cycle. The oviposition period was 37 days, with egg masses of about 12 eggs each and viability of 93.1%. Longevity was 53 and 65 days for females and males, respectively. The egg parasitoids Te. podisi and Tr. basalis parasitized and developed in G. dubia eggs; however, the biological characteristics of Tr. basalis were affected. Emergence of the parasitoids was higher for Te. podisi (83.5%) compared to the records for Tr. basalis (50.4%). Therefore, G. dubia may potentially achieve a pest status and Te. podisi is a promising biological control agent for G. dubia management in Brazil due to its higher longevity and better reproductive parameters.

Resumo O ciclo de vida do percevejo, Glyphepomis dubia e a biologia de dois parasitoides de ovos (Telenomus podisi e Trissolcus basalis) foram estudados na Universidade Federal do Maranhão, a 26 ± 2oC, umidade relativa (UR) de 60 ± 10% e fotofase de 12h. Sete indivíduos de G. dubia foram coletados em lavoura de arroz localizada no município de Arari, Maranhão, Brasil e mantidos em casa de vegetação e laboratório para estudos de ciclo de vida. Do ovo ao adulto, G. dubia levou 35.2 dias para completar o ciclo de vida. O período de oviposição foi de 37 dias com massas de ovos com cerca de 12 ovos/massa e viabilidade de 93.1%. A longevidade foi de 53 e 65 dias, respectivamente, para fêmeas e machos. Os parasitoides de ovos, Te. podisi e Tr. basalis parasitaram e se desenvolveram em ovos de G. dubia, no entanto as características biológicas de Tr. basalis foi afetada. A emergência dos parasitoides foi maior para Te. podisi (83.5%) em comparação com o registrado para Tr. basalis (50.4%). Portanto, G. dubia poderá apresentar potencial para atingir o status de praga e Te. podisi é um promissor agente de controle biológico para ser utilizado no manejo de G. dubia no Brasil, pois apresentou maior longevidade e os melhores parâmetros reprodutivos.

Phytotoxicity and cytogenetic action mechanism of leaf extracts of Psidium cattleyanum Sabine in plant bioassays.

The search for more environmental friendly herbicides, aiming at the control of agricultural pests, combinated with less harmfulness to human health and the environment has grown. An alternative used by researchers is the application of products of secondary plant metabolism, which are investigated due to their potential bioactivities. Thus, species belonging to the Myrtaceae family are potential in these studies, since this family is recognized for having high biological activity. A species belonging to this genus is Psidium cattleyanum, which has a medicinal effect and its fruits are used in human food. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate and compare the phyto-cyto-genotoxicity of aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of the specie P. cattleyanum, from plant bioassays, as well as to identify the main classes of compounds present in the extracts. For this, the extracts were prepared, characterized and biological tests were carried out by evaluating, in seeds and seedlings of lettuce and sorghum, the variables: percentage of germination, germination speed index, root growth and aerial growth; and in meristematic lettuce cells the variables: mitotic phases, mitotic index, nuclear alterations and chromosomal alterations. Flavones, flavonones, flavonols, flavononols, flavonoids, alkaloids, resins, xanthones and anthraquinone glycoside were characterized in the ethanolic extract. Both evaluated extracts, in the highest concentration, inhibited the initial plant development. All treatments caused alterations in the mitotic phases and inhibited mitotic index. In addition, the treatments promoted an increase in nuclear and chromosomal alterations. The mechanism of action presented was aneugenic, clastogenic and determined in epigenetic alterations. The ethanolic extract was more cytotoxic, since it had a more expressive effect at a lower concentration. Despite the cytotoxicity of the extracts under study, they promoted alterations at lower levels than the glyphosate positive control.

Biology of Glyphepomis dubia Campos & Souza, 2016 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and the parasitoids Telenomus podisi Ashmead, 1893 and Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston, 1858) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) on rice.

The life cycle of stink bug, Glyphepomis dubia and the development of two egg parasitoids (Telenomus podisi and Trissolcus basalis) were studied at the Federal University of Maranhão, at 26 ± 2oC, relative humidity (RH) of 60 ± 10% and 12h photophase. Individuals used in the study were collected from seven rice fields located around the municipality of Arari, Maranhão, Brazil, and maintained in greenhouse and laboratory for the life cycle studies. From egg to adult, G. dubia took 35.2 days to complete the life cycle. The oviposition period was 37 days, with egg masses of about 12 eggs each and viability of 93.1%. Longevity was 53 and 65 days for females and males, respectively. The egg parasitoids Te. podisi and Tr. basalis parasitized and developed in G. dubia eggs; however, the biological characteristics of Tr. basalis were affected. Emergence of the parasitoids was higher for Te. podisi (83.5%) compared to the records for Tr. basalis (50.4%). Therefore, G. dubia may potentially achieve a pest status and Te. podisi is a promising biological control agent for G. dubia management in Brazil due to its higher longevity and better reproductive parameters.

Efficacy of carvacrol on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus engorged female ticks (Canestrini, 1887) (Acari: Ixodidae): effects on mortality and reproduction.

The activity of carvacrol was evaluated in R. microplus female ticks by estimating the mean lethal concentration (LC50) and the acaricidal efficacy. Ticks were subjected to the Adult Immersion Test (AIT) to calculate LC50. From this value, the AIT was performed again at the concentrations of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of the LC50. Two control groups were established: one treated with distilled water and one with the solvent (ethanol 50%). The following parameters were evaluated: female weight before oviposition, egg mass weight, pre-oviposition and incubation period, hatching percentage, egg production index, fecundity rate, estimated reproduction, reduction in oviposition and hatching, and product efficacy. The obtained LC50 was 20.11 mg/mL. Egg mass weight, egg production index, pre-oviposition and fecundity rates of groups treated with 80% and 100% of LC50 were statistically different when compared to control groups. The product efficacy in groups treated with 100% of LC50 was 61.10%.

Isolamento e diferenciação das células-tronco da polpa dentária canina em células progenitoras neurais / Isolation and differentiation of canine dental pulp stem cells in neural progenitor cells

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a capacidade de diferenciação das células-tronco da polpa dentária canina em células progenitoras neurais bem como quantificar obtenção e viabilidade celular, durante três passagens em cultura. As células foram extraídas da polpa dentária de dois cadáveres caninos, com aproximadamente dez meses de idade, que foram a óbito em decorrência de traumatismo automotivo. Após três subculturas, realizou-se avaliação da viabilidade celular por quantificação em câmara de Neubauer. A partir disso, induziu-se diferenciação neural em meio de cultura neurobasal (Gibco™), com células aderidas ao plástico ou suspensas em placas tratadas com agarose. Após sete e 14 dias em cultivo indutor, observou-se morfologia e perfil imunofenotípico utilizando citometria de fluxo e imunocitoquímica fluorescente. Aos 14 dias as células apresentaram alto grau de expressão para marcadores anti-nestina e anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (anti-GFAP). Anteriormente, obteve-se ao 25º dia, média de 18x106 células viáveis indiferenciadas oriundas do tecido pulpar. Sugere-se que as células-tronco indiferenciadas da polpa dentária canina apresentem índices satisfatórios de diferenciação em células progenitoras neurais, aderidas ou suspensas em cultura. A polpa dentária dos dentes decíduos caninos, fornece células indiferenciadas viáveis em quantidade adequada.(AU)

The objective of this study was to verify the differentiation capacity of canine tooth pulp stem cells in neural progenitor cells as well as to quantify the attainment and viability during three culture passages. The cells were extracted from the dental pulp of two canine cadavers, with approximately ten months of age, which died due to automotive trauma. After three subcultures, cell viability evaluation was performed by Neubauer chamber quantification. Neural differentiation was induced in neurobasal culture medium (Gibco ™), with cells adhered to the plastic or suspended in agarose-treated plates. After seven and 14 days in inducer culture, morphology and immunophenotypic profile were observed using flow cytometry and fluorescent immunocytochemistry. At 14 days the cells had a high degree of expression for anti-nestin and anti-glial fibrillary acidic (anti-GFAP) markers. Previously, an average of 18x106 undifferentiated viable cells from the pulp tissue were obtained on the 25th day. It is suggested that the undifferentiated canine pulp stem cells present satisfactory differentiation indices in neural progenitor cells, adhered or suspended in culture. The dental pulp of deciduous canine teeth provides viable undifferentiated cells in adequate quantity.(AU)

Early Regression of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness after Bariatric Surgery and Its Relation to Serum Leptin Reduction.

PURPOSE: Bariatric surgery (BS) promotes carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT) regression as early as 6 months post-surgery. To verify whether C-IMT regression occurs even earlier, we aimed at the effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) and biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) on C-IMT 1-2 months and 12 months post-surgery. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Prospective trial. BS was performed on 109 patients either with (RYGBP = 42; BDP = 40) or without type 2 diabetes (RYGBP = 27). Healthy volunteers served as control group. FOLLOW-UP: baseline, 1-2 months, 12 months post-surgery. ENDPOINTS: changes (∆) in C-IMT, weight, body mass index, fat mass, waist and neck circumferences, blood pressure, HbA1c, glucose, insulin, insulin sensitivity [HOMA-IR; OGIS, from meal tolerance test], lipids, C-reactive protein, leptin, adiponectin, MCP-1. RESULTS: All surgery subgroups had similar levels of ∆-C-IMT. C-IMT in the pooled surgery group reduced from [mean (95% confidence interval)] 0.81 (0.77-0.84) mm to 0.66 (0.63-0.69) mm, p < 0.001 [-17.1 (-20.4 to -13.8)%] at 1-2 months, and to 0.63 (0.59-0.66) mm, p < 0.001 [-21.8 (-25.3 to -18.4)%] at 12 months post-surgery. ∆-C-IMT 1-2 months and 12 months post-surgery correlated to baseline C-IMT, and with ∆-leptin at 1-2 months, but not at 12 months post-surgery. In linear regression analysis, ∆-leptin and baseline C-IMT were predictors of ∆-C-IMT 1-2 months post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS: A remarkable C-IMT regression occurred as early as 1-2 months after BS in obese patients either with or without type 2 diabetes, which was associated to the early reduction in leptin, (at least partially) independent of weight loss. Whether this is a causative or correlative association needs further investigation.

Invasion status of the common carp Cyprinus carpio in inland waters of Argentina.

This study documents the presence of Cyprinus carpio in 119 natural environments and 49 artificial habitats in Argentina, showing an exponential increment of invaded locations over time since it was introduced in the nineteenth century. Geographic expansion patterns revealed that since its initial introduction, species records demonstrate an increment in the central portion of the country only after 1970 and subsequent expansion after 1990 to the north, west and south. Using an environmental similarity index it was determined that more than half the country offers good conditions for C. carpio establishment. Environmental factors and anthropogenic impacts are relevant drivers that can account for the current and future distribution of C. carpio in Argentina.

Diptera of Medico-Legal Importance Associated With Pig Carrion in a Tropical Dry Forest.

The diversity of necrophagous Diptera is largely unknown in seasonally dry tropical forests, despite their medical, veterinary, and forensic relevance. We performed a study in the dry Caatinga forest exclusive to Brazil in order to assess the diversity and temporal pattern of Diptera species using pig carcasses as substrates. Adults were collected daily until complete skeletonization. We collected 17,142 adults from 18 families, 10 of which comprise species with known necrophagous habits. The most abundant families were Calliphoridae (47.3% of specimens), Sarcophagidae (20.8%), and Muscidae (15.5%), whereas Sarcophagidae stood out in terms of richness with 21 species. The native Cochliomyia macellaria (F.) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and the invasive Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedmann) (Calliphoridae) were the dominant species. A total of 18 species reached the carcass during the first 48 h postdeath. The bloated and active decay stages had the highest richness and abundance of dipterans. From a forensic standpoint, C. macellaria and C. albiceps are likely to aid in establishing postmortem interval due to their early arrival and high abundance on the carcass. Despite harsh environmental conditions, the Caatinga harbors a rich assemblage of dipterans that play a key role in carrion decomposition. Their medico-veterinary importance is strengthened by the poor local sanitary conditions.

Adubação foliar no desenvolvimento e produção de óleo essencial de manjericão / Foliar fertilization in the development and production of essential basil oil

RESUMO O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o desenvolvimento e a produção de óleo essencial de manjericão com a aplicação de adubo foliar em Londrina-PR. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados com três doses de adubo foliar (0, 2 e 4 L.ha-1) e sete repetições. Foram realizadas três colheitas durante o desenvolvimento do experimento. Os cortes ocorreram no início do florescimento, a altura do oitavo nó aos 40, 80 e 120 dias após o transplantio. Avaliou-se a altura, área foliar, produção de massa seca de folhas e rendimento de óleo essencial. A aplicação de 4 L ha-1 do adubo foliar proporcionou os maiores acréscimos na produção de massa seca de folhas e no rendimento de óleo essencial até o segundo corte das plantas de manjericão. A renovação da cultura se faz necessária a partir do terceiro corte.

ABSTRACT The aim was to evaluate the development and production of basil essential oil with the application of foliar fertilizer in Londrina-PR. The experimental design was a randomized block with three doses of foliar fertilizer (0, 2 and 4 L.ha-1) and seven replications. Three harvests were made during the development of the trial. The cuts occurred at flowering, at the height of the eighth node and at 40, 80 and 120 days after the transplanting. We evaluated the height, leaf area, dry matter production of leaves and essential oil yield. The application of 4 L ha-1 foliar fertilizer provided greater rise in production of dry matter of leaves and essential oil yield until the second harvest of basil plants. The renewal of the cultivation is needed from the third cut.

Iron oxide nanostructured electrodes for detection of copper(II) ions.

Iron oxide nanostructured (ION) electrodes were assembled layer-by-layer onto ITO-coated glass substrates and their structure, morphology, and electrochemical properties were investigated, the latter aiming at the development of a chemical sensor for Cu2+. The electrodes were built by immersing the substrate alternately into an aqueous colloidal suspension of positively charged magnetite nanoparticles (np-Fe3O4, 8 nm) and an aqueous solution of anionic sodium sulfonated polystyrene (PSS). The adsorbed amount of both materials was monitored ex-situ by UV-vis spectroscopy and it was found to increase linearly with the number of deposition cycles. The resulting films feature a densely-packed structure of magnetite nanoparticles, as suggested by AFM and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. Cyclic voltammograms of electrodes immersed in acetate buffer (pH 4.6) displayed three electrochemical events that were tentatively ascribed to the reduction of Fe(III) oxy-hydroxide to magnetite, reduction of maghemite to magnetite, and finally oxidation of magnetite to maghemite. The effect of np-Fe3O4/PSS bilayers on the ION electrode performance was to increase the anodic and cathodic currents produced during electrochemical oxidation-reduction of the Fe(CN)(3-/4-) redox couple. With more bilayers, the ION electrode provided higher anodic/cathodic currents. Moreover, the redox couple exhibited a quasi-reversible behavior at the ION electrode as already observed with other working electrode systems. Fitting of voltammetry data provided the apparent electron transfer constants, which were found to be higher in ION electrodes for both redox couples (Fe(CN)(3-/4-) and Cu(2+/0)). By means of differential pulsed anodic stripping voltammetry, the ION electrodes were found to respond linearly to the presence of Cu2+ in aqueous samples in the range between 1.0 and 8.0 x 10(-6) mol x L(-1) and displayed a limit of detection of 0.3 x 10(-8) mol x L(-1). The sensitivity was - 0.6µA/µmol x L(-1). In standard addition and recovery experiments performed with tap water the recovery was about 102%-119%. In similar experiments conducted with ground and instant coffee samples the recovery was 92.5% and 103%, respectively. Furthermore, the ION electrodes were almost insensitive to the presence of common interfering ions, such as Zn2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, and Fe3+, even at concentrations ten times higher than that of Cu2+.

Desenvolvimento de Maytenus ilicifolia e de seus polifenóis totais sob condição de sombreamento e poda / Shadowing and pruning on the development and polyphenol contents in Maytenus ilicifolia

Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek (Celastraceae), conhecida popularmente por espinheira-santa, é nativa e cultivada, principalmente, no sul do Brasil. Suas folhas apresentam triterpenos e substâncias polifenólicas (flavonóides e taninos) relacionadas ao efeito antiulcerogênico. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a produção de massa seca, altura, ramificação, e o teor de polifenóis totais em plantas de M. ilicifolia que se desenvolveram sob duas condições de luminosidade, após dois tratamentos distintos de poda. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos cazualizados com plantas desenvolvidas sob sombra e a pleno sol, e com plantas manejadas por poda parcial e rasa, com quatro repetições. No tratamento de poda rasa a maior altura das plantas foi observada nas plantas cultivadas a sombra em comparação com as conduzidas a pleno sol. No tratamento de poda parcial o número de ramos terciários aumentou significativamente nas plantas conduzidas a pleno sol. As plantas cultivadas a pleno sol apresentaram diferença significativa na concentração de polifenóis totais em relação às plantas produzidas à sombra alcançando valores de 10,29 ± 0,20% (CV=1,94%) e 7,16 ± 0,09% (CV=1,30%) respectivamente.

The Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek (Celastraceae), traditionally known as "espinheira-santa" in Portuguese, is native and cultivated in South Brazil. Its leaves contain triterpenes and polyphenolic compounds (flavonoids and tannins), which are related to the antiulcerogenic effect. The aim of this work was to evaluate the dried biomass production (g), height (m), ramification, and also the total content in polyphenol compounds of the leaves from the M. ilicifolia specie, which were developed under two different light conditions after two different pruning treatments. The design of the experiment was randomized blocks with two levels of light (shadow or full sunlight) and two levels of prune (partial and drastic), with four replications. The height of the plants grown in the shadow was greater for the treatment of drastic pruning than in plants in full sunlight. The ramification increased significantly with drastic prune in full sunlight. The plants grown in full sunlight showed a significant higher content in total polyphenols than the plants grown in the shadow, 10.29±0.20% (RSD=1.94%) and 7.16±0.09% (RSD=1.30%) respectively.

Focal adhesion kinase governs cardiac concentric hypertrophic growth by activating the AKT and mTOR pathways.

The heart responds to sustained overload by hypertrophic growth in which the myocytes distinctly thicken or elongate on increases in systolic or diastolic stress. Though potentially adaptive, hypertrophy itself may predispose to cardiac dysfunction in pathological settings. The mechanisms underlying the diverse morphology and outcomes of hypertrophy are uncertain. Here we used a focal adhesion kinase (FAK) cardiac-specific transgenic mice model (FAK-Tg) to explore the function of this non-receptor tyrosine kinase on the regulation of myocyte growth. FAK-Tg mice displayed a phenocopy of concentric cardiac hypertrophy, reflecting the relative thickening of the individual myocytes. Moreover, FAK-Tg mice showed structural, functional and molecular features of a compensated hypertrophic growth, and preserved responses to chronic pressure overload. Mechanistically, FAK overexpression resulted in enhanced myocardial FAK activity, which was proven by treatment with a selective FAK inhibitor to be required for the cardiac hypertrophy in this model. Our results indicate that upregulation of FAK does not affect the activity of Src/ERK1/2 pathway, but stimulated signaling by a cascade that encompasses PI3K, AKT, mTOR, S6K and rpS6. Moreover, inhibition of the mTOR complex by rapamycin extinguished the cardiac hypertrophy of the transgenic FAK mice. These findings uncover a unique role for FAK in regulating the signaling mechanisms that governs the selective myocyte growth in width, likely controlling the activity of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and suggest that FAK activation could be important for the adaptive response to increases in cardiac afterload. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Local Signaling in Myocytes".

PGC1α gene Gly482Ser polymorphism predicts improved metabolic, inflammatory and vascular outcomes following bariatric surgery.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Bariatric surgery is currently employed as an effective approach to treat class III obesity and class II obesity with co-morbidities. Unfortunately, the general anthropometric and metabolic outcomes of the surgery are not homogeneous, and defining the eligibility criteria that allow for a more precise prediction of the outcomes of this invasive procedure will refine the selection of patients. Here we tested the hypothesis that the Gly482Ser polymorphism of the ppargc1a gene would predict different outcomes following bariatric surgery. METHODS: Fifty-five patients (26 Gly/Gly and 29 Gly/Ser+Ser/Ser) selected for the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass according to the National Institutes of Health Consensus Statement criteria were followed up for 1 year, monitoring their anthropometric, metabolic and inflammatory parameters. RESULTS: Patients with the Gly482Ser polymorphism had significantly improved reductions in the waist/hip ratio, fasting blood glucose, C-reactive protein, blood leukocyte count, serum interleukin-6 and intima-media thickness of the carotid artery, as compared with Gly/Gly patients. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Thus, the Gly482Ser polymorphism may predict a more favorable metabolic and inflammatory outcome for obese patients submitted to bariatric surgery, leading to a reduced atherosclerotic risk.

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL2) polymorphisms and inflammation in hypertensive patients.

We investigated the possible role of Mannose binding lectin 2 (MBL2) functional polymorphisms in the prevalence of hypertension and hypertensive end-organ damage in 300 hypertensive patients and 313 normotensive individuals from Southern Brazil. Hypertensive subjects with MBL2 AO/OO genotypes presented lower C-reactive protein levels than AA individuals and consequently lower inflammatory status.

Altered left ventricular diastolic function in subjects with spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: This is cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the cardiac structure and function of subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI) and the impact of metabolic, hemodynamic and inflammatory factors on these parameters. SETTING: São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Sixty-five nondiabetic, nonhypertensive, sedentary, nonsmoker men (34 with SCI and 31 healthy subjects) were evaluated by medical history, anthropometry, laboratory tests, analysis of hemodynamic and inflammatory parameters and echocardiography. RESULTS: Subjects with SCI had lower systolic blood pressure and higher levels of C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor receptors than the healthy ones. Echocardiography data showed that the SCI group presented similar left ventricular (LV) structural and systolic parameters, but lower initial diastolic velocity (Em) (9.2 ± 0.5 vs 12.3 ± 0.5 cm s(-1); P<0.001) and higher peak early inflow velocity (E)/Em ratio (7.7 ± 0.5 vs 6.1 ± 0.3; P = 0.009) compared with the able-bodied group, even after adjustment for systolic blood pressure and C-reactive protein levels. Furthermore, injured subjects with E/Em >8 had lower peak spectral longitudinal contraction (Sm) (9.0 ± 0.7 vs 11.6 ± 0.4 cm s(-1); P<0.001) and cardiac output (4.2 ± 0.2 vs 5.0 ± 0.2 l min(-1); P = 0.029), as well as higher relative wall thickness (0.38 ± 0.01 vs 0.35 ± 0.01; P = 0.005), than individuals with SCI with E/Em<8, but similar age, body mass index, blood pressure, injury level, metabolic parameters and inflammatory marker levels. CONCLUSION: Subjects with SCI presented impaired LV diastolic function in comparison with able-bodied ones. Moreover, worse LV diastolic function was associated with a pattern of LV concentric remodeling and subclinical decreases in systolic function among injured subjects. Overall, these findings might contribute to explain the increased cardiovascular risk reported for individuals with SCI.

Immunological diagnosis of tuberculosis based on recombinant antigens ESAT-6 and CFP-10 in children from an endemic area in northeast Brazil.

Diagnostic tests for tuberculosis (TB) using interferon gamma (IFN-γ) responses produced by T lymphocytes after stimulation by early secretory antigen target 6 (ESAT-6), culture filtrate protein 10 (CFP-10) or purified protein derivate (PPD) were carried out using ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in whole blood culture supernatants from children with suspected TB disease (n=21), latent TB infection (LTBI; n=17) and negative controls (NC; n=21) from Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. The results were analysed using the ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curves and the areas under the curve (AUC) generated varied from 0.5 to 1.0 with higher values indicating increased discriminatory ability. Comparisons of AUCs were made using non-parametric assumptions, and the differences were considered significant if P<0.05. The ROC curve showed a statistical difference (P = 0.015) between the LTBI and NC groups with an AUC of 0.731, TB disease and NC (AUC=0.780; P=0.002) and a group with TB (latent infection+disease, n=38) and NC (AUC=0.758; P = 0.001) when the antigen used was ESAT-6. No statistical difference was found between the groups when CFP-10 or PPD was used. In conclusion, the ESAT-6 test may be the most appropriate for diagnosis of childhood TB, both LTBI and TB disease, when associated with epidemiological and clinical data, especially in endemic areas such as Brazil.

Ação de potenciais hidrogeniônicos no crescimento e produtividade de sálvia (Salvia officinalis L. ) / Action of potentials of hydrogen on growth and productivity of sage (Salvia officinalis L. )

O potencial hidrogeniônico (pH) do solo é um parâmetro que indica o nível de acidez ou alcalinidade do mesmo. Sabe-se que as plantas respondem de diferentes maneiras às mudanças no pH dos solos. Poucos artigos relacionam o crescimento e produtividade de plantas medicinais à variação do pH dos solos. O objetivo deste experimento foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes potenciais hidrogeniônicos, em solo Latossolo Vermelho Distroférrico, no crescimento e produção de sálvia. Com o auxílio de curva de neutralização da acidez do solo foram aplicadas diferentes doses de CaCO3 para atingir pH de 4,5; 5,0; 5,5; 6,0 e 6,5. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação durante 18 meses, perfazendo as fases de semeadura, transplantio e três cortes. Os parâmetros avaliados foram altura de plantas, massa seca de folhas, raízes e da parte aérea (soma das massas secas das folhas, ramos e caule), área foliar e volume das raízes. O crescimento e produção das plantas de sálvia foram diretamente afetados com a variação do pH do solo. A manutenção de pH > 5,0 foi suficiente para aumentar significativamente a área foliar, a massa seca das folhas e da parte área das plantas de sálvia em 52,2 por cento, 60,5 por cento e 42,4 por cento, respectivamente, e não afetou o desenvolvimento das raízes de sálvia cultivadas em solos com diferentes pHs.

The soil potential of hydrogen (pH) is a parameter that indicates the acidity or alkalinity level. Plants are known to react differently to changes in the soil pH. Few studies have related growth and productivity of medicinal plants to the soil pH variation. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of different potentials of hydrogen in Oxisol on sage growth and productivity. With the aid of a soil acidity neutralization curve, different CaCO3 levels were applied to reach pH values of 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0 and 6.5. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse during 18 months, covering sowing, transplanting and three-pruning phases. Plant height, leaf, root and shoot dry matter (sum of leaf, branch and stem dry matter), leaf area and root volume were evaluated. Sage growth and productivity were directly affected by the soil pH variation. The maintenance of pH > 5.0 was enough to significantly increase leaf area, and leaf and shoot dry matter of sage plants at 52.2 percent, 60.5 percent and 42.4 percent, respectively, and did not affect root development of sage plants grown in soils presenting different pH levels.